Janice Arnold-Jones not pulling punches.

Gubernatorial candidate Janice Arnold-Jones held a press conference on the steps of the Roundhouse yesterday, and spoke bluntly to taxpayers.

She reminded them that the nearly billion dollar budget deficit is not some abstract political issue that legislators are stuck with. The debt belongs to the people of New Mexico.

There are still people, Governor Bill Richardson most prominent among them, who are telling New Mexicans that some budget items, like public education, are going to be spared the ax. She says those folks are not being honest with stakeholders; the problem is not going to be fixed without some real sacrifices by everyone and every budget item.

She went on to point out, because the burden will be borne universally, there should be universal involvement in the process. Stakeholders need to pay attention to what is going on, and not simply sit back to see what happens. She added, that is a problem because New Mexico's government is still so secretive. Arnold-Jones pointed out that most states have their budgets posted online where stakeholders can see for themselves where their tax dollars are being spent. Most states have an open process that enables meaningful participation by stakeholders in decision making that affects their interests.

But not New Mexico, not the politicos that have been running state government for generations, without interference from taxpayers.

Secrecy doesn't sit well with Rep Arnold-Jones.
She will be packing her web cam again this session.


Janice Arnold-Jones busted a hole in the secrecy wall last session when she was the first to bring a web cam into the legislature and began broadcasting the truth.

Her courageous act did not sit well will the good ol' boys. By the end of the legislature, they still were not willing to allow tax payers to witness their deliberations.

Despite the fact that taxpayers have bought and paid for the cameras and wiring that would enable real meaningful coverage of the sausage making, the cameras were never turned on. Coverage in House is limited to audio only; coverage in the Senate is limited to one single camera so far from the action as to be essentially meaningless.

Look forward to the efforts of Rep Janice Arnold-Jones and a handful of others, also packing web cams, to keep you honestly informed. Make their sacrifices meaningful by using the information they provide for you, to engage in the process.

Pay attention also, to those who are also running for Governor,
but who are doing nothing in the fight to include you in the process.

Remember their names and their cowardice, when they ask you
for your vote.




photo Mark Bralley