We told you so and made the effort to put protections in place for Otero County residents via an ordinance. We are vindicated by this interview. Some people call it redistribution. I call it theft.

UN IPCC Official Admits 'We Redistribute World's Wealth By Climate Policy'

Read more: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2010/11/18/un-ipcc-official-we-redistribute-worlds-wealth-climate-policy#ixzz15kAmA6ck

This summer the Otero County Commission passed an ordinance, 10-07 Verifiable Science. http://www.co.otero.nm.us/

The original version was rejected by Commissioner Moore as having too strong language. It was toned down to be acceptable.

Bottom line is that now Otero County has a valuable tool to reject any proposal whose science is not verifiable. Think: designation of Otero Mesa as a National Monument, FEMA County Flood Ordinance (watch Tularosa on this one), continued threats to list Checkerspot Butterfly, recycling "hubs and spokes" initially financed by Stimulus Funds, predator management and just about any other issue before the commissioners.

I bring this to your attention so that you know there is a way to maintain and protect our customs and culture, using our intellectual and natural resources in a beneficial and sustainable manner.

We have the U.S. Constitution, the New Mexico Constitution and now the Verifiable Science Ordinance. When you have or create fire breaks, use them. The alternative is to watch your county smothered under regulations, executive orders, corruption and incompetence.

Besides attending the Commissioners' Canvass of Votes meeting on Monday, I attended the work session and Grazing Advisory Board meetings.

Robyn Holmes, Otero County Clerk heard my two suggestions/requests. One, that mailing labels sold by the county to candidates include a second line "Or Current Resident" to avoid a waste of money and time on the part of candidates and P.O.

Two, that Otero County website on the Clerk's department include the numbers for those voting straight party ticket. This is done in other counties and Ms. Holmes said she thought that information was being posted. She/Ray Backstrom, county manager, agreed to correct this deficiency.

At the work session on Wednesday, the County agreed unanimously to lease 25 acreas adjacent to the prison facility to a solar power generating concern. There will be a public hearing on the creation of an Otero County Environmental Department at the regular meeting on the 30th.

The Grazing Advisory Board was most interesting. Until you witness the interaction between the feds, state, county government and constituents, you just haven't experienced politics. Never let it be said that good politics is not local.

COUNTY COMMISSION DIST 1

L.C. MARSHALL (D) 1,266 27.05%
TOMMIE C. HERRELL (R) 1,969 42.06%
JANET T. WHITE 1,446 30.89%

http://www.co.otero.nm.us/Clerk/ELECRSLT.HTM

I attended the Otero County Commission Canvass of Votes meeting this week. The numbers above may change only a miniscule amount due to some provisional ballots that were counted and the addition of several military absentee ballots.

At the meeting I made two suggestions to the Clerk:

One, that straight ticket votes be published on the Clerk's page as it is in other counties. This was agreed to.

Two, that mailing labels sold by the county to candidates include a second line "Or Current Resident" so that campaign materials end up somewhere instead of being routed back through the post office to the candidate. Robyn Holmes agreed with my suggestion.

I can only be in one place at one time so I ask for your help on Tuesday, November 2.

Otero County Commission, District 1 is composed of 12 precincts and we need people at every precinct from 7 am to closing. We call it "Adopt a Precinct". For details on how you can help the cause, contact me at 575-921-1760. A couple of hours is a good investment in good local government.

At the Regular Otero County Commission meeting last night, the Commission voted to adopt Ordinance 10-06. You may read the ordinance at http://www.co.otero.nm.us/

The proposed new Otero County Organizational Chart was met with much discussion and ultimately sent back to the manager for revisions.

The paving for the parking lot at 1104 White Sands Blvd, "County Annex", former Firestone building, is estimated between $90,000 - $138,000.

The Public Safety Access Point - SO Dispatch needs an additional $150,000 by Chairman Moore's guestimate.

The whole shebang can be viewed at Alamogordo Live and it wasn't pretty. http://www.alamogordolive.net/

Alamogordo Daily News Endorses Janet White 10/16/2010:

"In the race for Otero County Commission District 1, we like independent candidate Janet White over her two challengers, Tommie Herrell and LC Marshall.

White, who has attended every county commission meeting for the last four years, has extensive knowledge of proceedings and takes it upon herself to investigate all possible angles to every issue. She also has shown an interest in representing citizens in Chaparral, who have long been overlooked and crave representation. We believe White can - and will - do that."

The Alamogordo Daily News has endorsed Janet White as its pick for Otero County Commission, Dist.1. We will provide a link when available.

We mailed 4,000 postcards to active voters in the district this week. The postcard tells how to vote for Janet White, Independent.

I continue to go door to door and my map is filling in with yellow highlighter on streets I have covered. I will do this until November 1. (I do not knock on doors on Sundays for obvious reasons.)

Don't forget the Otero County Commission Regular Meeting Thursday, Oct. 21. If you cannot attend, you can watch it live or archived on AlamogordoLive. The new FEMA Flood Map Ordinance will again be the subject of a public hearing as well as other agenda items.

We the people do not have to be just Democrats and Republicans, a commentary by Janet White.

Otero County Budget 2010-2011 At A Glance. This is by function not department.

New Mexico Wildlife Federation (NMWF) held a public meeting at the Tays Center on Saturday evening billed as an Economics Forum. Only one of the panel, Robert Curran, a sportsman, was local. Although NMWF refused to take a position on Otero Mesa becoming a National Monument with the stroke of the presidential pen, NMWF did admit that it supports Wilderness designation for the Organ Mountains.

Since we have pristine grasslands worthy of consideration for National Monument status, how did the grasslands survive under BLM and ranchers' care and now need another level of bureaucracy, the NPS, for protection? This defies even basic common sense.

I could go on and cite a number of facts that could not be rebutted at the meeting, such as nearly 45 years of decline in visitation at White Sands National Monument, something that even ecotourists can not cure.

But, I would rather refer you to a very interesting article by Walter E. Williams entitled "Profit vs. Nonprofit": http://patriotpost.us/opinion/walter-e-williams/2010/09/22/profit-versus-nonprofit/

Also, a favorite tool of mine to find out where organizations get their money is Quidestar where you can read their IRS 990's - always enlightening. http://www2.guidestar.org/

Also, Activest Cash is good for making the connections between large and small nonprofits and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). http://activistcash.com/index_foundations.cfm

We here in Otero County have a much greater interest in preserving Otero Mesa than anyone else. It is our home. All the promises in the world of money and ecotourists falling from the sky will not change the facts. Let's deal with reality.

The Otero Regular Meeting on September 16th was long and a "barn burner". You can view it at AlamogordoLive.net. If you have specific questions, please email me.

The meeting at the Detention Center was very educational. Virginia Blansett and her staff were forthcoming with their concerns and perspectives. All three candiates from District 1 attended. We were "interviewed" for the position of commissioner, as it should be, instead of us telling them "what is best". Every department could do this.

I attended the Boles Acres VFD training meeting. Visited with the Chaparral community Sunday and registered 10 voters. It is very encouraging to see people starting to realize they can make a difference.

"It does not take a majority to prevail ...
but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men."

Samuel Adams

Another Boles VFD meeting 9/9/10: Something I didn't know - calls to the departments are tallied up by the State Fire Marshall/State EMS. State funding to each VFD is based on number of calls received. Dog Canyon services come under umbrella of Boles Acres. Three members of Dog Canyon were in attendance. Asst.Chief Pete Tissley conducted the meeting. Met Chief John Bajar at the Otero Work Session the following morning.

Went to Dog Canyon to deliver a yard sign and ending up placing three. The community, like Boles Acres, is very receptive to the idea of being treated fairly. Apparently, the Corps of Engineers is ready to do a study on the escarpment near Dog Canyon. This came to light at the work session. That is the good news. The bad news, the county will be required to do a "2-foot" survey prior to that and the current estimated cost is $120K - and the "county doesn't have it".

The election on November 2 will include proposed amendments to the New Mexico Constitution. I know how I am voting, do you? Want to have a discussion?

Please read these, it takes less than 30 minutes to educate yourself. Amendment 3 is erroneously named to make you think it restricts felons' voting rights - it does just the opposite and leaves it up to state politicians!

Most of these "sound" good until you read the pros and cons.

"On November 2, 2010, five proposed constitutional amendments will appear on the New
Mexico general election ballot as the result of passage of joint resolutions by the New Mexico Legislature in its 2009 and 2010 regular legislative sessions.


CA 1 (2009) Allow the establishment of a college scholarship program for New
Mexico military war veterans.

CA 2 (2010) Allow county officials to serve three consecutive terms instead of
two.

CA 3 (2010) Modernize language regarding qualified electors by defining
mental incapacity for voting purposes; adopting federal requirements; and restricting felons from voting except when voting rights are restored by statute.

CA 4 (2010) Provide a property tax exemption for property of a veterans'
organization.

CA 5 (2010) Allow for the appointment of certain former members of the
legislature to certain civil offices.

Copy and paste the address below into your browser to read the analyses and arguments for and against the 5 Constitutional Amendments on your ballot November 2:

http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/lcsdocs/182482.pdf

JANET WHITE CAMPAIGN YARD SIGNS ARE IN. CALL OR EMAIL TO HAVE THEM DELIVERED. 575-921-1760 - janetwhitedesigns@msn.com

Have a get together at your home! I will provide postcard invitations, an appearance to meet your guests and answer questions. As you know, I don't "speechify", so these will be short, to the point, informal and educational.

On Wednesday last I stopped by the Boles Acres VFD and met with a couple of volunteers who were performing truck checks. Tonight I will be attending their business meeting.

What I learned at my first visit: The Chief is John Badjar and the Asst. Chief is Pete Nissley. Boles Acres #1 is located on Sage Avenue, Boles Acres #2 is located in Dog Canyon. Boles #1 has an ISO of 7 and Boles #2 is rated 9. Between the two locations they have 4 tenders, 3 engines, 2 medic units, 2 brush units, 1 air truck and a 1936 fire engine, way cool! 3/4 of the volunteers have some medical certification and they have between 20-25 members.

I learned that it costs approximately $2345 to fully equip a fire fighter with bunker gear; helmet, Nomex hood, boots, gloves, coat and pants.

They are automatically assisted by Oro Vista VFD and Alamo West.

Ride Along in Chaparral and Oro Grande Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, 8/26/2010:

I met up with Sgt. Tarantino at the Chaparral Substation around 9:30 am. After introductions and a tour of the facility, Sgt. Tarantino went about his regular duties with me in tow.

The substation is basically new and well-planned. The holding cells, layout and work areas are far superior to those at the Sheriff's Office in Alamogordo. Chaparral has an Intoxylizer (IR8000) for measuring alcohol levels which was reported to be a major part of the department's work - that and an exploding population of dogs. Tarantino expressed a need for a fulltime Animal Control Officer.

The substation is now almost fully staffed with two and sometimes three officers on duty. It is my understanding that although this particular day was routine, the evenings and nights are when most activity occurs. Otero and Dona Ana work closely together as the community is half in each county. I was able to meet some of the Dona Ana personnel at their office. It was change of shift time so there was more activity at their location.

What was easily observable is that the Otero side has more subtandard housing and smaller lots with more "converted" mobile homes, lower standard of living. This dynamic was solidified when the town was laid out. Otero has small lots, Dona Ana has large lots and acreages and all the schools.

The locals that I saw interacting with the Sheriff's Office were friendly, appreciative and slowed down when they got the finger shake. Some of the roads have speed limit changes that defy logic simply because they are in one county or the other. Don't see why this can't be resolved easily. Also, I would like to note that the street signs in Chaparral are far superior and more numerous than Boles Acres.

The new Otero Health Clinic is not operating yet. The weeds are so high it is impossible to read the phone number on the sign. "Do as I say, not as I do!"

I arrived just in time to attend Oro Grande VFD meeting. Chief Joe Bailey and Gene Crouch removed two batteries from the pumper as I asked questions.

Chief Bailey was the Chief for Alamogordo which has an ISO of 4. He told me that Oro Grande VFD donated $100k to build the Fire Training Center on the Holloman Highway.

Oro Grande has an ISO rating of 9. They have a pumper, a tanker and a brush truck and 10-12 volunteers. They meet once a month. They can only lower their ISO if there was access to more water. They just had their state inspection and came in "in good shape". They have new bunker gear, the protective suits and equipment, which costs about $5K per unit. What Chief Bailey needs is young people to train and learn this skill.

Highlights and lowlights

August 19th Regular County Commission Meeting:
* Commissioners accepted certificate of appreciation from U.S. Census Bureau. Otero County has 68K inhabitants.
* Public hearing to discuss proposed Environmental Department for Otero County. (There will be another public hearing next month on the 16th.) As reported in part by the Daily News:

"...Tommie Herrell, who is running for the District 1 commission seat currently held by Doug Moore, was the first member of the audience to make comment after Kirby's presentation. He said in doing his research with the NMED, he found the revenue and costs to do the permitting, inspecting and enforcing were quite different than those presented during the meeting by Kirby.

Herrell called it "silly" to duplicate services to citizens that the state already provides.

Rardin said Herrell was coming in at the end of a process the county began in January, and that Herrell ran into some of the same problems the county found in the beginning..."

What was not reported in the ADN:

The Alamogordo phone book, under New Mexico government listings, shows the address of the ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT as 1015 Cuba Avenue.

The Otero County Assessor's website shows the owner of 1015 Cuba Avenue to be HERRELL, TOMMIE & JOSETTE TRUST. Can you say conflict of interest?

*Aerowest Helicopters will be hired by the county for approximately $30K to conduct coyote reduction - Pinon. (The coyotes are thick in my area. Two dogs attacked in the past week. How about where you live?)

Outside the Commission Chambers: I have visited with three rural volunteer fire departments; Burro Flats, Oro Vista and Bent. Each is unique but what they have in common is dedicated people that provide an very valuable service.

Did you know the ISO (Insurance Services Organization) rating of the department serving you affects the fire insurance rates you pay? I didn't. The lower the ISO (Class 1 to 10), the lower the rates. In the whole U.S. with a total of 44,000 departments, 62 are Class 1 and 60% are Class 9.

Burro Flats (18 +/- members) Class 9
Bent (16 +/- members) Class 9
Oro Vista (20 +/- members) Class 5

Complete ADN report at http://www.alamogordonews.com/ci_15846442

Public Safety Access Point otherwise known as PSAP meeting today at 1:00 pm in the Otero County Commission chambers. Those in attendance were Commissioners Moore and Rardin, Manager Ray Backstrom, T.Makewich of Dispatch, Mike Mullikin, Otero IT, Undersheriff Sanchez, Doug Bourbon of Maintenence, Sharon Hill - Otero Commission Liaison, representatives of ASA Architects, representative of RBM - HVAC, candidates Benny House, L.C.Marshall and Janet White. The Purchasing Department was also represented. Representatives of Motorola participated via speaker phone.

Bid Lot 1: Demolition of existing interior is proceeding by employees of Otero County.

Bid Lot 2: 2057 sq.ft.rennovation of existing building for use by Dispatch (50'4" X 30'4 9/16". According to ASA, this bid will be published August 25 and again August 29, 2010. It will be due on the 13th of September and awarded by Commission vote at Regular Meeting on September 16, 2010. Watch the ADN for these bids if you are interested.

Bid Lot 3: Construction of 1641 sq.ft.garage to house SWAT vehicle and other county vehicles. Time frame not discussed.

Motorola in Mesa, Az, was not prepared to address the concerns of the commissioners but after lengthly (2 hours) discussion, the project appears to be on track.

Prior to this meeting was the RPOC meeting at Pepper's where Tommie Herrell (R), candidate for County Commission, District 1, was the speaker. It is fair to say this meeting was lightly attended. Mr. Herrell offered to buy lunch for the person who could answer a question at the end of his presentation. I was "disqualified" from participating because Mr. Herrell knew that I knew the answer. The question was, what is the county's budget? The answer is, roughly $35 Million.

I took a few notes at the RPOC meeting. I will tell you right now, with all due respect, Mr. Herrell and I are miles and miles apart in basic philosophy. L.C. Marshall (D), candidate for Otero County Commission, District 1, and I are light years away in our ideas.

Folks, this choice is going to be very easy because the candidates are being very open about what they believe. I hope and pray it remains this way throughout the campaign so that you know exactly what you are getting.

Saturday, August 14, Sandy and I attended the Restore the Constitution Rally, open carry, 8 1/2 miles north of Capitan. Alamogordo was well represented by its doers. Thanks to Dave for his photos of the event: https://cid-ac0c59d7f31cf82c.photos.live.com/play.aspx/Album%20of%20Capitan%20Rally?Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos

The speaker before me was J.D. "Will" Wilmeth, Independent and Constitutionalist candidate for Lea County Sheriff. I agreed with every single word Will said.

My address was not a campaign speech. There was no need for me to do that because Bob Wright's introduction was more than enthusiastic and communicated my character and commitment.

I addressed the need to remember who we are and the sacrifices made by those before us and our duty to pick up the torch and go forward. The attacks on our principles of freedom and responsibility are nothing new in the history of man. My quotes were "In Flander's Fields" http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm and the last few sentences of the Gettysburg Address "...-- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. "

The ADN has this to say, in part, about the rally:


Armed rally held near Capitan Alamogordo Daily News
By Marty Racine, For the Daily News
Posted: 08/15/2010 12:00:00 AM MDT


CAPITAN It wasn't the largest armed rally in U.S. history, as organizers had hoped, but an estimated 350 people attended the"Restore the Constitution Western Rally," held Saturday near Capitan.

The event, held on private land owned by Billy Weddige eight miles north of Capitan on Highway 246, coincided with an Eastern rally staged in Greensboro, N.C. It was broadcast live on at least 12 radio stations, with a feed by Ruidoso's KEDU-FM.

Supporters of various political candidates set up booths and passed out pamphlets while prominent members of both major political parties were in attendance. A Nogal-based band, the Longhorn Dance Band, entertained the crowd with county music.

At least half the attendees carried weapons, from M-16 rifles to pistols as an affirmation of the Second Amendment that gives citizens the right to keep and bear arms. But the rally reached beyond the Second Amendment in support of states' rights, enforcement of immigration laws, the Bill of Rights and other articles and amendments of the Constitution....



Be sure to take a look at the calendar on the right for upcoming events on my calendar. Onward and upward.

RESTORE THE CONSTITUTION WESTERN RALLY 2010
CAPITAN, NEW MEXICO
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14

http://rtcwesternrally.org/Home_Page.php

Old news that wasn't archived earlier. JW

EDITORIAL: 'Good old boy' network runs strong in Otero County
Thursday, July 01, 2010 4:06 PM

(Source: Alamogordo Daily News)By Alamogordo Daily News, N.M.
July 01--Congratulations on the editorial "Building deal involves shades of gray" in Sunday's Daily News. I think it will get many people to appreciate perception and its effects in a new light.

You asked, "Why didn't commission chairman Doug Moore speak out sooner?" I don't believe he would have spoken out at all without the dogged persistence of Janet White. White is an extremely knowledgeable woman in county affairs. She never misses a thing and we, in Otero County, should be proud and glad to have her vigilance and dedication working for us.

I hope the people of District 1 will give her favorable consideration in November.

Moore made some bad decisions, but it probably won't cause him any real harm since his tenure is about up on the county commission. People seem to forget about these things quickly, and with the apparent "good old boy" network at play in Otero County, Moore will rise again to run for some office or another.

My mother, who is 89, says she still thanks God regularly that none of her five children are politicians. I share her opinion.

Frank Gebbia Jr., Alamogordo


http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4270657

Important Otero County Information sent out 7/27/10 am.

Friends,

Below is a petition that will be delivered to Otero County Commissioners. Please read and if you agree, simply respond by email. I will then add your name to the petition noting electronic response. If you have questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Janet




We, the undersigned citizens/voters of Otero County, New Mexico, are aware of a desire on the part of Otero County Commissioners to move ahead with plans to renovate and equip 2351 Eddy Drive, Alamogordo.



This property is known as the old Pepsi building and is proposed as a new location for Otero County Sheriff’s Dispatch and Otero County Emergency Services. A target completion date of November 15, 2010, has been indicated.



We, the undersigned, are requesting the Otero County Commission place this project on hold until after January 1, 2011, when two commissioners will be sworn into office.



We, the undersigned, want this project to proceed in a deliberate, open and thoughtful manner which will best serve the needs of Otero County’s first responders and therefore provide the maximum level of safety to its citizens.



We want the opportunity to review Otero County’s long range plans to see that this project will achieve those goals prior to further actions.



Finally, we would request that a Public Hearing be scheduled where the Board can address questions and concerns on this project before further action is taken.

Update: 7/27/10 pm

Friends,

I met with Sheriff Blansett, Undersheriff Sanchez and Assistant Dispatch Supervisor Mackewich this afternoon.

John, Norbert and Terry were very helpful in explaining the need for the Public Safety Access Point (PSAP 911) equipment prior to the first of the year 2011. I was told today that Qwest will be making changes to its phone service sometime around January 2011. This change will have the potential to make existing dispatch equipment obsolete or non-functional. Of course, that would be a major safety concern for the public, peace officers, EMS and fire departments.

I assured John, Norbert and Terry that from my perspective, safety and security come first and are legitimate functions of our government.

As a result of what I learned at the meeting, I volunteered to remove paragraph 3 from the petition as waiting for the PSAP installation until after January 1 would be irresponsible:

"We, the undersigned, are requesting the Otero County Commission place this project on hold until after January 1, 2011, when two commissioners will be sworn into office."

In light of local, state and national economic and political climates, all other paragraphs will remain as they address legitimate concerns of citizens.

I welcome your feedback,

Janet

Where we are now: We have approximately 40 signatures on the petition. I am researching the Qwest change of service issue and will report what I find.

Billboard dedication, rally and four-hour plus observation of Otero County Sheriff's Dispatch.

Otero Tea Party Patriots are building momentum and members. With the election on November 2, County Fair - August 11-14, there is much to be discussed. The next meeting will be after the fair. If you want to be on their list, let me know.

From 7pm to well after 11pm, I observed Dispatch. The calls early on were mostly the result of heavy rains and flooded areas. Mixed in, were welfare check requests and requests from deputies in traffic stops for verification of licenses, etc.

Not only were Chris and Bruce receiving 911 calls, administrative calls, radio communications, their job requires them to provide documentation for deputies. The best way to describe their job is "rubbing their tummies while patting their heads" or keeping three to four balls in the air at the same time - something not many people can do.

Without going into a lot of detail, these folks have to know what they are doing and obviously, they do. Kudos. Our safety and that of the deputies, fire departments, EMS, depends of good communication. Here in Otero County, the problem is not the people. But, there is a definite lack of radio capabilities - no service areas and aging, unreliable equipment.

Meeting K-9 "Jimbo" and his handler was inspiring and depressing to learn about meth and it effects.

Learning and staying out of the way was my goal. My plan is to visit other departments as well. My only assistance came in the form of solving a math problem and was glad my grey matter didn't leave me under pressure.

Notes from Public Safety Access Point, PSAP, 911 meeting 7/21/10:

The location for PSAP will be 2351 Eddy, the old Pepsi building. The location will share space with Otero County Office of Emergency Services http://www.co.otero.nm.us/OCOES/ocoes.htm

Motorola is the vendor of the equipment for originally four consoles, now probably five to accomodate dispatch from a failed dispatch elsewhere. The power has been moved onto the new location and the tower is up but not completed. Security for the perimeter of the building was discussed; bollards, half-walls, etc. to prevent motorized attack.

Three employees of Motorola were in attendance. They need detailed construction plans to give estimates for additional console. Radio capability for the fifth console is needed in the budget. Chairman Moore is looking to a 11/15/10 completion date.

Special Meeting 7/22/10, Budget and approval of 30-day extension for County Attorney, Dan Bryant, contract. Clarissa McGinn requested that a copy of Mr. Bryant's contract be part of the supporting documents for the next Regular Meeting on August 19 where a vote will be taken to continue the contract for the last year. This contract will be available on the County's website http://66.208.116.79:8080/agenda/otero as we get closer to the Work Session 8/11/10.

Budget discussion in its entirety can be viewed at http://www.alamogordolive.net/

The proposed ordinance generated to comply with new FEMA map can be read at "Proposed Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance 10-06" button.

Please read the Bills List at the same Home Page link above. Advisory - You may regret it if you read these lists of bills paid on a full stomach. There was some discussion between commissioners at the Special Meeting about not being able to determine if the bills paid were budgeted. There is no way to determine this without a copy of the budget in hand and checking each item. How can you stay within budget if you don't compare expenditures to budget? Answer, you can't. Also, it was discussed that bills list be approved before payment rather than after the fact. DUH!

Today is the Special Meeting of the Otero County Commission regarding the budget. I will report later on this meeting, PSAP, Public Safety Access Point (911), and FEMA flood map.

As a prelude to the budget meeting:

Gov’s estimates were wrong: NM rev down by $32.5m for 2010, $159.3m for 2011

http://newmexico.watchdog.org/2820/govs-estimates-were-wrong-nm-rev-down-by-32-5m-for-2010-159-3m-for-2011/

New $300 million state deficit
Sneak peak at grim NM revenue estimates

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/home/new-%24300-million-state-deficit

Just to let you know what I have been doing.....

July 12 attended the Fair Tax Rider meeting at Margo's. Great turnout. Wow.

July 13 attended the Machinists' Union Meeting, introduced myself and answered good questions. I liked the meeting because I didn't see the same faces and was treated very fairly.

July 15 attended the Otero County Regular Meeting. From my perspective, this was the most contentious meeting in four years; from the "lawfulness" of the Fair Board signs to the final payment of the Chapparal Health Center to the FEMA required ordinance regarding new flood map - this is one to get involved with.

July 16 attended meeting in Cloudcroft regarding Restore America. Benny House was in attendance. Huge crowd and very well run.

July 17 attended Otero Tea Party Patriots meeting.

In my spare time I have ordered "rack cards" and reordered campaign business card as I have only a handfull. Thank you one and all for the verbal tips in lieu of contributions. Those words or encouragement and info are what keep me energized. I am deeply appreciative to those who have contributed what they can, large and small. I know when someone gives me hard-earned cash they are serious about getting some new faces, ones that they can trust, in local politics and are sick and tired of seeing Otero County wither on the vine.

Onward and upward with humility of the job ahead,

Janet

FAIR TAX Rider Mike McLean's Harley. Mike and his wife gave a presentation to a packed room at Margo's yesterday. Click link to learn about the Freedom Ride and links to FAIR TAX. http://www.grassrootsfreedomride.com/ Mike was escorted by other bikers including New Mexico's Sons of Liberty from Roswell to Alamogordo.

There it is, one day a frame; the next, a finished highway sign. Many, many thanks to Gene. See what happens when people get a fire in their belly and keep their word? My friends are just like that.

Installation progress for a huge campaign sign. Can you guess where it is? Kudos to Gene for the ingenuity, good taste and hard work.

I have put up a new link "Otero Bills' List". Each Friday, and sometimes in between, bills submitted to the County are compiled for the Commission's approval. If you want to see where the money is being spent in Otero County, this is the place to go. It lists details: Amount paid, for what, to whom, for which department.

Building deal involves shades of gray
Alamogordo Daily News
Daily News Editorial
Posted: 06/27/2010 12:00:00 AM MDT


Despite what some people may believe, appearances really do matter, especially when it involves politics and personal business.
While checking into claims of impropriety concerning the Otero County Commission's purchase of the old Firestone building on White Sands Boulevard, one question kept begging to be asked: Why didn't commission chairman Doug Moore speak out sooner?

Instead, there was the appearance of secrecy about the whole deal until Janet White, who is running as an independent candidate for Moore's seat that he will vacate in November because of term limits, brought forth allegations of wrongdoing and behind-the-scenes shenanigans.

Those allegations involve Moore, whose company, Lane Plumbing, performed work on the building that was purchased by the same commission over which he presides. The county approved, during a special meeting June 3, the purchase of the almost 12,000-square-foot building for about $1.44 million. It will house the assessor, treasurer and county clerk offices.

Moore and commissioner Clarissa McGinn voted to approve the purchase, while commissioner Ronny Rardin was absent because of a prior commitment.

Moore claims that, legally, he did nothing wrong since there is no clear-cut law forbidding elected county officials or employees from personally benefiting from the actions and votes of their employer's in this case, the Otero County Commission.

The Otero County policy regarding procurement of tangible personal property, services and construction defines an employee of the county as any person receiving a salary, wage, per diem and mileage from the county.

According to a copy of the policy we obtained, it can include elected officials even non-compensated individuals who perform personal services as an elected or appointed official, or performing personal services in some other capacity for the county.

The ethical conduct section of the employee participation policy states no employee of the county can participate directly or indirectly in procurement when the employee knows that he or she or any member of that person's immediate family has a financial interest in the business seeking or obtaining a contract.

But, in the eyes of the law, nothing illegal occurred. Because of that, Moore did nothing wrong.

Moore told us his private business is a private matter. What he fails to acknowledge is that "private" does not apply to a public official in situations such as this. There is this thing called perception to which the public clings. That is why Moore is hearing, as he told us recently, "veiled comments and innuendo" within the community that he has done something illegal or inappropriate.

And it doesn't help that Moore, who was running for the District 5 seat on the Public Regulation Commission, was taken off the ballot prior to the June primary elections because a judge ruled he didn't have enough valid signatures to qualify for a spot on the ballot.

The complaint against Moore, a Republican, filed in Valencia County alleges some of Moore's nominating signatures were not from Republicans, some were from people who do not live in District 5 and others were illegible. Some of the signatures for Moore did not have sufficient information to confirm they were valid; two more were from people who signed Moore's petition twice; and one signed Moore's and Jamie Estrada's another PRC District 5 candidate from Las Cruces petitions.

We're not accusing Moore of wrongdoing, but both cases show his failure to dot the i's and cross the t's.

In the absence of crystal-clear laws regulating what is and isn't a conflict of interest, public officials should always avoid the appearance of impropriety because it's a matter of trust between the elected official and the voter.

Moore also told us that if he had a direct contract with the county, "then I would abstain. That would be the ethical and moral thing to do. I am not going to vote to give myself something."

His company's plumbing work in the "new" county building deal may be legal, but its appearance is anything but ethical or moral. Moore should have erred on the side of caution. Elected officials should always abstain from votes where there may be a conflict of interest, no matter what the law states.

Because to Moore's employer, the taxpayers of Otero County, appearances do matter.

http://www.alamogordonews.com/alamogordo-opinion/ci_15387065

Moore defends actions in building purchase
Alamogordo Daily News
By Duane Barbati, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/26/2010 12:00:00 AM MDT

Otero County Commission chairman Doug Moore disclosed Thursday that his company, Lane Plumbing, did work as a subcontractor on the new county building, also known as the old Firestone building, at 1104 White Sands Blvd.
Moore said he has 47 employees who work for him.

"I was contracted to do the plumbing," he said. "It was the whole plumbing system in the building. I didn't bid on it. I didn't have anything to do with it."

Moore and Clarissa McGinn voted to approve the purchase of the building during a special meeting June 3. Commissioner Ronny Rardin was absent from that meeting because of a prior commitment.

The county purchased the 11,928-square-foot building for $1.44 million that houses the assessor's, treasurer's and county clerk's offices. It is priced at $122 per square foot.

"I have people that bid on jobs and superintendents," he said. "I do very little in the operations of the business. I own several businesses. I wasn't in on the whole process about any of it. We work for almost all the contractors in town, like White Sands and National. We're all subcontractors because it's what we do for a living."

Moore said at some point Lane Plumbing was given a set of plans to bid upon.

"We turned in a bid," he said. "Beyond that, it's the normal scenario. We submitted the bid as any other plumber did. When I come to the county commission meetings, I am not a plumber. I am a county commissioner for District 1. I try to maintain that professionalism."

Moore said he believes there have been veiled comments and innuendos that he has done something illegal or inappropriate.

"I am not going to respond to those as a commissioner," he said. "In my private business, it's a private matter. If anybody wants to know about the construction documents on that building, it's public information. Anybody is welcome to peruse that."

Moore said he feels he is being unfairly attacked by Janet White.

"We did the plumbing under contract to White Sands Construction," he said, "when White Sands owned the building. There was no inside deal. I didn't get the job because I was a commissioner. It was a heads-up deal and sent to Dennis Crimmins (White Sands director of operations)."

Moore said he believes the county has no policy against its commissioners bidding on projects.

"There's some decorum," he said. "If I had a direct contract with the county, then I would abstain. That would be the ethical and moral thing to do. I am not going to vote to give myself something."

According to the Otero County purchasing policy for procurement of tangible personal property, services and construction, an employee of the county is defined as any person receiving a salary, wages, per diem and mileage from the county.

According to a copy of the policy obtained by the Daily News, they can be elected officials and can even be non-compensated individuals who are performing personal services as an elected or appointed official, or performing personal services in some other capacity for the county.

According to the ethical conduct section of the employee participation policy, no employee of the county can participate directly or indirectly in procurement when the employee knows that the employee, or any member of that employee's immediate family, has a financial interest in the business seeking or obtaining a contract.

It further states the prohibition does not apply if the financial interest is held in a blind trust.

County manager Ray Backstrom said the county was working with Tommie Herrell and Dennis Crimmins at the time on the procurement of the building and construction.

"The county wanted to purchase real estate," Backstrom said. "The county did not own the building. White Sands owned the building."

Crimmins said he worked with Herrell to do the construction on the building before the county was interested in it.

"The bidding process was done before I bought the building," Crimmins said. "When Herrell owned it, he was trying to get prices. He came to me for pricing on the construction of the building. I went out and got the price for the construction, or turnkey pricing, because I am the general contractor on the building."

Crimmins said he usually goes with the lowest bid.

"The bidding prices are private because it's between me and my contractors," he said. "It's a standard practice in the construction industry. It's based on an agreement between me and my subcontractors."

Crimmins said he sold the county a completed building.

"I didn't sell them one subcontractor to build it cheaper than another subcontractor," he said. "It's no different than a consumer going out and buying a house. The person buys a house, then they want to know what everyone was paid to do the work."

Crimmins said he believes the project took about six months to complete.

"It was about the normal time frame," he said. "A $1.44 million job runs between six to eight months. The county got a great deal on it. A building this size, the county could have easily paid $1.50 per square foot. They paid $1.22 per square foot. It also included the land, design and construction."

Crimmins said he believes one of the reasons the county received a good deal was because Herrell originally received a good deal on the building, then flipped it to him at a good price.

"This deal was worked out between me and Herrell," he said. "Herrell worked it out with the county. The only thing different about this deal is if the county would have owned the building. If the county would have bought the building, then put it out to bid, they would have had to put it out for design fees. They would have had to put it out to bid. They would have had to pay the Davis-Bacon Wage Act. All of those would have increased the price at a minimum of 25 percent and up to 35 percent more."

Crimmins said he believes the construction of about six months was twice as fast versus the county doing the construction.

"If they would have purchased the building, designed it, put it out to bid and had it built, it would have took them twice as much time," he said. "This is not something new. This a way a lot of government entities do it. I just did a $9 million building in Deming. We built it with partners and turned it over to the county afterwards. The Otero County building is a beautiful building."


Contact Duane Barbati at dbarbati@alamogordonews.com.

http://www.alamogordonews.com/ci_15381836

Building deal legit
Commissioners searched for alternative locations for about three years before buying old Firestone structure
Alamogordo Daily News
By Duane Barbati, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/24/2010 12:00:00 AM MDT


The Otero County Commission's purchase of the old Firestone building for county administration offices was originally supposed to be about $1.35 million, but additions to the building put the purchase price at more than $1.4 million.
Commission chairman Doug Moore and Clarissa McGinn voted to approve the purchase of the building at 1104 White Sands Blvd. during a special meeting June 3. Commissioner Ronny Rardin was absent from the meeting because of a prior commitment.

Rardin said he had first heard Tommy Herrell had purchased the building in 2009.

"Herrell had started tearing the building apart to put offices in it," Rardin said. "I saw it then and thought, 'Why didn't we buy it?' because it's so close to our offices (on New York Avenue)."

Rardin said McGinn was against purchasing the building because of the liability aspects of a vacant building that was torn apart and unsecured.

"There were some hobos living in it and it was an empty shell of a building," Rardin said. "McGinn didn't want the liability and Herrell said he was going to make it into offices, then the county can buy it from him (Herrell). If we (the county) were going to, this is how we would want it built."

He said the county decided to purchase the building after it was built to their specification.

Herrell is running for the District 1 county commission seat in the November general election. Herrell provided the Daily News with the purchase agreement on the building between him and Dennis Crimmins, of White Sands Construction.

Herrell said he sold the building to White Sands Construction for $257,000 because he was running for the commission seat.

"I purchased the building for $200,000 in December 2008," he said. "I want the public to know the truth. I think there has been a lot of misinformation and a lot of innuendos about it. I am being out in the open. I am getting the facts straight out there because I am running for county commission. I want people to know that they can trust me."

Herrell originally purchased the property to remodel it into office space, then started to tear out the heating and air conditioning unit, cleaned the roof and demolished the interior of the building, which cost him about $30,000. He had also paid an additional cost of $24,000 for architecture designs, interest for the loan on the building and a Phase 1 environmental study on the site and building.

Herrell said someone approached him about the county purchasing the building from him.

"I told the county that I'll stop what I am doing and sell it to them," he said. "They approached me in February 2009. I sold it to Crimmins because I was going to run for the commission seat. I had talked to Radio Shack and a restaurant to rent space in the building. I could have made about $150,000 a year in rent on the building, but the county needed it. I didn't make any money on it."

County manager Ray Backstrom said the county had been looking at different locations to move the county clerk, assessor and treasurer's offices because they needed to move them out of the courthouse.

"We looked at the old Walmart building at the U.S. Highway 54/70 area," Backstrom said. "We needed additional space for them. They have moved into the offices in the remodeled building at 1104 White Sands Blvd. The commission has been looking for a new location for the last three years that I remember."

The original purchase agreement for the building from White Sands Construction was just over $1.3 million, but construction changes put the building at $1.44 million.

The 11,328-square-foot building, which includes a basement in the facility, also had an addition added to the building, plus $94,353.62 in construction changes that include an access control of exterior doors, fiber link cable, security conduit, heating and air conditioning unit, additional windows and sealing of the parking lot prior to striping.

Backstrom said he believes it's a beautiful building.

"I think it was a good buy for the county," he said. "It allows the county to add another courtroom in the courthouse for an additional judge, which we need."

Rardin said he believes it was the best purchase for the county.

"If it wasn't election season, Janet White would have never said a word about it," he said. "I gave her all the information. I would give anybody the information. We weren't hiding anything. We went about it in the right way. It was a liability issue of a building that was not finished. We only paid about $122 per square foot for the building. I think we still got a deal for the county."

June 24, Regular Meeting of Otero County Commissioners

Three items of note:

(1) Clarissa McGinn, Commissioner District 2, requested and received confirmation from Ray Backstrom, County Manager, that the Bills' List (sounds innocuous, right?) will be easily accessible on county website. It is not on the home page yet but assurances were given that it will be soon.

(2) There was a departure from the usual "we're going into executive session, do I have a motion?" type language. At this meeting Commissioner McGinn asked for specifics as to which items of generic A-G items would be addressed. (I will address this later under Open Meetings Act.) I know it sounds like jibberish but this is highly significant to those of us who are believers in the word of the law. Stay tuned as I bring you updates and attempt to communicate the significance of this departure from the norm.

(3) Grace Gonzales, County Treasurer, was nominated to be a voting member of NACo - National Association of Counties. Commissioner Rardin has a position with NACo that does not allow him to vote so a voting member was necessary. The vote was unanimous. Rardin and Gonzales will be attending the next meeting in Reno, NV. For the curious, I do suggest you go to NACo's website and get a feel for where they are headed.