The Fleecing of New Mexican Taxpayers

We cannot afford to pay our educators more this year and we are looking at major budget cuts that could harm our educational system so why on earth are we paying for toys for school administration? This was installed in the Smith-Brasher Hall building on Central New Mexico Community College right next to a water fountain.

http://www.stayhydrated.net/?gclid=CMP-1OPgzpwCFQ_yDAodfz-0Jw

When I checked the website they would not give a price but requested that you apply for a quote. I have nothing against this company but feel that under our current economic situation these types of items should not be purchased with taxpayer's dollars. If someone does not want to drink from the fountain then they can buy bottled water or sodia but why on earth should taxpayers be footing the bill for it?

I do understand that the filtered water which comes from this toy taste a lot better then the water from the fountain which is not even two feet a way from it.

Albuquerque New Mexico Stays Goodbye to Senator Edward M. Kennedy

This evening on the civic plaza in downtown Albuquerque people gathered to say their last goodbye to Senator Edward M. Kennedy. They sang songs, told stories, and lighted candles. It was people who felt that the senator had inspired them to public service. The evening was a rainy one and the group stood under the cover on the stage.



City Councilman Michael J. Cadigan did a reading:

Interview with District 17 State Senator Tim Keller

Senator Keller represents New Mexico State Senate District 17. Once called the “War Zone” due to its high crime rates and lack of community involvement the residents with the help and support of Senator Keller have renamed it the International District. Senator Keller is a 31 year old single man who has traveled much of the world and worked in some of the most poorest countries in the world.

While he is at present single the senator is looking for the right woman to settle down with and start a family of his own in the same area that he and his two older brothers grew up in. His mother is a former kindergarten teacher who put aside her own career to raise three sons and his father worked in the trades as a union member. Senator Keller brothers have four children, three boys and a girl and Senator Keller knows through them how important public education is in this state. He also told me that when he manages to find that special someone that he will want an educational system which will support a good education for his own future children.

Senator Keller’s own education included both the College of Notre Dame and Harvard University where he got his masters in business administration. Senator Keller said that he was a B students but his life experience with working with the poor in other countries was what made him special enough to get into Harvard University in the first place.

It was a college organization that first got Senator Keller interested in developing small businesses in underdeveloped countries. Now he is home to put down roots and help neighborhoods in his own senate district to develop businesses that can thrive in difficult economic times. At present Senator Keller is working with community leaders and the University of New Mexico to come up with a redevelopment plan for his district that would encourage more small business in the International District and the growth of those already in the area.

Senator Keller’s work experience includes working for Honeywell in Russia where he sold large industrial air conditioners and also running his own start up company which developed 500 plus jobs for land mine victims in Cambodia. While in Cambodia Senator Keller taught a class in business and now he has expressed a desire to teach more business classes on a part time bases right here in Albuquerque. Most likely this comes from knowing the value of a good education when it comes to job growth and development.

Senator Keller is a young driven man who wants to change the world and make it a better place in the future for his family and the families of the people he represents in the International District and New Mexico. His voting record is more then a little to the left of center but he started out a republican because that was what his mother was however after going to college and working with the poor he grew to view the world in the same way as democrats in this state and changed his registration once he settled back into his home town.

Senator Keller is a state senator worth watching in the future to see where he wants to move state government. He is still building trust and local connections and has a long road ahead of him and as anyone who has been around for awhile can tell him there are many pitfalls on the road of politics in the State of New Mexico.

The Nation Sheds a Tear at the Lost of Its Teddy Bear-Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Senator Kennedy was a bear when it came to defending the core principles and values of the Democratic Party. Senator Kennedy spent his whole life defending those that could not defend themselves from individuals who would hold them down for personal gains. His last desire was to achieve healthcare for all Americans not just the privileged few. His family puts everyday meaning to the term public service and he provided our country with a strong guiding light to follow.

Senator Kennedy was a hard man to turn down when he called on you to support on an issue and he had little tolerance for any type of delay. He achieved great things for his party and his nation over a life time of dedicated public service and no other senator will every be able to achieve the greatness that Senator Kennedy did in his life time.

Vigil Planned to Honor Late Senator Kennedy

Albuquerque, NM -- A candle light vigil is planned to honor and remember the late Senator Ted Kennedy this Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 8:00 PM. It will be held at Civic Plaza in downtown Albuquerque; participants are asked to bring their own candles.

Reaction from Javier Gonzales Candidate for Democratic Party State Party Chair:

As possible future leader of our party I asked him to provide a statement for the voting public.

"Senator Kennedy was a champion for the working poor, disenfranchised, and elderly. He fought for civil rights, access to affordable healthcare, and an educational system that works for America's children. He will be missed. May the roar of the Lion be heard in the halls of congress for Generations to come. Rest in Peace Senator Kennedy."

Note From President Obama:

"Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me. In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy. I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom. His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives. For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family. Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still. Sincerely, President Barack Obama"

Big Announcement Coming From Brian Colón

Monday August 31

The party of the year will draw well over 200 people for an announcement that more then likely half the state has been waiting for to become official. Brian Colón will make it official on Monday that he is running for Lt. Governor. Anybody who is anybody in the Democratic Party will be looking to be seen at this party.

Brian Colón is a gifted hard worker for the party and will make our state proud to call him Lt. Governor in 2010.

While the field is crowed no other individual has the gift of skill and responsible that Brian Colón has shown over the past few years as chairman of the State Democratic Party. We know that more then a few of the other candidates are skilled and good people and no one wants to hurt feelings but we will need the strongest ticket in 2010 to run against the Republican Party.

So show up with check book in hand and give this state a bluer then blue ticket for the 2010 elections!

Kick-Off Fundraiser & Celebration

Monday, August 31st

Hotel Albuquerque
800 Rio Grande Blvd. NW
5:30-7:30pm

Suggested Donations
Turquoise Sponsors
$500
Copper Sponsors
$250
Guests
$100

Hors d'oeuvres & Entertainment

RSVP @ electcolon@gmail.com or drop Brian Colón a note
Friend him on Facebook
Follow him on Twitter @Brian_Colon

Senator Jeff Bingaman--Civilized Town Hall Meeting Put on by New Mexico First

The irrational individuals got up and walked out to the sidewalk at the start long before Senator Bingaman even showed up for the meeting. Held in the Albuquerque Convention Center the ground rules were set early. Team facilitation was used to make sure that the debate stayed civil. Consensus-based questions were asked that required thoughtful answers. There were ten teams each with around twenty two members and they were allowed to ask three questions outlined and written by group consensus.

I visited most of the groups and three questions kept coming up at each team.

1. Will you support the public option?
2. How will you pay for this reform plan?
3. How will you achieve universal coverage?

These three questions were turned into mission statements for the groups
.
Senator Bingaman made sure to explain exactly what the public option was and to point out that he had help write it. He wants voters to understand that it is not Medicaid but a option that would allow people to buy insurance from a government run system that was non-profit and charged low cost premiums which would cover payouts and administration cost. He said that those individuals who could not afford insurance would get an advanced benefit that would help them to pay for their insurance. At present people getting help would be anyone below 300% of poverty line in the senate bill and 400% in the house bill.






More Videos to follow as I load them up on my you tube channel.

Martin Heinrich’s Healthcare Town Hall

The topic of healthcare brings out a great deal of fear and anger in the voting public because of Republicans attempts to put a stop to it every since 1992. The amount of false information out in the public makes anyone fear the change but change will happen this year. As I write this blog the commercial spreading false information is playing right now yet Congressman Heinrich handled his town hall with a skill that up until now no other elected representative has managed. He made it clear that this country cannot afford to do nothing and he totally supports a public option and was not willing to back down because of the republicans who tried to pack the hall.

He had a panel that represented both sides of the issue and showed a complete knowledge of what was in the bill before the U.S. House of Representatives. Clearly Congressman Heinrich has done his homework and understands the issue before him. The town hall was so that he could go back to Washington with knowledge of what his voters are feeling and a better understanding of how best to represent them. He told the voters that he stood up and told his party leaders that he wanted feedback and time to educate voters before he had to case a vote on the Healthcare Reform Bill.

What follows are some of the clips from his town hall meeting.









For more check my youtube channel.

Turnout for the town hall meeting was more then could be fit in the room and the overflow room. I was hearing over a thousand people. Even with ground rules some of the protesters who showed a good lack of knowledge still demanded to voice their lack of knowledge.

The only real question was raised by a young man from West Virginia who is serving his country and stationed at Sandia Air force Base. West Virginians have a long history of serving their country. Both my brothers have done just that because it is the honorable thing to do. Congressman Heinrich thanked the young man for his service and pointed out that he would make sure that he received his federal funded healthcare veteran’s benefits because that was the right and honorable thing for our country to do when it comes to our service men and women.

Pancakes and Politics with Attorney General Gary King

Yesterday morning at Nick’s Café on the corner of Central and 4th street the Democratic Party of Bernalillo Country had it Pancakes and Politics breakfast. The guest speaker was Attorney General Gary King. I find it interesting that Gary King truly cares so much for his current position that he has said that he will stay in that position for another term if the voters will permit it.



His two major announcements were that he will appeal the decision on non-profits when it comes to disclosing their donor lists if they take part in political education when it comes to candidates running for election. Big surprise, not to any active democrat who has spoken to the attorney general in the last few months. His other announcement, one that most parents would find far more important, is that of a new program to educate them on internet dangers for their children.


Javier Gonzales who is running for State Party Chairman of the Democratic Party was there to met and greet local democrats. Javier is living in Santa Fe and wants to reach out to activities here in Bernalillo County. He is happy to speak with anyone who is interested in getting to know him and his views on politics. He has stated that he supports the public healthcare option and Santa Fe has passed wording in their platform to support the public healthcare option. Javier has a suggestion that maybe next time we could have burritos for breakfast. “Burritos and Politics!” We should invite one of our many local Hispanic leaders for that breakfast. Sounds good to me Javier bring on the Hatch Green Chilie!



Judge Maria Dominguez who is a metro court judge was there to represent the court system. No event in this city is complete without one of our many caring and competent local judges showing up with their family to give support and encouragement to the local community

News From the International District

The International District which is State Senate District 17 now has a new logo to be proud of to show off their community's diversity and growth.

Local elected officials like State Senator Tim Keller and City Councilman Rey Garduño are working closely with community leaders to improve and promote this area of the city.

City of Albuquerque--Climate Action Plan Town Halls

The City of Albuquerque in its infinite wisdom is trying to get its act together when it comes to protecting the local environment. It wants us to be active in planning how we make our local environment more user friendly and still protect the environment at the same time. Mayor Chavez wants this effort to be a grassroots effort so that everyone feels they have a stake in it. Once the plan is finished it will then be turned over to city council for further refinement.

Some of the upcoming dates and places for these town halls are:

Tuesday, August 25 - 6:30 until 8:30 pm
Bear Canyon Senior Center
4645 Pitt NE 87111

Wednesday, August 26 - 11:30 until 1:30 pm
LOBA A&B in the UNM SUB
University of New Mexico 87131

Thursday, August 27 - 6:30 until 8:30 pm
Los Volcanes Senior Center
6500 Los Volcanes NW 87121

Saturday, August 29 - 1:00 until 3:00 pm
Albuquerque Museum
2000 Mountain Road NW 87104

Monday, August 31 - 6:30 until 8:30 pm
Manzano Mesa Center
501 Elizabeth SE 87123

Should the future of our local communities environment matter to you then you are strongly encouraged to attend one or more of these meetings.

I attended the meeting on Wednesday, August 19 - from 6:30 until 8:30 pm at the Cesar Chavez Community Center since it was the closest one to my home. City Councilman Rey Garduño was there as was Mayor Martin Chavez. The mayor gave the introduction and also made sure that everyone in the room was aware that their local city councilman cared enough to show up for the meetings in his area of the city. A great deal of information is being packed into these meetings but the city also provides handouts and a website so that residents can learn more about the plan that the task force has so far come up with and so that they may make comments.

Heated But Polite Democratic Party of Bernalillo County Monthly Meeting

With representatives from both Senators and Congressman Heinrich’s organization along with unions this evenings meeting was a little on the hot side. The topic was healthcare and around forty democrats showed up to the meeting. Not bad considering that it was moved from the law school last minute.

The message was clear we want a public option and we are going to voice our views on the matter. Don’t talk down to the voting public because we are not dumb or uneducated on this issue.

The only representative that did not take heat on this issue was Senator Tom Udall who is a junior senator and from a solid progressive family. The voting public has complete trust in our junior senator from the north. Not a man who has ever said anything to give the voters one minute of concern.

On the other hand the representative speaking for Senator Bingaman took a great deal of heat for views that Senator Bingaman is backing down on the senate finance committee to republicans. The representative put out that he is only backing down to get the bill out of committee and once it is out he will stand up from removing the co-op from the bill and adding the public option back into the bill. Nice to know but trust is hard to come by at this point in time and voters would prefer an honest attempt to support the public option even if he losses in committee and the bill comes out with a co-op. Voters do not like game playing when it comes to their healthcare. We want honest representation on this issue.

They also feel that their senior senator should provide the example of what the party stands for and not be supporting anything that is not supported by the voters in our party. Message to the senator we won the election!

The unions were clear that co-ops have failed in the past or been changed over to business models and that this is not the way to fix healthcare and that their members would stand firmly against co-ops and taxing of their healthcare benefits. Too many of these families can not afford mandatory healthcare if the price is not driven down by a public option.

Many in the meeting noted that if these elected officials wanted to be reelected in the future that they had better deliver or at least fight for the public option because if like Senator Bingaman they are seen as backing down on this core party principle no one will support them for an elected job in this state now or ever. Want to talk about grabbing hold of the third rail and holding on for dear life. Senator Bingaman's representative appears to think that he is allowed to do anything he wants and the senator will still be reelected by the voting public. Really! it would appear he wants to put that to the test.

I asked if Congressman Heinrich plans on joining progressives in the house in support of the public option at all cost but his representative said that he was unwilling to make that public until it came down to the vote. Understandable in a city where half of his voters are conservative democrats. The Progressive Democrats know where the congressman’s heart lies on this issue and trust that if it gets that far he will cast a vote in the right direction.

The message was clear better no mandatory reform bill then one that working class families cannot afford.

Postcards were sent to all of the representatives from active members of the party this evening which will be delivered to their office in the near future.

Some of the voters talked to Senator Bingaman's representative after the meeting. They want to support him they just want him to give them a reason to trust that he will do the right thing when it comes down to drawing a line in the sand.

Visit to Judge Beatrice Brickhouse’s Courtroom

Today was the first of four visits to new judges courtrooms to see what their styles are in their courtrooms. Judges see their work as just that work and for the most part nothing unusual occurs in a courtroom but watching the real thing rather then what most people see on television does give you insight into life’s little lessons. Real courtroom coverage does not occur in this state but maybe it would reduce the case load of current judges if it did occur.


Courtroom cases come from people learning the hard way something that others might see as common senses. It is not just the undereducated that end up in a courtroom but rather people who make the mistake of not following due caution especially in civil cases.

Judge Brickhouse is a new judge on the bench but that does not take away from her ability to do a good job. She knows the case law well and is well prepared when in the courtroom. She is attentive, respectful, and polite to both sides. She does not waste time and is clear on her instructions to both sides of the issue. All in all she appears liked by lawyers, litigants and jurors.

The case Judge Brickhouse was hearing today was one that resulted from a person trying to deal with the disposal of a family estate. One should always have items apprised by someone who will not be involved in the selling or purchase of estate items. Arms length is always a good rule to follow when selling items. The common sense rule is trust but verify.

It is not unreasonable to encourage everyone to take part as a citizen in this country to at least one court case so that they have a better understanding of basic courtroom law. The glamour of courtroom cases on television in someways does not begin to match the real world drama of our local courtrooms and people should be introduces to cases so that they make better personal decision so as to avoid being a litigant in their own life.

Upcoming Healthcare Town Hall Meetings from Congressman Heinrich and Senator Bingaman

Congressman Martin Heinrich to hold a Healthcare Town Hall in Albuquerque

Congressman Heinrich will be at the UNM Continuing Education Buliding on Saturday August 22 to answer questions about healthcare reform.

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. MDT
University of New Mexico
Continuing Education Building
1634 University Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM

Health Care Town Hall Hosted By Rep. Heinrich

Rep. Heinrich will host another town hall meeting on the critical issue of health care reform with constituents in the First Congressional District. The panel will bring together New Mexicans from across the district to ask questions as Representative Heinrich works to address the health care crisis in our country.

Clearly Congressman Heinrich knows the value of speaking with the voting public and is a strong representative for his congressional district on important issues.

Senator Jeff Bingaman to Hold Town Hall in Albuquerque

Senator Jeff Bingaman will be at a Town Hall meeting on Healthcare Monday August 24 starting at 1:00 pm at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The Town Hall is being hosted by New Mexico First and requires individuals to register in advance at this website: http://www.nmfirst.org/

Interesting that for someone who does not hold town hall meetings this will be his second over the term break. Nice to see that the senator is coming down from on high to speak with the voting public on this issue. The questions remains will Senator Bingaman and the rest of the gang of six kill healthcare reform by refusing to include a public option in their bill.

The media is wrong... again

Jim Dean says that if there is not a public option in the Healthcare reform bill they have enough votes in the U.S. House to kill the bill.

“Let's be clear: A Healthcare bill without a public option is D.O.A. in the House. Period.”

At present there are 64 representatives who are more than willing to block the bill from passing in the House without a public option. Time for the Republicans to face the facts they lost the last election and cannot continue to block real meanful healthcare reform in this country unless they wish their party to die from lack of support.

Representatives are being called heroes by the progressive liberals and many supporters of the public option who already see it as a compromise. At present none of our state's federal representatives are on the list of people willing to kill the reform bill if it fails to have a public option included in it.

Brian Colón on Actblue.com for Lieutenant Governor

Well I guess this makes it official so everyone get out your checkbooks and make a huge contribution or whatever you can afford. We want to give him a big jump start for the early fundraising while he is in Denver working hard for our state. Brian Colón has worked hard for us so now it is high time to return the favor.

www.actblue.com/page/colon

Brian Colón will be a strong leader and will represent a wide range of cultural diversity when elected to the office of Lieutenant Governor. He has always been a strong supporter of educational issues which we need with Diane Denish moving up to the Governor's office.

Is Senator Jennings Stacking the Deck Against Public Education?

As I said yesterday I have written some of the state senators to ask them the questions I put in yesterdays blog entry. I received this answer back from State Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino today.

“Thanks, Mary, for your very apt questions. Senator Jennings is only one of 42 Senators, one of 112 legislators. However as president pro tem he is in a position to steer the debate in certain directions. Since the Governor is also talking about the special session being devoted to cutting the budget, not finding new revenue sources, I'm afraid we are going to be playing with a stacked deck when we sit down in October.

I can only pledge that I will do everything I can to prevent cutting the K-12 education budget. That means heavy cuts in capital outlay, eliminating unnecessary patronage positions throughout state government and finding tax loopholes to close. Long term (i.e., by next year) we have to find additional revenue. Oil and gas will not be dependable sources of tax revenue for operating schools...though they can provide a good way to finance buildings. I personally want us to rollback the last stage of the Governor's income tax cuts for the upper 10% of NM taxpayers. And other senators are proposing changes to our very liberal tax credits as incentives to businesses or to end tax dodging by big companies with headquarters elsewhere. We'll have to look at everything, since the days of being flush with petrol bucks are over, probably for good.

State Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino”

With State Senator Jennings who is the president pro tem of the state senate steering the direction of budget cuts toward public education what hope does low paid educators have of protecting our public system for the good of our children? Why does it have to be all about cuts without any hope of new revenue sources in his view? Where is our future workforce coming from if Senator Jennings and Senator Smith are allowed to get their way in this state? Senator Ortiz y Pino is right that petrol dollars are going away and we sorely need to find new sources of revenues if we want a public school system in this state for the future well being of our children and the state’s economy.

LEGISLATIVE FINANCE COMMITTEE and the Future of our Educational System

Want to know what your children’s future educational system will end up like in this state? Want to know if you will have a job after October? Want to protect the future of this state’s workforce? These are the individuals to call, email and write in the next few very short weeks because they are holding closed door government meetings about future budget cuts to our state’s educational system. The voting public should be demanding answers and demanding public hearing on this issue. What happened to open government? Why are some legislators being left out in the cold on such a major issue? Demand answers now!

Representative
Luciano "Lucky" Varela
Chair

Senator
John Arthur Smith
Vice Chair

Senator
Sue Wilson Beffort
Member

Representative
Donald E. Bratton
Member

Senator
Pete Campos
Member

Senator
Carlos R. Cisneros
Member

Senator
Stuart Ingle
Member

Representative
Rhonda S. King
Member

Senator
Carroll H. Leavell
Member

Senator
Mary Kay Papen
Member

Representative
Henry Kiki Saavedra
Member

Representative
Nick L. Salazar
Member

Representative
Edward C. Sandoval
Member

Senator
John M. Sapien
Member

Representative
Don L. Tripp
Member

Representative
Jeannette O. Wallace
Member

Here are the questions I asked:

Why is Senator Jennings sending letters out before your committee work is done on the LFC?

Why is this being kept from the voting public and how bad is the harm going to be to our educational system?

Why are we paying six figure salaries to educational administrators when it appears the state cannot pay its low paid front line educational staff?

How is this open government when not all legislators are included in such an important issue?

Why are we not holding public hearings on this issue?

Why are People so Misled in this Country?

I belong to two social networks and read the state’s largest newspaper every day. I read other people’s political blogs as well and I talk with the voting public every day. I know a few elected officials in my state and speak with them every once in a while. You could say that I am well informed when it comes to social and political issues. And yet I am very concerned about some of the answers elected officials are coming up with at present when it comes to issues that matter to me personally.

The one thing that keeps popping up lately is the question, “How can the voting public be so mislead by the Republican Party?” I have found that if you are in power and you just expect people to read your mind on issues that matter to them then they are going to be listening to the people who take the time to talk with them about the issues.

The Bush Administration made many errors in just eight short years but the biggest one was to ignore the voting public and what they care about. If our party’s elected officials want to make any positive progress on issues then they are going to have to stop thinking that we trust them blindly. They need to tell us what they are thinking and why they are doing the things they are on issues that matter to us the most. Close door meetings on issues that affect the voting public do not go over well and does not promote open honest government.

These men and women think just because they want to do good work and are busy that we are going to just elect them and then let them go sorry guys think again. If they want support then they need to explain their actions to the voters in town hall meetings and work with people who are affected the most by their reform bills and budget cuts. The voting public is not stupid. They want to understand and are asking for information so they can make informed decisions and support bills that move our country and state in the right direction. Stop telling people how misinformed they are and start explaining where you are coming from in the first place if you want support on issues.

In an Ideal World—Healthcare Insurance Reform

If people would just listen to what President Obama wants as healthcare reform then they would agree with him since he has an extraordinary common sense approach that would work. I can never find any point that he makes when it comes to healthcare insurance reform where I could disagree with him. He is what a true progressive is in every word he says. We could fix the healthcare system tomorrow if what he wants is passed into law.

The problem is that he is not writing the healthcare reform bill. The gang of six is doing that for the senate and I have major problems with what the republican controlled press which is the only press they are talking to is saying about their views of healthcare reform. I have problems with their staff members who don’t care what the voters think and are not listen but instead putting out misconceptions about what their employers stand for in the first place.

I would encourage these men who have the future of our healthcare reform laws in their hands to hold town hall meetings and speak with the voting public. Listen to what the president is saying and give the man what he wants because what he wants is what the American voting public wants as well. Pay for the plan in the why the president wants it paid for and stop trying to push the cost off on people who are too sick and too poor to pay for healthcare in this country. Give the president his vision of a public option and stop telling your voters that this idea in on the ropes.

The one good thing is that we have three progressives in the house and the senate who do care about the voting public and who are holding town hall meetings. The house is fighting hard to provide a bill that would give the president what he wants so with any hope at all these men can offset any damage done by the gang of six to healthcare reform.

EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER GONE AT THE AGE OF 88

Senator Kennedy’s reaction: “Eunice is now with God in heaven. My sister Jean and I, and our entire family, will miss her with all our hearts. I know that our parents and brothers and sisters who have gone before are filled with joy to have her by their side again.”

Senator Kennedy’s sister was best known for organizing the first Special Olympics in 1968.

Our hearts goes out to the Kennedys at this time of great loss.

Reaction from Ex-Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Brian S. Colón

"What a true leader from the heart. She was so dignified in life and will always be remembered fondly in death. I most respect her vision for and tireless work with Special Olympics. Special Olympics provides amazing inspiration for all and its rise to prominence and continued success will always carry her fingerprints."

1sky Protesters at Senator Bingaman Office

Message to Senator Bingaman stop acting like the jellyfish that walks like a men. Don't allow environmental bills to be watered down so that we won't have a planet for our children.

Voters want the senator to stand up and fight for green jobs in New Mexico and to help protect the environment. Decisions must be based on hard scientific facts and not the lies made up by lobbyist paid by large corporations.

Not suprising is the fact that, "Last week we learned that coal industry lobbyists forged letters from community groups to members of Congress, urging them to vote against the Waxman-Markey bill -- and now they've been caught red-handed!"

Senator Bingaman Stand Up and Take the Responsible that Your Job Requires

Our Senior Senator is only too good at asking the voting public to take responsible for their personal actions when it cost the public but where does he apply that same standard to himself? The senator tells people that it has never been his past practices to meet with large groups of people unless it is an election year and he is running for office. Well senator you are accountable to those same voters who are now demanding in large numbers that you hear our voices, speak directly to us in a public forum and stand up for our choices in the matter of healthcare reform.

You staff are calling you a progressive which is a joke since most of the progressives in our party have little taste for your conservative approach to most issues. Now I can understand that due to the fact you spent a good amount of your time comparing yourself to St. Pete that you might think yourself a liberal but trust me on this matter you are a conservative democrat from the southern part of this state.

Some people are saying that you are an old dog that just refuses to learn any new tricks. Well if that is in fact the truth and you feel that you are above the people you represent in this state then now would be a good time for you to retire. Big Bill could appoint himself to your seat and Diane could take the governor’s seat with no problem otherwise it is way past time for you to admit that you are now senior senator, highest ranking elected official of our state's party and a public servant answerable to the voting public in public forums.

If I can take the time to come to your office at the request of the president's grassroots organization and speak with your staff on personal issues that I hate talking about in order to support real healthcare reform then you can bear the trauma of having to speak to the voting public in a public forum.

Is the Senate Listening to the Voting Public?

The Republican Party is training people to disrupt town hall meetings on healthcare reform so our senate representatives are now holding small group meetings but in doing so are they failing to hear the voting publics concerns about healthcare reform. The voting public is beginning to show that they are angry at the democratic representatives for not more strongly standing up for the public option. Empty words are not true support for this issue. The voting public feels that they have been doing all of the giving and the healthcare field is doing all of the taking in creating a bill. At this point no one will support anything coming from the gang of six in the senate and voters are being to say “just say not!” because they do not feel that their voices are being heard by their own representatives.

The Democrats of the Democratic Party worked hard to elected officials that would listen to them when it comes to important main street issues like healthcare reform but a number of them are now feeling as if Washington and the Senate are going back to business as usual and this could result in a very poor turn out for some of our democratic senatorial representatives at best and a grassroots swell support of more progressive candidates on the far end in the future. Either senior senators start reaching out to the voters or the voters are going to start handing out a few not so great lessons on the subject of communication. Senior senators are going to have to begin to understand that they are not above the public who elected them to office and pat answers written by staffer is not the answer to questions that matter to the voting public. Giving openly republican controlled newspapers their views is a major failure and will anger voters in ways that cannot begin to be shared with these senior senators. The appearance is one of being totally out of touch with the voters or that of them being closet republicans and the voting public is asking which is it.

Support is a two way street and if they are unwilling or unable to go down that street then the voting public will find candidates such as Congressman Ben Lujan and Congressman Martin Heinrich who understand the value of direct communication with the people who support and voted them into office in the first place. No one wants to feel like their voices are not being heard by their own representatives so I hope that Senator Bingaman starts to reach out to the voters before it is to late. He should begin to learn for our young progressive congressmen before he losses the change to support change for the better. The time to fight for the main street voting public has come. I can think of no more stronger individual to do so then our senior senator if only he will do so on this very major issue.

Not Much Hope for Public Option in Senate Bill

Senator Jeff Bingaman is telling the Albuquerque Journal that although he supports a public option in the healthcare reform bill that he does not hold out much hope for it. Now is the time to understand that if we don’t find a way to drive down healthcare cost that people in the middle class and low income individuals will be forced to either pay for insurance they cannot afford therefore being forced to not have other basic things in life or they will be forced to pay a fine for not having healthcare insurance. Now is the time to let elected officials know that real healthcare reform means a public option that will drive down cost so that healthcare insurance is affordable for all Americans.

The Republican Party and talk radio host are encouraging republicans to speak up and kill healthcare reform so now is the time for every democrat to call, write and speak to their representatives to show them how we feel and support the right type of healthcare reform. Without our voices all our representatives will hear is that reform is bad and does not matter. Republicans are telling our representatives to not support a public option.

I made sure to write my senator and let him know my concerns about the healthcare reform bill. I strongly encourage every New Mexican to do the same and make sure that we have more responses then those in the Republican Party. Tell them that true healthcare reform means that we get the plan we need and that it does not cost us more but less. Tell them that sick people should not be charged more for being ill. Tell them that the insurance industry and large businesses must pay their fair share to create real reform. Companies should not be making profits at the cost of their workers health and large insurance companies should pass savings on to the voting public and not add it to their already huge bottom lines. Our party must speak up now or face the results we don’t want or deserve. Tell our senators and congressmen that we want real reform in healthcare.

Stalking Laws in New Mexico?

I just got through reading on the front page of the journal how a local news reporter is being stalked by someone. The paper made it sound like she was either nuts or that somehow because of the way she looks it was all her fault that she is being stalked. He employer is taking the standard New Mexico male stand that it started at home and due to budget constraints it is not our problem. The life of a woman in this state is not worth much if how we treat our stalking victims is any representation or for that matter how this state treats any women who is a victim of crime.

The police will tell a woman that there is nothing they can do because judges don’t take it serious. The judges tell victims that it is up to the police to enforce the limited number of laws on the books but it is really up to the victims to protect themselves and that the court cannot protect them. The state says that we have laws and they simple need to be enforced so it is not their fault that women are being killed or gravely harmed by mentally ill stalkers. This is what we call passing the buck and it is costing women their lives everyday in this state.

This state is stuck in the nineteen fifties attitude that you should have a big strong man at home to protect yourself if you plan on working in a field that brings you into contact with the public. I interview people and build relationships with those people all of the time but that does not mean that I have any true personal relationships with these individuals. It is part of the job to make these individuals feel comfortable so they will talk with you. I can count on one hand the number of real personal friendships that have come from my being a political blogger. I am sure that the local news reporter is facing the same problem where her job brought her into contact with an unstable individual who thinks just because she was doing her job and treating the public nice that somehow they have a relationship.

We need stronger laws to protect female victims of stalkers. We need to give the police training in how to enforce those laws and the technology to check faster on restraining orders. Judges need to take personal threats against women more seriously and they need to understand that the legal system is there to help the victims and protect their lives. Until this attitude is changed more women in this state are going to die at the hands of their stalkers. My personal advice to this woman reporter is to buy a gun and get the training and permits to use it. If the legal system refuses to protect you then kill the stalker because it will be in self defense and it will not be your fault for having to do so. If women started to kill more of these stalkers then maybe the state would start to deal with this problem since the criminal appears to have more rights and protections under the law.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor Confirmed by the U.S. Senate

We now have our first female Hispanic justice on the highest court in the land. Let’s hope she can add a little spice to our U.S. Supreme Court in the coming years. It was a shame and a disgrace to our country that republican senators made this processes such a partisan issue. The Senate voted 63 to 31 to confirm. Justice Sotomayor will be sworn in on Saturday as the U.S. Supreme Courts 3 woman justice.

Congressman Martin Heinrich's Reaction to the vote:

“I applaud my colleagues in the Senate for confirming Justice Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court. Her placement on the highest court carries deep significance in America's historic journey. Justice Sotomayor is not only a brilliant and accomplished legal mind, but she has a common sense understanding of how our laws affect the daily realities of people’s lives. Her decades-long career yields a depth of experience and a breadth of perspectives that will be invaluable to our nation. This is a proud day for our country.”

Martin Heinrich's First Conference Call Town Hall Meetings

In a society where everyone is busy and does not have all of the time in the world to go to one central location our younger congressmen are turning to technology to include voters in the active process of government. Conference Calls have been around for a while now and are widely used in the business world everyday as a way to get people who live in distant communities together without needing a large conference room or making people travel long distances which takes time and money.

Congressman Heinrich of the New Mexico first congressional district is now using that technology as a way to get large amounts of feedback from the people living in his congressional district. Rather than Congressman Heinrich having to travel around his congressional district only being about to reach out to a limited number of individual for a very limited amount of time when it comes to important issues such as healthcare reform he is now able to speak to as many as 5,000 people that live in a large geographic area who can listen in from their own home and can also ask questions on issues that concern them. This is just one method to contact voters but it is including large groups of individuals who otherwise would be unable to speak directly with their congressman.

Clearly with a result of 5,000 individuals on the line Congressman Heinrich’s first conference call town hall meeting was a complete success. The Congressman was very pleased with the results and since the call was recorded individuals who missed the town hall meeting can still listen to the recording.

Listen to Representative Martin Heinrich’s health care telephone town hall

Joe (Monahan) Don’t know Much

He reported that Maggie Toulouse Oliver, the best county clerk we have ever had, is having her first child. I wonder how her son Christen feels about that issue. Christen is the son of Maggie Toulouse Oliver and Jeremy Toulouse. I got to know them a long time ago when my daughter and Christen were friends at a young age so while it is great that Maggie is having another child it is not her first Joe. Just one other little interesting fact is that Jeremy is running against Michael for city council but in a party that is as close as ours it is not suprising that friendship is more important then a campaign. Traci Cadigan, City Councilman Michael Cadigan’s wife, is hosting a baby shower for Maggie’s newest son.

It is not the Man in the Mirror that Women Vote For Gentleman

Our Congressman Martin Heinrich was given the award by a local Washington paper of Number one Hunk on the Hill. He is blessed with good looks but that was not what got women to vote for him in the first place. It is always interesting when talking to men that appearance is the first thing they notice about women but for women appearance is not what gets their attention.

So what does a women look for in a candidate for office?

Here is my list of things that make a male candidate a Hunk:

· He cares passionately about his family and local community
· He values education and supports our children’s right to a quality education
· He values safety and is kind and protective of his friends and family
· He is gentle with the people around him but can be firm when the need arises
· He has a love of many cultures and respects diversity in his community
· He promotes cultural activities for all levels of society
· He cares about financial issues but does not put that above the well being of the community but instead uses money to promote a healthy community which includes a healthy local business community.
· He has a sincere value for equal justice and a true respect for the rule of law
· He shows respect from family values and is not a player when it comes to women
· He cares about the environment because it affects the lives of our children and their future

So in the end it is not the man in the mirror but the behavior that makes the man a good political candidate. It is these values that women are attracted to in a candidate. I have to admit that Congressman Martin Heinrich has many of these qualities and that was why he was elected. So in the end the answer is no he is not just another pretty face in congress.

National Night Out—Parkland Hills Neighborhood

Yesterday evening was a good evening to spend some time getting to know your local neighbors. I spent my evening speaking to residents of the Parkland Hills area where I live. The neighborhood is a nice one and people care about their community. Congressman Martin Heinrich was our city councilman for years and he did a good job of supporting our area of the city. The area is very liberal and we have a lot of good people. City Councilman Rey Garduño showed up to support our area. He along with State Senator Tim Keller worked very hard this last year to obtain funding for much needed items for our very small local community center. The center is not open on evenings and weekend so it is not much of a community center but I am told that funding is limited and other things are far more important than a community center in our neighborhood. One does have to wonder where our state representatives were last evening. I invited my state senator but he said no.

Pictures of the Event

The police tell us that there is little crime in our area but there was one rape as of late so the Parkland Hills Neighborhood Association is having self defense training classes this weekend for the women of our community.

Crimes against women are only too common in this city. We need the local city government to start making this an issue so women feel safer in their own neighborhoods. I walk my neighborhood every morning and would not want to be attacked. There are lots of individuals out at that time in the morning who keep in shape by walking so we should all be able to feel safe in our neighborhood. The local police are very supportive and good people but with the area to our east being such a high crime area they spend little time in our area of the city. I get the feeling they come over to our area just so they can feel safe and respected by local residents ever once in awhile.

Hate and Fear Know No Limits

Some sick individuals left this in my driveway on National Night Out while myself and my child were at the community center with our neighbors. When will the hate stop and why leave such an evil thing in someone’s driveway? What kind of person would want to do such an evil and hateful thing? Parkland hills neighborhood is a fine upstanding liberal neighborhood that cares for its residents. Clearly the people who left this are not from our community and their hate will not stop the Democratic Party from fixing the problems left to us by the last administration.

Hate can win no hearts or minds in this state!

State Senator Tim Keller on National Night Out In the International District

“It has been proven time and again that the biggest deterrent to crime is ‘eyes on the street,’ community policing is low cost, effective and it brings community together for a common goal. National night out celebrates this concept and sends a message that we care about the health and well being of our neighborhood.”

If the voting public would like to meet their state senator then check out these events at these time where the senator plans on being.

Senator Keller said of his schedule: “I’ll be at Trumbull at 6:30 at Ceasar Chavez, then South San Pedro at 7:00, and at La Mesa at 7:30.”

Infromation on these events:

“Trumbull Village Neighborhood Association will have an event themed “The Family” with information tables for services and donations. The donations being sought are gently used or new shoes from ages 3 to 18. School supplies and or (Backpacks). We would appreciate any donations. They also have a food bank and provide hundreds of toys for boys and girls for Christmas. If you can attend and/or donate , you can call Joanne Landry at 604-6761. You could also bring any of these donated items to the event.

Parkland Hills Neighborhood Association will have an event at the Whittier Community Center from 6-8PM. Pot Luck with local police and fire department.

South San Pedro Neighborhood Association will have two events. One will be a park event at Wilson Park on San Pedro next to Wilson Middle School. Another will be a small block party on Madeira SE. Both events will be from 6-8PM. SSPNA extends an invitation to everyone and especially the Elder Homestead neighbors to come participate.

La Mesa Community Improvement Association Night Out will be a community pot luck & old fashioned root beer float event @ Mesa Verde Community Center, 6:30pm.”

National Night Out Tonight and More Recovery and Reinvestment Money for Policing in New Mexico

The good news from our U.S. Senators and Congressmen is that New Mexico communities are receiving $5 million to hire more police but the bad news is due to poor handling of past federal funding in our city we won’t be getting any of that funding.

“Bingaman & Udall: New Mexico Communities Receive $5 Million to Hire Police Officers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today announced that the federal government is releasing over $5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant funding to help New Mexico communities hire law enforcement officers.

The grants are being provided through the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Recovery Program, and will provide 100 percent of the approved salary and benefits for entry level officer positions over a three year period. Police departments receiving the grants will then be required to retain the grant funded positions for a fourth year.

"Providing for an adequate number of law enforcement officers is key to keeping our state's communities safe. Unfortunately, smaller communities often lack the resources needed to hire enough police officers and sheriff's deputies to address crime," Bingaman said. "This funding will help many New Mexico law enforcement agencies hire or rehire officers and help them meet their policing needs."

"In a struggling economic climate, crime is often on the rise. Adding additional police officers in these areas will help combat crime and allow New Mexicans to feel safe in their homes and communities," said Udall. "This Recovery Act funding is also creating lasting jobs that benefit New Mexico's police force." The following communities and police departments will receive funding”

Community/Department--City of Santa Fe
Amount--$1.48 million
Number of Officers--8

Community/Department--Las Cruces Police Department
Amount--$1.51 million
Number of Officers--8

Community/Department--Farmington Police Department
Amount--$1.06 million
Number of Officers--5

Community/Department--Gallup Police Department
Amount--$490,404
Number of Officers--3

Community/Department--City of Belen
Amount--$186,037
Number of Officers--1

Community/Department--Española Police Department
Amount--$174,631
Number of Officers--1

Community/Department--Mora County Sheriff's Department
Amount--$94,244
Number of Officers--1

Community/Department--Village of Santa Clara
Amount--$63,199
Number of Officers--1

Community/Department--Albuquerque Police Department
Amount--$0
Number of Officers--0

The current mayor has said that he would like to increase the police force by a hundred police officers in order to reduce crime in our city. Albuquerque is a growing city and with it comes some of the problems that develop with such a large population.

One of our more active State Senators, Senator Tim Keller from the International District is encouraging his voters to get out tonight and be active in their communities in order to deter crime and foster closer neighborhood relationships. It has been proven that when a community builds those types of relationships with each other and the police that the rate of crime goes down. The International District and Parkland Hills Neighborhoods are all having activities at their local community centers this evening.

The Perfect Pair (Denish and Colón)

The Democratic Party is very lucky in our state because we have a large number of high-quality candidates at all levels and the Republican Party simply does not hold a candle to ours. Many good individuals have entered the race for lieutenant governor but none can begin to bring the party together as Brian Colón.

Brian Colón is a native Hispanic of Albuquerque with strong family ties. When he speaks about his parents he can bring tears to any voter’s eyes. Clearly he has a love and respect of family and ironclad ties to his local community. Brian Colón has traveled our state since being elected to party chairman of the Democratic Party in 2007 encouraging people to take part in their government. In just a few short years he has managed to get the voting public to once again care about what happens in our state. He has help elected a completely democratic list for our federal representatives and has managed to find more local democratic leaders then any past party chairman. He truly inspires people to care about what happens in our state.

He is a kind hearted and caring individual who does not put himself above anyone in the party and will make one of the best lieutenant governors this state has even seen. He has worked tirelessly to encourage cultural diversity within the state’s Democratic Party. While he will be a hard act to follow as party chairman he is much needed in Santa Fe because of difficult economic times that our state is facing in the next few years. His wife is an educator and this gives Brian Colón a true insight into the need for better treatment when it comes to our educational system which will be but one of the difficult issues facing anyone who takes the position of lieutenant governor. I personally look forward to seeing my friend Chairman Brian Colón announce the launch of a campaign for lieutenant governor.