New Mexico Lawmakers To Discuss Campaign Finance Reform – The Associated Press
New Mexico Sen. Peter Wirth is going to try again to close loopholes within the state's campaign finance system.
The Santa Fe Democrat on Monday will present draft legislation during a meeting of the Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee in Santa Fe. House Democrats also have floated suggestions.
It'll be up to Gov. Susana Martinez whether to include any resulting legislation on the agenda for the upcoming 30-day session.
Calls for campaign finance reform were reignited earlier this year when fraud and money laundering charges were brought against the state's top elections official, Secretary of State Dianna Duran. She reached a plea agreement in October and submitted her resignation.
Among other things, Wirth's proposals would address the reporting of campaign contributions from independent donors and clarify allowable expenses for candidates.
New Mexico Exchange To Open New Center In Santa Fe – The Associated Press & The Santa Fe New Mexican
The state health insurance exchange is opening a new health center in Santa Fe in an effort to reach more people.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that the walk-in center is set to open its doors Monday.
Officials with the exchange say they are trying to get to meet more requests from consumers with questions about premiums for individual plans, physician networks and plan choices.
New Mexicans have until the end of January to sign up for coverage during an open enrollment period.
The exchange has already boosted outreach efforts in other areas such as Spanish-language ads.
It is also trying to engage Native Americans, faith-based school and civil groups.
Lawsuit: Roswell Police Didn't ID Themselves, Shot Man – The Associated Press
A New Mexico man who says a family member pistol-whipped him during a fight claims he later was wrongfully shot by Roswell police at his home.
A civil right lawsuit recently filed in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque alleges Roswell police shot Richard Johnson without identifying themselves in October 2013.
According to court documents, Johnson suffered a concussion in the family fight then walked two miles home with a bleeding gash. A few hours later, the lawsuit says officer arrived at his apartment and yelled for Johnson to come out.
The lawsuit says Johnson came to the door with a pistol and was shot without being told to drop his weapon.
He is seeking an unspecified amount in damages.
Roswell City Manager Steve Polasek did not immediately return an email from The Associated Press.
UNM Announces Major Marketing Campaign Aimed At New Students – The Associated Press & The ABQ Journal
The University of New Mexico is launching a major marketing campaign in hopes of attracting more students.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the university hired marketing company 160over90 in September to launch a four-year, $1.98 million makeover. An original $500,000 was set aside for the project in May and university officials have voted to designate $1 million of the Regents Endowment Fund for the final three years of the plan.
School officials in October announced a nearly $5 million decline in revenue. The university has experienced declining enrollment, losing about $3.7 million of expected revenue when enrollment dropped 1.5 percent in 2014.
The university spent $250,000 on a branding campaign in 2008 in a previous effort to increase enrollment.
Farmington-Area Oil And Gas Tax Revenue Still Dropping – The Associated Press & The Farmington Daily Times
As tax revenue from the Farmington area's oil and gas sector continues its downward trend, the city is relying more heavily on retail and San Juan County is considering budget cuts.
The Farmington Daily Times reports that retail taxes are increasing thanks to Farmington's growing role as a shopping hub. But San Juan County CEO Kim Carpenter says the county has collected only about half of what it did last year in revenue from oil and gas production.
Halliburton, Baker Hughes, ConocoPhillips and other large companies operating in the county laid off local workers this year.
City Manager Rob Mayes says Farmington has seen sizeable retail gains, but he's still concerned about a 29 percent drop in tax revenue from the mining, oil and gas sectors.
Former Espanola Councilor Gets Probation In Pistol-Whipping – The Associated Press & The Santa Fe New Mexican
A former northern New Mexico city councilor charged with pistol-whipping a man and shooting at his vehicle will avoid jail.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reported Saturday that Eric Radosevich was sentenced to three years' probation back in September after pleading no contest to aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
The former Espanola city councilor was initially also charged with shooting at a motor vehicle but that was dropped under a plea agreement.
Authorities say Radosevich was part of a group that got into an argument in June 2014 with David Perez at a gas station after someone was "flirting" with the Perez's wife.
Deputies say Radosevich followed Perez and struck him several times with a handgun.
Perez slammed Radosevich's sentence as "a slap on the wrist."
Suspect In Rio Rancho Officer's Death Wants Change Of Venue - The Associated Press & The ABQ Journal
A man accused of fatally shooting a police officer in a suburb of Albuquerque wants his trial to be held elsewhere.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that defense attorneys representing Andrew Romero have filed a motion for a change of venue in two cases against him.
The lawyers say it is "improbable" that Romero can get a fair trial considering all the media coverage of his cases.
Police say Romero fatally shot Rio Rancho police officer Gregg "Nigel" Benner during a routine traffic stop in May.
Romero is facing first-degree murder and other charges in Sandoval County.
He is also charged with assault in Bernalillo County for allegedly attempting to head-butt a jail guard.