“Where a man can live, he can also live well” – Marcus Aurelius
I. During my time as a Republican I had the pleasure of working for Congresswoman Heather Wilson in her 2012 bid for the U.S. Senate. She is one of the most intelligent individuals in D.C. and New Mexico was fortunate to have her representing us in Congress. Despite this, Her likeability has always been a vulnerability; Sen. Martin Heinreich who defeated her in 2012 doesn’t have this problem. Considering the tumultuous record of President Trump’s recent nominations for DOD posts, Wilson should be a relatively easy confirmation. We all know her impressive list of credentials by now; we also know she’s an asset to the Trump Administration and Air Force installations in New Mexico . Michael Coleman has the latest on her Senate confirmation here.
II. State Auditor Tim Keller is the only Albuquerque Mayoral candidate to qualify for public financing, story here. Councilor Dan Lewis and Attorney Brian Colon are the only privately financed challengers with a chance but after showing the best ground game and ability to build coalitions to achieve public financing, Keller will likely be elected our next Mayor. FYI: Neighbor and State Court of Appeals Judge J. Miles Hanisee and now ABQ Alcalde hopeful Keller are the only candidates I’ve donated $5 to… not bad investments.
III. Government, Defense, and Energy cant be the only sectors the New Mexico economy relies on for employment opportunities and tax revenues. Albuquerque Business First is hosting a “Grow New Mexico Emerging Economies” panel. From the event site, “What industry is most like to help New Mexico truly recover from the recession (finally)? There’s no magic bullet for our state’s economy, but there are plenty of exciting possibilities of industries with growth prospects that could help New Mexico grow jobs and wealth. Five presenters will give brief talks on why certain industries could be growth engines for New Mexico and will respond to questions from the audience.” The panel discussion takes place on April 20th, you can register here. Yo ABF, I like where you’re going with this.
IV. Governor Martinez should veto the incoming Internet Sales Tax legislation. After Democrats on Bernalillo’s County Commission voted to raise the GRT an added sales tax on internet commerce would only be more government plunder from us on a platform that many of us now use daily. Tax is Theft. Americans for Tax Reform are more eloquent than I on this, Internet Sales Tax would be bad for New Mexico.
V. The environment for journalists under the current Trump Administration is peachy compared to the horrors their Mexican peers endure with the cartels. Kent Paterson has the latest at Heath Haussamen’s site, Citing risks to Journalists, Juarez news daily ends print edition.
VI. National Parks Week is coming up April 15th – 23rd, when admission is free to every national park. Am I the only one who notices the coincidence of it starting on Tax Day? The Feds are like, “pay your fine for producing… free admission to the parks make you feel better?”
