Editorials
Editorial content. Content posted here may or may not reflect the opinions of the Beat. They reflect the opinions of the author.
The Fentanyl Crisis is Preying on Our Children - Opinion
- Category: Editorials Editorials
- Published: 12 January 2024 12 January 2024
By: Representative Stafani Lord
c: 505-220-1913
In the shadow of unceasing and harrowing tales of child neglect and abuse across our state, compounded by the escalating menace of the fentanyl crisis preying on our children, our duty as legislators to act with urgency and resolve has never been more pressing. This is why I am proposing a legislative amendment to our Criminal Code – a decisive step to recognize that exposing a child to fentanyl is unmistakably an act of child abuse. This amendment is not just my voice but echoes the urgent calls from our law enforcement and district attorneys.
Why does Financial Literacy matter in our schools?
- Category: Editorials Editorials
- Published: 10 January 2024 10 January 2024
By State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya
Growing up in rural NM, the eldest of three, I had no choice but to grow up fast. I helped care for my siblings and in addition, worked my first jobs cleaning houses and babysitting. I gave the money I earned to my mama, and quickly learned the value of a dollar, the meaning of family unity, and teamwork.
Like many NM families, I grew up with humble beginnings and learned most of my life lessons regarding finances by trial and error, whether it was my own or someone I knew. Although I loved math and was in Calculus in high school, I had no clue as to how to balance a check book, know what a savings account was, or what a stock or CD were.
First: Do No Harm
- Category: Editorials Editorials
- Published: 04 January 2024 04 January 2024
By Paul J. Gessing
With yet another massive budget surplus awaiting the New Mexico Legislature as they convene in Santa Fe for the 2024 30-day legislative session, this column should rightly be replete with ideas for how the Gov. and Legislature can use that surplus to diversify the State's economy and bring New Mexico out of poverty. Alas, if we learned nothing from last year's 2023 session, it is that even at a time of surplus, the Legislature can still harm our economy.
As the Legislature convened last year with a $3.6 billion surplus, the tax "omnibus" bill included provisions that would have raised the personal income tax, "sin" taxes on alcohol and tobacco, and would have raised capital gains and corporate income taxes as well. All tax hikes must come from somewhere and they always come out of the pockets of businesses and consumers. Gov. Lujan Grisham (thankfully) vetoed the tax hikes contained in last year's "omnibus" bill.
Colorado Supreme Court is "Like a Box of Chocolates"
- Category: Editorials Editorials
- Published: 01 January 2024 01 January 2024
"Why doesn’t every American understand that If they can do this to a former US President, EVERYONE is vulnerable to punishment for crimes with which they have never been convicted. -- Robert F. Kennedy Jr, Dec. 21, 2023, posting on social media the Colorado Supreme Court ruling disallowing Trump on the 2024 ballot.
* * * * *
Forrest Gump was an Einstein compared to the brainiacs sitting on the bench of Colorado's Supreme Court. His movie comment, "Stupid is as stupid does" would have been too easy a headline selection, and an obvious give-away for this article.
I'll just leave it to the reader to recall the conclusion of his remark -- "You never know what you're gonna get" when comparing the court's recent Trump resolution to Forrest's chocolate candy observations.
Arbitration Stalemate Continues Between Grant County and AFSCME Local 2516
- Category: Editorials Editorials
- Published: 14 December 2023 14 December 2023
In a protracted dispute that has been ongoing since October 2022, the arbitration between Grant County and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2516 has hit a roadblock, with five crucial articles, including Overtime, Holidays, Disciplinary Action, Wages, and Terms of Agreement, yet to be decided. Multiple attempts in the past 3 years have been made to complete negotiations with Grant County, however each attempt was denied due to lack of participation by Grant County manager(s) that were in office at the time.
Negotiations between Grant County and AFSCME have been marked by tension and many rescheduled negotiation sessions, ultimately leading to an impasse in August 2023. In a bid to break the deadlock, a mediator was brought in. Unfortunately, the mediation process failed to yield a resolution, leading to the selection of an arbitrator in October 2023.
Another EV Mandate Looms
- Category: Editorials Editorials
- Published: 13 December 2023 13 December 2023
By Paul Gessing
Fresh off her “victory” in pushing a vast increase in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) sold in New Mexico through a board appointed by her (on a 3-2 vote of a 7 member board), New Mexico Gov. Lujan Grisham is pushing yet another regulation to force EV s on an unwilling public. The Gov.’s latest plan is to mandate EV charging stations and equipment for newly built apartment buildings and other commercial real estate.
The “good” news is that while news reports back in September reported that up to 20% of all parking spaces would have to be outfitted with EV charging stations costing $18,000 per unit, the “final” revised proposal limits required EV spaces to 5% of all spaces with another 15% being so-called “EV capable.”
This rule is going to be voted on by the Construction Industries Division (CID) at their January 3 meeting. The Rio Grande Foundation is again asking people to weigh in on this issue at our KeepYourCarsNM.com website. Messages will now be sent to the CID.
Vibrant campuses begin overseas
- Category: Editorials Editorials
- Published: 13 December 2023 13 December 2023
WNMU Student Regent Trent JonesAs a student attending Western New Mexico University, I have come to discover that higher education is just as much about expanding opportunities through education and training as it is about developing forward-thinking minds prepared to enter a globalized society. University campuses are a medley of nationalities, cultures and traditions—a social diversity that not only creates vibrancy but understanding while fostering a wide perspective of thought and opinion.
As a student enrolled in the WNMU School of Business, I feel fortunate for the opportunity to learn from both students and professors who come from various nations, bringing with them their wealth of knowledge and diversity of thought into the classroom, enriching my learning experience. My international peers bring their culture and share their traditions as I share mine, experiences worth more than dollars and cents.
Unnecessary spending at WNMU?
- Category: Editorials Editorials
- Published: 08 December 2023 08 December 2023
Some of us in Silver City may have noticed all the "improvements" going on at Western New Mexico University.
At least some of it, the better lighting and the planting of trees, as well as the use of solar panels for energy use, likely benefit the community and the university.
But it also seems that many of the expenditures, some lavish, are unseen. However, a recent article in Searchlight New Mexico have brought those expenditures to the light of day.
Where, I ask, do the members of the WNMU Board of Regents stand on this outrageous spending? Have they been too charmed by his convincing words?