Legislature may see ‘dramatic’ facelift in 2013

Tuesday was the official filing day for New Mexico’s primary election.

Political blogger Joe Monahan tells us the state Legislature is “poised for its most dramatic facelift in two decades.”

He also reports the lawmaking game is not as much fun as it used to be and writes: “The bull market days of an overflowing state treasury are gone, the Republican governor and Democratic Legislature fight with each other constantly, nothing gets passed and there are a lot fewer lobbyist parties being thrown for the disgruntled lawmakers.”

We’re fine with less activity in Santa Fe unless it involves lawmakers working together to reduce government oversight in all walks of life.

Voters who agree should listen in the campaign season for candidate comments that promote individual responsibility rather than government “help.”

•••

Speaking of state lawmakers, several are scheduled to attend Roosevelt County’s quarterly luncheon at noon Thursday in Portales’ Yam Theatre, 219 S. Main.

Invitees include Sen. Stuart Ingle, R-Portales, Sen. Gay Kernan, R-Hobbs, Rep. Dennis Roch, R-Texico, Rep. George Dodge, D-Santa Rosa, Rep. Bob Wooley, R-Roswell, and Rep. Dennis Kintigh, R-Roswell.

Cost for the catered luncheon is $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

It’s a great opportunity for a one-on-one conversation with some of our state’s more powerful representatives.

•••

The New Mexico Attorney General’s office held a seminar in Clovis last week intended to help public officials familiarize themselves with the Governmental Conduct Act.

The Act, passed by lawmakers in 2011, summarizes ethics laws that apply to all public bodies, officials and employees.

About two dozen officials attended the seminar, most of them administrators from the city of Clovis and Curry County.

Clovis’ City Commission was well represented with Chris Bryant, Juan Garza, Fidel Madrid and Sandra Taylor-Sawyer on hand.

For those unable to attend the session — most of them, unfortunately — the information will be presented again later this spring, probably in Farmington. Check the AG’s website — http://www.nmag.gov — for the announcement.