My Page: Heath Haussamen
Political Commentary: Heath Haussamen
Wall Street Journal Ignoring Facts In Its Attack On New Mexico AGThe Wall Street Journal went after New Mexico Attorney General Gary King this weekend for a third time in its ongoing “pay-to-sue” assault. Its new editorial reveals that the newspaper is not treating King fairly and is doing a disservice to its readers. [more]
Political Commentary: Heath Haussamen
Please, Save Some Bullets For The CopsDespite the fear mongering, further restrictions on firearms are not going to happen, at least not any time soon. When Obama’s attorney general mentioned bringing back the assault-weapons ban in February, 65 House Democrats signed a letter to the AG telling him they won’t support that idea. That means there are enough Democrats who oppose such a proposal to ensure its death. [more]
Political Commentary: Heath Haussamen
Feds Should Scrutinize This Eyebrow-Raising Deal, TooUse your public position to spend taxpayer money to benefit the family of a private contractor, get $50,000 of that taxpayer money back as a campaign contribution. Is that how a land deal went down between Gov. Bill Richardson and Santa Fe contractor Sonny Otero? The Richardson administration says it’s not, but there’s certainly an appearance of possible pay to play created by the deal, which is highlighted today by Albuquerque Journal reporter Thomas Cole. [more]
Political Commentary: Heath Haussamen
Invest In Commuter Rail Only Where It Makes SenseI’m a big fan of programs that reduce our dependence on foreign oil and our impact on the environment. I’ve become more impressed with the Rail Runner Express -- the commuter train that runs from Belen through Albuquerque to Santa Fe -- over time as significant numbers of people have continued to ride and expressed satisfaction with the system. [more]
Political Commentary: Heath Haussamen
Dealing With Uncertain TimesMedia frenzy is one reason it’s important for people to educate themselves. The Internet makes it easy to cut through the media filter to the truth, if you’re looking. But that’s not to say there’s no reason to be alarmed. The truth is that there’s a lot out there right now to be concerned about. [more]
Political Commentary: Heath Haussamen
‘Quality-of-Life’ Tax Increase Should Be Shot Down
Some city officials and others in Las Cruces are proposing raising the gross-receipts or property tax this year to help fund “quality-of-life” initiatives such as operation and maintenance of city ball fields, creation of new bike paths and the expansion of artistic and cultural programs.
Yes, really. Even though the nation is in its worst economic shape since the Great Depression. And even though the city had to cut its budget by 5 percent last year in response to the recession.
[more]
Political Commentary: Heath Haussamen
Building A New House Of CardsIn a stunningly foolish act, a nonprofit board that has authority over public companies’ accounting standards on Friday quietly got rid of a rule that requires banks to value their assets at what they’re currently worth. Instead, banks can now boost their books by valuing their assets at what they estimate they will be worth when the economy gets better. [more]
Political Commentary: Heath Haussamen
Richardson Should Sign Open-Meetings Bill
N.M. Gov. Bill Richardson has every reason in the world to sign a bill that would open conference committees and many other legislative meetings to the public, and no reason to veto it -- if the public’s interest is his motive.
If he has ulterior motives -- such as using a public-policy proposal he has endorsed for years as a bargaining chip with powerful lawmakers who would like to see it die -- that’s a different story.
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Diary of a Mad Voter: Heath Haussamen
Pushing The Darkness To The FringesThe New Mexico Legislature has taken two important steps toward increasing transparency and changing its own culture this session -- steps that will make it more difficult for any ethically challenged lawmakers to abuse power in the future. [more]
Diary of a Mad Voter: Heath Haussamen
Bet on Richardson Signing Death Penalty Repeal
I have nothing more than a gut feeling, but my money is on Gov. Bill Richardson opting to sign a bill that would make New Mexico the 15th state to repeal the death penalty. For the politically savvy and embattled governor, there’s nearly every reason in the world to sign the bill -- from a political standpoint -- and few to veto it. [more]
