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 [...]

The Sayings of Senator Lopez

Feb. 25, 2009: She (Sen. Linda Lopez) also promised to begin discussion on the proposal to create a state ethics commission “first thing” Friday, but said working out disagreements and drafting a committee substitute bill that combines several existing bills related to that controversial proposal will “take a little more time.” NM Independent
Feb. 28, [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]