Author Archives: merilee

Another small business saga: mandatory posters

Posted on April 21, 2013 by merilee

The following is a real message (slightly edited, name changed) that I sent to a friend who owns an insurance agency. Dear Marge, As you know, I’m something of a workers’ compensation expert.  In my years at the Workers’ Compensation … Continue reading →

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The grocery store

Posted on April 5, 2013 by merilee

Years ago, a small family-owned grocery store at the north end of Taos was known for having the best meat in town.  The meat was always laid out on fresh butcher paper in immaculately clean glass-fronted display cases.   It was … Continue reading →

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Organic food grows in New Mexico

Posted on March 12, 2013 by merilee

There’s good news and bad news about the future of edible food in the world, and, specifically, in New Mexico. One item of bad news is that the New Mexico Senate rejected the bill to require labeling of genetically modified … Continue reading →

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Gun violence and social responsibility

Posted on February 24, 2013 by merilee

Nobody’s going to take your guns away. Realistically, that’s impossible. Government’s not trying to, and nobody in a responsible position is saying it should. There are too many guns and – face facts – too many places to hide them. … Continue reading →

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A healthy approach to economic development

Posted on February 17, 2013 by merilee

Are you really ticked off at the dismal condition of New Mexico’s economy? Are you sick of hearing about our lousy tax laws, our unwelcoming business climate and our unprepared work force? Have you lost patience with the reports about … Continue reading →

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Who will regulate health insurance?

Posted on February 17, 2013 by merilee

The future of health care – or at least how we pay for it – is confusing, to say the least.  One question is what happens to New Mexico state authority under the Obamacare law. New Mexico contains quite a … Continue reading →

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Who benefits from utility regulation?

Posted on January 16, 2013 by merilee

A new technical whizbang called E-911 was being introduced by the phone company.  It was baloney, the senator told me.  E-911 was going to be a new way for emergency responders to know exactly where a phone call was coming … Continue reading →

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Tax policy change is necessary for jobs

Posted on January 16, 2013 by merilee

This year’s hot term in economic development jargon is the “single sales factor.” Some of the current buzz in economic development circles is that the single sales factor is the first concern of businesses considering locating in New Mexico. If … Continue reading →

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How much should we pay those security officers?

Posted on December 23, 2012 by merilee

The Sunday talk shows last week focused on two topics: the fiscal cliff the issues arising from the recent elementary school shootings, including putting security people in the public schools and increasing services for the mentally ill. You’d think the … Continue reading →

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Another look at medical marijuana

Posted on December 20, 2012 by merilee

Marijuana could be a cure for drug addiction.  That’s right: a cure.  Maybe. This was one fascinating revelation from a recent presentation on the opioid epidemic. In fairness to the speaker, the statement about marijuana was a minor point in … Continue reading →

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