Gov. vetos Nancy Lopez statue

Nancy Lopez 

Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed money the city of Roswell sought for a statue of Hall of Fame golfer Nancy Lopez and her father, who taught her the sport in the southeastern New Mexico community. 

The $150,000 for a bronze statue was among $4 million Martinez rejected last week in a measure financing capital improvements statewide.

 Roswell Mayor Del Jurney said the statue was to be placed at a municipal course recently renamed in honor of Lopez, who won 48 LPGA Tour events. 

A spokesman for the governor said Lopez's life story is inspirational but a primary purpose of state capital improvement financing is for critical infrastructure investments.

Gov. vetos Nancy Lopez statue

Preservation Alliance adding three new properties

The New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance is expanding its list of endangered cultural properties. 

The organization will be adding to the list the plains of San Augustin in southern New Mexico, the Masonic Temple Center in Santa Fe and a historic lodge at Conchas Dam when it meets for an annual conference this week in Portales. 

The organization says it hopes the three new listings will alert the public to possible threats to their preservation. 

The San Augustin Plains include vast grasslands. Ranchers in the area are concerned about plans for drilling wells and pumping water out of the area. The Masonic Temple Center may be up for sale, endangering the future of the unique building and its furnishings. The Conchas Lodge has been closed since 2003 and is deteriorating.

Preservation Alliance adding three new properties

Gov. loses green building court battle

Gov. Martinez 

Gov. Susana Martinez's administration has lost a court fight over repealing energy efficient building requirements implemented by her Democratic predecessor. 

The state Court of Appeals last week overturned a 2011 decision by the state Construction Industries Commission to revamp green building codes that former Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson's administration promoted as among the most environmentally friendly in the country. 

The court said the commission failed to provide reasons for changing the construction standards. The case was ordered back to the commission for reconsideration and a new vote. 

The Martinez administration contended the building requirements were too expensive for developers and property owners.

Gov. loses green building court battle