Category Archives: Governance

The unvaccinated woman got on a plane in London.  She flew to Washington, DC, changed planes and flew to Denver, then on to Albuquerque, and from there drove home to Santa Fe.  She had measles. During the trip she had … Continue reading →

In the old days, a friend reminisced long ago, we had to move after every election. State office buildings were rented, she explained. After the election the new governor could reward political supporters with leases. Mediocre facilities, scattered all over … Continue reading →

The New Mexico Economic Development Department employs fewer than 100 people and has a pretty simple business model: it promotes economic development. The New Mexico Health Department employs well over 3,000 people. It operates eight residential medical facilities, including hospitals … Continue reading →

My friend and I are discussing the legacy of Governor Bill Richardson.  Aside from all the controversies, what did he really do for New Mexico ? “He finally got education reformed,” my friend says.  “Replaced the old state school board … Continue reading →

Bob Woodward was all over the talk shows a few weeks ago.  Woodward is the indefatigible Washington Post reporter and author of many “insider” books about presidents; his newest is “Obama’s War,” about President Obama and the Afghanistan war. According … Continue reading →

I’ve got two words for the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department — and for the other state agencies that regulate small business. The two words are “beta testing.”  Or, in plain English, “customer feedback.” Beta testing is the phase … Continue reading →

Memo to next governor:  Here are some words you may very well have to eat:  “Get rid of all political appointees” and “eliminate all vacant positions.”   We have been hearing that from all sides. Respectfully, I suggest that you do … Continue reading →