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.
Scandal-plagued Public Regulation Commissioner Jerome Block Jr. is a suspect in a stolen auto case, reports the Santa Fe New Mexican.
Block allegedly took a 2006 Honda Accord on a test-drive from a Santa Fe dealership on July 13 and never returned the car, despite repeated calls from the dealership. Block took the car on a test drive just days after he voluntarily gave up his state driving privileges after PRC Chief of Staff Johnny Montoya confronted him about the results of a PRC-wide review showing that he had a suspended license since July 2010. A source told the paper that what appeared to be a suicide note was found in the car.
PRC Chairman Pat Lyons said the commission will vote on a resolution of no confidence against Block, followed by a resolution urging him to resign in the interest of his constituents. Both Gov. Susana Martinez and the state Democratic Party, of which he is a member, have called on him to resign.
The son of PRC Commissioner Jerome Block Sr., Block has faced a number of scandals in recent days, in addition to campaign finance violations stemming from his 2008 campaign. They include:
The PRC has no power to remove Block; however, the legislature could impeach him if he does not resign.
