Friday, April 04, 2014A Long Second term Slog For ABQ Mayor As Economy Continues To Tank And APD Strife Persists, Plus: A New Mexican's Lament; One Of Those Leaving Tells His Story The ABQ metro area’s post-recession recovery in the fourth quarter remained one of the worst among the nation’s largest 100 metro areas, according to the Brookings Institution. . . The four-county area’s recovery rank was 94, compared to 88 in the third quarter. . . “Job growth turned negative again. . . employment levels declined by .3 percent. ABQ has experienced one of the weakest job recoveries in the country, with employment levels closing 2013 only 1.3 percent above their post-recession lows.” The four-county metro area had a rank of 97 for its job growth rate since the recession. Housing prices are 1.1 percent above their lowest level during the recession, for a rank of 78. . .ABQ's unemployment rate has dropped 1.6 points from the high point, for a ranking of 93. . . NEED MORE REASONS? Another reason why the APD needs a Federal Monitor from the US Department of Justice to take full supervisory control of the agency--and why the media needs to start paving the way: KRQE-TV news has been asking the Albuquerque Police Department repeatedly for the lapel cam video from the officer who fired at James Boyd first. That’s because there is something about that video that has the FBI’s attention. APD keeps insisting the public can’t see it because the Feds say so, but an FBI letter tells a different story. “Lapel videos from the police are public record,” said Greg Williams of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government. And don't forget the lapel camera video from the fatal shooting of Alfred Redwine. APD also refuses to release it. The media seems to have forgotten about that one. Want the stonewall to crumble? Get APD under the command of a Federal Monitor and the TV news departments will get APD video and more. Otherwise, this administration is going to try to continue to play them for fools. KOB-TV has come with a few reports that reference the possibility of a federal takeover of APD. The phrase "Federal Monitor" is apparently on the taboo list at our newspaper. GUV BEAT On the Dem Guv beat, Attorney General King is joining other law enforcement agencies in launching an investigation into the shooting death of homeless camper James Boyd. The mentally ill man's killing by APD has become a national and international story. . . .Howie Morales says raise the minimum wage--not just to the $10.10 an hour you hear so much about--but to $11 an hour by 2017. . . Alan Webber comes with an endorsement he hopes will help. Former ABQ City Councilor Eric Griego says Webber is the "most progressive" Dem contender for Governor and has his vote. . .Governor Martinez has updated her campaign website as the Guv race starts to garner more attention. . . A NEW MEXICAN'S LAMENT 
My wife (girlfriend at the time) and I came back to New Mexico in 2002. . . Upon our return we were in the midst of a New Mexico on the move. Our friends included law students, accomplished grant writers, artists, Web-design people, physical therapists, actors and innovators. These were people who wanted to start businesses and generally build out this promising place. It was electric. But it wouldn’t last. One by one, people started to move away. The promise did not match the reality. People began bumping up into the age-old New Mexican syndrome of endless hand wringing and nay saying about how things can’t be done, rather than what might be possible.
I saw friends beating their heads against walls trying to make something happen but being grinded down by obstacles such as a lack of a real private economy. New Mexico was a place of hope and promise, but there was no real substance to it.Over time, nearly all our friends left seeking greener pastures and better opportunities.
We can’t lay all the blame at the feet of the 2008-2009 global financial crisis. That crisis hit everyone, yet New Mexico remains bleeding on the floor while our neighbors are moving forward. . .
Never mind that the basic underpinnings of our state’s economy remain unchanged, leaving us weaker and more vulnerable to the whims of oil and gas prices or government shutdowns.
Sadly, our state’s economy is almost completely propped up by extractive industries and government jobs. Make no mistake – they have both served us well, but they are not enough. The “sadly” is this: The permanence and historical success of those two sectors allow our policymakers and business leaders to be lazy.
My friends came to New Mexico in a period of historic high energy prices and government expansion – it made the state look rosier than it is. Once there is uncertainty or a hiccup in either of those sectors, the rosy picture evaporates and the ugly truth is revealed. New Mexico is a beautiful place to visit and, if you’re rich, buy a summer home. Otherwise, you’re in for a hard slog to try and get a bite out of a pie that never grows.
Politicians nibble at the edges. Republicans cut some taxes and say they’ve saved the economy; Democrats throw a bone to the film industry and say they’ve helped diversify the economy. Neither side gets it. The media is obsessed with stabbings, shootings, gore and, of course, pooh-poohing any unconventional idea that might shake things up.
Average New Mexicans? Well, we sit around and wait for something to happen. We’re resigned to a mindset of “what can’t be done” – because it’s all we’ve ever known. . ..
New Mexico will always be our home and we may someday return. But now, like all our friends who left, we are going to check out those greener pastures for a while and wish all New Mexicans peace and prosperity. This is the home of New Mexico politics. E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com) Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here.   (c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2014. Not for reproduction without permission of the author Thursday, April 03, 2014Political Chutzpah: Mayor Berry Points Finger At Justice Department As He Tries To Get Ahead of Justice Train Roaring Towards ABQ; Command And Control Of APD At Stake As Climax Nears Of Fed Probe Of Fatal Police Shootings "I don’t feel like I can wait any longer to take actions," Berry said without even a hint of irony. Justice hurry up? After the city has endured 37 police shootings--23 of them fatal--since Berry took office in 2010? This from the the Mayor who originally opposed the DOJ probe? My, oh, my.. . .
Berry's run for cover immediately got the rumor mill spinning that a Justice announcement of the outcome of its lengthy investigation--accompanied by an outright takeover of the department--was imminent.
One could only speculate how the folks at Justice felt when Berry made it appear that they were the ones doing the foot-dragging and that he was now Eliot Ness leading the reform brigade.
Reader Tom Grover came with the counter spin to Berry's late innings gambit:
Only in New Mexico do you have nearly 5 years of police mismanagement by Berry (who vetoed the request from the City Council in 2011 to bring in the DOJ), and then when DOJ is about to announce the worst outcome for Berry and friends, he holds a news conference and basically says: "Hey, DOJ what's taking you so long?
Berry also said he wants to "negotiate" with the US Justice Department about DOJ monitoring proposed APD reforms. But the critics bayed that Berry doesn't need to negotiate--he needs to happily surrender to a full scale Justice takeover of APD on behalf of the long-suffering people of ABQ.
Longtime APD critic Silvio Dell'Angela put it this way in a letter to the DOJ:
The appeal by the Mayor to limit your actions should have insulted your intelligence and the intelligence of all citizens. We want a complete takeover by the DOJ of APD and not his limited initiative that allows him and his unqualified appointed Chief Eden to remain in charge.
We don't yet know the answer to the all-important question: Who is going to have day-to-day supervisory authority of the ABQ police department? Berry, Chief Eden and CAO Perry--or the US Justice Department through an appointed Federal Monitor?
In other troubled cities Justice has moved to name a sole Federal Monitor with ultimate power. Mayor Berry is pushing to keep command and control under him and have one or more Justice monitors observe and evaluate as his administration implements. Supervisory authority would remain under his roof. But that's the same roof that is leaking. If Justice doesn't go for complete control in ABQ, it would be like putting a coat of paint on rotting floorboards.
LOSING CONTROL  But under their watch the fatal police shootings have continued, with video of the recent killing of homeless camper James Boyd shocking the nation and turning the tide against them.
Berry also said he wants to hire a deputy chief to oversee his reforms and that of Justice and that Chief Eden has "sweeping reforms" in mind.
But where were the sweeping reforms as the bodies began to fall from APD bullets dating back to 2010?. Shooting after shooting was spun as justifiable, even as lawsuits over them cost the city millions and will cost millions more in the years to come. Only now that change is practically being shoved down the city's throat does the administration insist that it is ready do its job.
President Obama and Attorney General Holder don't need to "negotiate" a half-baked agreement. They need to lead this city out of the wilderness by taking complete control and restoring a civilized culture at the ABQ police department.
REDWINE VIDEO
APD still has not released full video of the fatal shooting of Alfred Redwine, even though it took place nearly two weeks ago. They said shortly after the shooting that the video is being "processed." There are questions about what exactly Redwine was doing prior to being shot. Police and some witnesses say he fired a gun. At someone? Into the ground? We won't have answers until the "processing" of the video is completed and released. DIDN'T VOTE? Reader Stan Fitch writes: Albuquerque voters had the opportunity to oust Mayor Berry on October 8, 2013. According to your blog at the time, liberal voters decided to stay home because the election lacked hot-button issues (the vote on banning late-term abortions was delayed until November 19). Since October 8 came the execution of homeless man James Boyd. Suddenly, the left is coming out in droves to protest APD. Where were the liberals and their personal convictions on October 8? As American citizens, one of our greatest duties is to get out and vote. The evidence speaks that the left would prefer to riot and protest instead of vote. JEFF WATCH Renegade Dem State Rep. Sandra Jeff lashed out at Conservation Voters NM this week, saying the group had racist motives when it financed an unsuccessful challenge to her petition signatures and tried to get her kicked off the June 3 primary ballot. A judge kept her on. CVNM comes with this response: In response to Rep. Jeff’s allegations of racism, CVNM points out that the other two candidates in the race are Navajo, and the suit was brought by a Navajo constituent. “Rep. Jeff broke the rules by not providing enough valid signatures from eligible voters, and we support the plaintiff Larry King in seeking justice,” This is about protecting the civic process and promoting democracy.” CALLING A SPECIAL  A reader asked Wednesday if the Dem leadership of the Legislature would consider asking the Governor for a special session to deal with needed mental health programs--just as they are considering a special session to attract a giant battery factory being built by electric car maker Tesla. A spokeswoman for the Senate Dems says that a recent statement from them addressed that concern:“A solid commitment on Tesla’s behalf has to be made to warrant a special session. Other critical issues that were not included in the last session could also be addressed such as the behavioral health crisis and over-testing issues plaguing our schools.” Our reader--who wants to stay unnamed--responds to that, saying: You can't hide a mental health session behind Tesla and expect to fully deal with the issue. ANOTHER EPISODE And now ladies and gentleman yet another installment in the series of tales from the self-proclaimed "Most Transparent Administration in State History:" Gov. Martinez has clamped down on the Legislature's watchdog committees in what lawmakers consider an attempt to limit their oversight of the Republican governor's agencies. Administration agencies are telling the Legislative Finance Committee and the Legislative Education Study Committee their requests for information must go to the governor's chief of staff to be approved before information will be provided. The committees typically contact agencies directly to seek data and documents. LFC Chairman Rep. Luciano "Lucky" Varela of Santa Fe says the governor is "drawing the battle lines." House Republican Leader Donald Bratton of Hobbs says the new policy could create a bottleneck for getting information. Now this would not have anything to do with unwanted information getting out on the campaign trail, would it? Not a chance. Could never be that. Not in a hundred years. . . This is the home of New Mexico politics. E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com) Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here. (c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2014. Not for reproduction without permission of the author Wednesday, April 02, 2014Still All APD All The Time: Mental Health Crisis And Police Shootings, Plus: A Federal Monitor For APD Or Not? Sen. Udall Speaks, Plus: Mayoral Candidate Felled By Berry Wants Him Recalled
Mayor Berry's budget proposal released this week proposes $1 million for additional training for police, much of which would be focused on how APD deals with the mentally ill. The mental health crisis has resulted in dozens of confrontations with city police--many of them fatal--and which have blackened the city's national image. The most sensational of them is the APD killing of homeless and mentally ill camper James Boyd. The video of that incident is unforgettable and may do to ABQ's image what the Rodney King beating did to Los Angeles for so many years. . . Tuesday night City Council President Ken Sanchez, appearing on the MSNBC program "Last Word," said Berry needs to double that amount. APD reform advocates took note of Berry's proposal to the city council to fund APD for 1,050 officers when in reality there are only about 900. The leftover money will revert to the general fund for the mayor and council to spend. Why not earmark some of that money for sorely needed 75 bed in-patient mental health hospital as proposed this week by the ABQ Westside Chamber of Commerce? After what we've been through a lot of folks are getting weary of hearing the argument that mental health is solely a state responsibility. . . On that front, Senate President Pro Tem Mary Kay Papen--a Las Cruces Democrat and often a kind face for Governor Martinez--came with a blistering op-ed on how the state has mishandled behavioral health: It’s time to be honest about the even greater mental health role that has been shifted to law enforcement under this administration’s dismantling of already fragile community behavioral health resources. It’s time for the administration to listen to the families of the severely mentally ill who want better training for police officers and, most importantly, someone else to call when a loved one has deteriorated to the point of being a danger to self or others. In reaction to that piece, a reader asks if the Legislature would consider asking the Governor for a special session of the legislature to deal with needed mental health programs--just as they are considering a special session to attract a giant battery factory being built by electric car maker Tesla.. . . MONITOR OR NOT?
The New Mexico congressional delegation has been hearing plenty about the Boyd killing and APD and the Justice investigation. Sen. Tom Udall came with this comment on the possibility of a Federal Monitor being appointed to oversee APD: Udall also said it is quite possible that the feds will send a monitor to oversee Albuquerque’s police department. “It may well be as a result of that that we end up with a monitor but that’s all going to depend on having the Justice Department complete their investigation." We saw a headline on a TV news website that said appointment of a Federal Monitor is "unlikely." But our insiders point out that this is one of the longest ever investigations of a police department by Justice. They say that could indeed mean a Federal Monitor will be appointed to oversee APD. And then there is Udall's statement that a Federal Monitor "may well be" the end result of the probe. Mayor Berry earlier came out against the monitor, but when asked again Tuesday--after Maestas and Candelaria urged him to accept one--Berry said he would wait to see the results of the investigation before commenting on the Monitor. Berry was opposed to the Justice Department investigating APD, vetoing a city council resolution that invited the department in 18 months ago. He now refers to Justice as the city's "partner." CYNICS CORNER After over three years of relentless APD controversy, this is a city drenched in cynicism. In response to a deputy US Marshall shooting and wounding a man described as a fugitive in ABQ's South Valley Tuesday, a reader writes: How does the city deescalate the problems with the police shootings? I guess by having the US Marshall shoot people instead. CAUTION ADVISED Extremely graphic video of the aftermath of this shooting has been posted. Protesters gathered at the shooting scene and berate the authorities as they attend to the victim who lay bleeding in the street as they await medical transport. Viewer caution is advised. . . . BLAME THE MANAGEMENT Reader Keith Miller writes:
The problem isn't the police officers nearly as much as it is the management of those officers. If it is clear that no one cares what you do, then there are no limits. The average age of these officers is likely around 28 years old. When I was 28 I "thought" I was mature, but at my age now I realize that outside supervision of my behavior sometimes was necessary. No less these officers.
"Shoot from the hip" is clearly the mind set of management. As the police force is managed by a chief, that chief is managed by the city's chief administrative officer who reports to the mayor. This is exactly where the responsibility falls. This police force sees what the situation is daily and a political appointee as their new chief probably disgusts them more than any one else. They have a tough job and need the support of the people; the management needs to go!
Republican Paul Heh, a retired 25 year veteran of APD who tried and failed to beat Berry in the October election, agrees with Miller that it's time for "management to go." He's circulating a petition to recall Berry. The signatures of 11,203 registered voters would be needed to have a recall election. That sounds like a lot but if there is another police shooting like the one involving Boyd, all bets are off.The other candidate who took Berry on last year and finished a distant second was Pete Dinelli. A friend of his wonders if Dinelli will end up writing a letter to the editor--a very short one--that says "I told you so.". . . . POLITICAL FODDER? An employee at the attorney general's office writes: Joe, among the Governor's line-item vetoes were the measly 3% cost of living adjustment for AG employees? With the cost of living continually increasing using public servants' ability to pay our bills (state employees health insurance costs just went up 10% for the second year in a row) as political fodder in the war for the governorship is deplorable and just plain wrong. Attorney General King is one of five Dems seeking the Guv nomination in the June primary and the right to take on Martinez in November.
This is the home of New Mexico politics.
E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com) Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here. (c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2014. Not for reproduction without permission of the author Tuesday, April 01, 2014Two ABQ Westside Legislators Urge Justice Dept. To Go All In And Name Federal Monitor To Run Troubled APD; Plus: Renegade Rep. Jeff Strikes Back At Groups That Tried To Keep Her Off Ballot, And: Susana And Tesla; Time To Lower Expectations?
State Rep. Antonio "Moe" Maestas and state Senator Jacob Candelaria--both Democrats--say the time has come. From Maestas: If you truly want to support APD and its officers, you will support the appointment of a Federal Monitor who can implement the changes needed to make APD the best constitutional police department in the nation. A Federal Monitor would essentially become the chief of police. The current chief would act under his direction. The Monitor could be appointed for up to five years and would work in conjunction with a Federal judge. Seattle's police department is one of the USA cities whose police department has been under the purview of a Federal Monitor Maestas said that ABQ Mayor Richard Berry--who opposes having a Federal Monitor for APD--"has had his head in the sand" when it comes to addressing the systemic issues that have resulted in 37 shootings--23 of them fatal--since Berry became Mayor in December of 2009. He says: APD has refused to take responsibility. They have refused to even listen. The Mayor has had his head in the sand since the get-go. As the shootings increased, he kept telling the community there was no problem. The Mayor and police chief should not wait for the Justice Department. The time has come for them to invite in a Federal Monitor. The men and women of APD and the citizens of ABQ deserve no less. Maestas told NM Politics with Joe Monahan that he hopes the city's elected leaders and the business community join him in calling for a Federal Monitor. That was the case recently in Newark which also has a troubled police department. The Chamber of Commerce and other business groups need to get involved. We have taken a severe hit nationally because of our APD problems. On top of the tragic loss of human life, our economic prospects are suffering. We need to work together as they are doing in Newark and treat this as an opportunity. The most recent APD fatal shooting took place March 26 five blocks from Maestas' home. Alfred Redwine was shot and killed by an officer. APD said he was armed with a gun at the time of the confrontation. The police lapel video of Redwine being shot has yet to be released. It was the March 16 APD shooting of homeless and mentally ill camper James Boyd that galvanized public opinion and sparked widespread protest. The FBI is investigating the Boyd slaying. Candelaria, a freshman senator who has been high-profile, said appointment of a Federal Monitor would "bring the city together." We're past tailing about the problem. We need action. People are frustrated--as seen by that Sunday protest--and if we don't see progress--frustration is going to grow. We can't reject outside help that could bring us together.. . .It's heartbreaking to see the city I love become known nationally for these shootings. The Justice Department has been investigating APD for possible civil rights violations for using excessive force. The investigation has been underway for a year and half. It is up to Justice to decide whether a Federal Monitor is appropriate for ABQ. Maestas appeared on the Fox News program "The O'Reilly Factor" on Monday to discuss APD. NEW HOSPITAL? The ABQ Westside Chamber of Commerce says its time for the biz community to act on mental health issues in light of the controversial APD killing of camper Boyd: Given recent events, a mental health hospital is needed now more than ever, according to mental health advocates, religious leaders and the Westside Chamber, who will gather today at a press conference to promote a much-needed facility to deal with mental illness in our community. That's an idea sure to generate some long overdue debate. Dan Serrano and other Westside leaders will unveil the proposal at a news conference today. JEFF WINS  I'm very disappointed that so called "progressive" and "Pro-Navajo" Democrats and even Democratic Party leadership went so far as to say that registered Navajo voters who only have "P.O. Boxes" should be disqualified and excluded from the democratic process just because they live on the Navajo reservation! Such action shows how out-of-touch and even racist these "progressive Democrats" are against Navajo voters. Shame on You Conservation Voters NM and the Native American Voter Alliance for what you tried to do against our Navajo voters and elders.. . . The case will be appealed to the State Supreme Court but Jeff is back in the driver's seat. Jeff has sometimes sided with House Republicans and has been a deciding vote for the conservative position in the closely divided chamber. Controversial Republican attorney Pat Rogers assisted her with her court case. Jeff is now the favorite to win the primary. There is no R running in the NW NM race so it looks as if Jeff will continue to be a thorn in the side of the House leadership (as well as great blog copy). THE TESLA TEASE Governor Martinez might want to start tamping down expectations about landing that giant $5 billion Tesla gigafactory that will produce batteries for electric cars. For weeks our Alligators have been pinpointing Nevada as the odds-on front runner for the site and other observers now see it that way: Northern Nevada is the front runner to land Tesla Motors’ $5 billion electric battery factory, though the California automaker is still talking to Texas, Arizona and New Mexico officials about incentive packages for the 1,000-acre site selection. Multiple business and political sources in the Phoenix area say the Reno area in northern Nevada is the odds-on favorite to land the Tesla plant. . . Either way, Tesla may be an issue in the Guv campaign. If we land it, the Martinez camp will be swinging from the chandeliers. If we don't, Dems can point to the social conditions crisis here (think APD shootings, education etc.) as reasons Tesla decided to stay away. Reader Jeff Baker comes with this on Tesla: Joe, Tesla needs $5 billion to open a new battery factory. So far, it has raised $2 billion. Panasonic, which Tesla expects will kick in the other $3 billion, may be getting cold feet. What are the odds someone will ask Governor Martinez and the Legislature to tap the Permanent Fund if Tesla agrees to build its factory in New Mexico? Using the Permanent Fund for Tesla? Now that's about as wild as it could get.
SOS RACE  Bernalillo County Clerk Maggie Toulouse Oliver wants to keep the Democratic North in her camp in order to take out Republican Secretary of State Dianna Duran this fall. That's why the recent endorsement of Oliver's candidacy by Public Regulation Commissioner Valerie Espinoza matters.Espinoza is a former Santa Fe county clerk who turned against Democratic Sec. of State Mary Herrera who lost the office to Duran amid ethics allegations. Espinoza toyed with her own run for the SOS office but went for PRC. The Dem ticket this fall is going to be heavy on the Anglo side and motivating Hispanic voters is going to be important for Oliver. Meantime, Duran is determined to keep the office in the R's hands. She recently keynoted the Los Alamos Lincoln Day Dinner and national groups are lining up to pump money into the contest to keep the office in the R column, In 2010, Duran became the first R to be elected secretary of state since 1928. Both Duran and Oliver are unopposed for their party's nominations in the June 3 primary This is the home of New Mexico politics. E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com) Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here. (c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2014. Not for reproduction without permission of the author Monday, March 31, 2014Tear Gas Wafts Through The ABQ Air As Rage Over APD Spills Into The Streets. Plus: Just How Did We Get Here? Political History Cited As Cause For Eruption In APD Shootings, Also: There Are Answers To This
This was a much edgier protest than last Tuesday's in which hundreds gathered at the steps of APD downtown to protest APD's killing of James Boyd, a homeless man suffering from mental illness. This demonstration over Boyd's slaying went organic with protesters holding the streets for 10 hours, marching to APD headquarters and near UNM and Nob Hill. Protesters were often confrontational, taunting the police knowing that if the cops overreacted it would go viral and give the department yet another black eye. The protest climaxed with police firing tear gas at protesters at Central and Princeton across from UNM and at least several arrests. At 11 p.m. tear gas was fired at protesters at APD headquarters. Protests like these will increase support for the APD among some but also harden the position of those who want action to clean up the department and end the chaos. Both views were reflected in comments on the TV news websites and other social media as the protests played out. We know this: ABQ politics has entered a new phase--from an atmosphere drenched in apathy to one where the unexpected and the bewildering can and does occur. NOT SURPRISING It may be the least surprising poll we've seen in recent years: The telephone survey of registered voters indicates that only 15 percent believe the (James Boyd) shooting was justified and that 53 percent say it wasn’t. The remainder, about 32 percent, had no opinion or didn’t know. The now infamous--and gruesome--video of the mentally unstable and homeless Boyd being gunned down by APD in the Sandia foothills has taken a spiritual toll on the state's largest city. And the political toll?. . . . We said several years ago that the outcome of the APD crisis would be the defining moment for ABQ Mayor Richard Berry. Unfortunately for him, that outcome is now apparent and it is devastating. Can you imagine Berry ever running for political office again without that video haunting him? Even his fellow Republican--Gov. Martinez--sees the handwriting on the proverbial wall. Rather than delivering video of the Boyd killing taken by NM State Police to APD, she sent it directly to the FBI for use in their criminal investigation of the shooting, She didn't even tell her friend the Mayor, And that's how it will be in the days ahead. Politicians--desperately trying to get ahead of the public parade--will continue to scurry for cover faster than a cat in a thunderstorm. Susana throwing Berry under the bus makes political sense as it is meant to protect her from becoming the target of the many ABQ residents riled up over APD. After all, it's her name on the ballot this year. Reader Charles Arasim adds: Until the FBI is finished with its investigation into the fatal APD shooting of James Boyd, the pat answer from any NM governmental official will be something along these lines...
"The FBI has an ongoing investigation in this case and it would be inappropriate for me to make any comment at this time."
Perhaps. But the questions about how the state deals with mentally ill citizens won't stop.
HOW WE GOT HERE
The seeds of this crisis began in 2007 during Mayor Chavez's push to expand APD to 1,100 officers and with it a failure to scrutinize officers coming from other police departments. Either the city didn't do its research, or simply turned a blind eye to officers with a history of problematic conduct. However, the pattern of shootings in ABQ did not begin in earnest until 2010. . . Mayor Berry won election in 2009 thanks in large part to Democrats splitting their votes between two of their candidates and the work of Jay McCleskey, now known as the "Fifth Floor" because of his Svengali like influence over Governor Martinez. One of Berry's first actions before taking office was to name Darren White, a close McCleskey associate, as the Public Safety Director, a position that under Chavez had been largely ceremonial . However, Berry made White the boss of the police chief, giving him full control of the department. Berry also brought into his administration another McCleskey/White insider, Rob Perry, now chief administrative officer. White came with a lot of baggage. As secretary for the Department of Public Safety, he was criminally investigated for using state resources to benefit the Imus Brothers, was given a resounding vote of no confidence by NMSP officers and was extensively involved in the politically driven firing of NM US Attorney David Iglesias. Iglesias once described White as, a “shoot from the hip kind of lawman” who “shoots first and asks questions later.” Many of the shootings involve mentally ill people. Rather than defuse situations, officers involved constantly escalated them, leading inevitably to the shooting, or in some cases simply shot the person within seconds of arriving on the scene. Shoot first and ask questions later. In response to the shootings, White held press conferences and went before the city council following shootings not just to support the shooters, but to praise them. White's term at the city ended in disgrace over his involving himself at the scene of his wife's one car accident and his removing her from the scene before a genuine investigation could take place. Which came only a few months after improperly involving himself at the scene of an undetermined death of a business partner (attorney Mary Han) of a close political associate, which also came in 2010. He has since gone on to benefit yet again from his close ties to McCleskey However, the damage to the department was done, and a culture created that will take years to undo. Not surprisingly, Berry recently chose another White/McCleskey insider to lead the police department--Gorden Eden--a cabinet official from Martinez's administration. He did so despite interviews with out of state applicants that had much more experience running police departments. The shootings continue unabated despite the presence of a DOJ investigation. As the saying goes, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, while expecting a different outcome. Until an outsider, and not a political crony, is hired to run the department, one who is capable of breaking the culture, the shootings will continue. Thanks, Michael. That is the best summation we've seen to date of what has happened to our police department. Other views? Send them in. THERE ARE ANSWERS
For APD, the long-term answer is the appointment of a Federal Monitor from out of state--with absolutely no ties to APD--to take over the department for a minimum of three years. That's how other police departments have recovered from out-of-control cultures. What makes us different? As for the epidemic of mentally ill persons on our streets and the child abuse cases such as Omaree, it's going to take money. Money solves problems in poor states. We have the money. $6 million was left unspent by CYFD last fiscal year. Spend it. And we potentially have $78 million that is currently used for indigent care at the University of New Mexico Hospital that could be devoted to mental health intervention as Obamacare beings to pick up the indigent care tab. There is nearly $14 billion in the state's Permanent Fund--some of which could be devoted via constitutional amendment to very early childhood education--zero to five--that would interrupt the generations-old cycle of failure. Of course, the money has to be spent wisely and targeted, but it has to be spent. Money solves problems.
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