New Mexico State Police are reporting this morning of an officer-involved shooting in Santa Fe in the vicinity of Camino Carlos Rey and Siringo Road. Just after 1AM, a state police officer attempted to pull over a vehicle for erratic driving. The vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit ensued. Details of what happened thereafter are sketchy but shots were fired. The female driver of the vehicle was killed and her male passenger was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Camino Carlos Rey between Rodeo Road and Siringo have been closed for the ongoing investigation.
A poll shows city councilor Patti Bushee leads the crowded field in the Santa Fe mayoral race with the support of 24 percent of likely voters. However, nearly 40 percent of those polled indicate they are undecided. Following Bushee in the survey are former Democratic Party of New Mexico chairman Javier Gonzales and city councilor Bill Dimas each at 11 percent. The poll was commissioned by Progress Now New Mexico and conducted in late October.
Former City of Albuquerque Chief Administrative Officer Lawrence Rael will soon announce his bid for the Democratic nomination for New Mexico Governor. Political blogger Joe Monahan writes that Rael’s announcement is forthcoming. In addition to his urban government experience, Rael was the director at the Mid-Region Council Governments and until recently served as state director of the USDA Farm Service. Rael’s announcement would bring the number of Democrats seeking a shot at Republican Governor Susana Martinez to five.
Santa Fe County wants to know what residents think about the quality of life in the county —and it’s launched an online poll to find out. County spokeswoman Kristine Mihelcic: *****Mihelcic-1 :10***** The survey is available on Santa Fe County’s website under “Hot Topics.” Mihelcic says it’s part of the National Citizen Survey and that the results will be included in a final report County officials can use for future planning and budgeting decisions.
The “NM Unites for Marriage Campaign,” will be announced later today on Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza to support the freedom to marry. The effort is backed by Congresswoman Michelle Lujan-Grisham, former Governor Gary Johnson, the American Civil Liberties Union and others. Eight New Mexico counties began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in late August, and the state Supreme Court is now considering a lawsuit that could determine whether same-sex marriage is legal statewide.
Taos County is putting itself forward as a site for one of several new veterans' cemeteries proposed by Governor Martinez and the state office of Veterans Affairs. The Taos News reports that Steve Archuleta, Taos County manager, has written to Martinez saying 25 acres have been set aside for such purpose and the county also has $75,000 in a legislative appropriation for fencing and design. Both Governor Martinez and New Mexico's Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Tim Hale, support building smaller cemeteries around the state to accommodate military families living far from the Santa Fe National Cemetery.
Albuquerque Public Schools Chief Winston Brooks on Tuesday sent Twitter messages to a television reporter that derided New Mexico’s education chief, Hanna Skandera, likening her to livestock. The Albuquerque Journal reports that the social media exchange with KOAT’s Lauren Zakalik, who was covering an event involving a livestock truck had Brooks suggesting, quote, “Maybe Skandy should head for the livestock truck,” and followed that with another tweet saying “Moo, Moo, Oink, oink!!” Governor Susana Martinez suggested Brooks’ comments were sexist as well as unprofessional. Brooks has apologized and removed the tweets.
Santa Fe County Treasurer Patrick Varela has announced that there is a collection scam taking place by phone in the county… ****Varela (:18)*** Varela says that’s untrue and that anyone who’s contacted should immediately get in touch with the county attorney's office.
Weather for Santa Fe - mostly sunny and dry today and throughout the weekend. Look for highs in the mid 50s today and near 60 later in the period. Overnight lows will be near 30 degrees. No significant change is expected until early next week. Current Santa Fe temperature is ___.