Schools and Cars

How is Albuquerque Public Schools doing?

I ran into Brad Winters this morning on my way into my office and had a chance to ask him a few short questions about how Albuquerque Public Schools are doing with the downturn in the economy. APS just gave their educational assistances a 5% pay increase which was short of what they wanted but still it was an increase in pay. Mr. Winters said that he is pleased with the current financial position of the school district. He said that the problems with the Rio Rancho school district are not going to happen here in Albuquerque which is always good news for parents. Too bad the president of Central New Mexico Community College cannot say the same but clearly her own self interest are coming before those of the college. I also had a chance to ask Mr. Winters what he thought of the statements made by Mr. Lucero on breaking up the APS school district. He said that at this time he does not feel that it would be a good move for Albuquerque. He said that they were building a few new schools to lessen the crowding in that area of the city. Mr. Winters said that he would be opposed to any move that could increase taxes for the voting public here in Albuquerque at this point in time due to the current economic problems our country is facing. One would think that a more conservative approach would be the safe position at present when it comes to our school system.

Auto industry bridge loans fail to pass Senate.

Yesterday Congressman Tom Udall was the only federal representative in this state to vote in favor of the auto industry bridge loans. The measure failed in the senate late last night and now our country is facing the loss of our auto industry which could result in up to 3 million jobs. 10,000 of those jobs could be lost right here in New Mexico. The financial markets started the day down and could go lower as the day progresses. The auto industry is now asking President Bush (Bust) to do something before it is too late. One person interviewed on a morning show was smart to point out that lowering this country’s standard of living was not what American voters wanted to see. The Republican Party has taken the stand that the auto unions should be working for the same pay rate as individuals who work for foreign run auto companies. They feel that this country should be allowing other countries to dictate pay rates in this country and therefore dictate our standards of living. In other words the Republican Party feels that the economically distressed families in this country should be paid as poorly as they are in third world countries. I wonder is this their idea of change for our country?