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.
Two of the individuals indicted along with former Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron yesterday by the state were widely reported to be lobbyists for the City of Albuquerque.
While Joe and Elizabeth Kupfer are listed on the Secretary of State’s website as lobbyists for Albuquerque, it’s no longer the case, according to Deborah James, communications director for Mayor Martin Chavez.
In response to an inquiry by the Independent, James said the city has been downsizing its lobbying team and had already decided to not rehire the two:
The City of Albuquerque has been cutting back on lobbyists for the past three years and had already determined not to hire a lobbyist for the next legislative session. The City has no contract with these individuals.
UPDATE: James later clarified with us that the decision to not renew the contract of the Kupfers was made last December and that their contract was up in June of this past year:
In the past the City did have a contract. The decision not to hire a lobbyist was made back in December and their contract ended in June of this past year.
Here are some of the charges against the two, reported yesterday by NMI’s Trip Jennings:
Fraud over $20,000 – four counts; or, in the alternative, embezzlement over $20,000
Money laundering over $100,000
Money laundering over $20,000
Attempts to evade or defeat tax
Making or permitting false public voucher
Soliciting or receiving illegal kickback – one count
Offering or paying illegal kickback – one count
Tampering with evidence – two counts
Conspiracy – one count
