The Anomaly: SunCal

The Associated Press’ Barry Massey filed a report  late yesterday afternoon (updated today),  highlighting the spending of New Mexico lobbyists and their employers during the first four months of 2009.  Not surprisingly, spending on meals, beverages, gifts and grassroots lobbying efforts were way down this year.
This lower spending trend wasn’t universal.  The one anomaly was [...]

SunCal Ad Report: Double Standards and the Zombie TIDD

The regular session of the 2009 Mexico State Legislature is over now, but the aftermath of what happened in and around the Roundhouse keeps floating down around us like tiny flecks of ash.
One detail that’s just been released is the amount of money that Westland/SunCal spent on advertising during the legislative session.
Many New Mexicans were [...]

Week in Rewind: More on TIDDs, Monahan’s ego, Animal Spirits, Blockgate, NM’s New Media, Bogus Polls and Val Kilmer too

Just now recovered from the legislative session. Here’s a buffet of the past week’s posts to re-taste and savor.
Downfall of the SunCal TIDD revisited: It came down to the wee hours of the session — David vs. Goliath and you know how that one came out.  Read all about it.
Environment Wins in Final Hours of [...]

Session Wrap: Big Wins for Ethics Reform, Green Jobs and the Environment

The gavel has sounded, the 60-day session is over, and we’re pleased to report a number of significant victories for ethics reform, green jobs and the environment.
ETHICS REFORM
On the ethics reform front, three high priority measures passed and await the Governor’s signature.
Campaign Contribution Limits: New Mexico was one of only five states with no restriction [...]

Accommodating SunCal’s Message Strategy

I’m glad someone else noticed that surreal statement from Westland/SunCal spokeswoman Catherine Wambach in Sunday’s Albuquerque Journal.
Wambach was asked how much the California-based development company spent wooing New Mexico legislators who are poised to consider legislation that could give the company over $400 million in tax increment development districts, or TIDDs, for a development on [...]

Department of Distress: SOS on-line woes continue

What’s going on at the Secretary of State’s office?
No, I’m not referring to this.
Infuriating as that is, it’s old news.
No, I’m talking about backlogs in posting public records online and barriers to access for people who are searching for those records.
Legislators, election observers and advocates for good government have been complaining about the efficiency of [...]

SunCal’s Perverse Socialism

Today’s Albuquerque Journal reports the latest development in the taxpayer handout to SunCal story.
From the Journal:
SunCal Companies defaulted on $184 million in loans– losing five properties in foreclosure. At least nine lawsuits are pending in those states.
Moody’s last month removed a bond rating on one SunCal company responsible for four developments in Southern California.

Coco offers [...]

Insider politics at the legislature

The media is focusing increasing attention on the power of corporate lobbyists at the legislature. In the midst of the intensifying battle for ethics reform in Santa Fe, this post by Marjorie at SWOP Blogger offers a view from the netroots at how business is really conducted at the Roundhouse.
Insider Politics: Bernalillo County Lobbyist [...]