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.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
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/
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/
Monday, October 18, 2010
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."
"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."
Sunday, October 17, 2010
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 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.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, September 20, 2010
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
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
Thursday, September 09, 2010
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".
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".
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
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
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
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.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 02, 2010
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
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
Thursday, July 29, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, July 26, 2010
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.
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