A New Year, A New Adventure

On August 21, 2007 I announced my intention to run for Lieutenant Governor in the 2010 June Primary. There were a lot of circumstances which comprised my decision to run and my decision to announce so early. Bill Richardson was running for President and rumors were rampant that win or lose he would be leaving the Governors office early. After meeting with family, friends and longtime political advisers I decided to run for Lieutenant Governor and to announce the campaign early. The main reasons for the decision were the following.

1. My friends, advisers and myself felt Lt. Governor Diane Denish would be a shoe in if not unopposed for the Democratic nominee for Governor. I really felt that I could make a difference on many issues which I felt were important to the middle class. Not coming from a high income family, not being a lawyer or a high brow politico was something I felt was lacking in the roundhouse. I truly felt we were lacking a majority of progressive democrats who understood the hardships which typical middle and low income families endure.

2. With Lt. Gov. Diane Denish having a solid foundation in Southern New Mexico we felt she needed a Hispanic from Northern New Mexico to balance the ticket and bring in much needed Hispanic votes.

3. We all felt Lt. Gov. Denish would be Governor by Jan-Feb 2009 with Richardson leaving office early.

4. In order to get noticed by Lt. Gov. Denish I would have to begin the campaign early. I am well established politically in Santa Fe County however I did not have strong connections to state wide politics. The goal was to get on Lt. Gov. Denish's radar screen for a possible appointment.

5. It was felt by us all that my lack of connections to state wide politics could be a positive. Even though we did not foresee the scandals and accusations that would later hit the Richardson Administration we did foresee some citizens had become weary of the Richardson Administration and my lack of connections to the administration could be a positive for a Diane Denish run for Governor.

So, I announced my campaign for Lieutenant Governor in August of 2007. In January of 2008 Governor Richardson dropped out of the presidential race and rumors were still rampant that Richardson should leave office at the end of the year. Barack Obama then won the Democratic Primary for President in June and was well on his way to a win in November. At the time it was believed that Bill Richardson would leave soon after the inauguration in January of 2009.

I had reached out to Lieutenant Governor Denish in the weeks prior to my announcing my run for Lieutenant Governor and we were not able to meet. In early 2008 I made more attempts to meet with her and we had sill not been able to meet. This was the first of many roadblocks I began to encounter. In 2008 I had concentrated on meeting Democrats across the state and getting my name out there. In 2009 I began trying to raise money for the impending race. While many were talking about running for Lieutenant Governor and many were rumored to be considering running, I was still the only candidate actually announced. While running in three different elections for Sheriff. I did rather well raising money within Santa Fe County. I was however, encountering a lot of difficulty in raising money for the Lieutenant Governor race. Donors who had given to me in election after election were not donating for this campaign.

Some wanted to wait and see how things would shake out after the Governor left and the Lieutenant Governor ascended to the Governors seat. Others had heard that there was a favorite who would be appointed and they did not want to do anything that could offend an appointee who may not be me. One even claimed they were advised by those in the roundhouse to hold off donating to anyone until "things had a chance to shake out in the Lt. Gov's Race". I did some checking and this was found by me to be true. Some of these donors had given thousands to me in the past and had held fundraisers for me but they were not willing to get involved in the race at this time. This was disappointing to me and would be the beginning of a death blow to my campaign.

The interesting thing to me was how many business owners were not outright saying it but they seemed to be in fear that if they donated to the wrong person it could affect their business with the state. Now I am not saying it was any type of pay to play or corruption but rather cautious large business owners who needed to keep a good relationship with the upper levels of state government and feared making a mistake in their donations. I think that in my county races the donors felt they could make donations based on people they liked or in some cases I know the same donor gave to both me and my opponents but they did not feel that in local races it could come back to bite them later.

It was a big awakening for me and showed me the stark differences between a local and a state wide race. By spring of 2009 I had five other announced opponents who were out campaigning and starting to raise money. Governor Richardson was no longer leaving and it was clear that the next Lieutenant Governor would have to become Lieutenant Governor the old fashioned way, by being elected. While I tried to talk issues and issued platforms statements, some opponents concentrated on raising huge sums of money and were being very successful at it. Other candidates put tens of thousands of money from their own pockets and borrowed tens of thousand from banks in order to compete with the couple of candidates who were from one hundred and fifty thousand to a quarter of a million dollars. Even today several of my opponents have no issues or platform statements on their website and speak little about the issues and much about their success at raising money. On October 13, 2009 we all had to report the money raised so far. One candidate had raised over $250,000 and two had raised around $150,000 although one did so through loans of $100,000 to his campaign. The other three candidates including myself had less than $20,000 raised.

After all the campaign finance reports came out I decided to go into hiatus on raising money. I needed to make a decision as to whether I would be staying in the race. Until I decided for sure I did not want to take any additional money while I was unsure of my position on staying in the race. We did begin to gather petition signatures which were needed to garner a place on the ballot. In addition to gathering petitions we reached out to State Convention Delegates to see where we were in garnering the 20% needed to get on the ballot in June as well. A lot of voters don't realize that they are the last to decide who wins a race or not. There are numerous hurdles candidates need to get over before voters ever get to see their name on a ballot. One of these is getting past the delegates at the State Democratic Convention. One of my opponents has a decided advantage in that arena having been Chairman of the State Democratic party for over two years. I expect him to take well over the 20% of delegates in the convention leaving the rest of the candidates to fight over what remains.

By Thanksgiving it was becoming increasingly clear I was in for a huge uphill battle. I decided to take the holidays off the campaign trail and make a decision and announcement after the new year. I have met thousands of people who have really supported me, if not with money but with their heart and words. Many of my supporters are everyday people who in today's economic times could not afford to give money to political campaigns while they are facing job loses, furloughs, and fear of just keeping their houses. While the middle and low income people of New Mexico are the ones needing representation and change the most they are the ones least able to pay for the influence they need at the roundhouse. I do feel we have some great candidates running for Lieutenant Governor and I also feel Diane Denish is in touch with the plight of middle income residents of New Mexico and will represent them well. I truly hope the next Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico will remember that as the state faces tough economic times that we must not forget to bail out the people as quickly as the state and nation bails out industries.

I also feel that the state has been remiss in meeting with state employee unions and negotiating cuts and ideas to save money rather than handing down orders, furloughs, and cuts without input from the union members. That is why we have unions to give employees a voice in what happens to them.

At least two candidates have approached me for endorsements should I get out of the Lieutenant Governors race. I am considering whether I endorse and if I do who it would be. So, if you have not figured it out by now I am leaving the race for Lieutenant Governor. It is really too bad that the one thing the media, bloggers, and political operatives care about most is how much money a candidate can raise. The issues, the person are secondary in a state wide race to money.

I lost my first run at political office in 1998 when I first ran for Sheriff. I learned more from that loss than my subsequent two wins for the office of Sheriff. I can honestly say I learned a whole lot from my attempt to become the states next Lieutenant Governor. I have no regrets and the lessons learned will only help me in anything I do in the future. I have never been one to make New Years resolutions. I have always thought you should make decisions on your life and any changes on a day to day basis and not just once a year. So I start this new decade and New Year with a new adventure. The great thing about life is you never know where the road will take you.

When I was a young son of a single mother I would have never guessed in a million years I would even have an opportunity to run for Lieutenant Governor. I would have never guessed I would be Sheriff of Santa Fe County, meet three presidents and numerous movie stars and have the great life and family I now have. I am truly blessed. To all those who have supported my candidacy I hope I have not let you down. I have always been very pragmatic and logical in my decisions, (my wife says I am too logical and not emotional enough), She is probably right and I am constantly working on that. Logically I was not in a position to win. However, I have run races before where I have lost and come back to win another time, so don't count me out.

Thank you all for your support, whether in an elected office or not I will always be an outspoken advocate for you and for what is right. To my wife and children thanks for putting up with a life in politics, few realize what you go through and the price you pay for having me as a husband and father. I do realize the sacrifices you have made and I appreciate it more than I could ever show you.

Join us this Sunday!

Just a quick reminder of our reception this Sunday at the beautiful home of Pawan and Amrik Dhindsa in Santa Fe on Sunday October 11, 2009.

Sunday October 11, 2009 2pm to 5pm
39 West Chili Line Road, Santa Fe New Mexico

I hope you can attend. There is no minimum donation and heck if you can’t donate but want to come out and show your support I would love to see you.

More info and a map can be found here.

Lieutenant Governors Forum Videos

In the last post I am getting reports that some computers are not getting the embedded video players to show up in their web browsers. I am not sure why but here is a link to YouTube from where you can watch all five videos taken from the Lieutenant Governors Forum Held September 16, 2009 in Santa Fe.

YouTube Lt. Gov Forum Playlist.

Santa Fe Dem Party Lieutenant Governors Forum

Last night 6 of the Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidates sat at the same table for the first time since this campaign started. The occasion was a forum hosted by the Santa Fe County Democratic Party. The forum was at the NEA Building and it was well organized and run and I have to congratulate the members who put it together.

With 6 candidates there was not a lot of time to answer many questions however the main questions were asked. There was a five minute opening remarks followed by four questions. The questions asked related to Ethics reform in New Mexico, Education, Why are you running and what sets you apart from the other candidates, and a question on what to do about the current budget crisis in New Mexico. Below are short videos with my answers and my opening remarks. I will post some pictures soon.

Opening Remarks

Ethics Reform

Education in New Mexico

New Mexico's Budget Crisis

Why I want to be Lieutenant Governor

First Lieutenant Governor Forum in New Mexico

Come support Greg at the Santa Fe Democratic Party Lieutenant Governors Forum tomorrow night in Santa Fe. Lt Gov forum will be at 2007 Botulph Rd, Santa Fe, at the NEA Building. Wed Sept. 16 at 6:30 PM.

Where have I been?

I have gotten a lot of inquiry's as to why I have not been online lately. I apologize for my recent absence online and at some events. My wife Antoinette's mother passed away Sunday after a battle with cancer. We will miss her. The services are Friday and I will try and get back into the swing of things (blogging, twitter, FB, and campaign as well as doing my full time job of Sheriff) This weekend.

On another note,

Heath Haussamen has a poll on his website for the Lieutenant Governors Race. Please take a minute and vote for Greg Solano for Lieutenant Governor. Thank You!

http://www.nmpolitics.net/index/

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Sheriff Solano Challenges Lt. Gov. Candidates!

With the latest indictments in New Mexico against a former Secretary of State I think its about time we seriously talk about ethics reform in New Mexico. Here is my Challenge. I have been pushing ethics reform and published my ethics reform plan months ago. Come on candidates running for office is more than raising money it is telling New Mexicans what your plans are! Here is my ethics plan, lets see yours! No other candidate has outlined his or her plans to reform New Mexico's laws in regards to ethics!

Ethics in New Mexico

I believe true ethics reform is needed in New Mexico. While there are bad people in every profession, the political leaders who oversee our government and tax dollars should be above reproach. The most important factor in clean government is transparency. While Sheriff for the last 7 years, I have promoted open government throughout the Sheriff’s Office. Reporters never have to file Freedom of Information Act Requests. They need only call my office and ask for what they need and, if we have it and it’s not illegal to release it, then we fax or email it immediately. I have even been criticized by my peers in law enforcement for being too open, but it is a principle which I stand by and my staff is expected to follow my lead.

That is what we need in State Government. When the leaders have a policy of open government and require it from the top down, only then will staff adhere to that policy. Here are some of the Ideas I support in regards to ethics and open government.

• Creation of an independent ethics commission. The commission should be bipartisan and include citizens and members of all three branches of State Government.

• The State Auditor and Attorney General should continue to be elected positions; however, their campaigns should be publicly financed in order to remove any appearance of impropriety or pay-to-play allegations. Their offices need to be adequately funded in order to investigate and audit all cases of importance that come to their offices.

• The Secretary of States Office needs adequate funding and Technology assistance in order to have complete and easy access to campaign finance reports. The system needs to be easy to use for both candidates and the public.

• The State should have a department of webcasting which would be entrusted with getting as many government meetings and press conferences webcasted as possible. NMStateGov_TV.com or something similar should be created to ensure a one-stop shop to find such webcasts.

• I also believe political office is a full time job regardless of the position and should be compensated as such. I believe we will attract some who just want to serve and would not be able to afford to do so. This could also provide honest competition for those who just have ulterior motives and those who want to use politics as a stepping stone to big lobby jobs and other high-paying positions. The common man or woman who has the knowledge, honesty, wherewithal and ability to run for office should not have to choose between a full-time job to support his or her family and serving the public in an elected position.

• Finally, transparency and open government has to be the policy and practice from the top down. Those who do not follow that policy should be disciplined or removed. Only then will this be adhered to by all state government. The Governor and Lt. Governor need to set the example.

Hear Greg on KRSN AM 1490 Los Alamos!

Hear Greg on KRSN AM 1490 Los Alamos!

Thursday, August 20, 8:30-9:30 am KRSN AM 1490, Los Alamos

Sheriff Solano will be in the studio speaking with Miro about public safety issues in Santa Fe County, and his campaign and platform as a Democrat for the 2010 Lt. Governor’s Race.

Hear web cast at http://www.krsnam1490.com/venusinterviews.htm

Congressman Ben Ray Lujan Health Care Forum

I attended Congressman Ben Ray Lujan's Health Care Town Hall meeting last night. I knew I was going either way however I decided to go in uniform as Sheriff since the town hall was in my county. Even though I already knew the city police would handle the event I figured if something did happen I could jump in and help out. City Police, State Police and myself representing the Sheriff's Office were all in attendance. Turns out there were no problems at all.

A photo of myself and Rep. Ben Ray Lujan taken in 2008

Congressman Lujan let the crowd know early he was in full support of a public option which was met with resounding cheers and applause. I think that set the tone for the meeting which had a capacity crowd of 190 by my count. The Unitarian Universalist Church was really too small for the meeting and a large crowd of over 200 was not able to enter the church. Over an hour into the meeting the crowd outside was told they would be allowed in to the church after the initial meeting ended for a shorter question and answer period. The small church was hot and either had inadequate air conditioning or none. The thermostat on the wall near where I was standing said 85 degrees during the meeting. Most people used the informational flyers handed out as fans to cool themselves off. For comfort reasons I was wishing I had not worn my uniform. Still for safety reasons and as a security presence it was still probably the best thing.

The forum started with comments and explanations of the bills currently before congress by U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, Health Action New Mexico board president Lydia Pendley, and Los Alamos physician Tyler Taylor. The three then answered questions. The questions were written on cards and a moderator read the questions. The questions submitted were stacked high on the podium and only about 10-15 were asked and answered. Representative Lujan stated his staff would look at all the questions and try to post answers to ones not asked at the forum on his website.

The first group obeyed the rules and did not shout out questions and only a couple of comments were shouted out. Everyone was then asked to leave and the second group was let in. Although I did see some people reenter with the second group there was a whole room of new people. I counted 175 in the room for the second session. This group had a few who shouted out a few questions and when a few people started shouting out coments or questions the crowd as a whole shhhsed (spelling ?) them and kept them at bay. Although the second group had a few unhappy people the vast majority also supported Health Care Reform and the Public Option.

Some windows were opened and the tempurature cooled to 81 degrees. Ok, it was not really that cool and the four degrees difference did not help that much. I have to say that when the meetings first started I wondered whether the heat would help aggravate some who may have come to the meeting upset to begin with. Luckily that did not happen. I am not sure whether it was because we are the city different or whether all the publicity over bad manners and out of control town hall meetings, and the backlash towards opponents has allowed things to cool down before Santa Fe had its town hall.

The crowd at the meetings was a much older crowd and the first 190 participants were largely older anglo New Mexicans while the second crowd had about a 50/50 ratio of anglo vs non anglo participants. The second crowd also was a younger adult crowd. It will be interesting to see how other town halls work out.

The League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County will hold a forum on our nation’s health care system from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, August 26, in the Jemez Rooms, Santa Fe Community College, 6401 S. Richards Avenue. It is unknown whether any congressional members will be in attendance. Rep. Martin Heinrich will hold a Health Care Reform Town Hall is set for Saturday, August 22, 2009, from 3:00 to 4:30 PM at the UNM Continuing Education Building located at 1634 University Blvd. NE in Albuquerque. I would like to attend however I will be in Deming on the Lt. Governor campaign trail. If you want to learn more about the Health Care Reform bills in Congress click here.

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Get the Facts on Health Care Reform in America

Want to know the facts about health care reform? Can you keep your present insurance? How will this affect small business? How about Veterans Health Care, Medicare, and rationing? All the answers are right here.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/

Solano for Lt. Governor Campaign Heads to Chama N.M.

The Solano for Lieutenant Governor Campaign headed to Chama New Mexico (population 1199, Salute!) this last weekend. Had a great time and the reception from the crowd was great! We had a float in the parade and usually one or two other Lieutenant Governor candidates are in the parades as well, however this one we had all to ourselves! There were other candidates in the parade such as Speaker Ben Lujan and his wife Carmen, Secretary of State Mary Herrera, and at least two candidates for Rio Arriba County Sheriff.

After the Parade we visited the booths and vendors for Chama Days. I had a huge turkey leg and boy was I stuffed. We then took a walk through the town and visited several local stores.

I did a short interview with KZRM 96.1 Radio Station in Chama which was also really fun! I have uploaded tons of pictures to my Facebook page and you can see them here.

Sheriff Solano Releases Education Plan

On my website I have outlined my education plan for New Mexico, It targets the drop out rate. In New Mexico roughly half our kids do not graduate high school. This is a terrible statistic and one which we need to get a hold of and reverse the trend. The truth is I was almost one of those statistics so I draw on my life experience and apply it to the problem.

Educating New Mexicans

During my sophomore year of high school, I had been working after school and on the weekends for more than two years. My wage was $3.50 an hour which, at the time, was great money to me. I was not interested in school anymore and decided I was going to drop out of high school. After I made my decision, I went to the counselor and asked what the process was for me to drop out of school, being that I was only sixteen years of age. The counselor handed me a form to fill out, and surprisingly, no one attempted to talk me out of it.

While I was filling out the information on the form, a principal from another school happened to be in the building. I recognized him as being one of my mother’s friends. He asked me what I was doing; I replied that I was dropping out of school to work full time. The principal literally grabbed me by the collar and drove me to the Santa Fe Vocational Technical School which, at the time, was adjacent to Santa Fe High School. We approached the guidance counselor and he ordered the counselor to enroll me in the school and register me in any classes I was interested in. The classes I chose were a computer class (there were punch-card computers, if anyone even remembers such a thing) and welding.

I decided I would give this a try for a few weeks to appease the principal, and then my plans were still to drop out of school. However, I never dropped out of school. I graduated from high school in 1982. Unfortunately, today there are still too many of our students who don’t get diverted from dropping out of school. New Mexico is ranked 48th in the nation for graduation rates. Only the District of Columbia, Georgia, and Nevada have lower graduation rates. Our children are not getting high school diplomas which eliminates them from contention for careers which offer a living wage, benefits, and a higher education. This leads, in turn, to higher poverty rates, domestic violence, alcoholism, and higher rates of incarceration in our criminal justice system. In the U.S., 70% of students graduate from high school while in New Mexico, 54% of students graduate. In hindsight, this means almost half of our New Mexico children will not graduate high school!

My education was saved by a Vocational Technical School, and I may have inherited a bias towards a better solution than what was available to me those some years ago. However, the truth is that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Today’s children are dropping out for many different reasons. And I believe we have lost our vocational technical schools in recent years. The Vo-tech school that was instrumental in finishing my high school education no longer exists. The Santa Fe Public Schools of today are offering some of the courses that were available in the old Santa Fe Vocational Technical School. This is my plan to help increase the graduation rates in our great state of New Mexico.

A group called America's Promise Alliance proposes Five Promises we should make to our children to promote graduation. I support incorporating these promises into a statewide strategy to combat the drop-out rate.

The Five Promises are those of developmental resources — wrap-around supports— that young people need for success in life:

• Caring Adults
• Safe Places
• A Healthy Start
• An Effective Education
• Opportunities to Help Others

Encourage public funding for school district development of Vocational Technical Schools in all districts; in particular, the urban areas of New Mexico which have the highest dropout rates. The schools would have a focus on attracting students who are at risk and working with our youth to steer them towards graduation. Another mission would be helping youth acquire skills once they graduate; skills that would allow them to work after high school. The focus would include childcare, law enforcement, nursing, military service through ROTC programs, paralegal studies, and teaching. All students would be encouraged to attend college and especially in those areas of focus where a college education is a necessity for employment. Our background mission would include piquing students’ interests in high school which could give them encouragement to reconsider attending college.

We must educate parents and students alike with a statewide campaign to make graduation of our students a priority. We need to be aware of the challenges in order to assist and provide each parent and student with the tools they need to promote higher education. A statewide education campaign is needed in order to educate our citizens in the resources available.

Money is an important resource to anyone’s education, and finding the available funds to incorporate my education plan will be a priority. I believe that we can streamline the state’s spending in areas such as exempt employees and State Auditors’ need to detect and investigate inappropriate and illegal spending. NM State Auditor Hector Balderas said that between 3% and 5% of the over $6 billion dollar state budget is wasted every year by corruption and incompetent administration of public resources. We need to give the State Auditor and Attorney General the tools and funding to investigate and combat this mis-spending. This will save the state monies that could be diverted directly toward the state’s educational goals. Auditing of current state contracts will also save the state money, which could be used for dropout prevention. Finally, I believe re-focusing the existing education spending towards dropout prevention will increase our future tax dollars.

Increasing graduation rates will create more qualified workers, who will then be able to earn more money, and pay more taxes based on those increased incomes. There will also be a savings which will impact prison and medical costs; since an educated young adult is less likely to go to prison, or have children at a young age, they will stand a better chance of paying for their health care costs.

Paying for these programs has always been an issue. Many times in New Mexico, we have seen our executive branch and legislators find monies for “pet projects”. Our childrens’ education—particularly, reducing the high school drop-out rates—should be our top priority and declared, “the official state pet project!”

Santa Fe Reporter Examines 2010 State Candidates

The Santa Fe Reporter has taken an "Early Bird" look at the 2010 races in their latest edition. The views were interesting yet I did not like and really could not correlate their scores on what they called the "Shady Factor". The scores did not make sense especially looking at some candidates and what their scores were in other races besides the Lieutenant Governor Race.

I can't complain too much, my score was the third lowest of all state wide candidates. The candidate with the lowest "shady factor" was State Representative Janice Arnold-Jones at 13.8% shady. This score had to be based solely on the fact she became a hero of the media after she began webcasting committee hearings despite the battle in the legislature over allowing meetings to be webcasted.

The story Highlights my successful push to de-privatize the jail and to implement a DWI vehicle-seizure program, both among many accomplishments during my time as Sheriff. The Reporter labels me a generally progressive candidate noting that I am one of the few sheriffs nationwide to support a medical cannabis program and to call publicly for “compassionate” immigration reform.

SF Reporters rendition of Sheriff Solano.

My friends and family are debating whether the drawing of me looks like me, or not, however my wife thinks its "cute" and that the artist gave me "chipmunk cheeks" , LOL. That is one thing about my wife and I we try to find a little fun and humor in everything. It keeps things in perspective. Good thing they did not rate us based on Height! I think my shortness factor could have resulted in a "low rating" !

Overall it was a good story for me, as all media has been so far. The race is early and the real mud has yet to be slung. I expect some to come my way but I am ready and willing to take on those who would get dirty while running a clean campaign myself.

Join Toby Keith and Help the Campaign!

The Solano for Lieutenant Governor Campaign has been given two tickets to the Toby Keith Concert in Albuquerque on August 20, 2009. Along with the tickets comes two meet and greet backstage passes which will allow the lucky couple to go backstage just before the concert and meet Toby Keith. You will get a professional photo taken of you with Toby and you will each leave with an autograph picture of Toby.

This is a drawing and all you need to be entered is to make a $20 donation to Gregs Campaign at:

http://www.actblue.com/contribute/entity/22510

You can donate any amount and you will receive one drawing entry for every $20 donated. So for example if you donate $100 you will get 5 entries. The donation for drawing tickets is valid only for donations made from July 24, 2009 to 5 pm August 18, 2009. The winning ticket will be drawn on August 18th, 2009 and the winner will then be notified and must meet me at the concert on August 20th, 2009 to get your tickets and passes.

Thanks for you support and Good Luck!

P.S. Here is a video from his last concert in September 2008 in Albuquerque. I took it while I was his special guest. This also included back stage passes and a great time! The winner will have the time of his or her life!

Would you like to meet Toby Keith backstage?

Guess what ! Toby Keith has just donated two tickets to his concert at the Journal Pavilion with Trace Adkins in Alb. on 8-20-2009 and two backstage passes to a meet and greet with him backstage! Join Antoinette and I backstage with Toby Keith!

We will be raffling them off soon for donations to my Campaign for Lieutenant Governor!

Keep an Eye on this blog for more information to be posted Soon!

New Mexico Violates Employees Trust.

The last session of the New Mexico State Legislature was faced with trying to balance the state budget in a time when America is in a recession and plummeting oil and gas revenues are hitting the state budget hard. Among the options lawmakers considered in curtailing employee costs were layoffs, furloughs or reduced vacation days. Two options the legislature chose were hiring freezes, which some could argue are in effect for some branches of State Government but not others, and forcing employees to boost payroll contributions for the public employees retirement by 1.5 percent of their salaries and reduce the government's contribution by the same amount for the next two years. Legislators say that by increasing the pension contributions, at least employees would still see the money when they retire and layoffs or furloughs were avoided.

Union leaders have sued the state to stop the increase in retirement costs from taking effect. The increases were to have taken place on July 1, 2009. After the announcement of the lawsuit was made public, news editorials and letters to the editors lambasted state employees for not accepting the increase and not being happy to have kept their jobs and benefits. What those who have advanced this opinion have not taken into account is the fact that these employees are represented by unions. The basic premise of having a union is to have the ability to negotiate pay and benefits with employers. The state has every right to propose concessions to the employees during hard times however, the employee representatives have every right to sit down at the table with their employer and negotiate pay and benefit concessions and take part in the decisions.

The State of New Mexico was clearly in violation of the spirit if not the actual letter of the contracts which the unions and the State of New Mexico have with the employees of this state. While concessions of pay or benefits may have been needed, the State had an obligation to sit down with the unions and give them the option of looking at the choices and taking part in the decisions. The lawsuits filed by the unions are about more than just a 1.5% increase in retirement funds the members will have to pay. The lawsuits are about giving employees the dignity and respect they deserve as collective unions, unions which are recognized by the state and with whom the state has agreed to negotiate pay, benefits, and work conditions.

For those who are out of work, or struggling to keep their jobs in these hard economic times, the prospects of paying 1.5% more towards retirement benefits may seem like nothing and it may appear as though state employees are spoiled brats who just won't give an inch. The truth is far from that, the truth is the State of New Mexico has a contract with these employees and from what I can see the State has failed to live up to that contract. Should unions look the other way and say to those they represent " you are lucky you have your jobs so lets all just look the other way", or should the unions stand up and say to the state, "lets honor our contracts and sit down at the table and jointly come up with concessions or look for ways we can save taxpayer dollars and balance the budget." There are those who will say the crisis did not allow for time to do this, I say that is not true. The State of New Mexico had reports going back a year or more that outlined upcoming budget problems. There was plenty of time to sit down with the unions and honor the contract which requires negotiations in these matters.

The milk has been spilled and now the courts will either decide for us or force the two sides to sit down and come to an agreement. In either case the State of New Mexico needs to learn from this and do a better job next time.

Sheriff Greg Solano

Greg Solano is the Sheriff of Santa Fe County and a Candidate for the Democratic Nomination for Lieutenant Governor.

Que Viva! Hot Fun Day at Espanola Fiestas.

The Solano for Lieutenant Governor Crew and I headed to Espanola to join the festivities and cruise in the parade! We had a great time, although it was hot, it was fun. Here are some pics from the parade. After the parade the Crew and I went to Joann's Resturaunt for some great Northern New Mexico Cooking! What a great day! Here are some pics from the parade!

Bloggers and media acknowledge my ethics plan.

Weeks after I unveiled my ethics plan, Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish outlined her ethics plan today. It was a good one and it laid out a very good foundation for the State Ethics Commission which we both support. She also supports subpoena powers for the Ethics Commission which I will also add my support as well. She left out my ideas for strengthening the office of the Attorney General, the State Auditor,and the Secretary of States Office. She also did not add public campaign funding for these offices or full time salary for legislators, all included in my plan.

I also proposed web casting of meetings, press conferences, and legislative hearings which she did not mention. She did offer a state web portal which would be a one stop shop for information. One thing I truly believe is transparency and open government has to be the policy and practice from the top down. Those who do not follow that policy should be disciplined or removed. Only then will this be adhered to by all state government. The Governor and Lt. Governor need to set the example.

Bloggers and online media who were first to cover her ethics plan unveiling were quick to note that the Lieutenant Governor and myself are the only ones to put forward plans for ethics reforms. For all the political posturing and ranting the Republicans have done of late they still have taken no actions or put forward anything more than lip service.

Here is some of the initial reports on the ethics plans and their acknowledgment of my plan which was the first to be released.

New Mexico Independent

Green Chile Chatter

Diogenes Six

Heath Haussamen

Others follow Sheriff Solano’s lead on Ethics Reform plan.

*****News Release 7-08-09 *****

Others follow Sheriff Solano’s lead on Ethics Reform Plan.

On June 26, 2009 candidate for Lt. Governor Sheriff Greg Solano released his proposed ethics reforms on his website at www.solanoltgov.com. Sheriff Solano realizes that ethics reforms are needed in New Mexico to protect tax dollars and ensure transparency in State Government. Sheriff Solano believes true ethics reforms come from the top down and setting an example in the highest offices of State Government. Sheriff Solano was the first State Wide Candidate to release an ethics reform proposal.

Tomorrow Lt. Governor and candidate for Governor Diane Denish joins Sheriff Solano with her own proposals for ethics reform. Sheriff Solano Welcomes Lt. Governor Denish in joining him with her own ethics proposals. Sheriff Solano states “We need a real top down effort to open up state government and have true transparency in state government”. “Only when the highest offices of state government practice open transparent government, will that culture of openness filter down to the lowest levels of state government.” From his website the Sheriff proposed the following:

Ethics in New Mexico

I believe true ethics reform is needed in New Mexico. While there are unethical people in every profession the political leaders who oversee our government and tax dollars should be above reproach. The most important factor in clean government is transparency. While serving as Sheriff for the last 7 years I have promoted open government throughout the Sheriff’s Office. Reporters never have to file Freedom of Information Act Requests. They need only to call my office ask for what they need and if we have it and it’s not illegal to release it then we fax or email it immediately. I have been criticized by my peers in law enforcement for being to open but it is a principle which I stand by and my staff is expected to follow my lead.

That is what we need in State Government. When the leaders have a policy of open government and require it from the top down only then will staff adhere to that policy. Here are some of the Ideas I support in regards to ethics and open government.

• Creation of an independent ethics commission. The commission should be bipartisan and include citizens and members of all three branches of State Government.
• The State Auditor and Attorney General should continue to be elected positions however their campaigns should be publicly financed in order to remove any appearance of impropriety or pay to play allegations. Their offices need to be adequately funded in order investigate and audit all cases of importance that come to their offices.
• The Secretary of States Office needs adequate funding and Technology assistance in order to have complete and easy access to campaign finance reports. The system needs to be easy to use for both candidates and the public.
• The State should have a department of web casting which would be entrusted with getting as many government meetings and press conferences broadcast on the web as possible. NMStateGov_TV.com or something similar should be created to ensure a one stop shop to find such web casts.
• I also believe political office is a full time job regardless of the position and should be compensated as such. I believe we will attract some who just want to serve and would not be able to afford to do so. This could also provide honest competition for those who just have ulterior motives and those who want to use politics as a stepping stone to big lobby jobs and other high paying positions. The common man or woman who has the knowledge, honesty, wherewithal and ability to run for office should not have to choose between a full time job to support his or her family and serving the public in an elected position.
• Finally transparency and open government has to be the policy and practice from the top down. Those who do not follow that policy should be disciplined or removed. Only then will this be adhered to by all state government. The Governor and Lt. Governor need to set the example.

Sheriff Solano states “our citizens need to have faith that their government is open, honest and transparent”. “While I believe great strides have been made in the last few years, more can be done”. Sheriff Solano goes on to say “These proposals would go a long way to ensuring confidence in state government”.

Sheriff Solano intends on updating his website with more issue statements in the near future. Sheriff Solano is running an “open campaign as well” citizen can find him chatting on twitter, http://twitter.com/gregsolano and on Face book at http://www.facebook.com/people/Greg-Solano/1796213852 you can also follow his blog at www.solanoltgov.blogspot.com.

Sheriff Solano is running the first truly interactive State Wide Campaign, while other candidates have these sites as well, Sheriff Solano has active accounts where he posts daily and chats with citizens on the sites. Citizens can post comments, ask questions and truly interact with the Sheriff in ways unseen in a New Mexico race before.

Sheriff Greg Solano

Candidate for Lieutenant Governor

1068 Willow Way Santa Fe N.M. 87507

PH. 505-990-1850

solanoltgov@aol.com .

www.solanoltgov.com

www.solanoltgov.blogspot.com

My trip to Rio Rancho for July 4th Parade

Antoinette, (my wife) and I just got home from the 4th of July Parade in Rio Rancho. It was a lot of fun and we saw several old friends. The parade organizers put our float in position just in front of one of my opponents. I don't know if that was planned or coincidence but we had fun. The two campaign camps introduced ourselves to each other and it was very cordial both before and after the parade. I can tell that this will be a very cordial and non mud slinging campaign as least between the two of us, but I think it will be with all the current candidates. That is comforting since over the last three election cycles I have had both cordial issue oriented campaigns and opponents who liked to sling some mud. I have always tried to keep campaigns about myself and ideas and not my opponents.
















My Granddaughter Marilyn joined my daughter Sylvia, her boyfriend Jessee, and myself on the parade route. The parade route was nice in that it was not too long. I have been in parades that last 3-4 hours and those can be hard on everyone. This one was about 1 hour long and since we were towards the front (float number 16) we got started early and were done pretty quickly.

After the parade we headed out to Jack in The Box on Alameda. Still long lines after it has been open a few weeks. If you follow my twitters you would know I am a big Jack in the Box taco fan. I used to get off the plane when in Nevada, Arizona, or California and head straight to the nearest Jack in the Box. If you are reading this corporate office of Jack in the Box, We need one in Santa Fe now!

Next its back to Santa Fe for an evening visiting a few friends and families houses. I want to try to get to Las Vegas NM on Sunday as they are having their fiestas this weekend also. Until next time be safe and we'll see ya on the Campaign Trail!

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Birthday USA! Happy 4th everyone. Be Safe and Have fun! Look for me in the Rio Rancho July 4th Parade! The Undersheriff , Robert Garcia will be at Santa Fe's Pancake Breakfast on the Plaza.

New Mexico A Buzz over Solano's Ethics Plan!

Bloggers and News Media cover Sheriff Greg Solano's Ethics Proposals posted on his Website! New Mexico is a buzz with Sheriff's Solano's latest posts on his Solano for Lt. Gov. Website!

Links and some quotes from the articles are posted below.

Roundhouse Roundup-

Some of his ideas like an independent ethics commission have been debated for years now and the idea of having a Secretary of State's Web site that actually works is sheer fantasy on the level of Tolkien. (If that was really possible they'd have already done that by now, right?)

But there's some other ideas such as having public financing specifically for attorney general and state auditor are new. Solano also wants a "Department of Webcasting." A new "department" is probably a little far-fetched, but having one central state agency in charge of that is certainly worth discussing.

New Mexico Independent-

Greg Solano, the Santa Fe County Sheriff and an announced candidate for lieutenant governor, unveiled an ethics plan on his campaign Web site today.

In a post on his Twitter account, Solano wrote that he would endorse the ethics plan if he becomes lieutenant governor.

Solano’s Web site says he would support the creation of an independent ethics commission, a goal that ethics reform supporters have wanted for years.

Solano is also in support of a “department of webcasting.” The department of webcasting “would be entrusted with getting as many government meetings and press conferences webcasted as possible.”

In addition to this, Solano says that he believes the positions of state auditor and attorney general should remain elected positions and not be appointed by the governor.

Diogenes Six Blog-

Sheriff Greg Solano is the first
statewide candidate to step up with
a comprehensive plan to end the
culture of corruption at once and
for all.

This is the candidate we have been waiting for.

Voters finally have a straight up choice; real reform or,
the same old, same old.

Sheriff Solano Releases list of Ethics Reforms he would support on his web site.

*****News Release*****

Sheriff Solano Releases list of Ethics Reforms he would support

on his web site.

Sheriff Greg Solano candidate for Lieuteant Governor of New Mexico on the Democratic Ticket has released his proposed ethics reforms on his website at www.solanoltgov.com. Sheriff Solano realizes that ethics reforms are needed in New Mexico to protect tax dollars and ensure transparency in State Government. Sheriff Solano believes true ethics reforms come from the top down and setting an example in the highest offices of State Government. From his website the Sheriff proposes the following :

Ethics in New Mexico

I believe true ethics reform is needed in New Mexico. While there are unethical people in every profession the political leaders who oversee our government and tax dollars should be above reproach. The most important factor in clean government is transparency. While serving as Sheriff for the last 7 years I have promoted open government throughout the Sheriff’s Office. Reporters never have to file Freedom of Information Act Requests. They need only to call my office ask for what they need and if we have it and it’s not illegal to release it then we fax or email it immediately. I have been criticized by my peers in law enforcement for being to open but it is a principle which I stand by and my staff is expected to follow my lead.

That is what we need in State Government. When the leaders have a policy of open government and require it from the top down only then will staff adhere to that policy. Here are some of the Ideas I support in regards to ethics and open government.

• Creation of an independent ethics commission. The commission should be bipartisan and include citizens and members of all three branches of State Government.
• The State Auditor and Attorney General should continue to be elected positions however their campaigns should be publicly financed in order to remove any appearance of impropriety or pay to play allegations. Their offices need to be adequately funded in order investigate and audit all cases of importance that come to their offices.
• The Secretary of States Office needs adequate funding and Technology assistance in order to have complete and easy access to campaign finance reports. The system needs to be easy to use for both candidates and the public.
• The State should have a department of web casting which would be entrusted with getting as many government meetings and press conferences broadcast on the web as possible. NMStateGov_TV.com or something similar should be created to ensure a one stop shop to find such web casts.
• I also believe political office is a full time job regardless of the position and should be compensated as such. I believe we will attract some who just want to serve and would not be able to afford to do so. This could also provide honest competition for those who just have ulterior motives and those who want to use politics as a stepping stone to big lobby jobs and other high paying positions. The common man or woman who has the knowledge, honesty, wherewithal and ability to run for office should not have to choose between a full time job to support his or her family and serving the public in an elected position.
• Finally transparency and open government has to be the policy and practice from the top down. Those who do not follow that policy should be disciplined or removed. Only then will this be adhered to by all state government. The Governor and Lt. Governor need to set the example.

Sheriff Solano states “our citizens need to have faith that their government is open, honest and transparent”. “While I believe great strides have been made in the last few years, more can be done”. Sheriff Solano goes on to say “These proposals would go a long way to ensuring confidence in state government”. Sheriff Solano intends on updating his website with more issue statements in the near future. Sheriff Solano is running an “open campaign as well” citizens can find him chatting on twitter, http://twitter.com/gregsolano

and on Face book at http://www.facebook.com/people/Greg-Solano/1796213852

you can also follow his blog at www.solanoltgov.blogspot.com. Sheriff Solano is running the first truly interactive State Wide Campaign, while other candidates have these sites as well, Sheriff Solano has active accounts where he posts daily and chats with citizens on the sites. Citizens can post comments, ask questions and truly interact with the Sheriff in ways unseen in a New Mexico race before.

Sheriff Greg Solano

Candidate for Lieutenant Governor

1068 Willow Way Santa Fe N.M. 87507

PH. 505-990-1850

solanoltgov@aol.com .

www.solanoltgov.com

www.solanoltgov.blogspot.com

Cochiti Special Olympics Golf Tournament

I visited the Special Olympics Golf Tournament this morning in Cochiti just to show my support. Corporal William Pacheco from my office helped to organize the effort on behalf of the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office. It was a lot of fun but really hot and humid today. I need to learn how to play golf, keep saying that but have not gotten out and done it.

Golfers getting instructions before the shotgun start.

New Mexico Attorney General Gary King and myself just before he headed
onto the course.

Corporal William Pacheco with one of the 2009 Gold Medal
winners for the Special Olympics.

My brother Gerald Solano a Lieutenant at the City of Santa Fe Police Department played in the tourney and was teamed up with one of my Sheriff's Investigators Detective James Yeager.

In Albuquerque tonight for Social Media Group Meeting

I always say "I will show up to the opening of an envelope". Its a way of saying that when campaigning you need to show up to any group meetings you can get to. Anytime you can meet with a group its a good thing. The big plus is when you meet with a group of great, intelligent people who are blazing new trails in New Mexico.



Ashley Drake Gephart organized the meeting which was the first monthly meeting of the Social Media New Mexico Group. Ashley is the Guru of social media, if your company or your political campaign wants to explore using Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Web sites, and much more) visit her website and give her a call. The group was primarily made up of business owners, members of the traditional media and business managers, along with authors and writers. It was a fun and informative meeting which I really enjoyed. Tonights speaker was William C. Reichard of CrossCut Communications LLC, his talk was very informative especially for the business owner trying to use social media for networking or to enhance thier business. If you are interested in the group go here to learn more and find the next meeting.

Ashley Drake Gephart and myself

William C. Reichard and Ashley Drake Gephart address the group.

Tomorrow night its off to Los Alamos, then on to Questa NM for a party on Saturday, Sunday I will head to Grants, then home to Santa Fe.

Santa Fe County Democratic Reception with Speaker Ben Lujan

Just got home (midnight) from a long night. Started out with leaving a busy day at the office and heading to The Bishops Lodge Resort. At 5:30 the resort hosted a reception and fundraiser for the Santa Fe County Democratic Party hosted by Speaker of the House Ben Lujan. The large room was jam packed with loyal democrats who showed up in force to support the party.

Undersheriff Robert Garcia was there working the room as candidate for Sheriff (yes to take my job). He is the man for the job and I am supporting him 100%. I was the only statewide candidate in attendance although there was representatives from the Diane Denish Campaign. However most local Democratic Elected Officials were in attendance, many of them running for re-election next year. There were also many legislative elected officials in attendance but I know if I start listing them I will forget someone since I did not take notes.

The reception started with a small silent auction and fruit and cheese platters. There was plenty of time to network, shake hands, and it was great seeing old friends.

Next County Chair Richard Ellenberg spoke to the crowd and made introductions.


Following the Chair was Speaker Ben Lujan who urged the crowd to be ready to support Democrats and not take any race for granted. He reminded all how important fundraising is at the local levels.



The speeches ended with local Real Estate Developer and loyal Democrat Steve Flance who spoke a little more about Santa Fe County fundraising efforts and the importance of getting involved.


It was a good meeting with a great crowd, I tried to personally shake every hand in the room and probably only missed a few who left early. The crowds reception of my candidacy for Lieutenant Governor was very positive and I obtained two commitments for future fundraisers and numerous commitments for campaign volunteers.


Next a small group of Santa Fe Democrats headed to Osteria restaurant in downtown Santa Fe for some great Italian Pizzas and great campaign related discussions. Met new people (great to meet you Jim and Paul) and reminisced and talked politics with old friends. Got home at midnight and hit the laptop in bed for this update. After what looks like a busy day at the office tomorrow then I am off to Albuquerque for a couple of small coffees and then an appearance at the New Mexico Social Media meeting.

.

Lieutenant Governor Candidate Predictions

The New Mexico Independent is following twitter predictions from candidates in the Lieutenant Governors Race. It all started when Steve Terrell, political reporter from the New Mexican saw Senator Ortiz y Pino and asked him how many candidates he thought would end up running and he said seven or eight. Steve Terrell put that on his twitter and I responded on my twitter with my prediction of 5 to start, 4 after petitions start in October and 3 that will make it through the State Democratic Party Pre-Primary Convention Meeting in March.

All candidates have to start gathering petitions from across the state in October of this year. The number of petitions needed will be determined by the Secretary of States Office and has not yet been announced. Then In March there will be a vote at the Pre-Primary Convention of the Democratic Party. Any candidate who receives at least 20% of the vote in the election will go on the ballot in the June Primary. Those who do not receive 20% must go back and collect more signatures to try and get on the ballot. No candidate who has not received 20% of the Pre-Primary Convention has ever won the office they sought. You can read more about the predictions here.

Of Course I added on additional prediction. I predicted I would make it all the way to the June Primary and win. It may seem a little pretentious but no one should run for office if they don't believe they can and will win.

.

Learning to Facebook, Happy Fathers Day!

Up late, very very late, learning to Facebook. Is there such a thing as Facebooking like tweeting? Anyway, Happy Fathers Day All! You can see my Facebook page here.

Dems across the State Volunteer in Day of Service.

Democrats across the state volunteered today to in a statewide day of service. I had several meetings today but got to stop by Kitchen Angels where I met up with several Santa Fe County Democrats cleaning and painting a storage room for Kitchen Angels. Kitchen Angels prepares and delivers food for people who are home bound and have life challenging conditions. Since 1992 these volunteers have really made a difference in Santa Fe to many people who really need the help.

Pic of loyal Democrat Dan Mayfield (painting volunteer) and Pawan Singh Dhindsa (owner of India House) who donated food to the volunteers.

Santa Fe County Democratic Party Chair Richard Ellenberg

Art Bonal longtime loyal Democrat hits the walls with a fresh coat of paint.

Below I listed some of the events that occurred throughout the State.

Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Bernalillo County Service event at PB&J Family Services. More

Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Bernalillo County Service event at Casa Esperanza More

Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Day of Service- Dona Ana County Service event at Jardin de los Ninos More

Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Lea County Service event at the Washington Park Juneteenth Celebration. More

Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Chaves County Service event at the Long-Term Care Center. More

Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Curry County Service event at Meals on Wheels More

Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Santa Fe County Service event at La Familia Medical Center More

Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Colfax County Service event at Long-Term Care Facility More

Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Dona Ana County Service event at Jardin de los Ninos More

Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Sandoval County Service event-Adopt a Highway for Democratic Women More

Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Eddy County Service event at San Jose Senior Citizens Center More

Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Otero County Service event at Betty Dare Center More

Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Colfax County Service event at Colfax County Medical Center More

Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Grant County Service Event in Grant County More

Jun 20, 2009 Statewide Day of Service- San Juan County DPNM will be hosting a Day of Health Care Service on June 20th across the state. More

Feedback from Bernalillo County Dem Party Meeting

I have begun to receive feedback from my appearance at the Bernalillo County Democratic Party Meeting Thursday Night. I received some tweets about it and Ched Macquigg talked about my appearance on his blog Diogenes Six. Many were not happy with Senator Linda Lopez answer to an ethics question and Diogenes Six talked about that here, while Peter St. Cyr of 770 KKOB Radio Talked about and had a video excerpt here.

You can follow my tweets @gregsolano

I recieved my first camaign donation via Act Blue, Thanks! I belive it was also a result of someone who saw me at the Bernalillo County Democratic Party meeting. Can you spare a dime? LOL, I really would like to have primary funding for this campaign come from small donations from you the public, lets see if we can do this together, $5, $25, $50 or more donations from many supporters accross this state can really add up. If you can help I Thank You!

Now I am off to lunch with a good friend who wants to throw a fundraiser for me.

Bernalillo County Democrat Party Meeting UNM Law School

Just got back from Albuquerque where I spoke at the Bernalillo County Democratic Party Meeting at UNM Law School. The meeting was well attended (good job BCDP). Two of my opponents spoke at the meeting and I was last to speak. At first I thought being last might be good as I heard the questions the others were asked and I expected some of the same questions. However, I did not get the same questions and my question and answer period seemed a little shorter than the others probably because the meeting was running late.

Photo of me speaking at the BCDP Meeting in Albuquerque Thur, June 18, 2009

Because I expect to speak to the party members again at a later date I decided to spend most of my five minutes I was allotted to give a speech introducing myself and letting the group know who I was, how I was raised and how I ended up as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor. I briefly spoke on some issues and issue questions from the audience including ethics reform, drug legalization, and Peter St Cyr hit me with a question on whether I would make a pledge to adhere to the new campaign finance donation limits passed in the last legislative session. The limits are not to take effect until after the 2010 election because some candidates had already accepted huge donations and amassed almost 2 million dollars when this bill was passed. Therefor the unannounced candidates and candidates who had not yet begun fund raising (like me) would be at a disadvantage.

I promised to consider the pledge and respond in my blog after I looked into it. The question was unexpected from me and my first instinct is to say yes since I don't expect to collect huge donations and my campaign is really trying to be lean and mean and funded by the public at large with lots of smaller donations. I do need to look at my opponents war chests and since they are currently state elected officials who can use money they have raised in thier current positions to run for Lieutenant Governor and I need to make sure I am not crippling my campaign and putting it in a disadvantage if my opponents already have taken large donations and do not pledge to limit thier donations. I have already pledged to not accept big lobby donations and I will keep that pledge. I wish Peter St Cyr had asked my opponents the same question but he did not.

Now it may seem that if I believe in these limits that I should just make the pledge out of principle. However, the truth is that I need to manage a campaign that keeps me on as even a playing field as I can considering the facts that sitting state legislators have funding resources that are well established and much greater than I currently have. I am still going to mull this over and will make a decision soon.

Speaking of funding, As I said I am trying to run a lean mean grassroots progressive campaign and I would like to show New Mexico politics as usual that you can win a state wide race with out taking huge campaign donations from companies that do business with the state or from big lobby interests. So to do that I need your help. Here is a link from Act Blue which will allow you to make a donation to my campaign. We can use any thing you can give whether it is $5 or $500 or more. I thank you for all you can do .

Finally I thought the meeting went really well especially since I was right in the middle of both my announced opponents home territory. At the end of the evening I had garnered a few commitments of support and even two small donations from Bernalillo County Dems in attendance. Next it was off to the Flying Star Cafe where I spoke strategy and politics with one of the attendees as well. It was a late night by the time I got back home to Santa Fe but well worth it and probably not the last late night this campaign will bring me.

P.S. Thanks to BCDP Chair Ana Canales and the rest of the officers for allowing me time to speak at your well run meeting. It is good to see the party is in good hands in Bernalillo County.

Campaigning in Hobbs NM

Me at the entrance to the city. Yes I had a mustache and beard but its gone now.

June 2 through the 5th 2009 I spent in Hobbs New Mexico with a short trip to Roswell as well. Hobbs was hosting the New Mexico Association of Counties Conference and the New Mexico Sheriffs Affiliate held its meetings in Hobbs at the same time. The conference allowed me to meet with almost all 33 Sheriffs from across the state as well as county officials and employees from all across the state. While in Hobbs I also met with local business leaders and made a short trip to Roswell to visit with local leaders there as well.

The meetings were fruitful and I came away with lots of names, numbers, emails, and commitments. I promised to return soon and I will be doing so.

Campaigning at the State Central Committee Meeting

I attended the New Mexico Spring State Democratic Central Committee Meeting on Saturday April 25, 2009 both as a voting member and as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor. My weekend started for my wife Antoinette and myself at the Albuquerque Country Club on Friday afternoon where State Auditor Hector Balderas had a reception to honor State Chair Brian Colon. Afterward there was a welcome reception at the Hyatt Regency Hotel hosted by Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish. My Wife, a good friend and I had a late night and then checked into a reasonably priced hotel for a few hours of sleep.

The next morning we were on our way to the Kiva Room at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The three of us passed out business size cards with information on the Lieutenant Governor Race and my run for it in 2010. For the first time I had a potential opponent out handing out stickers with an announcement she would be running for Lieutenant Governor as well. I took some pictures in between shaking hands and talking to old and new friends. Below I have some of the pictures.

Here the crowd shuffles into the 3 floor of the convention center.

Governor Richardson showed up for a short time to greet Democrats in the lobby but never gave a speech in the auditorium.

Brian Colon was re-elected as Party Chair.

The Audio Visual Guy keeps things moving along.

Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish speaks to the crowd.

Senator Tom Udall makes a point in his speech.

State Treasurer James B. Lewis demonstrates his great speaking abilities.

Congressman from my district Ben Ray Lujan addresses the crowd.

Here I share a laugh with my local Ward Chair Connie Salazar

State Auditor Hector Balderas takes the stage.

Secretary of State Mary Herrera gives her report to the Democrats.

Here I catch both Representative Brian Egolf and the New Mexican Reporter Steve Terrell Twittering. (or is it tweeting?)

Congressman Harry Teague addresses the crowd as Chair Brian Colon looks on.

The Santa Fe New Mexican Reporter Steve Terrell sits near Albuquerque Journal Reporter Dan Boyd and the two watch the speeches from a safe distance.

.

New Mexico Association of Counties June Conference

After our trip in the rugged desert between Las Cruces and Mexico I attended the New Mexico Association of Counties June Conference. The majority of the conference was at The New Mexico State University Campus. I really enjoyed attending the conference and spent the days introducing myself or greeting old friends from all the 33 counties across the state. I reminded everyone I was running for Lieutenant Governor in 2010 and lined up pledges from over 20 different counties for local support, fund raisers, and campaign organizers. It really boosted my spirits and filled my palm device with all kinds of new contacts and supporters.

I visited with several pecan farmers and spoke to them about water issues. One of the owners of a huge pecan farm told me a story about how he met with Governor Richardson and discussed the importance of water rights for agriculture. He told me that he relayed this message to Governor Richardson "you can take our wifes and kids, don't touch our water". He said this with a smile but lying underneath was a serious message as those in the agriculture business fear the loss of a tradition handed down from generation to generation. I must say I was in envy of the man as we sat under the shade of a large pecan tree at the center of hundreds of acres of pecan trees. I know it is not an easy life but a man can't help but want to own such beautiful acreage and know that you are living off the land and helping to feed a country.

Several candidates with races much sooner than mine were in attendance at the joint sessions of the conference as well as representatives from several candidates. Present at the conference were 2cd Congressional District Candidate Harry Teague, 3rd Congressional District Candidate Ben Ray Lujan, Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, Hector Balderas, and Senate Pro Tem Tim Jennings. Representatives were on hand from Senate Candidate Tom Udall, Senate Candidate Steve Pearce, and Senator Jeff Bingaman. Even though he was not present Association of Counties President Mike Anaya called for a Standing Ovation for retiring Senator Pete Dominici and the crowd gave a enthusiastic standing ovation.

Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish gave an excellent speech in which she discussed gas and water issues and thanked the County Clerks in attendance for the excellent job they did in the recent June Primary Election. I hope she remembers the great job county clerks did when we look at the next democratic presidential caucus in four years. I am very much in favor of putting the caucus or a primary election back into the hands or our county clerks who have the knowledge and resources to do it right. Diane joked that she is looking forward to the next 60 day session of the legislature in January. The joke part came when she added " I am not looking forward to the upcoming special session". The crowd laughed in unison at her comment. As you all may know Governor Richardson is calling a special session to deal with health care issues. Members of the legislature have balked at the special session with many of them feeling that a compromise has not yet been reached between the Governors proposals and the Legislatures plans.

A photo I took with my cell phone of Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish addressing the crowd.

Richardson in the last regular session tried to convince the legislature that the 400,000 New Mexicans without health insurance must have it by 2010. Legislators balked at the costs and complexity of his plan. Diane Denish as Lieutenant Governor oversees the Senate Side of the legislature and the Senate seems so be the most resistant to the plan. Lieutenant Governor Denish seems to be having the same reaction to the special session that most legislators seem to have, they are not looking forward to it.

Hector Balderas spoke about the auditors office, He described himself to the crowd as the least known bald politician. I have seen Hector at a lot of public events and political events lately so I guess he is trying to do away with being little known through out the state. He is up for re-election in 2010 and there has even been rumors of him running for another office instead of re-election to the auditors office.

I spent four days in Las Cruces attending the convention during the day and meeting with the Sheriff's Affiliate in meetings that are among the most informative that I have each year. I spent the off hours while in Las Cruces meeting the locals and spending time with county employees and elected officials from through out the state. It was a great four days in which I came back with information that was invaluable to our local sheriff's office as well as myself.

ATV Tour of the Mexico - New Mexico Border.

I attended the New Mexico Association of Counties Conference being held at New Mexico State University at Las Cruces. The conference was great giving me the opportunity to meet with county officials and employees from all 33 counties across New Mexico. I started the conference on Tuesday morning June 17, 2008 with an ATV trip across rugged desert country with about 20 sheriff's from throughout the state. We toured an area where law enforcement and border patrol often encounter drug smugglers, and human smugglers as well as illegal border crossings from Mexico. Even though this route is longer and more rugged than some of the closer border crossings this route also avoids many of the checkpoints and more closely watched border areas. Planes often fly into this area late at night and drop drugs to be picked up by waiting criminals on the U.S. side. Many loads of drugs are also found on the backs of people trekking miles through the 109 degree or higher heat. Many bodies are found each year, those who have succumbed to the heat and desert.

Here we are at the starting point for the tour.

As we left the rendezvous point the heat was tremendous and we passed around the sun block and prepared for the tour in which we would trek a little more than an hour into the desert. Local Sheriff's Todd Garrison from Dona Ana County and Sheriff Raymond Cobos of Luna County tell us through out the tour of the problems they encounter with illegal activity from the border. We pass cattle and torn up tires and rims from those passing through this rugged terrain, sometimes with actual passenger cars which are literally driven through the rough terrain until they are in pieces on the desert ground. We pass crosses left by family or friends of those who's last hours on this earth were spent in this desert.

At a break I admired the Guadalupe County ATV.

I grew up in Santa Fe where public opinion is much different in regards to illegal immigration. We don't experience the problems that the border counties encounter and it was very enlightening to see first hand the rough terrain and difficulty law enforcement has patrolling and policing this area. As we debate fences and walls across the border you can see first hand how difficult it really is to secure the border.

Thats me standing up in the back of the ATV with Santa Fe County Under Sheriff Robert Garcia at the wheel.

The area we primarily toured was all in Dona Ana County. The county comprises 3,804 square miles in south-central New Mexico, and borders El Paso County, Texas, to the east and southeast. The county also shares its borders with the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, directly south, Luna County to the west, Sierra County to the north and Otero County to the east. Much of the drugs that come through this area are spread through out the nation including heroin which ends up in northern Santa Fe County and Rio Arriba County. As many of you know this area has the highest rate of overdose deaths in America per capita. We constantly battle the influx of heroin, meth, marijuana, and other illegal drugs coming across the border and into Santa Fe County, much of it across the very ground we toured on this trip.

All the photos and video were taken with my cell phone so the quality is not great. Below is a short video of an area we went through which was being leased from the federal government and used to graze cattle.


I learned a lot on this trip and I thank the Sheriff's who arranged for this trip and gave us the information, and provided the ATV's. I know all the Sheriff's who attended learned a lot and stand ready and willing to provide what ever help we can to those on the front lines along the border.