In the U. S. there is something called the polling industrial complex. It’s a description of how polling has changed over 50 years. It has grown and become more complex and less understandable. Researchers define polling as the ability of organizations outside of government to gather, interpret, and publish information about voter views on issues […]
Congress & Federal Gov.
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov.
Smoothing Out the Capital Outlay Process
Wesley Billingsley will soon be able to say, “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” He will tackle one of the most stubborn problems in state government. Billingsley is the first director of the new Infrastructure Planning and Development Division (IPDD). While that sounds boring and bureaucratic, the IPDD’s proud parent, the state […]
Posted inLocal Government
NMDOJ investigates complaints about county commissioners
The New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) is investigating claims that some members of the Bernalillo County Commission have violated meeting rules. In a letter dated April 24, and addressed to County Manager Julie Morgas Baca and Attorney Ken Martinez, the NMDOJ said, “Based on the materials reviewed, there are indications that deliberations on public […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness, Local Government
Councilor eyes return of Berry-era homeless labor initiative
An idea born under former Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry that provides day labor jobs for those experiencing homelessness could be making a comeback. “There’s a Better Way” was launched in 2015 and the initiative quickly gained national attention. After a year in operation, the Washington Post called it “a simple idea that works.” The […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Courts, Justice & Safety, Local Government
Tax and Revenue Dept. warns of fraudulent delinquent tax letters
The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department is warning taxpayers about fraudulent demand letters going out to property owners who are delinquent on their taxes. The letters tell the owners to call a 1-800 number by a certain date or the state will seize their property. The letters are not from the state Taxation and […]
Posted inLocal Government
Commission publishes first-of-its-kind behavioral health ordinance
Bernalillo County residents may soon see a different, more efficient network aimed at helping them meet their behavioral health needs. The Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved the publication of an ordinance that would create a behavioral health authority that would unify county behavioral health efforts. Vice Chair Eric Olivas said before the meeting that […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Courts, Justice & Safety
Law enforcement wants a crime-reporting app on student devices. They say they’ve gotten nowhere with APS.
Law enforcement officials want Albuquerque Public Schools to install a crime-reporting app on devices issued to students — but two agencies say the district has not been receptive to the idea. “This option would make it easier for students to report crimes or dangerous situations,” said Jeffery Barnard, interim commander of the investigative services division […]
Posted inLocal Government
Commissioners send message against reusing fracking wastewater
Pleas to save the groundwater from oil and gas wastewater flooded Tuesday night’s Bernalillo County Commission meeting. Public Pleas More than a dozen public comments were in support of a resolution to oppose a proposed rule change that would change the parameter of how all fracked wastewater can be reused. The rule change proposed by […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Westside Albuquerque
Biden administration to roll back the Betsy DeVos Title IX rules
This story is republished from Source NM as a part of our commitment to bringing you the best in independent news coverage that matters to Albuquerque. BY ARIANA FIGUEROA / Source NM WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education on Friday announced a final rule that will update Title IX regulations governing how schools respond to […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Courts, Justice & Safety
APD got a tip in 2022 that DWI officers were being paid to get cases dismissed. Its review did not find wrongdoing.
In December 2022, the acting sergeant of the Albuquerque Police Department’s Criminal Intelligence Unit got a tip about officers in the DWI unit getting paid “to get a case dismissed.” The sergeant started gathering information but — after looking through officer activity — didn’t turn up any evidence, according to a five-page “intel file” that […]