Category Archives: loco

As Tip O’Neill never said, “All politics is loco.”

APD, WTF?!

Don’t forget the young woman killed by the police

Why are there still so many unanswered questions surrounding the shooting death of a teenager running from a SWAT team with dogs?

Woman was shot three times; had meth in system | Albuquerque Journal News By Olivier Uyttebrouck / Journal Staff Writer

The trajectory of all three bullets that hit Hawkes passed from the left side of her body to the right, and downward, the state Office of the Medical Examiner reported. The bullets entered her left ear, left upper arm and right shoulder.

The OMI also described seven blunt-force injuries on Hawkes’ body, including on each knee, the top of her forehead, each forearm, her chest and back of her right hand.

Police were unable to produce lapel-camera video of the confrontation. Eden has not answered whether Dear neglected to turn it on or if the camera malfunctioned.

Hawkes’ death – APD’s 24th fatal officer-involved shooting since 2010 – prompted protests both at the site of the shooting and in front of APD headquarters. Hawkes was the only woman shot by police during that time period. [mjh: And the only teenager.]

Woman was shot three times; had meth in system | Albuquerque Journal News

APD

A pattern of hiding misdeeds (APD)

No video in several of officer’s arrests | Albuquerque Journal News

By Nicole Perez / Journal Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 12:05 am

Albuquerque police officer Jeremy Dear’s lapel video wasn’t recording when he allegedly punched a man while trying to arrest him during a Downtown brawl in January 2013.

His lapel video wasn’t recording when he allegedly kicked a man in the genitals during a traffic stop a month later.

And police were unable to recover any video from his lapel camera after he shot and killed 19-year-old Mary Hawkes, who he said pulled a gun on him after a suspected car theft, last month. The camera’s manufacturer is examining the camera, police have said.

There were at least two other instances, which didn’t involve use of force, when he didn’t record his full encounters with the public, according to Dear’s personnel file obtained by KOAT-TV.

Under department policy, officers are supposed to record every interaction they have with members of the public.

It’s unclear if Dear was ever disciplined for any of the previous incidents in which he did not get video of his encounters. …

The DOJ report said requiring lapel camera use is a good policy but that it’s inconsistently used and not enforced strictly by APD.

“We found very few examples of officers being reprimanded for failing to record force incidents,” the report reads. “The fact that few officers were reprimanded for this failure suggests that supervisors have also failed to insist on this form of accountability.”

No video in several of officer’s arrests | Albuquerque Journal News

Election, loco

Lopez points to her experience, background | Albuquerque Journal News

Lopez points to her experience, background | Albuquerque Journal News

By James Monteleone / Journal Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 12:05 am

Copyright © 2014 Albuquerque Journal

For Linda Lopez, running for governor means offering New Mexicans more than a decade of experience as a state legislative leader and the viewpoint of a Hispanic woman.

Lopez, 50, was first elected to the state Senate to represent southwest Albuquerque in 1996, and after one term was tapped to serve as chairwoman of the high-profile Senate Rules Committee.

She says her political experience, ethnicity and gender mean she is best-suited among the five Democratic gubernatorial candidates to challenge Republican Gov. Susana Martinez – the nation’s first Hispanic female governor – in November.

It also means she’s better-prepared to collaborate with the Democratic-controlled Legislature than Martinez, Lopez says.

Lopez points to her experience, background | Albuquerque Journal News

Election, loco

Democratic Governor Candidates | Albuquerque Journal News

Governor (D) – Howie Morales | Albuquerque Journal News

By Stephen Williams / Asst. Politics Editor
UPDATED: Monday, May 12, 2014 at 11:11 am
PUBLISHED: Friday, May 9, 2014 at 11:11 am

Howie Morales

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic

OCCUPATION: Educator/administrator at Gila Regional Medical Center (currently on leave); New Mexico state senator, Senate District 28

CITY/TOWN OF RESIDENCE: Silver City

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Member of Legislative Finance Committee; Grant County clerk from 2005 to 2008; special education teacher in Silver City from 1995 to 2000; special education and transition coordinator for Cobre School District from 2000 to 2005; LULAC Educator of the Year in 2005; longest-serving Big Brother in New Mexico

EDUCATION: B.A. in biology and special education from Western New Mexico University; M.A. in bilingual education from Western New Mexico University; Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from New Mexico State University

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: Morales4NM.com

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I am running for governor because we deserve better for our state. We need to create new solutions for our problems that reflect the new reality that we are facing. As governor, my top priority will be to create an education system that will offer a world-class education to all children beginning before birth and will be available to everyone. I will also focus on getting New Mexicans back to work and ensure that our workers are paid a fair wage with equal pay between men and women. Together, we can move New Mexico forward.

Governor (D) – Howie Morales | Albuquerque Journal News

Governor (D) – Alan Webber | Albuquerque Journal News

By Journal Staff
UPDATED: Monday, May 12, 2014 at 11:11 am
PUBLISHED: Friday, May 9, 2014 at 11:11 am

Alan Webber

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic

OCCUPATION: Author, entrepreneur

CITY/TOWN OF RESIDENCE: Santa Fe

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: My experience is in entrepreneurship— in fostering innovative business models for small and midsize businesses. Before co-founding Fast Company magazine, I worked in city and federal government and as editor of the Harvard Business Review.

EDUCATION: B.A. from Amherst College; Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Boston Architectural College

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: www.AlanForNM.com

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: New Mexico needs great schools, with early education for every child. We need a minimum wage that pays $10.10 an hour. We need clean energy jobs from New Mexico’s plentiful wind and solar. As an entrepreneur, the tiny magazine I started out of my garage grew to become the most successful tech publication in American history. We can do all this and more if we stop giving tax breaks to big out-of-state corporations, and start listening to what New Mexicans want, rather than what the Koch brothers and tea party want. A better future starts right here with us.

Governor (D) – Alan Webber | Albuquerque Journal News

Governor (D) – Gary King | Albuquerque Journal News

By Stephen Williams / Asst. Politics Editor
UPDATED: Monday, May 12, 2014 at 11:11 am
PUBLISHED: Friday, May 9, 2014 at 11:11 am

Gary K. King

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic

OCCUPATION: New Mexico attorney general

CITY/TOWN OF RESIDENCE: Moriarty

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Married to Yolanda Jones King. Maintained private practice as an attorney; served for 12 years in the New Mexico Legislature. U.S. Department of Energy, director of the Office of Worker and Community Transition.

EDUCATION: Attended New Mexico State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Received Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Attended law school at the University of New Mexico; received J.D.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: www.garykingforgovernor.com

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I was raised in a family where public service was a way of life. I watched my father speak for those with small voices, fight for those unable to fight for themselves and lend a hand to those who needed one without worrying if it was a handout or a hand up. As a young legislator, I wrote laws to protect everyday hardworking New Mexicans. As attorney general, I’ve focused on protecting our families from ruthless corporations, big insurance and power companies. I’ve focused on protecting our children from Internet predators. That’s what politics is to me — serving you.

Governor (D) – Gary King | Albuquerque Journal News

Low-key King runs his own race | Albuquerque Journal News

By Deborah Baker / Journal Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: Monday, May 12, 2014 at 12:05 am

Low-key King runs his own race | Albuquerque Journal News

Governor (D) – Lawrence Rael | Albuquerque Journal News

By Stephen Williams / Asst. Politics Editor
UPDATED: Monday, May 12, 2014 at 11:11 am
PUBLISHED: Friday, May 9, 2014 at 11:11 am

Lawrence Rael

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic

OCCUPATION: Consultant

CITY/TOWN OF RESIDENCE: Albuquerque

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Thirty-five years serving New Mexico, creating jobs and growing local economies as: director, U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Services Agency; president, New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce; director, Mid-Region Council of Governments; chief administrative officer, city of Albuquerque.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of New Mexico and a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in public finance, also from UNM. Attended Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government as part of a program for senior executives.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: www.raelfornewmexico.com

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I have spent my life creating jobs, expanding opportunity and making New Mexico a state we can all be proud to call home. I’m tired of New Mexico being last on all the good lists and first on all the bad lists. Changing this requires a governor who knows how to bring people together to get things done. From developing transportation infrastructure, to collaborating with farmers and ranchers to conserve water, to recruiting companies to New Mexico  — I have what it takes to put New Mexico back to work and on track to prosperity. I’d appreciate your vote June 3.

Governor (D) – Lawrence Rael | Albuquerque Journal News

Election, loco

What qualifies this guy to judge 800 probate cases per year?

From his lofty language, you’d think this guy is running for the Senate. He’s running to be a judge. But his blog post sounds very much like this is a stepping stone, not a job.

Judge Willow Parks, the incumbent, worked her way out of poverty and through law school. She is very qualified and experienced. She deserves your support. Please spread the word about how important this primary election is. Keep Judge Parks

Dominic Levi Lafayette shared his status update. – Dominic Levi Lafayette

That’s why I am running for office. It’s time we no longer elect the elite to office. We are not like the Ancient Romans who elected rich, noble patricians to the senate. Roman society rotted from the inside, and died.

Dominic Levi Lafayette shared his status update. – Dominic Levi Lafayette

abqjournal, Election, NADA - New American Dark Ages, WTF?!

Keystone XL pipeline would be a disaster

Keystone is NOT about energy independence or security for the US. (Oil is NOT about the future.) Keystone makes money for Canada, China, and somebody in the US who is already sickeningly rich. This columnist has a puzzling tone for a union rep. He might as well argue that there will be jobs cleaning up the spills, pollution, and dead wildlife. KILL Keystone!

Keystone XL pipeline derailed by billion-dollar man | Albuquerque Journal News

By Terry O’Sullivan / Special To The Washington Post
PUBLISHED: Monday, April 28, 2014 at 12:05 am

Upon the latest exasperating delay of the Keystone XL pipeline project, our union – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – suggested that the Obama administration grow a set of antlers or take a lesson from Popeye and eat some spinach.

After all, the evidence points to federal approval of the pipeline. After nearly six years of delay, thousands of pages of research, five environmental impact statements confirming the evidence and millions of public comments, a pipeline that could put thousands of Americans to work and help ensure our nation’s energy security remains stalled.

The evidence is clear: It’s the politics that are tricky. And that’s where courage comes in. [mjh: barf] 

No one seriously believes that the administration’s nearly-dark-of-night announcement last week, on Good Friday, that the pipeline would again be delayed was anything but politically motivated.

For the record, our union was among those that twice supported the Obama-Biden ticket, and we continue to support many of the president’s initiatives. But that does not negate our right and obligation to speak out when, because of politics, the administration fails to stand up for working people and the men and women we represent.

It’s not the one-person, one-vote politics that underpins the administration’s actions on Keystone. Public opinion surveys have consistently found strong majority support for the project, while not a single poll has shown majority opposition. Rather, the kind of politics the administration claims to disdain has taken control.

Keystone XL pipeline derailed by billion-dollar man | Albuquerque Journal News

A majority of the US favors a lot of stupid and dangerous things, especially when they are lied to about benefits and risks. KILL Keystone!

APD

Another Person Dead and APD is stingy with facts in the matter

I’ve rearrange the info from the linked article into a more cogent timeline. It doesn’t make sense.

  1. The truck was reported stolen April 10 [2 weeks prior to shooting]
  2. police spotted Hawkes driving a stolen Ford F-150 pickup truck at 3 a.m
  3. An officer tailed her, but she disappeared
  4. officer spotted the truck abandoned and identified Hawkes through items left inside the truck [what items?]
  5. officer then found a prior address of Hawkes, at a nearby trailer park [see next item]
  6. Hawkes has never been a resident at the park [see previous two items]
  7. At 5am, police blockade park and announce they will release dogs [two hours after sighting Hawkes]
  8. multiple residents saw Hawkes jump the park’s east wall and run across Wyoming minutes before shots were heard
  9. Hawkes encountered Dear on the east side of Wyoming.
  10. Eden said “preliminary evidence” suggests Hawkes pulled out the handgun and pointed it at Dear

It is crucial for APD to specify what items were found and how they led to a park Hawkes was not a resident of. Note that Hawkes was known to sleep in vehicles.

APD chief: No lapel video available in fatal shooting of Mary Hawkes | Albuquerque Journal News

Eden said the callout happened after police spotted Hawkes driving a stolen Ford F-150 pickup truck at 3 a.m. An officer tailed her, but she disappeared.

Later, the officer spotted the truck abandoned and identified Hawkes through items left inside the truck, Eden said. The truck was reported stolen April 10, he said.

The officer then found a prior address of Hawkes, at a nearby trailer park, and set up a perimeter. Sometime between 5 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. a police SUV blocked the only entrance to the trailer park and another police SUV drove through the park, announcing over a loudspeaker for everyone to stay in their homes and close windows and doors, said James Tull, who is staying in the park.

Police “said they were going to turn the dogs loose,” Tull said.

Chris Trammell, who manages the trailer park, said multiple residents saw Hawkes jump the park’s east wall and run across Wyoming minutes before shots were heard. He said Hawkes has never been a resident at the park.

Hawkes encountered Dear on the east side of Wyoming. Eden said “preliminary evidence” suggests Hawkes pulled out the handgun and pointed it at Dear, but he would not say where that evidence came from.

APD chief: No lapel video available in fatal shooting of Mary Hawkes | Albuquerque Journal News