Masks remain a hot button issue as the state undergoes yet another Covid surge. We were reminded of that when we blogged Wednesday that by going maskless at her State of the State speech MLG "eased" some of the negativity surrounding her over the pandemic. On Twitter, MomK Ultra responded:
That pullback from lengthy briefings comes as state Covid cases are higher than ever. This reader believes even if Covid fades the political consequences for the Guv will not:
The argument over the Guv's crime bills at the Roundhouse is whether the crime crisis is statewide or mainly an ABQ problem that needs a local fix but not a change in statewide laws. House Speaker Brian Egolf tries some pushback:
So she can unmask but not one of the schoolchildren in this state can indoors? Some not even outside? I've actually never been more upset about these Covid policies than I am today. Nothing has eased.
She was joined by Atomic Mom:
Um, no. It has not (eased.) People are as frustrated as ever with her disastrous Covid rules. Where did you even come up with that?
We came up with that from the angle that without her mask, the symbol many of her opponents connect with her, may have been "eased" for the moment and the speech had a better chance of getting her message through. We could be wrong.
It does appear MLG and company agree that a lower Covid profile is the way to go. Take a a look:
Wednesday’s (Covid) news conference is expected to follow a new format as announced by NMDOH. The department says it is now planning for shorter briefs to take place across 30 minutes every week. The briefings are expected to be comprised of a brief introduction and sharing of any pertinent new COVID-19 related messaging at the beginning of each meeting.
The message? Learn to live with it (and get your shots.)
PULLING BACK
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Interesting how in 2020 Dems attacked Trump for mishandling COVID (or not taking COVID seriously, or both) because they believed it helped them politically. But now, with the 2022 midterm elections looming, and the public increasingly worn-out with lockdowns, restrictions, school closures and increased skepticism of government dictates - and with Biden's approval ratings in freefall - Dems seem to have made the political decision that they need to ease up on voters and COVID.
Politics is the only reason MLG made the State of the State address without wearing a mask. Not science. Politics. But not smart politics. The Left will feel betrayed as Dems ditch the mask. But the Right (and an overwhelming majority of Independent voters) won't forget the severity of the lockdown restrictions. They'll feel vindicated and even more determined to strike back in November.
It's worth noting the Guv's handling of the pandemic among Democrats remains solid. But some progressive Dems are not thrilled with other polices. One writes:
She sounded like a Republican. The party refuses to push her to the left. It will discourage progressives from voting.
BROADBAND BREAK
Reader Marcus Martin in ABQ's East Mountains comes with news that could have statewide ramifications in expanding broadband availability:
Joe, Starlink has finally made it to the East Mountains starting last week. There is much rejoicing (along with everyone in the neighborhood trying to find spots with a clear view of the sky). That means Elon Musk has done a lot more for us out here than any politician and their "commissions to study internet access."
That satellite rollout is being closely monitored by policy makers. Will it be the ultimate solution for many of New Mexico's isolated areas, instead of expensive and complex wiring on the ground? Also, it would be more economical to subsidize satellite broadband bills for low income rural residents. Musk's moves continue to cast intrigue.
Check out this report for the Legislature from Pivotal NM, a nonprofit consulting group, for a comprehensive analysis of broadband needs and solutions for the state.
PNM DIG
Reader Alan Schwartz gets a dig in on PNM's decision regarding it's proposed merger:
Joe, a recent headline says: "PNM extends "merger" agreement with Avangrid until April 2023."
And my reminder: The Elected PRC will be dissolved 12/31/2022.
The new PRC commissioners will be appointed by the Governor, not elected by the pesky public. They could again take up the merger after its rejection by the PRC.
PNM is appealing to the NM Supreme Court the PRC decision denying the company's merger with Spanish corporation Avangrid.
STATEWIDE CRISIS?
It is a crisis of public safety in ABQ but it is not just there. In terms of per capita, the First Judicial District, which is Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos counties has more violent cirme than ABQ. It just that they are a smaller population and you don't see it as much. So it is statewide so this notion that it is an ABQ problem, I think, is a false notion and the solutions that work in ABQ will be some that are more focused on the large city. Some solutions that are focused on smaller towns and rural New Mexico but we can do it all.
Egolf took a slice of the North to make his point but Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Cervantes notes the south does not have ABQ-like crime violence. We're in for a robust debate.
THE BOTTOM LINES
It was a busy week in La Politica and we gave it a going over with Santa Fe radio host Richard Eeds on the KTRC airwaves.
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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2022
(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2022