New Mexico Tech Vice President of Research and Economic Development, Dr. Van Romero, recently released a response to a series of questions posed by the local citizens group, The Drop Zone Group. In his response, he released a map indicating, for the first time, the proposed flight paths to and from the drop zone. In a remarkable public admission, Romero publicly admits that the U.S. Air Force was not formally involved in the proposal for a drop zone, something which many in the public had been led to believe was a fact. Finally, Romero asks some questions of, and makes some strong accusations against, the Drop Zone Group.

This just in from our tip line: AM 770, KKOB, out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been accused of suppressing a story, after being pressured from Heather Wilson's campaign staff, of potential vote buying at the recent Bernalillo County Republican Party delegate nominating convention. Laura MacCallum, a 32 year veteran reporter, tendered her resignation after the station squashed her reporting on the subject.

And the winners are... (drum roll, please)

Michael Olguin earned our endorsement for several reasons. First, the incumbent, Jean Fraissinet, is a good person but has been serving for 8 years now and frankly it's time for some fresh voices and new ideas in office. Second, Michael Olguin has several good ideas, is energetic, well educated, and enthusiastic. Read further for all of our reasons for endorsing Michael Olguin in Ward 3.

Richard A. Lopez, candidate for City Council in the upcoming elections, says he will work to restart the recycling program, with the intent of taking a "more realistic approach" than was taken the last time Socorro attempted to enact a recycling program. He also promises to try to get more personnel and equipment for the Socorro Fire Department, establish a police commission, and improve the management of the Socorro city animal shelter. He has a few other ideas, at least one of which is a bit controversial, but he still earns our endorsement because of his broad experience and strong ideas.

The Drop Zone Group, a group of Socorro area residents who oppose EMRTC's proposed drop zone west of Socorro, have already gathered over 200 signatures opposing it. They have now made the petition available online, so that citizens who oppose the drop zone but have not yet signed can add their names to the list.

The New Mexico Tech board of regents met on February 19th at Tech's Macey Center. On the agenda was public input on the proposed EMRTC drop zone west of Socorro. New Mexico Tech Vice President for Research, Dr. Van Romero, spoke in defense of the proposed drop zone, as he has done in several public forums; however his comments may have raised more questions than answers.

Local realtor, Randell Major, testified at the NM Tech Regents meeting that the proposed EMRTC drop zone will hurt property values and that it constitutes an illegal taking of property from citizens without compensation by the University. He argues this is a property rights issue. Full text of his testimony posted.

The Alamo chapter of the Navajo Reservation unanimously passed a resolution opposing the proposed EMRTC drop zone west of Socorro. Alamo is located 30 miles northwest of Magdalena off New Mexico State Road 169. Full text of the resolution is now available and posted.