Category Archives: Articles

It’s easy to overlook, but an election is coming

When my late husband was running for the New Mexico state senate, he pledged to knock on every door in his district. He thought giving voters a chance to meet him in person was the right thing to do. A … Continue reading

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Finally, a roadside drug detector

(published in February 2020) In a conference room at the Roundhouse last week, uniformed police officers were watching a demonstration. They were learning about a handheld device that detects drugs in a person’s system within five minutes. It’s intended to … Continue reading

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Virus teaches us about crisis management

I can already see what the arguments will be after the coronavirus crisis is over. If New Mexico escapes a major outbreak and many deaths, due largely to the governor’s sweeping precautionary measures, some people will say the state overreacted. … Continue reading

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Trust fund legislation curbed the spending

New Mexico understands boom and bust. We thought oil and gas production would give New Mexico a boom year. Good thing our legislators were cautious. Instead of spending all that new money – which now may or may not materialize … Continue reading

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Taxes have to come from somewhere.

Let’s be realistic. Taxes have to come from somewhere. Many New Mexicans are uncomfortable that the state depends heavily on revenue from the oil and gas industry. If we want to be less dependent on oil and gas but still … Continue reading

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Never forget the prison riot

Some events must never be forgotten. They must remain in our living memory so we never make the same mistakes again. Such an event is the 1980 New Mexico prison riot. If you were here, it is burned in your … Continue reading

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Bail bonds guidelines need more work

When New Mexico passed the bail bond amendment in 2016, I thought it was simple. The language, which amended the state constitution, seemed so straightforward. “Bail may be denied pending trial if, after a hearing, the court finds … that … Continue reading

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This is representative democracy in action

Across New Mexico, dedicated individuals are working for causes you may never have heard of, but which just might benefit you or someone you care about. Many of them work for nonprofit organizations that hope to present proposals to the … Continue reading

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Guardianship for the elderly is not completely reformed

If you are an old person with money, and either with a quarrelsome family or no family at all, you are a little better off in New Mexico this year than you were last year. You can still have your … Continue reading

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Oil and education go together in New Mexico

Education and oil. In New Mexico, the two are inextricably intertwined. New Mexico must fix its education system to advance our people’s quality of life. Oil is what will pay for it. Oil and education – and how one depends … Continue reading

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