We strolled over to ABQ's Old Town Friday night to enjoy the annual lighting of the Christmas tree, joining several thousand revelers cheering on the event that is a centerpiece of the city's holiday celebration. Enjoyment of the display is a given but still our thoughts strayed to how these communal gatherings have grown more complicated.

Any large public gathering in this era is much more of a challenge for law enforcement and policy makers who grapple with an explosion in the availability of guns which are now in the hands of just about anyone who wants one. That was witnessed only last week at Coronado Mall where a teenager squabble resulted in gunfire, sending Black Friday shoppers fleeing in panic. 

It's odd to have to say but we were thankful the tree lighting went off without incident.

Those seeking the favor of voters--especially Democrats--are still looking for a balance in protecting constitutional rights while improving safety in the public square. As he seeks a third term in '24 Sen. Martin Heinrich, a hunter and gun owner of long-standing, has again waded into the debate over gun legislation that, like most efforts at compromise, will probably satisfy few and has already brought to the fore familiar fault lines over gun control. Heinrich and his moderate senate colleague Angus King came with this:

The bill would regulate rifles and shotguns that can fire more than 10 rounds before reloading and handguns that fire more than 15 rounds. It would also prohibit machine gun conversion devices and other modifications that make the guns more deadly. The bill specifically exempts several types of firearms from any regulation, including breach-loading and smooth-bore rifles or handguns. A .22-caliber rifle or a bolt-action rifle would also be exempt, for example.

That's a fine balancing act Heinrich is engaged in similar to the tricky debate over abortion with its arguments over when to ban the procedure. After 6 weeks of pregnancy? 15? 24? No ban? 

GOP LIONS

Rep. Lord

When it came to the Republicans the Heinrich-King bill was like throwing prime rib to a den of lions. In this case the lions were state Rep. Stefani Lord and GOP Chairman Steve Pearce who earned widespread coverage for making their cases against the legislation. 

Usually they and their brethren are isolated from the New Mexico mainstream by the far right web that has ensnared their party and led to repeated electoral disasters  But on guns their message resonates not only in rural parts of the state but also in the ABQ metro where the fears of ordinary citizens are heightened more than ever by ongoing homicides and public shoot outs. Across the nation such crime waves have helped set a record for gun ownership. 

Heinrich can handle the heat. He is on course for an easy re-election. Gov. Lujan Grisham, as uncompromising in her support of gun control as the Republicans are in their opposition, can't seek a third term. Her executive order temporarily banning both open and concealed weapons in Bernalillo County and that fell apart under legal security still survives albeit in a much curtailed manner. She has been renewing it monthly.  

Her stance on guns may become the defining moment of her second term much as one term Gov. Toney Anaya's decision to pardon death row inmates was his. Or Bill Richardson's repeal of the death penalty was one of his.

Both Heinrich and MLG are positioned if public opinion drifts more towards regulation but when that will come--if ever--is the great unknown. Meanwhile, that simple ceremony Friday lighting the city Christmas tree seems complex.

NOT A CALL

Cliff Rees

Retired public health attorney and legislative expert Cliff Rees in Santa Fe has his annual correction of a commonly used term during 30 day legislative sessions like the one coming up in January:

Joe: Per GOP political consultant Bob Cornelius' references to the Governor's "call" in the November 29, blog regarding his proposed legislation to reform CYFD in the upcoming 2024 Short NM Legislative Session.

It's time for the annual reminder that the Governor's "Call" only applies to Special Sessions of the NM Legislature when the Governor "calls" the Legislature into Special Session per a Proclamation which lists the items (and only those items) the Governor wants to address in the Special Session. 

The non-appropriation and non-revenue bills given a "Special Message" by the Governor to be germane in a Short Session are part of the Governor's "Agenda". Our current system of alternating 60 and 30 day Legislative Sessions was approved by the voters in the November, 1964 General Election which amended Article IV, Section 5 of the NM Constitution. 

Extending the 30 day Sessions, and making all bills "germane", is part of the Legislative modernization process which may see proposed constitutional amendments introduced after the Legislative Session convenes on January 16, 2024. 

Thanks, Cliff. Should we copy and paste this for the December 2024 blog? 

ABQ VS. SANTA FE

Sanjay Bhakta

No gloating from ABQ City Hall please, but the latest report on the city's finances stands in stark contrast to the continued inability of the city of Santa Fe to conduct its yearly audits on schedule. In fact, they have missed yet another deadline and the failure has put serious heat on City Manager John Blair with some councilors calling for his head and Mayor Weber trying to hold off the mob. But back here in ABQ. . .

Albuquerque’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services (DFAS) has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its annual comprehensive financial report for fiscal year 2022. The City received the Certificate of Achievement every year since 2013.

The City’s report was recognized for meeting the high standards of GFOA, including demonstrating a "spirit of full disclosure" to accurately illustrate its financial story and encourage individuals and groups to read the report. "Finance and Administrative Services continues to set the bar high, and GFOA has recognized the City with this distinguished award once again,” said Chief Financial Officer Sanjay Bhakta. 

Albuquerque has a triple AAA rating from Standard & Poor’s (S&P)—the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings which means the city is very healthy financially. CFO Bhakta will retire from the city at the end of the year. (Hey, Mayor Alan. You want his phone number?)

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