Columns

In February, when Sen. Jeff Bingaman announced his retirement from Congress, the state Senate passed a memorial saluting Bingaman’s 30 years of service.
Nearly every senator, from both sides of the aisle, had something to say about the unassuming, hardworking Democrat.
Sen. Carroll Leavell, R-Jal: “He’s been a great statesman for New Mexico. I didn’t always agree with him, but he was accessible and always listened.”
Sen. Dede Feldman, D-Albuquerque: “He didn’t grandstand. He didn’t come to a position until he’d considered all the facts.”
Sen. Rod Adair, R-Roswell: “He is unfailingly courteous in every situation. That’s a rarity in Washington and in politics. It should be a goal for all of us.”
Sen. George Muñoz, D-Gallup: “He was a helper, and we love him for it.”
Sen. William Burt, R-Alamogordo: “He’s the most even-keeled person I’ve ever met.”
Sen. Tim Jennings, D-Roswell: “He sat and listened and kept his mouth shut. He put the state above all issues. I don’t blame him for wanting to come home.”
Jennings’ response addressed the first reaction many had, which was, “How can he do this to us?”

With the holidays upon us, it’s a time of celebration, a time of reflection, and of course a time to spend lots of money on gifts that you can’t afford.
For most Americans, it doesn’t really matter if one goes bankrupt in December or March or June.  The year offers ample opportunities to buy dangerous toys for your kids, Elvis Presley lamps for that Aunt you hate, ugly sweaters for your father, and Cadmium-laden Chinese jewelry for the one you love.
But why dwell on the negative aspects of commercialism?  The holiday season is designed to give us all a chance to spend time with our families, maybe a day trip to enjoy the New Mexican scenery, or just sit back and relax for a few days.
At this time of the year, I find myself enjoying the nuances of history, particularly that of holidays like Christmas.  Many people don’t know that Dec. 25 was chosen by the Christian church as a matter of
convenience and opportunity.  Dec. 25 was already an established day of celebration by pagans.  The Roman festival of Saturnalia (worship of the God Saturn) and the “birthday” of Mithra (Persian God) were both on Dec. 25.

A fair amount of “new” money — $282 million — will flow to state government’s general fund during the budget year starting July 1, 2013.
From state government economic wizards, “caution” is the word for considering uses of that money. “New money” means the difference between revenue expected during the coming budget year and current year spending.
State revenue looks like around $5.7 billion for this budget year (FY 13) and $5.9 billion in FY 14, Legislative Finance Committee Director David Abbey, told the recent New Mexico Tax Research Institute conference in Albuquerque.
Much of the good revenue news comes from oil and gas, said Tom Clifford, Department of Finance and Administration secretary. New technology has meant sharp increases in oil production the past few years, Abbey said.
Caution about using the new money starts with a quarter of it — $72 million — being already claimed to replenish money used to balance the state budget in past bad years.

It is important for the community to know that Los Alamos cares very deeply for the safety and security of our students and staff in our schools. To help ensure this safety, school administration works closely with students and staff to be in a state of readiness by practicing a variety of emergency lockdown drills. In addition, the district works closely with Los Alamos County police, fire department, and emergency medical to be in a constant state of readiness. Nevertheless, in view of recent events in Newtown, Conn., the district will conduct a review of our current safety practices this week in an ongoing effort to be prepared for an emergency.
 Some of those reviews have already begun. Members of the Los Alamos Police Department toured Chamisa Elementary to re-familiarize themselves with the school today. I contacted Captain Randy Foster, LA Police Department, to request these walk-throughs of all schools. Captain Foster went on to share that the police will have an increased presence at school sites this week. He states there is no credible threat but his officers were interested in stopping by during the school day and during bus loading times to meet and speak with students, staff, and families.