Authorities have seized records from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe as part of an investigation into claims that a Catholic school teacher inappropriately touched female students. The New Mexican reports that Santo Nino Regional Catholic School art teacher Aaron Chavez has been charged with five counts of sexually touching young girls during classes. The archdiocese says Chavez, who’s 47, was placed on administrative leave. Affidavits for search warrants filed in district court Monday say deputies took items from the school and archdiocese offices, including student files, teacher's personnel files, a laptop computer and electronic memory cards. Chavez' lawyer John Samore has said his client denies the allegations. A spokeswoman for the archdiocese did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Monday.
New Mexico is moving closer to creating an independent ethics commission to keep watch over the conduct and campaign finance activities of public officials, lobbyists and state contractors in the wake of a scandal that led to the jailing of former Secretary of State Dianna Duran. The New Mexico House of Representatives began floor deliberations Tuesday on a constitutional amendment to create an independent agency overseeing the conduct of public officials at state agencies and the Legislature, lobbyists, state contractors, and candidates for state or county offices. New Mexico is one of eight states that do not have an independent ethics commission or committee. A separate proposal to overhaul of the state's online clearinghouse for campaign donations and gifts also appears to be gaining traction in the Legislature.
Senate Democrats on Tuesday gathered to talk-up their strategies for turning New Mexico bleak employment situation around and improving public education.
AM-Feature-Jobs+Ed 2:53 Q: Compromise seems fleeting.”
The number newly issued driver's licenses to immigrants in New Mexico again has plunged to its lowest level since the state began granting driving privileges to foreign nationals living in the country illegally. State records obtained by The Associated Press showed just more than four-thousand licenses were issued to foreign nationals in 2015. That's a 73- percent drop from 2010 before Gov. Susana Martinez became governor and when New Mexico issued more than 15-thousand such licenses. Records also show the number of licenses issued has been steadily declining since 2010. There's no clear explanation for the decrease and there has been no change to state's policy as lawmakers work on a REAL ID fix. Officials do not know how many licenses went to immigrants living in the U.S. illegally because applicants aren't required to submit information on immigration status.
The New Mexico House has approved a bill aimed at welcoming and regulating ride-booking companies like Uber and Lyft. The GOP-led House overwhelmingly passed Monday the proposal 58-8 a year after a similar measure died in the legislature amid partisan bickering. Albuquerque GOP Representative Monica Youngblood, sponsored the bill to allow the companies to operate legally in New Mexico. The legal status of the companies has been in limbo in the state since they began offering services in 2014. The companies say the state's Motor Carrier Act doesn't apply to them because they don't operate as commercial taxi businesses. Uber and Lyft offer an online service that allows people with cars to connect with people seeking rides. Traditional taxi companies say ride-booking services still need to be regulated. The bill now moves to the Senate.
Otero County employees will be able to carry weapons in the workplace. The Alamogordo Daily News reports the Otero County Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to approve an ordinance that will allow county employees to carry weapons either openly or concealed. Commissioners also agreed to discuss a future training session to educate employees on workplace violence. Commissioners say the decision was to be in compliance with the U.S. Constitution and the New Mexico Constitution.
President Barack Obama's proposed federal budget includes support for funding for a major mass transit project in Albuquerque. Grant funding recommended by the Federal Transit Administration would provide nearly 70 million dollars for construction of the Albuquerque Rapid Transit bus system on a nine-mile stretch of Central Avenue between Coors Boulevard and Louisiana Boulevard. Funding for the grant recommendation announced Tuesday requires approval through the congressional budget process. The project would include construction of dedicated bus lanes as well as new stations in the middle of Central Avenue along with wider sidewalks, new landscaping and additional traffic signals. The project's cost is estimated at $120 million, including the grant recommended Tuesday. Federal dollars would account for most of the rest, but the city is providing some money also.
Santa Fe Weather: The National Weather Service says warmer than normal and dry conditions will prevail over the next week…today and tomorrow, expect Sunny skies…with highs both days in the upper 50s. Tonight: Mostly clear with the overnight low, 29.