If they can do this to Fenn, they can do it to you
The decay of democracy and the rule of law in Truth or Consequences is nearly complete, as seen in Fenn's recent scapegoating. Beware, you could be next.
Category Analyses
Good candidates desperately needed for three seats
Three seats are up on the Truth or Consequences city commission. We need serious, fresh, hardworking candidates. The city is facing failing water, wastewater and electric infrastructure. Current commissioners have failed to lead or inform the public what is to be done.
The electric department is a prime example of lack of city management and planning
A quick overview of the electric department's main purchases over the last four years explains why it and other departments are in bad shape. Management is the problem, caused by a leadership vacuum at the elected-official level.
“Consumer confidence report” on water quality does not instill confidence
Amidst massive water leaks and water repairs and with water and sewer pipes being the same 80 years or so old and often running parallel, I often wonder why there are no boil orders when pipes break. The "consumer confidence report" doesn't begin to allay water-purity concerns.
Town hall on special hospital district dishes more of the same
The people should not sign the petition to get the question of a special hospital district and five hospital trustees on the ballot. The elected officials on the hospital owners' board haven't reported to us over the years and another passel of them won't fix that.
Stuff you need to know, 5.12.23
Today's intelligence: cautiously optimistic predictions of the impact of the end of Title 42 on New Mexico's Mesilla Valley
Truth or Consequences city commission approves massive draft budget—$51 million
City commissioners breezed through budget talks scheduled for two days but cut to one day. Nevertheless, its an insane amount of money to be spent for a city with a population of 6,042.
Stuff you need to know, 5.4.23
Today's intelligence: Can New Mexico's new bill granting the state permitting control over nuclear waste storage facilities survive a court challenge from the federal government? What will it take to get the feds to clean up a water pollution problem at Kirtland Air Force Base?
Municipal Court’s elimination approved by NM Supreme Court
A check and balance on the TorC city commission and city staff is erased with the elimination of the municipal court. The people's and Judge Beatrice Sanders's voice were quashed in the process.
Stuff you need to know, 5.1.23
Today's intelligence: Last spring's Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon disaster has exposed the shortcomings of FEMA's response to wildfires.
T or C city commission passes a general obligation bond ordinance far scarier than it needs to be
As the Wizard of Oz said when Toto revealed him pulling levers behind the scenes, "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain." The public hearing on the general obligation bonds was just theater, the decisions made beforehand and behind closed doors.
Stuff you need to know, 4.14.23
Today's intelligence: how last year's wildfires have imperiled many of New Mexico's acequias, including 30 identified as harmed in the southwest region of the state