T or C water department director mum on possibly major problems with city’s well field
The director’s candid remark about the need for a new well to be built on the northside of town to provide “redundancy” launched a Sun investigation into the adequacy and condition of T or C’s water supply. Chief reporter Kathleen Sloan has uncovered a troubling lack of city and state oversight of our existing southern well field, where biofouling and murky water, possibly caused by polluted runoff from the nearby waste transfer station, have required two wells to be taken out of operation. No one seems to know or is willing to say whether the rest of the well field is in danger of contamination.
Elephant Butte’s second-quarter financial report shows the city is holding its own, despite still subsidizing golf course
The General Fund has received 55 percent of expected revenue, and the city has spent 48 percent of those funds, according to the state’s quarterly performance review. This represents underspending of about 7 percent at mid-year.
Sierra Vista Hospital ends general surgical services for now
The hospital’s new CEO made the decision after twice having to cancel procedures when spikes in pandemic cases forced the governor to prohibit elective surgeries statewide.
“The court has plans for you”
The system of adult guardianship is intended to protect vulnerable elders. Instead, it’s lining the pockets of lawyers and guardians. A Searchlight New Mexico investigation
A food co-op for Sierra County
An effort is underway to open a grocery store that will feature locally grown and produced foods, organic and natural foods and other sustainable products. The twist is that it will be owned by the community.
The public must have a strong say in the selection of T or C’s city manager
To ensure robust public participation in the vetting and selection processes, the search committee should be chaired by an outside individual with deep knowledge of government administration, who, as a first step, would select qualified T or C residents to serve on the committee. The next step would be to organize a virtual workshop at which residents could ask questions of the committee’s short list candidates and rank their preferences.
Last Rights
A bill that will legalize the decision to end one’s life is under consideration by the New Mexico Legislature. The Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act would allow doctors to prescribe medication to “bring about a peaceful death” for patients with a “disease or condition that is incurable and irreversible and that . . . will result in death within six months.” A special report by Searchlight New Mexico
Legality of GRT spending on Spaceport operations and other financial irregularities left unsettled by AG
The AG’s decision not to offer clear legal guidance requested by Alicia Keyes, Spaceport America Authority’s board chair, leaves the Authority board and the other public board that oversee Spaceport expenditures struggling to redefine their fiduciary powers and responsibilities largely on their own.
City Manager Madrid resigns after two years in office amidst signs he may have been pushed
Morris Madrid’s resignation, effective March 5, came as unexpected and unwelcome news to two T or C city commissioners. Other clues suggest he may have been pushed out by the commissioner who regularly questioned his judgment and decision making.
Ethics Commission directs its general counsel to investigate remaining Whitlock v. Dow allegations
The New Mexico Ethics Commission last Friday, Feb. 5, notified state Representative Rebecca Dow (R-District 38) and her Democratic general election opponent Karen C. Whitlock that its general counsel will investigate allegations against Dow filed by Whitlock that fall within the commission’s jurisdiction.