I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Just in case you missed it, the New York Times reported last week on Gov. Bill Richardson’s potential problem getting confirmed as commerce secretary, given the federal investigation of CDR Financial Products Inc.’s ability to gain lucrative contracts with the state at the same time it was giving extremely large donations to political action committees organized by Richardson — totaling at least $110,000 in all.
The governor isn’t commenting, but a spokesman for CDR Financial President David Rubin told the Times it was not only all fair and square but that we don’t live in Nigeria either.
“David Rubin makes a lot of contributions to a lot of causes, especially liberal Democratic causes,” Allan Ripp said. “It’s unfortunate that people are trying to connect dots that aren’t there.”
The Times also gives a rundown on the composition of the New Mexico Finance Authority, which awarded the contracts to CDR. The NMFA is composed of 12 members. Four are appointed by the governor, six others are members of his Cabinet, and the executive director at the time the contracts were given was David Harris, former deputy chief of staff to Richardson.
Essentially, the authority is closely associated with the governor’s office.
Nonetheless, Ripp noted: “You can’t get contracts because of money. This isn’t Nigeria.”
I don’t know about NMI readers, but given the news lately — both nationally as well as right here in New Mexico — I think that statement might be considered offensive by many Nigerians.
