Morning Word: Delegation responds to Obama's Syria speech

Asked for confirmation of the change in policy, Pentagon spokesman Nathan Christensen responded, “The Department will make the same benefits available to all military spouses, regardless of sexual orientation, as long as service member-sponsors provide a valid marriage certificate from a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex marriage. I would refer you to the state of New Mexico who can discuss the specifics of their state law.”

The resolution was presented to trustees by members of the Border Network for Human Rights, a nonprofit immigrant advocacy group. Numerous members and supporters of the organization urged the board, speaking in Spanish, to adopt the resolution.

"We are a community filled with fear," said Sylvia "Pati" Ramirez, of sentiments she and other neighbors have toward law enforcement. Ramirez said there is a lack of trust that some immigrants share toward law enforcement.

Greg Yates, senior technologist of CH2M Hill, an engineering-procurement-construction company, said 20 years of data is missing since the Whipple Study, which covers 1943 to 1993. Recent drought and low in-flows of water into the reservoir located near Logan may impact the project, he said.

“I think it’s important before we move forward to get an update,” said Clovis Mayor David Lansford, who was elected chairman of the Ute Water Commission during the meeting Tuesday in Clovis.

Sanchez had been charged with eight counts of creating or allowing false public vouchers and 10 counts of conspiracy to commit fraud over $20,000. Santa Fe District Attorney Angela “Spence” Pacheco told the District Court on Sept. 6 that the charges be dismissed “in the best interest of justice.”

Sanchez was one of five defendants — including Advantage Asphalt and Seal Coating; the company’s owners, Joseph Anthony Montoya and Marlene Montoya; and former county Public Works Department director James Lujan — charged in 2012.

Those voting against Battin's nomination, Councilors Denise Dean. Joseph Eby and Gloria Sayers, emphasized that they objected to the process used by the mayor of not divulging the names he was considering for the office in advance, which prevented them from questioning potential replacements and from receiving feedback from the public. Alborn drove home the point that the nomination is up to him, although his choice must be ratified by the council. He did not want to expose those he eliminated from the list to embarrassment, he said.

"I understand the frustration some have with the way the system was designed by the state statute," Battin said after the vote. "I think they really voted against the statute and not me. They are all my friends and I appreciate their dedication to the village and I appreciate them expressing their feelings. I understand."