Authoritarian Regime Takes Over Torrance County

At the January 23rd Torrance County Commission meeting, in a bold move, Commissioner Leroy Candelaria clearly stated that no public comment would be allowed. 

Candelaria refused public comment involving yet another funding request by Estancia Valley Solid Waste Authority (EVSWA) stating that he expected factual information and would not allow any opinion on matters involving EVSWA. 

Perhaps Mr. Candelaria has slept through the commission meetings he attended prior to being seated and has failed to read the news papers, but the DuCharme family has repeatedly tried to bring facts and figures to the Torrance County Commission since May of last year.  More on EVSWA in another post.

Candelaria also stated that on matters involving EVSWA "the commission would hold public hearings" before taking any action - yet without public hearing or public comment, Candelaria and the Board of Commissioners granted EVSWA $16,000.00.

Commissioner Candelaria further refused public comment through out the entire meeting by abusing Robert's Rules of Order.  Without any discussion from the floor (the public),  Candelaria called for a do pass motion and second on every agenda item and only then allowed discussion from the commission members.    

According to Mr. Candelaria, he is putting his foot down and wants to hear only documented facts from the public continuing with a statement that could be interpreted as individual opinions are of no interest to the Torrance County Commission.  

Commissioner's Leanne Tapia and Lonnie Freyburger once again failed to champion the publics perceived right of participation - both remaining silent on the matter. 

If one were to name the new Torrance County Commission a good choice may be an Authoritarian Regime which is defined as political authority concentrated in a small group of politicians usually opposed to individualism and libertarianism. 

The Commission Chair runs the meetings, and yes, as hard as it may be to swallow, those in elected office have no requirement to allow any member of the public to speak.  The commission has the right, if you will, to silence public input in matters involving taxes, private property rights, passage of laws (ordinances), policies and procedures - decisions that affect each and every citizen in this county. 

However, in a democracy, the public not only expects to be heard, they believe it to be a right that those in elected office should honor, uphold, and protect to the highest degree, isn't that what democracy is all about?

This isn't the government Candelaria remembers, a Commission that had minimal to no involvement from the public - and the hat in hand approach to elected officials is fast becoming a thing of the past.  The public knows what each commission member promised when they ran for office, the public is keeping a tally, and I bet that not one voter recalls seating a king or a queen to the commission.    

The public will be heard either at open public meetings of the Torrance County Commission or our Commissioners can read all about it in our local news paper, blogs, social networking and word of mouth - the kiss of death to any aspiring politician.  

Based on Commission performance at the January 23rd meeting, the Torrance County Commission believes that democracy and open, accountable government belongs stuffed in the storage closet at the back of the building. 

 

Edwina (George) Hewett, Mountainair
Constituent of Leroy Candelaria

Single Action Shooting Society Decision Today

Today is the day that the Torrance County Commission is to vote for a zoning change for the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) and Founders Ranch.  The request to the Commission was a blanket request with SASS and Founders Ranch seeking to do everything all the way up to a "world class event center". 

The unanimous do pass from Torrance Counties planning and zoning board was made with suggestions on some conditions for the approval. 

Members of the Commission were ask to recuse themselves at the commissions public hearing as evidence exists that Commissioners Candelaria and Tapia lack arms length and have realized financial gain in matters involving SASS/Founders Ranch. 

The recusal request has been denied openly by Commisisoner Tapia as noted in local news paper articles.  It is rumored that Commissioner Candelaria will recuse himself today, although one must wonder if it would be a recusal position as Candelaria participated in the hearing and deliberation processes. 

As for Commissioner Tapia, she is on public record stating that she makes money from SASS/Founders Ranch activities and Tapia has already stated she will not recuse as she belives she can be fair and impartial - political suicide at a minimum and possibly personal liability depending on who drags the decision into court. 

Today's decision and how our commission handles themselves will speak volumes as to what kind of leadership is running our county.  No matter what the decision is, someone is walking away unhappy and will more than likely appeal to district court. 

Our commission continually places our county in line for law suit and each day in court costs we tax payers thousands of dollars, money that could be used for upgrades to our roads, policing, and fire protection services. As a public, we all need to scrutinize what our elected officials do and weigh thier actions heavily when the next election rolls around - poor leadership hurts all of us. 

Constituent Seeks Commissioner Tapia's Recusal

Direct constituents and citizens Art and Julia DuCharme requested Commissioner Tapia's recusal when it comes time to vote on matters involving Estancia Valley Solid Waste Authority (EVSWA).  The DuCharme's do not believe that Commissioner Tapia can render an impatial decsion due to her freindship with EVSWA board member Debbi Ortiz.

Commissioner Tapia took great offense to the DuCharme's requst saying that she felt she was being personally attacked. The DuCharme's raise a very good question in this writters opinion, should members of the Commission step away from decisions involving money being granted to entities when commission members serve on boards and committee's, of those entities?  What about sitting on boards with local contractors or accepting airplane rides from contractors being awarded county contracts?  

What's your thoughts?

Fair Board and Torrance County Commission Special Meeting

Torrance County Commission

Special Meeting

Commission Chambers

205 9^th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
September, 26^th, 2012
3pm

AGENDA

Call Meeting To Order
Approval of Meeting Agenda

1.  Joint Meeting with Torrance County Fair Board.

*Adjourn

NOTE: THIS IS NOT THE OFFICIAL AGENDA, CONFIRM THE INFORMATION PROVIDED DIRECTLY WITH THE TORRANCE COUNTY MANAGERS OFFICE

Torrance County Manager's OfficePO BOX 48, 205 9th Street, Estancia New Mexico, 87016
Joy Ansley - County Manager - Email

Phone: (505) 246-4752
Fax: (505) 384-5294

Night Commission Meeting Agenda 09/26/2012

Torrance County Commission

Regular Meeting

 

Commission Chambers

205 9^th Street, Estancia, NM 87016
September, 26^th, 2012
6pm

DRAFT AGENDA

Call Meeting To Order

Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
     Approval of Minutes:  September 12^th, 2012
     Approval of Meeting Agenda
     Approval of Consent Agenda:

1.      Approval of Warrants

2.       Approval of Indigent Claims

 

Public Requests:  At the Discretion of the Commission Chair.  For Information Only (No Action Can Be Taken).  Comments are limited to two minutes per person on subjects not on this published agenda.

ACTION ITEMS*

*Department Requests/Reports:

     1.  2013-01 Bid Award Scrap Tire Hauling and Scrap Tire Recycling Services

*Commission Matters: 

2. Petition to Take Over Maintenance on 102 & Hummingbird
3. Request Acton on Proposed Improvements im ESVWA Operations and Management – Arthur & Julia DuCharme, Residents
4. Resolution 2012-35 Request for Cleanup of Illegally Dumped Tires on Properties in Torrance County – Dan DeCosta
5. Resolution 2012-36 Request for Cleanup of Illegally Dumped Tires on Properties in Torrance County – Dan DeCosta
6. Resolution 2012-37 Request for Cleanup of Illegally Dumped Tires on Properties in Torrance County – Dan DeCosta
7. Resolution 2012-38 Request for Cleanup of Illegally Dumped Tires on Properties in Torrance County – Dan DeCosta
8. Request Permission/Permit to Hold a Shotgun Golf Trial Run October 20^th, 2012 at the American Legion on Hwy 55 – Kim Hoggat & Tommy Crosswhite
9. FY 2014-2018 Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan
10. Resolution 2012-39  Approve FY 2014-2018 Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan
11. Commission Update

*County Manger Requests/Reports

12. Email and Web Domain
13. Resolution 2012-40  Authorizing Application for Finnancial Assistance to the NM Finance Authority
14. Update

EXECUTIVE SESSION
 
As Per Motion and Roll Call Vote, Pursuant to New Mexico State Statute Section 10-15-1, the Following Matters Will Be Discussed in Closed Session:

1.      Personnel Matters 10-15-1 (h)(2)

2.      Threateing and Pending Litigation 10-15-1 (h)(7)

a.       Threatened Litigation

 *Reconvene from Executive Session

*Adjourn

NOTE:  THIS IS NOT THE OFFICIAL AGENDA, CONFIRM THE INFORMATION PROVIDED DIRECTLY WITH THE TORRANCE COUNTY MANAGERS OFFICE

 

Torrance County Manager's OfficePO BOX 48, 205 9th Street, Estancia New Mexico, 87016
Joy Ansley - County Manager - Email 

Phone: (505) 246-4752
Fax: (505) 384-5294

Tri-County Economic Development - Regional Planning Session Audio

Links below should take you to the Audio of the Regional Planning Session hosted by Senator Sue Wilson Betfort, Representative Rhonda King, Mayor Ted Hart of Moriarty, Mayor Brad Hill of Edgewood, and Mayor Gloria Chavez of Tijeras.  Also in attendace, Commissioner Wayne Johnson, District 5 Bernalillo County, Commissioner Robert Anaya, Santa Fe County, Commissioner Venessa Chavez-Gutierrez, District 3 Torrance County, Commissioner Lonnie Freyburger, District 1 Torrance County, Commissioner Leanne Tapia, District 2 Torrance County, Denise Shanfeldt, Moriarty City Counilor,  planners and public works department staff from all three counties, economic development, finance, area residents and community small business memebers.

Discussion surrounded cooperation and sharing of development of the Route 66 brand, small business growth/marketing under Route 66 branding, flea market creation and branding under Route 66, and possible tri-county (Bernalillo, Santa Fe, and Torrance counties) cooperation and sharing to accomplish brand development. 

My apologies in advance, the reocrding of this meeting was done with an old hand held tape recorder I used in college so quality is not great, but, you should be able to hear the bulk of the meeting if interested.

This meeting was to explore interest in development of Route 66 branding, to set committees to explore ideas for a future Town Hall meeting to be held this fall.

http://www.whisperingrange.com/TorranceCounty/RegionalPlanning08212102WMF.wma

http://www.whisperingrange.com/TorranceCounty/RegionalPlanning08212012MP3.mp3

Torrance County Audit Findings Coming Soon?

At the evening meeting of the Torrance County Commission held June 27, 2012, Commissioner Venessa Chavez-Gutierrez provided copies of a form/letter from the State Auditor requesting someone to be the point of contact and it was indicated that the auditor's office was also seeking additional documents. 

Commissioner Tapia said that Commissioner Chavez Gutierrez should be the point of contact because she had ordered the audit without commission approval (a position that is totally unsupported by both the commissions approved meeting minutes and video footage of meeting coverage from the January 11, 2012 commission meeting).  Commissioner Freyburger agreed.

So good, bad, or any where in between findings of the investigative audit may be forthcoming very soon.  To the best of my knowledge, there has been no information presented regarding the investigation by the New Mexico Attorney Generals office - perhaps those findings or at least an update will be coming soon as well.  Video from tonights meeting will be available as soon I can get the uploads completed - possibly by tomorrow evening.

Torrance County Commission Meeting - Do You Know What Your Commission Is Doing?

Torrance County Commission Regular Meeting to be Held at:
Administrative Offices of Torrance County Commission Chambers 205 9th Street Estancia, NM 87016

AGENDA

Wednesday, June 13th, 2012

9:00 A.M.

Please Silence All Electronic Devices

Call Meeting to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
Approval of Minutes:

     May 23, 20 12 Regular Meeting June 6, 20 12 Special Meeting (Canvass) Approval of Meeting Agenda

Approval of Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of Warrants
  2. Approval of Indigent Claims Public Requests:

At the Discretion of the Commission Chair. For Information Only (No Action Can Be Taken). Comments are limited to two minutes per person on subjects not on this published agenda.

ACTION ITEMS* *

Department RequestslReports:

1) Updates
2) Extension of 2008 State Homeland Security Grant-Javier Sanchez, Emergency Manager
3) Resolution 2012-18; Line Item Transfers-Tracy Sedillo
4) Resolution 2012-19; Budget Increase-Tracy Sedillo

*Commission Matters:

5) Request of Support for Section 108 Funding Request-Phil Archuleta
6) Appoint Committee to Launch Public Relations Campaign for Proposed Capital Outlay Tax (Road Tax)
7) Discussion of Burn and or Fireworks Ban
8) NM State Land Office-County Road Right-of-way Proposal
9) Commission Update

*County Manager RequestslReports:

10) Contract with Magnum Steel Buildings for Mountainair Senior Center Addition
11) Approval of Items of Disposition
12) Update

EXECUTIVE SESSION

As Per Motion and Roll Call Vote, Pursuant to New Mexico State State Section 10-15-1, the Following Matters Will Be Discussed In Closed Session:

     1. Personnel Matters: 10-15-1 0(2)
     2. Threatening and Pending Litigation: 10-15-1 0(7)
          a. Threatened Litigation

*Reconvene from Executive Session

*Adjourn

THIS IS NOTE THE OFFICIAL AGENDA - TO RECEIVE THE OFFICIAL AGENDA, PLEASE CONTACT TORRANCE COUNTY OFFICES OR VISIT THEIR WEB SITE AT http://www.TorranceCountyNM.org and click on the calender.

Torrance County Recording Policy Back on the Agenda 03/28/2012

Please click here for a PDF scan of this document or contact the Torrance County Managers office for an official version of this document - office phone number is 505-246-4752  Meeting Agenda - Click Here

RESOLUTION NO. 2012-07

POLICY FOR RECORDING PROCEEDINGS OF THE TORRANCE COUNTY COMMISSION

WHEREAS, in order to maintain the proper decorum required for conducting the business of the county; the safety and well-being of attendees of meetings of the County Commission; and to assure that all attendees are able to view and hear the proceedings of the County Commission, while, at the same time accommodating and allowing members of the media or general public the ability to record and have access to the official audio and visual recordings of the proceedings of the County Commission, the Torrance County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts the following policy for the recording of any such proceedings;

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the County Commission to accommodate the use of audio and video recording devices by the media and general public, while maintaining proper decorum during commission meetings; and,

WHEREAS, safety and well-being of all attendees of meetings of the County Commission must be considered and assured; and,

WHEREAS the County Commission has implemented a method of audio and •visual recording for events within the County Commission Chambers, including but not limited to County Commission meetings (the "official recordings"); and,

WHEREAS, the official recordings will be available for public• viewing and/or listening on the County website, following the meeting or event; and

WHEREAS, the public may record commission meetings in a designated area during the meetings to assure that all attendees are able to view and hear the proceedings of the County Commission; and,

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Torrance County Board of Commissioners, that all County Commission meetings will be recorded by the County Clerk using the audio and visual recording devices installed for that purpose and all such official recordings shall be posted on the Torrance County website and available to the public pursuant to the Torrance County Inspection of Public Records policy;

IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that an area within the County Commission chambers shall be designated wherein members of the public using their equipment may record commission meetings; so as to cause as little disruption to the decorum of the meeting and the ability of other attendees of the meeting to hear and see the proceedings;

IT IS FURTHERRESOLVED that members of the media or public who wish to videotape meetings must comply with the following requirements:

a. The person intending to record the meeting must provide 24 hours advance written notice to the County Manager's office of the intent to record the meeting;

b. All videotaping equipment must be on a tripod located in the designated videotaping area and facing the commissioner's dais;

c. Videotape equipment and tripods must not obstruct the view of attendees of the meeting and must not block any access to exits from the meeting room;

d. All recording devices must run on batteries, as power cords may create tripping hazards;

e. All recording devices must operate silently or at a decibel level not disruptive of the meeting;

f. All recording devices must operate without additional lighting;

g.  All videotaping equipment must be focused on the Commission table;

h. All videotaping shall be performed in such a manner as not to intimidate or otherwise harass members of the public who wish to address the Commission.