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.
An air quality permit hearing held Wednesday night was well-attended by local politicians, interested in being responsive to their constituents, and maybe picking up a few votes along the way.
Albuquerque City Councilor Debbie O’Malley and state Rep. Ed Sandoval both attended the hearing and spoke out against a permit extension for American Cement. One resident read a statement from state Sen. Dede Feldman, who represents the North Valley.
Richard Romero, the former State Senate President Pro-tem, and current candidate for mayor of Albuquerque, had been one of the first to arrive at the hearing. Romero said he had heard at a neighborhood association meeting that residents were upset about the plant, and that he was there “mostly to listen.” He left without testifying.
Also in the audience was ex-speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives, Raymond Sanchez who was been hired by GCC to “facilitate neighborhood relations.” He arrived early and stayed until the end, but didn’t speak.
Sanchez and Steve Gallegos, a former Albuquerque City Councilor and Bernalillo County Commissioner, were both retained by the cement company to help smooth over tensions with neighbors.
But at least one resident bristled at their involvement.
“We have not been able to ascertain exactly what their role is in the certification process,” said David Wood, vice president of the Greater Gardner Neighborhood Association. ” And we don’t want to be lobbied!”
