News New Mexico: 04/22/12

The Redacted (deleted) Sections From the SIC 108-Page Backgrounder

From New Mexico Watchdog -The Watchdog obtained through a public records request the 108-page backgrounder prepared by Charles Wollmann, SIC Director of Communications, at the request of two council members in support of council discussion on the topic of the SIC’s investments in two private equity ventures – Earthstone and Growstone.The sections that the SIC redacted were: • Capitalization Tables• Salary Information• Co-Investment ownership table• Company Valuation InformationFrom the beginning of the Watchdog investigation starting last month into these two investments, the Watchdog sought to find out how the $11 million of state money had been spent, how many jobs have been created in New Mexico (the management of Earthstone used the number “200″ when it was seeking state money), and, finally, how the companies are performing and what are the chances of the people of New Mexico getting their money back and then some. Charles Wollmann in an email to me explained: “Disclosure of individual investment valuations within the portfolio prior to exit (selling the company), is not only contrary to industry standard, it is potentially damaging to the company in question and ultimately jeopardizes the state’s investment of public dollars.” Wollmann added: “I should also note that there is also a confidentiality concern, that would be releasing competitive company trade secrets, the state could violate partnership agreements and incur legal liabilities.” More here

Validity of Grand Jury Reviews of Police Shootings in Albuquerque Under Scrutiny

From therepublic.com -Grand juries reviewing police shootings in Bernalillo County and Albuquerque operate under a highly unusual process where they don't have the power to indict an officer even in the most egregious cases, only determine if the shooting was justified. Police officials for years have countered criticism of dozens of officer-involved shootings by noting that every case has a grand jury review. But an analysis of the proceedings by the Albuquerque Journal shows the panels are not only toothless but aren't even instructed on possible criminal violations. All they hear is the law on justifiable shootings like self-defense. Prosecutors defend the process, saying the reviews should inspire public trust. But Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz said it may be time for the district attorney to consider other options in order to ensure the public has faith in the process. More here

Dems Have to Work to Encourage Voter Turnout

From statesman.com -Everyone believes that Barack Obama can't win Texas because Democrats don't spend any money here. I wrote as much in a guest column in these pages back in February, declaring confidently that when Texas Democrats put money into getting out the Hispanic vote, then we'll become the biggest swing state in the country.Turns out, I was wrong. It happens, and as is usually the case, one of my friends pointed out my mistake. Ed Espinoza, who headed up Hispanic turnout operations in Western states for the Democratic National Committee, pointed me to one case in which the Obama campaign did spend money in Texas with depressing, if instructive, results. In 2008, Obama targeted New Mexico. Winning that state means buying TV time in the El Paso media market because it reaches Las Cruces, N.M. That meant that New Mexicans and old Texicans saw the same ads in 2008. But only 38 percent of El Paso County voted in the 2008 general election, far fewer than the 62 percent turnout in neighboring Doña Ana County just over the state line. "Same media market. The voters are seeing the same commercials. They're voting in the same election. The turnout is a 24 percent difference. That on the surface is significant," said Espinoza the other day over scotch and wings at the Tavern. More here

AZ Illegals Moving to NM Because of SB1070

From npr.org -. Arizona's Legislature passed SB 1070 two years ago, but much of it has been put on hold pending the court's decision. Still, supporters say the law has achieved one of its stated goals: Thousands of illegal immigrants have self-deported, leaving the state on their own. The real reason — and consequence — of such a demographic shift may be more complex, however. Jossie was one of those illegal workers who decided to leave. When police cars drove behind her in traffic, she says, she would start shaking and wouldn't be able to breathe. Jossie is still afraid of getting deported, so she asked that her last name be withheld. The summer that SB 1070 became law, she left the Phoenix area with her husband, two children and a cockatoo, Bernie. The most controversial part of SB 1070 would require police to check the immigration status of those they believe are in the country illegally. A federal judge has blocked that provision, but Jossie was still so nervous driving to work she says she once hyperventilated and lost consciousness on the road. She moved to New Mexico, where illegal immigrants can get driver's licenses. Her husband rekindled his catering business, and Jossie is cleaning houses again. She says there's a "big difference" between Arizona and New Mexico. "New Mexico [offers] me opportunities. ... I am going to do something for New Mexico. I am going to tell my kids to do something good for New Mexico," she says. More here

Walmart Lifts Lid on Mexican Bribery Allegations

From reuters.com - Whether you are the world's No. 1 retailer or a humble street vendor, paying public officials a bribe may be the quickest way to get your business growing in Mexico. The New York Times reported this weekend that Wal-Mart Stores Inc investigators probing its Mexican operations found a paper trail of hundreds of suspect payments worth more than $24 million made to grow its business there, and that the company then quashed the investigation. Wal-Mart said it was "deeply concerned" about the allegations, which have lifted the lid on a culture of corruption in Mexico that many of its residents take for granted. One global study said Mexican firms were perceived to be the third most likely behind those in China and Russia to pay bribes abroad. When 40-year-old market stall owner Adrian Martinez decided to open a second spot to sell his wares in Mexico City, he said he figured it was better to pay a bribe to a "gestor", or intermediary, to get a permit than wait for authorities to process his request. More here

New Mexico unemployment declines slightly in March

New Mexico Business Weekly - The state unemployment rate for March was 7.2 percent, unchanged from February but down from 7.5 percent in March 2011. New Mexico had a rate of over-the-year job growth of 0.5 percent, an increase of 4,000 jobs, according to the Department of Workforce Solutions. This is the eighth straight month the state has added jobs, after posting losses for 32 of the preceding 33 months. Educational and health services continued to add the most jobs, up 5,800, and mining added 2,300 jobs. Leisure and hospitality also posted gains of 2,200 jobs. Other industries saw declines, including construction, which lost 3,200 jobs, and professional and business services, down by 2,800 jobs. Government registered a net loss of 1,100 jobs, including declines at federal and local levels. Read More News New Mexico

U.S., Afghanistan Complete Partnership Talks

Wall Street Journal - The U.S. and Afghanistan completed negotiations Sunday on a long-term strategic-partnership deal outlining America's commitments after most foreign forces leave in 2014, officials from both countries said. After months of sometimes-strained negotiations, Afghan and U.S. officials signed off on a framework agreement, paving the way for U.S. President Barack Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai to seal the deal before next month's North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in Chicago. The partnership agreement ensures that the U.S. will continue to support Afghanistan even after it ends major combat operations and scales back its development projects over the next two years. "The document finalized today provides a strong foundation for the security of Afghanistan, the region and the world, and is a document for the development of the region," said Rangin Dafdar Spanta, Mr. Karzai's national-security adviser, who led negotiations for the Afghan government. The strategic-partnership deal will commit the U.S. to more than a decade of economic and financial support for the Afghan state, which is still battling a resilient Taliban-led insurgency. While the agreement still requires review from policy makers in both countries, neither side expects any significant roadblocks that could derail the deal, officials say. Read More News New Mexico

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