Saturday, June 24, 2006

The Regular Meeting of the Otero County Commissioners is Tuesday, June 27, at 6:00 p.m. To see the abbreviated agenda or the "not-so-complete" agenda go to the Otero County website. This meeting ought to be worth the price of admission with all the recent events.

Monday, June 19, 2006

This applies to both sides of the political fence:

NEW PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION

"We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots,keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other liberal bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights."

ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or anyother form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them,but no one is guaranteeing anything.

ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This
country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.

ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.

ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes.(This one is my pet peeve...get an education and go to work....don't expect everyone else to take care of you!)

ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.

ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other
people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.

ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens,don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.

ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. (AMEN!)

ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.

ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (Lastly....)

ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it,TOUGH!

If you agree, share this with a friend. No, you don't have to, and nothing tragic will befall you if you don't. I just think it's about time common sense is allowed to flourish. Sensible people of the United States speak out because if you do not, who will?

I do not know the author of this but I believe there are some things in here we need to think about. Janet
State of New Mexico
Office of the Governor

Bill Richardson
Governor

For immediate release Contact: Jon Goldstein
June 16, 2006 (Santa Fe) 505-476-2248

Governor Bill Richardson Appoints Panel to Recommend Eminent Domain Fix, Protect Property Rights

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson today took action to protect the private property rights of New Mexicans. The Governor’s Task Force on the Responsible use of Eminent Domain, today established by Executive Order, will help recommend ways for New Mexico to prohibit abusive condemnation practices that could result because of the recent decision by the United States Supreme Court in Kelo v. The City of New London.

“New Mexicans deserve strong protections on their private property rights,” said Governor Richardson. “This task force will closely examine the Kelo case and recommend any and all fixes to New Mexico law before the next legislative session.”

The 5-4 Kelo decision by the U.S. Supreme Court has been widely criticized for its implications on the property rights of individual homeowners and local communities since it was handed down in June 2005.

In an attempt to address this situation, the New Mexico Legislature passed House Bill 746 during the last legislative session. However, the bill was overly vague and left several loopholes that would have made it difficult for the state and local governments to build roads and extend water and utility lines, infrastructure that is necessary in a growing state.

Rural communities could have been particularly hard hit by this problematic bill. Leaders in cities and towns including Rio Rancho, Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Elida, Elephant Butte, Truth or Consequences, Tijeras, Pecos, and Los Lunas contacted the Governor in opposition to this bill. For these reasons, Governor Richardson vetoed HB 746 on March 7, 2006 and announced that he would appoint a task force to recommend fixes.

“This bill would have done more harm than good,” said Governor Richardson. “I am confident that by working with this task force and the legislature during the next session we can take care of this issue once and for all.”

The Governor’s Task Force will be co-chaired by J.D. Bullington, senior policy adviser and director of New Mexico government relations for the Brownstein, Hyatt & Farber law firm and John Salazar a partner with the Rodey Law Firm in Albuquerque. Members include Rio Rancho Mayor Kevin Jackson, Pecos Mayor Tony Roybal, Mayor Donald Carroll of Alamogordo, Mayor Gloria J. Chavez of Tijeras, Former Lt. Governor Walter Bradley, Economic Development Deputy Secretary Kelly O’Donnell, NM Association of Counties Risk Manager Steve Kopelman, Patricia Pipkin of the NM Realtors Association, Albuquerque land developer William Campbell, Union County Commissioner Shelly Carter, Rob Roberts of PNM, Executive Director of NM Rural Electric Coop Kevin Groenewold, Executive Director of the NM Cattle Growers Association Caren Cowan, Deputy General Counsel of the NM Department of Transportation William Moyers, San Juan County Commissioner Tony Atkinson, and Janet Jarrett of the NM Farm Bureau.

The text of the Governor’s Executive Order follows:


EXECUTIVE ORDER 2006-029

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GOVERNOR’S TASK FORCE ON THE RESPONSIBLE USE OF EMINENT DOMAIN BY STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

WHEREAS, the right of individuals to be secure in the ownership and enjoyment of private property is a fundamental tenant of a democratic society;

WHEREAS, governments have an obligation to protect the interests of private property owners, while ensuring that communities have the necessary tools to create jobs and higher wages, promote environmental conservation and encourage economic development, particularly in small and rural communities;

WHEREAS, eminent domain has been used responsibly and effectively throughout New Mexico’s history to support projects that are vital to a healthy and vibrant economy;

WHEREAS, New Mexico has a strong tradition of protecting individual property owners from intrusive governmental action, and this tradition is reflected in New Mexico’s existing Eminent Domain Code;

WHEREAS, a recent decision by the United States Supreme Court, Kelo v. The City of New London, has raised questions concerning the adequacy of New Mexico’s Eminent Domain Code, and whether it is sufficiently equipped to protect against abusive condemnation practices; and

WHEREAS, the most effective method of examining Kelo’s impact on New Mexico’s condemnation laws and practices is by convening a Task Force of the State’s leading experts on eminent domain to determine what steps should be taken to ensure that condemnation is used responsibly.

NOW THEREFORE, I Bill Richardson, Governor of the State of New Mexico, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of New Mexico do hereby establish the Governor’s Task Force on the Responsible Use of Eminent Domain by State and Local Government as follows:

1. The purpose of the Task Force shall be to examine the Kelo case to determine what impact the decision will have or has had on condemnation proceedings around the state in order to develop recommendations, including any legislative proposals, for presentation to the Governor prior to the 2007 regular legislative session.

2. The Task Force, including the Chair, shall be appointed by the Governor and shall be comprised of public and private sector experts in the area of eminent domain and commercial and economic development. The Task Force shall include representatives from small and rural communities.

3. The Office of the Governor and the Department of Finance, Local Government Division, shall provide administrative staff and support to the Task Force.

4. The term of each member shall be from the date of appointment until twenty (20) days after adjournment of the next regular session of the Legislature in 2007.

5. The Task Force shall convene at least monthly or more frequently, as necessary.

6. The Task Force shall consult with both public and private individuals, entities, experts, interim committees, and state agencies as deemed necessary for the development of its recommendations. Input from the general public in the development of any proposals is strongly encouraged.

7. The Task Force shall prepare and present recommendations for the Governor’s consideration no later than November 1, 2006.

8. The Task Force members shall serve voluntarily and shall receive no pay for their services, nor shall they be reimbursed for travel or subsistence expenses, unless otherwise provided by law.

THIS ORDER supersedes any other previous orders, proclamations, or directives in conflict. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect until such time as it is rescinded by the Governor.

ATTEST: DONE AT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE
THIS 14TH DAY OF JUNE, 2006

REBECCA VIGIL-GIRON WITNESS MY HAND AND THE GREAT
SECRETARY OF STATE SEAL OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO



BILL RICHARDSON
GOVERNOR

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Happy Father's Day!

"Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid." Ronald Reagan.

Don't forget the County Commission Work Session at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 21. I will remind you that this is often where the real action is and decisions made. I am not lost to the fact that this morning meeting is not conducive to the attendance of those who are employed or are employers.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

In his address to the Republican Women yesterday Sheriff Blansett reported that drug smuggling is the greatest problem in Otero County concerning illegals. He said the sheriff's department had assisted the border patrol in two operations: One nabbed 15 illegals and 2 coyotes (drug and/or human smugglers) and the second resulted in catching 75 illegals. These activities were out in the county and did not include work sites. The sheriff is looking to more grant money to hire 8 more law enforcement.

Is the sheriff in favor of amnesty, "No, H-E-double toothpicks, no."

Wednesday, June 14, at noon is the deadline for submissions to the county commission for subjects to be discussed at the work session Wednesday, June 21 at 9:00 a.m. Heads up, Boles Acres.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Ranching operations that hold grazing allotment permits are anticipated to be impacted by conservation activities for the spikedace and loach minnow. The costs assumed to be incurred by livestock operations are primarily due to anticipated installation and maintenance of riparian fencing. The economic analysis concluded that approximately 76 ranches-or 4.7 percent of ranches in affected counties that contain proposed critical habitat, or 1 percent of ranches in New Mexico and Arizona-could be impacted by conservation activities. Annual costs to each of these 76 ranching operations may be between $390 and $9,200 per ranch. Average revenues of a ranch in the proposed critical habitat region are $133,000, or between 0.3 and 7 percent of a ranch's estimated average revenue. Approximately 94 percent of beef cattle ranching and farming operations in counties containing spikedace and loach minnow critical habitat are small businesses; thus approximately 72 small ranching operations may experience a reduction in revenues. Because only 1 percent of ranches in New Mexico and Arizona, or 4.7 percent of ranches, in affected counties are estimated to be impacted by this proposal, we have determined that this proposed designation will not have an effect on a substantial number of small business ranching operations. From this analysis, we also have determined that this proposed designation would also not result in a significant effect to the annual sales of these small businesses impacted by this proposed designation because the above analysis has determined that annual costs may represent between 0.3 and 7 percent of a ranch's estimated average revenue.

Red Alert to Ranchers. BOHICA

Saturday, June 03, 2006

Lincoln County is planning a Water Summit for July 6 at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Lincoln County has serious water problems although probably no more serious than Otero County. I will post time and scheduled speakers when details are confirmed.

Tuesday, June 6, 7:00 a.m. Jean Vallance, 1230 KRSY will host local Minutemen. Call in your questions at 437-1230.

Wednesday, June 7, 6:00 p.m. Timberon Fire Station - Regular Meeting of the Otero County Commission.

Thursday, June 8, 6:00 p.m. South Sacramento Water Group meeting, 6:00 p.m. Mayhill Community Center.

Monday, June 12, 11:30 a.m. Republican Women will have Sheriff John Blansett address the subject of the Border. Pepper's Restaurant.

Next Otero County Work Session (usually more educational than the Regular Meetings), Wednesday, June 21, 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Otero Cowbelles met today at Memories. As part of the business meeting R L Posey reported on recent Otero County Commission happenings (or lack thereof) and other government developments that affect our ranchers such as the NAIS which I have commented on in previous posts. Click on the LibertyArk link for details.

After the meeting I was able to spend a few minutes visiting with R L and had the opportunity to thank him for all he does for Otero County ranchers, private property owners and basically anyone that needs water to survive. Next time you see him, let him know what an asset he is to the human race.

I received a communication from another pillar of the community expressing appreciation for my hard work. Betty made my day. Thank you.

County Commission Work Session agenda yesterday included:
Approximately 3 job reclassifications (more responsibilities, higher pay), 3 promotions and 5 new hires, 3 of which are temporary election workers (in addition to prior new hires); 23 contract renewals, several new contracts; several requests for budget increases. Appears the Waterfall East will co-op with the County to build a fire exit road.

The next County Commission Regular Meeting will be at the Timberon Fire Station, Wednesday, June 7th at 6:00 p.m. At that time there will be a public meeting regarding a couple of issues for Timberon (1) the formation of a Community Service District and (2) Livestock at large in the Timberon Community precipitated by complaints of 50-60 goats roaming. The whole issue is problematic due to New Mexico fence out laws, whether Timberon must now be fenced and directions for the Sheriff's enforcement.

A citizen communication was made requesting Otero County be represented at the Penasco Valley Water Users meetings.

Don't forget the Republican Picnic in Cloudcroft, Saturday, June 3. Call 443-1195 for information.

Tuesday, June 6, at 7:00 am on 1230 KRSY, Jean Vallance with host a group Minutemen and Women from our local area. Click on MinutemanHQ link to right for more info.