Results of a statewide poll about proposed campaign finance and ethics reforms in New Mexico show broad support among registered voters for more public disclosure of political funding sources. Common Cause New Mexico commissioned the survey and published results today as the Legislature convenes for a 30-day session that may include campaign finance and ethics initiatives. The poll finds that about 91 percent of registered voters support requirements for public disclosure of large political contributions from individuals, corporations, political action committees, nonprofits and unions. About seven-percent opposed the idea. The poll is from Albuquerque-based Research & Polling Inc. The firm recently conducted a random sampling of 452 registered voters and has an error margin of four-and-a-half percentage points.
An evaluation of student achievement at New Mexico charter schools finds higher spending per student with roughly the same academic results as traditional public schools. The evaluation by New Mexico's Legislative Finance Committee looked at six representative charter schools. The state's charter schools have received almost half of the new money available for public schools over the past seven years. Yet student achievement data for the past three years shows little difference in achievement between charter and traditional public schools. Rapid growth of charter schools in New Mexico mimics a nationwide trend. The evaluation also finds that charter schools authorized by local school districts perform below charter schools authorized by the state of New Mexico.
Suspicion over federal plans to restore endangered wolves in the Southwest has spread to Colorado and Utah, where ranchers and officials are fiercely resisting any attempt to import the predators. About 110 Mexican gray wolves roam parts of Arizona and New Mexico. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released 11 wolves there about 20 years ago after the population nearly vanished. The agency hopes to complete a recovery plan for the Mexican wolf in 2017, and officials say they've made no decision about releasing them in Colorado or Utah. But neither state is waiting. Their governors accuse the agency of using flawed science and biased experts. Utah and Colorado wildlife commissioners also spoke out against releasing Mexican wolves. The Fish and Wildlife Service defended the experts and the process.
The City of Santa Fe is getting is very own film commission to help lure productions and cultivate independent filmmakers. The City Council has unanimously approved establishing a 16-member commission amid inquiries about how it would use its annual budget of 50-thousand dollars. The panel will be in charge of expanding the city's reputation as a filmmaking destination, developing local productions and lobbying lawmakers to get rid of a 50 million dollar cap on state incentives. Mayor Javier Gonzales will appoint commission members and the chair. The panel will be made up of industry leaders, film crew representatives and people with ties to schools with film programs.
The Navajo Nation Council is weighing legislation that would postpone this year's election because of possible restructuring of its chapter government system. The Farmington Daily Times reported Saturday that delegate Leonard Tsosie is introducing a bill that would delay races for chapter officials and other offices. The Office of Navajo Government Development has been holding public meetings since December about amending the section of tribal law that lists the authorities of chapter governments. Among the proposed changes is grouping all 110 chapters into a regional government structure. The bill would put off election season until after voters decide on a referendum to restructure chapter governments. A Navajo Election Administration representative was not immediately available to comment.
Santa Fe Weather: Mostly sunny skies today with the high, 40. Tonight: Mostly cloudy with the overnight low down to 27. Tomorrow: Partly sunny with a 20-percent chance for showers, the high tomorrow, 42.