Sierra County Citizen

Perspectives

Establishment of Sierra County flood control authority? A ballot question you should question.

I am sponsoring this guest perspective and two more to follow by Sierra County Flood Commissioner Sandy Jones, who was appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. He oversees flood-control projects using revenue from the 1.50 mills all property owners already pay for flood control.

Kathleen Sloan
October 24, 2024
Government

Analyses

I don’t know what I am voting for

I look some more at the ballot and am astounded at how naive I am about elections in a democracy. Take a look at the Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections.

Max Yeh
October 22, 2024
Education, Government, History/Natural History, Politics, Social Issues, Statewide News & Information

Perspectives

Do we know what we are voting for?

Image of hand putting ballot in ballot box.

Have you looked at the ballot yet? I just did today, and I don't understand it. This happens every time I read a ballot. It's not at all like sitting in a meeting and discussing an issue with the others and voting on it. The ballot is insanely opaque.

Visually Speaking

Sign of the Times

Don't worry, I've fixed the typo on this sign.

John Ofalltrades
October 18, 2024
Politics, Truth or Consequences, Visuals

News

Air Force looks to expand low-level flights over Gila Wilderness

A small stream in a mountainous area with trees turning fall colors.

Opponents of a plan to conduct lower altitude military training flights in parts of western New Mexico and Arizona say that current operations are already impacting communities like Rodeo, New Mexico and Portal, Arizona.

Tom Sharpe
October 16, 2024
Conservation, Economy, Environment, Government, Nature, Recreation

Analyses

Truth or Consequences—one of three case studies in legislative report on water infrastructure

Urban water cycle illustration, image courtesy of EPA

The Legislative Finance Committee asked for and received advice on what to do to fix the looming water and wastewater infrastructure problem. Local entities say they need $5.7 billion for repairs over the next five years. T or C was used as an example of what not to do.

Kathleen Sloan
October 16, 2024
Conservation, Government, Truth or Consequences, Water

Analyses

What you need to know, October 15, 2024: Healthcare in the election

Official portraits of Vice-President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

Two weeks ago, The Conversation published a summary of Vice-President Harris's and former President Trump's past actions and policies during their political careers in regard to healthcare in the nation. The article is by Dr. Zachary W. Schultz of Auburn University, a specialist in the history of healthcare.

Max Yeh
October 15, 2024
Economy, Health, History/Natural History, Politics, Social Issues

Analyses

Does the State of New Mexico prefer Trump to other presidential candidates?

Trump sign on state property, image courtesy of anonymous tipster

A second election-code violation within a week on behalf of a Republican candidate.

Kathleen Sloan
October 13, 2024
Government, Politics, State, Truth or Consequences

Visually Speaking

Aurora Borealis in New Mexico

Aurora borealis are rare in Southern New Mexico. Red auroras happen higher up in the atmosphere.

Véronique De Jaegher
October 12, 2024
Arts & Culture, Environment, History/Natural History

Analyses

Solid waste rates going up Dec. 1

Image courtesy of Waste Management World

T or C's solid waste department has gone from a $1.1-million operation to a $2.8-million operation since 2017. Limiting services to T or C and Williamsburg should be considered.

Visually Speaking

Fall Colors

Scrub oaks changing colors. Black Range Mountains blue sky and clouds in the background.

It's been 11 years since Silver Fire scorched the Black Range. The landscape is still magnificent especially in its autumn robe.

Véronique De Jaegher
October 9, 2024
Environment, History/Natural History, Visuals