Monique & Sally
There's a mother-daughter team on the state political scene. The new director of tourism doesn't have much work experience tied to New Mexico, but she does have a political connection. The mother of Monique Mayer Jacobson is former GOP ABQ City Councilor Sally Mayer, who now works as a constituent services aide to ABQ GOP Mayor Richard Berry. Governor Martinez named Jacobson tourism secretary-designate.

She has worked in marketing for PepsiCo in Chicago, serving as director of brand identity for the Quaker division of Pepsi and senior marketing manager for Quaker Oatmeal. She grew up in Taos and is a graduate of Sandia Prep with an economics degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

An old acquaintance of Jacobson writes to us:

Monique "Monica" Jacobson's mother is Sally Mayer who not long ago moved to Chicago to live near and help her daughter “Monique Mayer Jacobson” with her kids. Monica/Monique’s father is a French speaker, so we called her by either name when she was in high school here.

Sally Mayer moved briefly to Chicago after leaving the city council in 2009. She returned and was hired by Mayor Berry shortly after he took office late that year.

Carol Heitz
It was over before it started. That's been a common refrain about Legislative Session 2011 among the chattering classes and after more than a week of the sixty day gathering they seem to have it right. Not much has happened and not a whole lot is going to happen because you need money to throw a good party. They haven't turned the lights out at the Roundhouse, but the neon is looking dim.

Veteran observers capture the new mood. ABQ Journal newsman John Robertson, in the game since the 70's, says the Roundhouse is "cheerless" and describes "almost eerily quiet hallways."

Months ago syndicated columnist Jay Miller predicted a minimalist session. He hasn't changed his view. Former ABQ GOP State Rep. Rory Ogle gets even more grim. He says not only are we in for a mostly do-nothing session this year, but next year as well.

But former Dem ABQ Mayor Jim Baca says the Santa Fe boredom is mainly of interest to the chattering classes. The public, he opines, is not watching:

...The lobbyists, the regulated, the contractors, the unions and other special interest groups will be entrenched up there, but by and large the average citizens will not follow this process at all. It is just not all that intriguing to them. They could care less who the next Speaker of the House will be.

Intriguing or not, on goes the session with a GOP Governor and Democratic Legislature in broad agreement on the state budget, no money to launch new initiatives and the joyless task of downsizing state government topping the agenda.

For example, Susana came with this Wednesday:

I have signed a one year moratorium on new car purchases for non-law enforcement purposes. This will save taxpayer money...while also allowing my administration to determine how many additional cars we can eliminate..Along these same lines, we will also examine...cutting cell phones for state workers who don’t need them...

Yikes! Someone spike the punch bowl. This party is dying fast.

IT'S THE COURTS
Justice Daniels
We've said all along that much of the action in this new administration is going to be in the courts, not the Legislature, as the administration seeks to rid the law books of regulations they see as impeding business. But Martinez and company are going to have their hands full and they have a steep learning curve. Their first foray into this territory was met with tough opposition from the environmental community and a serious setback from the State Supreme Court after which the enviros hit the news circuit:

The Supreme Court sided with environmental groups today when it granted a writ of mandamus to the New Mexico State Records Administrator, compelling her to print the adopted and final greenhouse gas cap and dairy discharge rules. The printing of the rules was halted earlier in the month by Governor Martinez’ Executive Order which suggested the rules were “pending” and therefore subject to a ninety day hold for review.

“This is a tremendous and deserved victory for the administration of justice in New Mexico,” stated Bruce Frederick, staff attorney of the New Mexico Environmental Law Center (NMELC), the nonprofit law firm that brought two suits against the Governor...

We've also noted how Martinez's enviro actions are going to draw national attention. The New York Times dubbed the Supremes 5-0 ruling against Susana a "blunt rebuke."

(Video of Susana reacting to the court ruling, saying she was not trying to do a favor for the oil and gas industry here. Radio news reported that court docs indicate dairy industry lawyers helped write the order delaying the new regulations. Martinez's campaign received $50,000 from the industry.)

Her political advisers may comfort the Governor by telling her that even a loss helps push her into the limelight, but this is a clear and unadorned defeat in that limelight. Not good. It's about policy down here on the ground and this court victory is an early message to Martinez on the limits of her executive power. It's also the first time her public has seen her weakened and it will embolden her foes on the policy as well as the political front. Maybe the lesson for the new administration is to pick your fights more carefully. It's hard to hit the target when you shoot from the hip.

FILM FOLLOW UP
Berry
Follow-up now on the Wednesday blog wondering whether ABQ Mayor Berry, a supporter of the film industry, would wade into the battle over reducing the state film tax rebate from 25% to 15%. Is he at odds with fellow Republican and Governor Martinez? Will he get off the bench or stay on the sidelines as he frets over the economic impact of film productions possibly fleeing the city? His answer is a nonanswer as seen in this reply Berry's office is sending to those inquiring about his position:

Mayor Berry understands that the film industry has been great for Albuquerque. It has had a positive impact on our economy and has created numerous jobs from carpenters to assistance for local vendors. There will be many proposals before the legislature between now and the end of the session. The Mayor is confident that the legislature, the administration and the industry will get together and reach a solution that will continue to attract the film industry to New Mexico.

The Mayor says he is confident other parties will reach a solution, but why isn't he one of those parties? Does he not think the mayor of New Mexico's largest city and the state's economic engine should have influence in the matter? And what is city lobbyist and former Republican legislator Joe Thompson doing for us in Santa Fe? What are his instructions, if any, regarding the rebates?

This fight has fast become an urban vs. rural battle in Santa Fe. We could use some big city leadership. Berry served in the state House prior to becoming Mayor. He has a skill set that could be valuable.

With all due respect, Mr. Mayor, you do not work for the Governor or her political advisers. You are the independent voice of the city of Albuquerque. Your city will back you if you choose to lead.

Unlike Berry, ABQ Dem city councilor and potential mayoral candidate Ken Sanchez came with a firm position on the film rebates--hold off on any action until an authoritative study can be done. He told TV news:

I think we need to look at the financial picture, what it’s costing New Mexico and yet at the same time what it’s bringing in revenues before any reduction is actually made. I think those numbers are huge.

The film fight resumes in Santa Fe today with more hearings scheduled. Meanwhile, film rebate supporters have some more ammo with the news that three films shot in the state have garnered a total of 15 Oscar nominations this year, including 10 for the remake of the classic, "True Grit."

MEDIA MUSICAL CHAIRS

A media Alligator writes:

KOB-TV executive producer Kenny Vigil will become the new public information officer for the NM Corrections Department.

When it comes to the bombastic debate over the state's movie incentives, the 11th floor of ABQ City Hall is like a silent film--the bodies are moving around, but there's no sound.

That's because GOP Mayor RJ Berry has the bright stage lights of La Politica pointed in his eyes as new GOP Governor Susana Martinez fights to reduce by 40% the amount of tax rebate money going to Hollywood to entice film and TV productions here.

Film production has been one of the few bright spots for the city's economy, with Berry an enthusiastic supporter. Shortly after winning election in October 2009, he exclaimed:

Let's get those incentives going and show them that Albuquerque is open for the film business.

And in announcing an economic plan in March of 2010, the mayor's web site said:

The mayor has instructed his economic team to continue targeting businesses that are a good fit for Albuquerque such as clean and renewable energy, manufacturing, tourism and film.

So does Berry retain his enthusiasm for the current incentive--a tax rebate of 25% that Martinez is trying to reduce to 15%?

We don't know because he has apparently not been asked. The city film office headed up by Ann Lerner is also giving the controversial issue the silent treatment, although she was effusive in her praise of the current incentive program when she gave this interview a year ago.

We can't find any similar statements of support from Lerner since Martinez announced her proposal to cut back on the incentives.

And then there was the blockbuster December announcement that the high-budget and probable smash hit "The Avengers" would film in Albuquerque, bringing millions in economic activity. Berry was all smiles for that:

We welcome The Avengers to Albuquerque and look forward to hosting Marvel Studios over the coming year, Clearly, Albuquerque remains a premiere city in the U.S. for production...

ABQ Studios, despite past financial issues, is now a significant player in attracting productions. If "The Avengers" producers stay with ABQ, the studios will be entirely booked for most of the year. That's a lot of cash coming into the city.

FIGHT OR FADE?

So is Berry going to join the film incentive fight or sit it out and watch it from the theatre seats?

If he does nothing and the film industry takes a hit from reduced incentives, it could be a major economic blow to the city and to Berry's political future. If he opposes the reduction, he could inflame Martinez and the conservative wing of his party gunning for the program. Of course, if nothing happens and the program remains the same there would be little fallout for Berry.

But hope is not a leadership plan. What he could do is try to foster a compromise by trying to get Martinez to bump up the 15% incentive to 20% or so.

The question before Berry is whether he is going to let Santa Fe alone set the economic agenda for this city, or whether he demands a seat at the table in determining how important the film production business should be here.

NEVER TOO EARLY

The next mayoral election is way out there--not until October 2013. But that hasn't stopped an early list of possible contenders from circulating. It includes Berry, Dem ABQ City Councilor Ken Sanchez, Dem ABQ State Senator Tim Keller and Dem Pete Dinelli, an attorney who was head of public safety under former Mayor Chavez. We have not heard of any possible Republican mayoral candidates other than Berry. In October of this year four city council seats are up for election.

STAY OF EXECUTION

Machinations continue over the fate of Bernalillo County Manager Thaddeus Lucero. The five member county commission met Tuesday, but postponed a decision on removing Lucero. They will meet again Friday. There is talk that Lucero will resign rather than face a vote that the Alligators said is poised to go 3 to 2 against him. A resignation would spare Lucero a black mark. His supporters turned out in force at the meeting yesterday.

THE SCHMITT WEDGE

Can Jack Schmitt be the Dems answer to the many "wedge" issues the R's are throwing at them this legislative session?

The former moonwalker and GOP US Senator and now Gov. Martinez's nominee to head the state energy and minerals department, is an avowed global warming denier and has written a variety of missives on public policy that would have Timothy Leary tripping.

Schmitt's confirmation hearing could be a sold out event as Dems highlight his fringe views. The Journal's Thom Cole laid them out recently in a column that the Dems will use as a crib sheet when the time comes. (Nothing is scheduled yet.)

But expect Schmitt to make it through a Senate Rules Committee confirmation hearing and then the full Senate. His presence in the post will be a boon to Dems here and nationally as they point to him as a reason why they need campaign money. You could also see the ex-astronaut pop up in TV and radio spots. Before his time is up, Jack might feel like he is running for the Senate again.

And another political gadfly--Dona Ana Dem Rep. Andy Nunez, who helped spearhead a botched coup against House Speaker Ben Lujan--now says he is going to change his party registration to decline-to-state, better known as "independent." We've already pointed out there is a "functional coalition" in the House in which only a handful of Dems have to join with the R's to pass bills. The Nunez switch doesn't alter the balance of power as his vote is one of those considered to be part of the conservative functional coalition.

If Nunez decides to run again in 2012, will he run as an independent or will he switch back to one of the major parties? Who knows? Andy is about as predictable as the Groundhog coming your way Feb 2.

UDALL'S OFFICE

A reader writes from Carlsbad:

New Mexico's lower and middle classes continue to take body blows from the Bear Market. The latest hit comes in Rio Rancho where the J.C. Penney catalog call center announces it is shutting its doors in June. That will cost nearly 400 workers their jobs. It's due to a national restructuring by the retail company.

Many of these jobs were part-time and paid nine or ten bucks an hour. You don't plan a life around them, but you do plan survival. Their loss again tells the tale of this ravaging recession--nonprofessionals and those with only high school educations are bearing the brunt of the employment crisis.

The closing is yet another setback for once booming Rio Rancho, the satellite city of ABQ which has seen its housing bubble burst, Intel Corp. shrink its workforce by nearly 2,000 and an embarrassing solar energy venture blow up in its face.

For ABQ Mayor Berry and Rio Rancho Mayor Tom Swisstack it is a sullen reminder that the metro economy remains dormant and that tax collections around here don't seem likely to take off. What's next for these city leaders?

The layoffs come in the middle of an ABQ School Board election which also includes a $70 million bond issue for CNM, the community college that offers technical training for vocational jobs for 28,000 mostly working class students. The timing seems right for approval and we're going to vote for it. (The bond will not raise property taxes.)

The Penney's layoffs also send a message to the Martinez administration that its proposed 18 percent cut to CNM is going to be put under a powerful microscope as this state seeks to get people off the unemployment lines.

IN RELATED NEWS...

While we've noted how the professional classes are faring better during the downturn, they are not rolling in the dough. And that means some of the tony shops on ABQ's Nob Hill are feeling the pinch. One of them--Old World Imports--just closed after ten years in business as this tough retail environment drags on.

GOODBYE THADDEUS
Lujan Grisham
A seven year run is coming to an end for Bernalillo County Manager Thaddeus Lucero. Insiders tell us his fate was sealed at a closed door Bernalillo County Commission meeting Friday. They say the five member panel will vote to fire him at tonight's public meeting. Also expected to get the axe is the county attorney and county fire chief.

The upheaval comes after a year of controversy at the county over Lucero and the election of two new commissioners--Dem Michelle Lujan Grisham and Republican Wayne Johnson. The commission has three Dems and two R's.

Lujan Grisham and Johnson are expected to be joined by new Commission Chairwoman Maggie Hart Stebbins to dump Lucero. Republican Michael Wiener is expected to stay with Thaddeus as is Dem Commissioner Art De La Cruz. Our Alligators report Lujan Grisham pushed especially hard for Lucero's ouster during that private meeting.

One immediate concern is the hundreds of thousands of dollars it will cost the county to dump the trio and buy out their contracts. Lucero was making about $157,000 a year. Another concern is who replaces Thaddeus? How about a complete outsider with no ties to the county government culture? But with many executives losing their jobs when Big Bill left office, we wouldn't be surprised to see some of them popping up with applications for this well-paying gig.

Republican Wiener is sticking with Lucero despite rumblings by some Republicans that he should join in the dumping, especially since he is interested in having Gov. Martinez making him the new head of the state motor vehicle division. But the Dems are going to end up doing the dirty work on this one and Wiener's vote won't be critical to the outcome.

Bringing home the bacon. That will be the major theme of Dem Senator Jeff Bingaman's campaign for a sixth US Senate term. And bringing it home he is. Juiced up federal funding levels are starting to stream into the state and that's going to make it twice as hard for the R's to toss him out in 2012. From Bingaman's speech before the NM Legislature: