Opinion

Baby Bonds A Crucial Investment In New Mexico’s Health

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By Dr. Samuel Swift, MPH, PhD

As an assistant professor teaching public health, I begin every class by asking my students what they believe is the biggest public health problem in New Mexico. Semester after semester, the most common answer I get is “poverty”.

Our students know intuitively what over a century of epidemiological research has shown, which is that wealth creates health.

New Mexicans who have more educational and economic opportunities live longer lives, are more able to avoid preventable diseases, and contribute more to our community. Unfortunately, many of our young adults Read More

DPS Cabinet Secretary Jason R. Bowie Issues Public Statement On New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification Board Special Meeting Of Feb. 21, 2025

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By JASON R. BOWIE
Cabinet Secretary
New Mexico Department of Public Safety

Before I begin, I want to acknowledge the members of this board, (New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification Board) (LECB), who work tirelessly to ensure accountability in law enforcement. Your service, largely voluntary, is essential to the State of New Mexico and does not go unnoticed. Also, there are chiefs and sheriffs, current and retired, on this board which I’ve witnessed firsthand have demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout their career and while serving their communities. My remarks today are Read More

Op-Ed: About Those Smith’s Marketplace Complaints…

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By TOBIAS HAAG
Los Alamos

I found this letter interesting for a variety of reasons. I have a few perspectives on why LA County decided to allow the only Smith’s Marketplace in New Mexico to operate in Los Alamos. It should be noted that I am not a Smith’s employee, and my comments do not represent the beliefs of the organization.

I have worked in retail and retail management for 17 years, split evenly between Los Alamos and surrounding areas. I am going to say some things that will undoubtedly irritate some of you readers, so please understand I am in no way a representative of Smith’s or Kroger.

My first Read More

Equitable Disclosure Legislation: A Win-Win For New Mexico’s Economy And Business Community

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By NATHAN BROOKS
Albuquerque

New Mexico stands at a pivotal moment to redefine property tax assessments for commercial real estate with fairness and transparency. A groundbreaking new legislative proposal, developed in collaboration between the County Assessors Affiliate and the business community ensures that businesses can plan with confidence while the state secures reliable property tax revenues.

This legislation offers a balanced approach to one of the most critical issues facing commercial property owners today: the unpredictability of property tax increases. By introducing Read More

Ringside Seat: Former Senator Turns Down Regent Seat

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By MILAN SIMONICH
The Santa Fe New Mexican

Bathed in scandal and soaked by greed, Western New Mexico University lost its chance to land an excellent administrator.

Former state Sen. Siah Correa Hemphill, D-Silver City, told me she turned down an offer from the governor to be a regent of WNMU. Litigation regarding irresponsible spending by the previous board shaped her decision.

“After a lot of thought about the reality of being on the board of regents, I declined. The attorney general said new board members will be the ones who most likely will be sued ‘in their capacity,’ so I’m sure it will be a Read More

Op-Ed: Calling On Elected Officials To Honor Oath

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By CELINA STEWART
CEO
League of Women Voters of the United States

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the League of Women Voters of the United States CEO Celina Stewart issued the following statement in response to actions taken by the new administration and the impact on voters.

“In the first 17 days of the Trump administration, we’ve witnessed nothing short of the weaponization of government against Americans. The callousness of the most recent actions, including the terrorizing of the immigrant community, shows a blatant disregard for the well-being of the American people. We’ve seen the weakening Read More

McQuiston: Hidden Costs Of High-Tech Features In Cars

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By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963

New cars are packed with cutting-edge technology designed to enhance safety, convenience, and entertainment. From advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to massive touchscreen displays, today’s vehicles feel more like computers on wheels. But while these features add luxury and innovation, they also come with a hefty hidden cost—one that most buyers don’t fully consider until it’s too late.

The Price Tag of High-Tech Features

Car manufacturers are quick to advertise the benefits of their latest tech, but they

Read More

Op-Ed: Be A Warrior For Democracy!

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By GEORGE CHANDLER
Los Alamos

On Saturday Feb. 22 at noon, Chair Andrea Determan will convene the Democratic Party of Los Alamos County at the Unitarian Church on North Sage Loop. First the three wards (North Townsite, South Townsite, and White Rock) will meet to elect ward officers and members of the Central Committee. Then the new Central Committee will meet to elect County officers (Chair, vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer) and at-large members of the State Central Committee. Takes usually about two – three hours. You can attend, vote, and run for any of the positions if you are a registered Read More

Commentary: Rube And New Mexico Residents Should Be Confused By This Bad Bill

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By BILL CHURCH
The Santa Fe New Mexican

The dynamics of a legislative body — especially one trying to find its identity — are similar to the junior year of high school. The 11th grade is cited as critical for social emotional learning, which is a fancy way of describing the art of playing well with others.

There are lawmakers who get noticed for their personal skills, work ethic and public service. Others who are more focused on getting attention. And others who are ignored.

Just like high school.

Who knows which cool-kids clique Rep. Kathleen Cates, a Democrat, wants to hang with at the Roundhouse, Read More

Op-Ed: New Mexico Legislature Should Focus On Current Needs, Not Building Permanent Funds

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By CARTER SWANSON
Policy Analyst
Rio Grande Foundation

More and more New Mexico chooses to stockpile money in permanent funds, rather than spend. The total value of these funds is currently a mind-blowing $58 billion. This means that the New Mexico State Investment Council has one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world (according to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute).

There are only two states, Texas and Alaska, that have larger funds. It is speculated that in the coming decades, revenue from these permanent funds will surpass revenue from oil and gas.

On its face this sounds like Read More