Thursday, May 8, 2014
LEGAL ASSISTANCE STILL AVAILABLE FOR OBJECTORS!
This past Tuesday we introduced Blair Dunn, Attorney, to the community as legal assistance to all objectors for a one-time fee of $100. Everyone that attended to ask questions agreed to signed up!!
The next opportunity to sign up.....
SATURDAY, MAY 10TH @ KOKOMANS LIQUOR PARKING LOT
We will have a tent set up in the parking lot from 10am - 2pm.
Please come by and sign up for help!
Remember, you can always represent yourself or hire an attorney. This representation is being organized by Northern New Mexicans Protecting Land, Water, & Rights for those that still need assistance.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD. WE HAVE LITTLE TIME TO GET THE COMMUNITY ON BOARD SO THAT BLAIR DUNN CAN PULL YOUR OBJECTION AND BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPRESENTING YOU!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
ONCE AGAIN- PLEASE STAND
PRC Meeting Tomorrow at 9AM - PERA Bldg - 4TH Floor
Last week a few El Rancho community members attended a PRC Commissioners meeting in support of our Interveners, who requested that the PRC Commissioners hear the Jemez Coop/San Ildefonso Easement rate rider case directly. Usually the commissioners vote on a recommendation from a hearing examiner who hears the case and only presents his/her opinion.
The Commissioners voted 5-0 to listen to the community directly on why this rate recovery method has a negative impact on our community(s).
In a nut shell, Rate Rider (RR) 19 originally protected consumers by stating that the Government body who imposes a cost which increases electric rates, has to pass the cost to the people it governs. For example, a city franchise tax increase made by the city government has to be recovered and paid by city residents.
With Ohkay Owingeh, the PRC Commissioners altered Rate Rider 19 to give the pueblos exemption to this rule and include residents not governed by their government. This is why it is SO IMPORTANT for the Commissioners to hear the impact they made on the RR 19 alteration.
Tomorrow, May 7th at 9am, the lawyers from San Ildefonso, Ohkay Owingeh, and City of Espanola are all going in front of the PRC Commissioners to protest their decision to listen to YOU!
We need support! Not only from El Rancho residents but from our neighboring communities as well! This is just ONE of many easement issues and we need to come together and fight for a voice! Remember, San Ildefonso will be the location for the Aamodt water system and their government the primary controller of the Joint Powers Agreement Board that will regulate water rates.
No one has to speak, just be COUNTED! There is power in numbers.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
COMMENT MADE ON JOURNAL NORTH ARTICLE - GOOD STUFF!
This great comment was posted by a community member to the comments section for the article we currently had in the Journal (article link here)
We thought it needed to be shared -
"Guadeloupe de Hildago is the International Treaty that applies to Aamodt.. it states that property rights existing at it's inception will be respected. This specifically includes water.The Pueblos were not "dependent sovereign nations" or wards of the government (via the BIA )but Equal Citizens under both Spanish and Mexican law. There were no Priority Water Calls under Spanish and Mexican Law. This is a later invention of the US Government. "Aboriginal water rights"( priority calls) are not found in or before Guadeloupe de Hildago. This international Treaty between nations has evidently never been higher than District Court in New Mexico. How could that be a definitive ruling ?The current Aamodt Settlement is a racially based preferential treatment establishing water rights that historically did not exist. The US Gov has aided in unfair representation in the courts by providing for one groups legal costs and attorneys while the other groups have had unequal and inadequate representation. Some say Santa Fe County's interests are contrary to many Pojoaque and Nambe residents interests because of the water rights in the Aamodt Settlement being moved downstream for Santa Fe County to manage. Potentially taking from Pojoaque and Nambe residents to aid in further new Santa Fe County growth. The notion that there will be four Pueblo members of a managing Water Board with one Santa fe County member further illustrates the inadequate representation of Pojoaque and Nambe residents rights. A deeply flawed settlement."
We thought it needed to be shared -
"Guadeloupe de Hildago is the International Treaty that applies to Aamodt.. it states that property rights existing at it's inception will be respected. This specifically includes water.The Pueblos were not "dependent sovereign nations" or wards of the government (via the BIA )but Equal Citizens under both Spanish and Mexican law. There were no Priority Water Calls under Spanish and Mexican Law. This is a later invention of the US Government. "Aboriginal water rights"( priority calls) are not found in or before Guadeloupe de Hildago. This international Treaty between nations has evidently never been higher than District Court in New Mexico. How could that be a definitive ruling ?The current Aamodt Settlement is a racially based preferential treatment establishing water rights that historically did not exist. The US Gov has aided in unfair representation in the courts by providing for one groups legal costs and attorneys while the other groups have had unequal and inadequate representation. Some say Santa Fe County's interests are contrary to many Pojoaque and Nambe residents interests because of the water rights in the Aamodt Settlement being moved downstream for Santa Fe County to manage. Potentially taking from Pojoaque and Nambe residents to aid in further new Santa Fe County growth. The notion that there will be four Pueblo members of a managing Water Board with one Santa fe County member further illustrates the inadequate representation of Pojoaque and Nambe residents rights. A deeply flawed settlement."
The Wall Street Journal Article - ONE SIDED ARTICLE!
A reporter from Wall Street Journal contacted John Tapia, Chairman JMEC
to ask some questions about the astronomical electric easements. Mr.
Tapia offered some names of community members that are active in the
JEMC case and could give their side of
the story. The reporter is Dan Frosch. He never bothered to get any
other opinion except the people who could paint the picture that San
Ildefonso officials wanted to paint. Once again, the States back east
(many with powerful congressman) get manipulated to believe one side of
the story.
In order to comment on this article, you have to pay for a subscription but you can always email the reporter.
Write to Dan Frosch at Dan.Frosch@wsj.com
Or send an email to elranchocommunity@gmail.com and we will pay to post your comment. Please remember if we stay respectful and state our case fairly, perhaps Mr. Frosch will consider a follow on article.
See the article below:
Wall Street Journal: Tribes' New Negotiating Power Costs Utilities
In order to comment on this article, you have to pay for a subscription but you can always email the reporter.
Write to Dan Frosch at Dan.Frosch@wsj.com
Or send an email to elranchocommunity@gmail.com and we will pay to post your comment. Please remember if we stay respectful and state our case fairly, perhaps Mr. Frosch will consider a follow on article.
See the article below:
Wall Street Journal: Tribes' New Negotiating Power Costs Utilities
Monday, April 28, 2014
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
DAY 1: PRC Hearing - JMEC/San Ildefonso – Rate Rider 4
Thank you community members that have been so dedicated in attending all meetings and thank you to the new people that helped represent our community.
It was a very successful day and many stood up and spoke for YOUR community.
BUT IT IS NOT OVER, the hearing will continue tomorrow with our community Interveners testifying on your behalf.George Gomez and Bobby Quintana have been working hard for over a year to represent you at THIS Hearing and they need EVERYONE and ANYONE to attend tomorrow and/or Thursday.
People are not being asked to attend all day’s, just part of one will work. It is very important and the new people in attendance today witnessed the POWER IN NUMBERS!
A special “Thank You” to Santa Fe County Commissioner Danny Mayfield and State Representative Carl Trujillo for being present today. They both made very supportive statements for fairness to ALL people. The effort you made to take the time to support and listen to your constituents is noted and appreciated!!
Monday, April 21, 2014
DEADLINE TO PROTEST PROPERTY TAXES IS MAY 1, 2014.
DEADLINE TO PROTEST PROPERTY TAXES IS MAY 1, 2014.
Community members have asked Santa Fe Assessors Office to answer your questions and provide forms for you to protest your property values and taxes. Now is the time!
WHEN: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014
TIME: 6:30PM
WHERE: EL RANCHO COMMUNITY CENTER
There will be forms for you to complete if you want to protest property values and property taxes. County staff will be helping and accepting forms once complete.
Flyers have been posted throughout the community!
Community members have asked Santa Fe Assessors Office to answer your questions and provide forms for you to protest your property values and taxes. Now is the time!
WHEN: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014
TIME: 6:30PM
WHERE: EL RANCHO COMMUNITY CENTER
There will be forms for you to complete if you want to protest property values and property taxes. County staff will be helping and accepting forms once complete.
Flyers have been posted throughout the community!
PRC JMEC/SAN ILDEFONSO HEARING - REMINDER
PRC JMEC/SAN ILDEFONSO HEARING: April 22, 2014 (Tuesday) @ 9am. PERA Building, Paseo de Peralta, Apodaca Hall (one level below ground level).
Taxpayers,
Between Aamodt Settlement, County Road 84 Easement, and JMEC Electrical Easement, there is no way our community can AFFORD legal assistance for it all. We will NOT win a legal battle. The pueblos have unlimited legal assistance thanks to your federal government and they will make it a legal battle to wear us down. BUT, we can win a political battle!! The County Commissioners, County Accessor, PRC Commissioners, State Representatives, Congressman and Governor of New Mexico are all elected into office and TAXPAYERS are more than 90% of the VOTE and it is ELECTION time!!
That being said, our strategy should be to SPEAK up. Please do so RESPECTIVELY to have the most impact and to be heard. The lack of fair representation by our elected officials and the unfair laws and regulations they are supporting is hurting their CONSTITUENTS! Please know the most effective DEFENSE is how this will personally hurt you! No one needs to speak legally or professionally. Speak your hardship and how this impacts you!
BEWARE, they will try to say that the rate increase is as low as $5 and San Ildefonso will try to take credit. NO, this was made possible by adjustments on local versus system lines as well as JMEC changing to a 10 year cost recovery period (instead of 3year) to collect on all the fines/easement payments already made. Don’t be FOOLED. They are now back loading the cost and with time rates will double and triple. When they do, it will be TOO LATE to protest.
Other Electrical Cooperatives have denied the astronomical easement amounts and were able to negotiate market values. Why not JMEC? Why is the PRC not directing JMEC to go back to negotiations with San Ildefonso? Why was our right to be EXCLUDED from the Rate Rider omitted?
San Ildefonso also wants to paint a pretty picture about what a wonderful relationship San Ildefonso government has with the community and have listed services they provide to us. To add salt to injury, San Ildefonso lawyers want our proof of what the REAL picture is to be THROWN OUT of the testimony!
WE CAN’T AFFORD LEGAL BUT WE CAN PAY FOR THEIRS!
It is SO important that, if possible, you attend this hearing tomorrow. Please bring copies of your exemption letters sent to JMEC. Our community Interveners have been working around the clock setting up this case in YOUR defense and need your SUPPORT and your VOICE. They continue to hit "brick walls" placed in front of them by lawyers and the Hearing Examiner (Carolyn Glick) herself. Lawyers defending JMEC and San Ildefonso......ALL PAID FOR BY YOUR ELECTRICAL FEES AND YOUR TAX DOLLARS!!
Taxpayers,
Between Aamodt Settlement, County Road 84 Easement, and JMEC Electrical Easement, there is no way our community can AFFORD legal assistance for it all. We will NOT win a legal battle. The pueblos have unlimited legal assistance thanks to your federal government and they will make it a legal battle to wear us down. BUT, we can win a political battle!! The County Commissioners, County Accessor, PRC Commissioners, State Representatives, Congressman and Governor of New Mexico are all elected into office and TAXPAYERS are more than 90% of the VOTE and it is ELECTION time!!
That being said, our strategy should be to SPEAK up. Please do so RESPECTIVELY to have the most impact and to be heard. The lack of fair representation by our elected officials and the unfair laws and regulations they are supporting is hurting their CONSTITUENTS! Please know the most effective DEFENSE is how this will personally hurt you! No one needs to speak legally or professionally. Speak your hardship and how this impacts you!
BEWARE, they will try to say that the rate increase is as low as $5 and San Ildefonso will try to take credit. NO, this was made possible by adjustments on local versus system lines as well as JMEC changing to a 10 year cost recovery period (instead of 3year) to collect on all the fines/easement payments already made. Don’t be FOOLED. They are now back loading the cost and with time rates will double and triple. When they do, it will be TOO LATE to protest.
Other Electrical Cooperatives have denied the astronomical easement amounts and were able to negotiate market values. Why not JMEC? Why is the PRC not directing JMEC to go back to negotiations with San Ildefonso? Why was our right to be EXCLUDED from the Rate Rider omitted?
San Ildefonso also wants to paint a pretty picture about what a wonderful relationship San Ildefonso government has with the community and have listed services they provide to us. To add salt to injury, San Ildefonso lawyers want our proof of what the REAL picture is to be THROWN OUT of the testimony!
WE CAN’T AFFORD LEGAL BUT WE CAN PAY FOR THEIRS!
It is SO important that, if possible, you attend this hearing tomorrow. Please bring copies of your exemption letters sent to JMEC. Our community Interveners have been working around the clock setting up this case in YOUR defense and need your SUPPORT and your VOICE. They continue to hit "brick walls" placed in front of them by lawyers and the Hearing Examiner (Carolyn Glick) herself. Lawyers defending JMEC and San Ildefonso......ALL PAID FOR BY YOUR ELECTRICAL FEES AND YOUR TAX DOLLARS!!
Sunday, April 20, 2014
EMAIL FROM PRIVATE LANDOWNER TO COMMUNITY BLOG
Please see what Federal Judge Martha Vasquez, wife of Santa Fe City Councilor Joseph Maestas (who works for the Federal Bureau of Reclamation) WHO IS assigned to adjudicate the Aamodt Water Settlement is still SIGNING today.....
Emails to El Rancho:
Joe
"I just received notice from Barbara Brill and the US District court today, the 16th, that my well was adjudicated down to .7 acre feet. Vasquez signed the district court paper work."
Joe
"I don't have a clue as to what a subfile order is. I have not signed anything. Early last November or sooner I started getting the legal papers from the State Engineer and Brill. Actually it was earlier because I had 30 days to respond.There was room for "concerns" and to ask for a "consultation" which I did. This was before I had any idea of what was to come and what the options would be. I'll be happy to share the documents with you but I don't have any way to scan them. The "consultation was worthless by the way, more show and tell to give the appearance that we had a "voice"."
PEOPLE!!!
Proof whose interest Judge Vasquez is fighting for. RECALL all your letters from the Federal Bureau of Reclamation asking to survey your property! People, this is a chess game and they are SET UP well!!
Friday, April 18, 2014
YOUR ELECTRICAL BILL CAN STILL DOUBLE AND WITH TIME, MAY TRIPLE!
It is important for the El Rancho Community to read examples (ATTACHED) of claims by San Ildefonso Pueblo of services provided to El Rancho to prepare for Tuesday’s PRC Hearing. If you have any experience with the Pueblo that contradicts these claims, PLEASE come speak up. Discrediting these officials and their misleading/false claims is key. The community is now united. We have proven the power in numbers!
PRC JMEC/SAN ILDEFONSO HEARING: April 22, 2014 (Tuesday) @ 9am. PERA Building, Paseo de Peralta, Apodaca Hall (one level below ground level).
The basis for Perry Martinez’s testimony is that Ohkay Owingeh convinced the PRC that they provided many services to Espanola (for mostly non-Indians), therefore including non-Indians within the pueblo boundaries to pay these easement cost was fair.
San Ildefonso has been using Ohkay Owingeh as a precedent to pass the cost to include El Rancho residents. In both cases, non-Indians are the majority paying the easement cost.
That is the reason for Perry Martinez’s and Stephen Martinez’s testimony on services provided to the community.
Our Interveners, George Gomez and Bobby Quintana have disputed these claims in their testimony by submitting statements from El Rancho residents. These are people that have been bullied by the Pueblo, escorted off unfenced pueblo land at gun point, and been given an actual letter from the Pueblo that threatened residents walking on Indian land near their residence. The letter specifically stated that their land was not to be used for recreational purposes of ANY kind. This letter was signed by Stephen Martinez.
NOW THE PUEBLO IS PETITIONING THE COURT TO THROW THIS EVIDENCE OUT!
We need large numbers of protesters who will contradict San Ildefonso’s testimony and who will demand to be given a right to be excluded from this cost recovery method by the PRC.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
OUR VOICE IS GETTING LOUDER! MORE TO COME…STAY CONNECTED!
We have verified that there are currently 775 OBJECTIONS submitted to the Federal District Court in opposition to the Aamodt Settlement Agreement! Our community’s VOICE is growing and getting stronger. Please stay connected to help fight for our rights as private land owners!
As requested, see the link below to get informed about this House Bill that made the Aamodt Water System possible.
http://beta.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/3342
Monday, April 14, 2014
SEND IN YOUR JEMEZ COOP EXEMPTION REQUEST
The community has another opportunity to exercise its VOICE by objecting (in WRITING) to JMEC’s proposal to pass astronomical San Ildefonso easement cost to private land owners. ON APRIL 22 (TUES.) @ 9AM (Location TBD) the PRC will allow JMEC members to voice their opposition on easement cost recovery methods (Rate Rider 4).
In preparation for that opportunity, the community needs to send in a letter to JMEC requesting an exemption from access charges. We have attached an example letter that can be used to help you request exemption. Please feel free to edit as needed to meet your situation. Please take a copy of your signed request and take it with you to the APRIL 22 Hearing. These will become court record of you exercising your right to ask for exemption from Rate Rider 4.
Similar to HB 365, we need as many community members to be present
APRIL 22 to show the PRC that we are not happy with the way they have
protected the consumer.
Find attached the example letter. Please
send or deliver as soon as possible to JMEC. If you cannot make the
APRIL 22 Hearing, please email elranchocommunity@gmail.com and we will
make arrangements with you to obtain A COPY of your exemption letter you
sent to JMEC.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
READ WHAT THE REAL EXPERTS SAY ABOUT THE AAMODT SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT!
People from
our community have found documentation on how our constitutional rights are
being violated. They also found evidence that our Government is working
against us on the Aamodt Settlement to serve several special interest
groups. In fact, he states that the interest in this settlement by Santa
Fe County and Santa Fe City is due to the fact that OUR water will be made
available to Santa Fe for development.
Development that has been difficult due to lack of water. Thus the title, “Watering Santa Fe Conifers with water from
Nambe, Pojoaque, and Tesuque area”. The
Aamodt Settlement will not only give Pueblos what they have been fighting for
but will provide them unlimited profiting for years to come. The only losers in this settlement are the
taxpayers of our community!!
Turner
is a world renowned expert in Geology-Hydrology. Please take the time to
read his 2004 article on what is really happening with our water rights.
Apparently, Pecos had a similar issue in 2004 and was able to stop the
settlement by obtaining legal assistance to file objections. Only one objection was considered valid to
halt the whole settlement. In 2004, Dr.
Turner states his opinion on how the proposed Aamodt Settlement Agreement would be similar and how non-Indian Objectors would be left with little
recourse. In a nut shell, set up to
fail in stopping this unfair settlement.
A community member contacted Dr. Turner and he was not surprised that
his 2004 prediction was dead on!
We
have to ask, is this why Santa Fe County Legal is arguing to use a 1964
Hydrology Survey?? Does the aquifer really lack water? Is the surface
drought being used as manipulation to make us believe a water system is
needed yet the plan is to make water available to Santa Fe Developers?
Currently people in Bishops Lodge who are on city water are getting
included in this Settlement. Why?
Below
are direct links:
Dr.
Turner’s credentials.
Pecos
River Water Rights Purchase Program
Aamodt Settlement Agreement - Pojoaque Water Basin (also attached)
REMINDER: LAST AAMODT MEETING OFFERED BY REP. CARL TRUJILLO
Thursday , April 3, 2014
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Frank B Lopez Gym (Pojoaque Middle School)
1574 New Mexico State Road 502 West, Santa Fe, 87506
SAME DAY, SAME LOCATION, BUT STARTING AT 5PM!
The community will also be setting up a table with volunteers to help those objecting to complete their forms. We will have copies of objection examples as well copies of election forms and pre-labeled envelopes to seal and complete individual packets. We also have a volunteer who will be hand carrying all completed packets to the Federal Court on Friday, April 4, 2014. These will get stamped and the individual will ask for receipts if possible. If you have received attachments of objection examples please print and please bring with your election form. The volunteers have paid for printing of objections for those that DO NOT have access to a computer/printer or are not on our email listing. All parties listed on well(s) must be present to sign forms.
Also, there will be someone taking donations to pay for the legal cost of hiring a lawyer to file a motion to stay the April 7th deadline. Please help in any amount you can. This benefits ALL the community and although we understand that not all members can donate, please donate if you can and whatever amount you can. Checks can be made out to Lorenzo Atencio and list Aamodt Settlement as the donation on check memo.
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Frank B Lopez Gym (Pojoaque Middle School)
1574 New Mexico State Road 502 West, Santa Fe, 87506
SAME DAY, SAME LOCATION, BUT STARTING AT 5PM!
The community will also be setting up a table with volunteers to help those objecting to complete their forms. We will have copies of objection examples as well copies of election forms and pre-labeled envelopes to seal and complete individual packets. We also have a volunteer who will be hand carrying all completed packets to the Federal Court on Friday, April 4, 2014. These will get stamped and the individual will ask for receipts if possible. If you have received attachments of objection examples please print and please bring with your election form. The volunteers have paid for printing of objections for those that DO NOT have access to a computer/printer or are not on our email listing. All parties listed on well(s) must be present to sign forms.
Also, there will be someone taking donations to pay for the legal cost of hiring a lawyer to file a motion to stay the April 7th deadline. Please help in any amount you can. This benefits ALL the community and although we understand that not all members can donate, please donate if you can and whatever amount you can. Checks can be made out to Lorenzo Atencio and list Aamodt Settlement as the donation on check memo.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
REP. TRUJILLO OFFERING LAST MEETING BEFORE APR 7 DEADLINE PLUS COMMUNITY WORKSHOP TO COMPLETE FORMS
Additional Aamodt Water Settlement Community Meeting
In response to your requests, we've scheduled one more community meeting on the Aamodt Settlement before the April 7th deadline. Please come and we'll do our best to answer any still-unanswered questions you might have.
Thursday , April 3, 2014
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Frank B Lopez Gym (Pojoaque Middle School)
1574 New Mexico State Road 502 West, Santa Fe, 87506
SAME DAY, SAME LOCATION, BUT STARTING AT 5PM!
The community will also be setting up a table with volunteers to help those objecting to complete their forms. We will have copies of objection examples as well copies of election forms and pre-labeled envelopes to seal and complete individual packets. We also have a volunteer who will be hand carrying all completed packets to the Federal Court on Friday, April 4, 2014. These will get stamped and the individual will ask for receipts if possible. If you have received attachments of objection examples please print and please bring with your election form. The volunteers have paid for printing of objections for those that DO NOT have access to a computer/printer or are not on our email listing.
Also, there will be someone taking donations to pay for the legal cost of hiring a lawyer to file a motion to stay the April 7th deadline. Please help in any amount you can. This benefits ALL the community and although we understand that not all members can donate, please donate if you can and whatever amount you can. Checks can be made out to Lorenzo Atencio and list Aamodt Settlement as the donation on check memo.
In response to your requests, we've scheduled one more community meeting on the Aamodt Settlement before the April 7th deadline. Please come and we'll do our best to answer any still-unanswered questions you might have.
Thursday , April 3, 2014
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Frank B Lopez Gym (Pojoaque Middle School)
1574 New Mexico State Road 502 West, Santa Fe, 87506
SAME DAY, SAME LOCATION, BUT STARTING AT 5PM!
The community will also be setting up a table with volunteers to help those objecting to complete their forms. We will have copies of objection examples as well copies of election forms and pre-labeled envelopes to seal and complete individual packets. We also have a volunteer who will be hand carrying all completed packets to the Federal Court on Friday, April 4, 2014. These will get stamped and the individual will ask for receipts if possible. If you have received attachments of objection examples please print and please bring with your election form. The volunteers have paid for printing of objections for those that DO NOT have access to a computer/printer or are not on our email listing.
Also, there will be someone taking donations to pay for the legal cost of hiring a lawyer to file a motion to stay the April 7th deadline. Please help in any amount you can. This benefits ALL the community and although we understand that not all members can donate, please donate if you can and whatever amount you can. Checks can be made out to Lorenzo Atencio and list Aamodt Settlement as the donation on check memo.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
OBJECTIONS DUE BY APRIL 7TH - FINAL EXAMPLES
PLEASE
EMAIL ELRANCHOCOMMUNITY@GMAIL.COM AND REQUEST ATTACHMENTS BELOW BE
EMAILED TO YOU. Facebook does not allow word documents to be attached
and the documents are too large to send as a picture.
We will also be sending these attachments out to people already on our email distribution.
As requested, there are THREE examples that can be used to object to the proposed water system. These include the objections provided by Aamodt Settlement Facebook.
ATTACHMENT A and B: Objectors can attached ONE of these objection listings to their completed form. Where it asks for objections please write in bold print "SEE ATTACHMENT" and staple the forms together along with the attachment you choose. Please only use one of the example attachments. They are similar and we want to make sure persons use only the one that pertains most to their situation. The Objector or their Attorney will have to argue their objections to the court if requested. Please do not let this intimidate you. If there are many "like" objections, the judge may allow a group argument.
ATTACHMENT C: These objections are the ones that Lorenzo Atencio offered to the community. Another lawyer created a template of the actual form with his objections formatted in the form itself. If these pertain to you, all that is needed is to fill out the first page and sign.
These objections must be delivered by or before April 7th. Hand delivery is best and at that time they should be stamped received.
They can be delivered to:
Federal Court, 106 South Federal Street (next to the main Post Office), Santa Fe. If you can hand deliver objections for your neighbors, elderly, and family please do so.
Please share with all that might need help with objections.
We will also be sending these attachments out to people already on our email distribution.
As requested, there are THREE examples that can be used to object to the proposed water system. These include the objections provided by Aamodt Settlement Facebook.
ATTACHMENT A and B: Objectors can attached ONE of these objection listings to their completed form. Where it asks for objections please write in bold print "SEE ATTACHMENT" and staple the forms together along with the attachment you choose. Please only use one of the example attachments. They are similar and we want to make sure persons use only the one that pertains most to their situation. The Objector or their Attorney will have to argue their objections to the court if requested. Please do not let this intimidate you. If there are many "like" objections, the judge may allow a group argument.
ATTACHMENT C: These objections are the ones that Lorenzo Atencio offered to the community. Another lawyer created a template of the actual form with his objections formatted in the form itself. If these pertain to you, all that is needed is to fill out the first page and sign.
These objections must be delivered by or before April 7th. Hand delivery is best and at that time they should be stamped received.
They can be delivered to:
Federal Court, 106 South Federal Street (next to the main Post Office), Santa Fe. If you can hand deliver objections for your neighbors, elderly, and family please do so.
Please share with all that might need help with objections.
NOTIFICATION FROM COMMUNITY MEMBER
Aside
from objecting or making your election for the Aamodt Settlement,
residents need to look at the proposed pipeline. The proposed course for
the RWS pipeline enters private non-Indian property and branches in
residential driveways. You can contact Molly Thrash of the Bureau of
Reclamation at sthrash@usbr.gov to object to the proposed pipeline path
if this proposed pipeline crosses your private property.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
AAMODT COMMUNITY MEETING
You asked, we made it happen...
Additional Aamodt Water Settlement Community Meetings
Our prior series of community meetings on the Aamodt Settlement were filled to overflowing, and many of you emailed and called asking if we could schedule more to continue to help and answer your questions. And the answer is -- yes! We're here to help.
Thursday , March 27, 2014
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Frank B Lopez Gym (Pojoaque Middle School), 1574 New Mexico State Road 502 West, Santa Fe, 87506
Everyone is welcome to attend one or both meetings.
Additional Aamodt Water Settlement Community Meetings
Our prior series of community meetings on the Aamodt Settlement were filled to overflowing, and many of you emailed and called asking if we could schedule more to continue to help and answer your questions. And the answer is -- yes! We're here to help.
Thursday , March 27, 2014
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Frank B Lopez Gym (Pojoaque Middle School), 1574 New Mexico State Road 502 West, Santa Fe, 87506
Everyone is welcome to attend one or both meetings.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
WOW! Our concerned taxpayers are on a roll....
Good stuff people...keep sending in your research to get us all informed!
Look at comments from supporters of the Aamodt Settlement that we elected into office taxpayers! Senator Tom Udall and Senator Jeff Bingaman. Also, local David Ortiz who is on the Pojoaque School Board.
http://www.capitolreportnewmexico.com/tag/pojoaque-basin-water-alliance/
Look at comments from supporters of the Aamodt Settlement that we elected into office taxpayers! Senator Tom Udall and Senator Jeff Bingaman. Also, local David Ortiz who is on the Pojoaque School Board.
http://www.capitolreportnewmexico.com/tag/pojoaque-basin-water-alliance/
FORWARDED FROM A CONCERNED TAXPAYER - THANK YOU!
FYI- County Meeting for Community Zoning, Pojoaque Meeting tomorrow at 9AM..Please Share.
Hi all, this is just a heads-up concerning the zoning map meetings being suddenly held by the county, as in the county's message today (the 11th) from Chrisann Romero:
Santa Fe County is in the process of assigning SLDC base zoning districts in community planning districts, . The assignment of base zoning districts in the plan areas represents a significant change from the SLDC Preliminary Zoning Map October 2013 . . . .
Keep in mind the following from the recently adopted SLDC from CHAPTER NINE – COMMUNITY DISTRICTS:
9.3. EFFECT OF SLDC ON EXISTING COMMUNITY DISTRICTS.Prior to the adoption of the SLDC, numerous community districts were established by ordinance, and these individual community district ordinances shall remain in effect until such time as new community plans are adopted in accordance with Chapter 2, and a corresponding O-CD is established in accordance with Chapter 8. --emphasis added
I 'm not the only one concerned
that the zoning map is not going to reflect our community plans but will
be imposing zoning that may be quite contrary to them. It may also be
that:
--there was not even a legal amount of time for public notice of these meetings,--the county is not following their own code and plan.
If it turns out that there
is a problem--that there is heavy-handed zoning being imposed--people
could ask at their appointed meeting, such questions as: What is the
criteria for this?
Community District Zoning Map Review Schedule-All meetings will be held in the County Commission Chambers
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Monday, March 10th, 2014
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Madrid 2:00 PM
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Tesuque- 4:00 PM
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Wednesday, March 12th, 2014
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Galisteo 9:00 AM
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El Valle de Arroyo Seco 10:00 AM
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Tres Arroyos de Poinente 11:00 AM
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Wednesday, March 12th, 2014
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San Pedro 2:00 PM
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U.S. 285 South Highway 3:00 PM
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Village of Agua Fria 4:00 PM
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Thursday, March 13th, 2014
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Pojoaque Valley 9 AM
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Los Cerrillos 10:00 AM
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Thursday, March 13th, 2014
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La Cienega/La Cieneguilla 2:00 PM
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San Marcos 3:00 PM
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Chimayo 4:00 PM
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FORWARDED BY A CONCERNED TAXPAYER-THANK YOU!
Very good link to become further educated:
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
THIS IS WHAT THIS FORM MEANS NOTICE OF DOMESTIC WELL ELECTION
If you have a domestic well water right, you
must make a Domestic Well Election from the following options . (You do
not have to make this decision at this time, you can if you would like, but the courts will have to get a hold of you at a later to do so,
about one to two years from now) Pursuant to Section 3.1.7.2 of the Agreement the above-named Settlement Party hereby make(s) the following election respecting the water right from said party's well(s) (check only one):
To connect to the County Water Utility pursuant to Sections 3.1.7.2.1 and 3.1.7.41 of the Agreement. (This option means you cap your well, get credit of giving .5 acre feet to Regional Water System, hook up to Regional Water System when it becomes available, and pay a monthly water bill.)
To Keep well and limit use pursuant to Sections 3.1.7.22 and 3.1.7.42 of the Agreement. (This option means you keep your well in perpetuity {forever}, your well is adjudicated down to .3,.5, or .7 acre feet depending on your well, and a meter will be put your well sometime in the future. This could be different for pre-basin wells, prior 1956.)
To Connect to the County Water Utility upon transfer of property pursuant to Section 3.1.7.2.3 and 3.1.7.4.3 of the Agreement. (This option means you keep your well upon transfer of your property. Your well is adjudicated down to .3,.5, or .7 acre
feet depending on your well, and a meter will be put your well sometime in the future. Upon transfer of your property, either through the sale or willing to another person, that person will have to cap the well and hook up into the Regional Water System and pay a monthly water bill.)
about one to two years from now) Pursuant to Section 3.1.7.2 of the Agreement the above-named Settlement Party hereby make(s) the following election respecting the water right from said party's well(s) (check only one):
To connect to the County Water Utility pursuant to Sections 3.1.7.2.1 and 3.1.7.41 of the Agreement. (This option means you cap your well, get credit of giving .5 acre feet to Regional Water System, hook up to Regional Water System when it becomes available, and pay a monthly water bill.)
To Keep well and limit use pursuant to Sections 3.1.7.22 and 3.1.7.42 of the Agreement. (This option means you keep your well in perpetuity {forever}, your well is adjudicated down to .3,.5, or .7 acre feet depending on your well, and a meter will be put your well sometime in the future. This could be different for pre-basin wells, prior 1956.)
To Connect to the County Water Utility upon transfer of property pursuant to Section 3.1.7.2.3 and 3.1.7.4.3 of the Agreement. (This option means you keep your well upon transfer of your property. Your well is adjudicated down to .3,.5, or .7 acre
feet depending on your well, and a meter will be put your well sometime in the future. Upon transfer of your property, either through the sale or willing to another person, that person will have to cap the well and hook up into the Regional Water System and pay a monthly water bill.)
What should one do immediately in respect to the Aamodt process!!
1. Contact the State Engineers office to make sure they have your well identified. This could be
especially important for pre-basin wells (prior 1956) because there were no permits issued at
that time. This is very important, wells that are not identified will not be allowed to divert
water once the Settlement is final! Please also make sure your surface water rights (if you
have some) are correct and under the proper name while at State Engineers office.
2. State Engineers office has been adjudicating wells in this basin for several years and believes
they have adjudicated about 85% to 90% of the wells in this basin. Adjudication is a legal
process to determine who has a valid water right and how much water can be used. More
than likely, all wells had an original permit allowing the ability to divert up to 3 acre feet from
the well. Our state law is one of beneficial use, meaning you have a right to divert water up to 3
acre feet if your well permit lists that, but your right is dependent on how much water you have
actually put to beneficial use. This becomes particularly hard to identify since most people have
never metered their usage. For example: If a household has drawn 1 acre foot of water over
several years, their adjudicated right would be 1 acre foot (one acre foot is 325,851 gallons of
water). More than likely this person would irrigate a small garden and have some livestock for
this type of usage. Contact the State Engineers office to find out what your well has been
adjudicated down to. Wells are being adjudicated down to .7, .5, and .3 acre feet depending
date of well drilled and whether or not one signed up for Post 1982 Well Agreement. If you
believe your Historical Beneficial Use is more than your well has been adjudicated to, you can
protest that to the State Engineers office.
3. If you have not received a packet (all packets are generic), you can pick one up at the State
Engineers office. In this packet, there is an Objection to the Settlement Agreement Form and
Acceptance of Settlement Agreement form. The only form due by April 7th is the Objection to
the Settlement Agreement Form, but this is only if one decides to file an objection. On this
form, it has a signature for an attorney, one can file Pro Se and does not need an attorney (if
one chooses to file Pro Se, leave the signature of attorney blank). There will not be another
opportunity to file an objection once this date passes.
4. Important!! If you do not file your Acceptance of Settlement Agreement Form where one has
to make a choice on their domestic well election, you will be considered a non-responder and
the court will have to get a hold of you at a later date (State Engineer estimates a one to two
year period) to make this choice (election). Positives to making election now is one may be on
the first come first serve list for free hook up to their home from Regional Water System (RWS).
Positives to waiting may be having more information about the system. Currently, the Water
Master (State Engineer) has not finished nor has taken public comment on the Water Master
Rules and Regulations that will establish the rules and regulations in the basin. Another may be
that the Regional Water Authority (RWA) has not been established. The RWA will be established by Santa Fe County and the four Pueblos to own, operate, and maintain the Regional Water System. A Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) will be completed between Santa Fe County and the four Pueblos to do so. This document has been in negotiations for more than four years already without public comment. Please see attached document with notes on draft JPA. With these two documents incomplete, you are being asked to sign a contract without many important details being disclosed.
Some additional facts:
1. Many have asked about the cost of a water bill if they hook up to the system. This is highly
dependent on two things, the rate schedule that hasn’t been established yet and the amount
of usage. Santa Fe County believes it would look like their current rate schedule they use other
places. There has been about 300+ wells in the basin that have been monitored by the State
Engineers office for many years and their current usage is an average of 3/8 (.375) acre feet of
water per year. Please understand usage will vary hugely from household to household. Using
SF county rate schedule for usage of .375 acre feet, a monthly bill would be $87.83. Using City
of Santa Fe rate schedule for usage of .375 acre feet, a monthly bill would be $113.73 (a couple
assumptions made here because they charge different rates for four months). Obviously, these
are today’s dollars, people would probably not be hooked up for 6 or 7 more years.
2. If an individual who has a well does not make a choice on their domestic well election by the
last date offered (currently State Engineer estimates between a year and two years), this well
will be entered into the court as accepting the settlement agreement and agreeing to hook up
to Regional Water System. Whether the court accepts this entering is unknown. Because all
packets went out first class stamps instead of certified mail, it is likely many did not receive a
package. It is important that all your friends, neighbors, and family are notified (in case they
never received packet) so they can make their own decision rather than the court making that
decision for them. There is time right now (at least a year), but we must be diligent when the
deadline approaches.
3. If you believe you have friends, neighbors, and family that wish to file an objection. Please
notify them to pick up packet and file by April 7th.
The information above is to allow one to become better informed in making a decision and
recommendation of action items at this time. Most important, please pass this information to
friends, family and neighbors.
especially important for pre-basin wells (prior 1956) because there were no permits issued at
that time. This is very important, wells that are not identified will not be allowed to divert
water once the Settlement is final! Please also make sure your surface water rights (if you
have some) are correct and under the proper name while at State Engineers office.
2. State Engineers office has been adjudicating wells in this basin for several years and believes
they have adjudicated about 85% to 90% of the wells in this basin. Adjudication is a legal
process to determine who has a valid water right and how much water can be used. More
than likely, all wells had an original permit allowing the ability to divert up to 3 acre feet from
the well. Our state law is one of beneficial use, meaning you have a right to divert water up to 3
acre feet if your well permit lists that, but your right is dependent on how much water you have
actually put to beneficial use. This becomes particularly hard to identify since most people have
never metered their usage. For example: If a household has drawn 1 acre foot of water over
several years, their adjudicated right would be 1 acre foot (one acre foot is 325,851 gallons of
water). More than likely this person would irrigate a small garden and have some livestock for
this type of usage. Contact the State Engineers office to find out what your well has been
adjudicated down to. Wells are being adjudicated down to .7, .5, and .3 acre feet depending
date of well drilled and whether or not one signed up for Post 1982 Well Agreement. If you
believe your Historical Beneficial Use is more than your well has been adjudicated to, you can
protest that to the State Engineers office.
3. If you have not received a packet (all packets are generic), you can pick one up at the State
Engineers office. In this packet, there is an Objection to the Settlement Agreement Form and
Acceptance of Settlement Agreement form. The only form due by April 7th is the Objection to
the Settlement Agreement Form, but this is only if one decides to file an objection. On this
form, it has a signature for an attorney, one can file Pro Se and does not need an attorney (if
one chooses to file Pro Se, leave the signature of attorney blank). There will not be another
opportunity to file an objection once this date passes.
4. Important!! If you do not file your Acceptance of Settlement Agreement Form where one has
to make a choice on their domestic well election, you will be considered a non-responder and
the court will have to get a hold of you at a later date (State Engineer estimates a one to two
year period) to make this choice (election). Positives to making election now is one may be on
the first come first serve list for free hook up to their home from Regional Water System (RWS).
Positives to waiting may be having more information about the system. Currently, the Water
Master (State Engineer) has not finished nor has taken public comment on the Water Master
Rules and Regulations that will establish the rules and regulations in the basin. Another may be
that the Regional Water Authority (RWA) has not been established. The RWA will be established by Santa Fe County and the four Pueblos to own, operate, and maintain the Regional Water System. A Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) will be completed between Santa Fe County and the four Pueblos to do so. This document has been in negotiations for more than four years already without public comment. Please see attached document with notes on draft JPA. With these two documents incomplete, you are being asked to sign a contract without many important details being disclosed.
Some additional facts:
1. Many have asked about the cost of a water bill if they hook up to the system. This is highly
dependent on two things, the rate schedule that hasn’t been established yet and the amount
of usage. Santa Fe County believes it would look like their current rate schedule they use other
places. There has been about 300+ wells in the basin that have been monitored by the State
Engineers office for many years and their current usage is an average of 3/8 (.375) acre feet of
water per year. Please understand usage will vary hugely from household to household. Using
SF county rate schedule for usage of .375 acre feet, a monthly bill would be $87.83. Using City
of Santa Fe rate schedule for usage of .375 acre feet, a monthly bill would be $113.73 (a couple
assumptions made here because they charge different rates for four months). Obviously, these
are today’s dollars, people would probably not be hooked up for 6 or 7 more years.
2. If an individual who has a well does not make a choice on their domestic well election by the
last date offered (currently State Engineer estimates between a year and two years), this well
will be entered into the court as accepting the settlement agreement and agreeing to hook up
to Regional Water System. Whether the court accepts this entering is unknown. Because all
packets went out first class stamps instead of certified mail, it is likely many did not receive a
package. It is important that all your friends, neighbors, and family are notified (in case they
never received packet) so they can make their own decision rather than the court making that
decision for them. There is time right now (at least a year), but we must be diligent when the
deadline approaches.
3. If you believe you have friends, neighbors, and family that wish to file an objection. Please
notify them to pick up packet and file by April 7th.
The information above is to allow one to become better informed in making a decision and
recommendation of action items at this time. Most important, please pass this information to
friends, family and neighbors.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Please read this blog: (sent in from one of our concerned community members)
Text taken from the blog:
Early on, the Department of the Interior balked at the agreement, in part because it didn't like the federal share of the costs.
A U.S. Bureau of Reclamation report also found the costs of the proposed regional water system would be higher than estimated.
More than once, Domenici and Bingaman tried to get the legislation through.
Finally, in January, the U.S. House passed the version submitted by U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan.
Then the Department of the Interior and federal Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Michael Connor, a former Bingaman staffer, gave the settlement the thumbs up.
Bingaman said the key to congressional approval was piggybacking the Aamodt settlement and two other bills involving Indian water rights in New Mexico onto the Cobell appropriations legislation. The Cobell bill settles long-standing claims by Indian tribes of mismanaged Bureau of Indian Affairs trust funds.
Bingaman was presiding over the Senate floor in late October when his colleagues approved the massive bill, including the Aamodt settlement and $169 million for the water system.
When Namba's Mirabal learned the president was ready to sign the bill and make the Aamodt settlement law, he had tears in his eyes. "We wondered if we'd live to see it passed," he said recently.
"Now the really hard work starts," he added. "Everyone is going to want to have a hand in what this looks like."
Next dilemmas:
Challenges to the settlement are not over. Not long ago, one of the non-pueblo defendants filed a motion to dismiss the pueblos as plaintiffs in the case.
The Aamodt parties now have to hammer out final details and then see how many of the thousands of defendants named in the case will agree to the settlement.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
El RANCHO TAXPAYERS - ACTION REQUIRED!!!
ANY and ALL opposition to the proposed stipulation in the Jemez Mountain Electric Cooperative/Pueblo de San Ildefonso Electric Easement Agreement has to reach the PRC Hearing Examiner by tomorrow COB, Monday, March 3, 2014. Carolyn Glick will be the determining body that will make a recommendation to the PRC Commissioners on this case. This recommendation(s) is what they will vote on.
Please note, the PRC will not be voting on an easement amount more within fair market value. They will not be voting to reduce the $3,200/per acre value that future utilities will be based on in our area. They will only be voting on the cost recovery model used to pass the cost to our community, which is still unfair and unreasonable.
Why are these emails so important? The cost for this Easement Agreement has not been included in our electric bills! Please consider the amounts you are being charged already! Opposing will send the message that any cost recovery of such astronomical easement amounts has too big of an impact on our community, period!
House Bill 356 may have not made it to the House floor for a vote but the battle for fairness and a voice is still alive and well! The taxpayers who emailed Representatives showed the power in numbers. Please continue to show our Community's power by getting involved and sending the following email to Ms. Glick at carolyn.glick@state.nm.us;
Message:
Case # 13-00202-UT
I oppose the proposed stipulation in the Jemez Mountain Electric Cooperative/Pueblo de San Ildefonso advice notice.
Name/Signature
(TYPE YOUR NAME HERE)
___________________________________________________________
El Rancho Community Member
Please note, the PRC will not be voting on an easement amount more within fair market value. They will not be voting to reduce the $3,200/per acre value that future utilities will be based on in our area. They will only be voting on the cost recovery model used to pass the cost to our community, which is still unfair and unreasonable.
Why are these emails so important? The cost for this Easement Agreement has not been included in our electric bills! Please consider the amounts you are being charged already! Opposing will send the message that any cost recovery of such astronomical easement amounts has too big of an impact on our community, period!
House Bill 356 may have not made it to the House floor for a vote but the battle for fairness and a voice is still alive and well! The taxpayers who emailed Representatives showed the power in numbers. Please continue to show our Community's power by getting involved and sending the following email to Ms. Glick at carolyn.glick@state.nm.us;
Message:
Case # 13-00202-UT
I oppose the proposed stipulation in the Jemez Mountain Electric Cooperative/Pueblo de San Ildefonso advice notice.
Name/Signature
(TYPE YOUR NAME HERE)
___________________________________________________________
El Rancho Community Member
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. MISMANAGEMENT AND CORRUPTION USING OUR TAX DOLLARS.
In our community(s), the BIA is seen as the iron rod that defends the Native Americans and their sovereignty not only within their sovereign nation but also in dealing with States, Counties and neighboring communities. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is funded with our tax dollars and has been able to have as much "sovereignty" as the tribes themselves.
Please read the studies that have been conducted on the BIA. Our government continues wasting our tax dollars on a department that not only has a history of mismanagement, but has not downsized although tribes are becoming self-determined.
Complete study on the corruption and mismanagement of the BIA.
www.downsizinggovernment.org/interior/indian-lands-indian-subsidies
How the BIA manages Indian Affairs. Who manages who?
http://www.downsizinggovernment.org/interior/indian-lands-indian-subsidies#5
Is anybody holding the BIA accountable?
http://www.downsizinggovernment.org/1-million-waste-no-bathtubs
Please read the studies that have been conducted on the BIA. Our government continues wasting our tax dollars on a department that not only has a history of mismanagement, but has not downsized although tribes are becoming self-determined.
Complete study on the corruption and mismanagement of the BIA.
www.downsizinggovernment.org/interior/indian-lands-indian-subsidies
How the BIA manages Indian Affairs. Who manages who?
http://www.downsizinggovernment.org/interior/indian-lands-indian-subsidies#5
Is anybody holding the BIA accountable?
http://www.downsizinggovernment.org/1-million-waste-no-bathtubs
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Aamodt Settlement info
The attached link provides information on the Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act. There have been many questions about the settlement that this site may answer. There are tabs within this library that will tell you detailed information. It may be difficult to read but the information is available to the public. This may be helpful in preparing your questions for next week's Q&A meetings or helpful to your lawyer if you hired legal assistance.
http://beta.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/3342
http://beta.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/3342
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Q&A AAMODT SETTLEMENT COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Do you still feel that your questions were not answered as to all your options available with the Aamodt Water Settlement Agreement? Do you feel like you still do not have all the facts to make a clear decision?
Please join us for an informational meeting where we will listen to your questions and discuss the answers. These meetings are designed to listen. These are separate from the workshops being held by the County in which Darcy Bushnell and staff will help you fill out your Aamodt settlement forms.
Before you complete your Aamodt settlement forms, please join Representative Carl Trujillo and other members from the county and state government for a Q&A session so you can make an informed decision!
Nambe Community
Location: Nambe Community Center
Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Time: 6:00pm
Pojoaque Community
Location: Frank B Lopez Gym
Sixth Grade Academy Conference Room
Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Time: 6:00pm
El Rancho Community
Location: El Rancho Community Center
Date: Thursday, March 6, 2014
Time: 6:00pm
More information will be posted before the Q&A meetings to better inform you on the actual settlement and what the over all concerns are with the current request to decide on whether to connect to the Pojoaque water system.
Please join us for an informational meeting where we will listen to your questions and discuss the answers. These meetings are designed to listen. These are separate from the workshops being held by the County in which Darcy Bushnell and staff will help you fill out your Aamodt settlement forms.
Before you complete your Aamodt settlement forms, please join Representative Carl Trujillo and other members from the county and state government for a Q&A session so you can make an informed decision!
Nambe Community
Location: Nambe Community Center
Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Time: 6:00pm
Pojoaque Community
Location: Frank B Lopez Gym
Sixth Grade Academy Conference Room
Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Time: 6:00pm
El Rancho Community
Location: El Rancho Community Center
Date: Thursday, March 6, 2014
Time: 6:00pm
More information will be posted before the Q&A meetings to better inform you on the actual settlement and what the over all concerns are with the current request to decide on whether to connect to the Pojoaque water system.
Monday, February 24, 2014
An article worth reading!
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/legislature/gop-dems-eye-key-districts-for-control-in-house/article_63a2c566-16a8-53b2-9411-da1923c1cd27.html#.UwtgxCmd_7g.gmail
Those that attended meetings regarding House Bill 356 will recognize some of these names, but for those that did not, here is something to think about.
As the article states, Speaker W. Ken Martinez was elected to his seat as Speaker of the House because the Democratic Party is currently the majority in the House. It is the Speaker who assigns house bills to committees and it is the Speaker who decides which bills get presented to the House floor for debate and a vote. HB359 was first assigned to the Health, Government, and Indian Affairs committee. In this committee, Chair Roger Madalena (D) gave the opposing side the opportunity to speak for a total of 1 hour between Tuesday and Thursday on their opposition of HB356, yet gave the taxpayers, who were the majority attending, only 10 minutes! Thankfully, Nate Gentry (R) disagreed with the Chair, and demanded he give the committee members a voice after Madalena attempted to table the bill with no input from the committee. Alonzo Baldonado (R) seconded the motion and HB356 passed to the next committee. Yvette Herrell (R) not only supported this bill, but after Memorial 17 was presented, co-wrote HB356. Twice, Donald Bratton (R) stood up to those opposed to this bill and asked how such unfair business tactics could even be allowed to take advantage of any consumer. Rep. Bratton spoke the words our community was not allowed to speak!
These are Republican Representatives who crossed party lines to help support our State Representative Carl Trujillo (D) in an attempt to pass legislation for fairness to ALL people of our community! They, along with Rep. Trujillo, did not stand up for special interest groups but against unfair business practices that punished innocent people for something the federal government created with a law (25CFR169.12) that gives no limits to what Sovereign nations can charge for utility easements.
This is not an attempt to promote any political party, this is a plea for our community to become informed and know who we are electing to our Legislation. Remember, taxpayers in our community are almost 90% of the voting power. We have the power to help decide who is running our government – let's choose wisely regardless of party affiliation!
The link below will give you information on who leads our Round House, committee members, and representatives currently in our legislation. Primary election is June 3, 2014, and general election is on November 4, 2014. Talk to your family and friends in other New Mexico communities and tell them your experience with our Legislation!
http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/
2014 Regular Session Bill Locator
This link below will allow the taxpayer to review what bills each Representative entered for their constituents and the outcome of that bill.
http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/
Those that attended meetings regarding House Bill 356 will recognize some of these names, but for those that did not, here is something to think about.
As the article states, Speaker W. Ken Martinez was elected to his seat as Speaker of the House because the Democratic Party is currently the majority in the House. It is the Speaker who assigns house bills to committees and it is the Speaker who decides which bills get presented to the House floor for debate and a vote. HB359 was first assigned to the Health, Government, and Indian Affairs committee. In this committee, Chair Roger Madalena (D) gave the opposing side the opportunity to speak for a total of 1 hour between Tuesday and Thursday on their opposition of HB356, yet gave the taxpayers, who were the majority attending, only 10 minutes! Thankfully, Nate Gentry (R) disagreed with the Chair, and demanded he give the committee members a voice after Madalena attempted to table the bill with no input from the committee. Alonzo Baldonado (R) seconded the motion and HB356 passed to the next committee. Yvette Herrell (R) not only supported this bill, but after Memorial 17 was presented, co-wrote HB356. Twice, Donald Bratton (R) stood up to those opposed to this bill and asked how such unfair business tactics could even be allowed to take advantage of any consumer. Rep. Bratton spoke the words our community was not allowed to speak!
These are Republican Representatives who crossed party lines to help support our State Representative Carl Trujillo (D) in an attempt to pass legislation for fairness to ALL people of our community! They, along with Rep. Trujillo, did not stand up for special interest groups but against unfair business practices that punished innocent people for something the federal government created with a law (25CFR169.12) that gives no limits to what Sovereign nations can charge for utility easements.
This is not an attempt to promote any political party, this is a plea for our community to become informed and know who we are electing to our Legislation. Remember, taxpayers in our community are almost 90% of the voting power. We have the power to help decide who is running our government – let's choose wisely regardless of party affiliation!
The link below will give you information on who leads our Round House, committee members, and representatives currently in our legislation. Primary election is June 3, 2014, and general election is on November 4, 2014. Talk to your family and friends in other New Mexico communities and tell them your experience with our Legislation!
http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/
2014 Regular Session Bill Locator
This link below will allow the taxpayer to review what bills each Representative entered for their constituents and the outcome of that bill.
http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/
HB 356 DID NOT MAKE IT TO THE HOUSE FLOOR FOR A VOTE
HB 356 was on the agenda to be voted on by the House floor but was not
presented by House Speaker W. Ken Martinez. In the final hours of the
2014 Legislative session, apparently there were a few very important
bills still pending such as the Lottery Fund and the Indigent Fund Sole
Provider which took much time to debate.
We like to remind everyone that participated, either by attending the meetings or by emailing Representatives, what a difference their voice made and how important it is to get involved. This started as a Memorial which is only recognition that a problem exists, to a Bill that went through two key legislative committees with much support and recognition by many Representatives as being a very important and complex issue that needs to be addressed.
In the end we did prove one point. We proved the power of a united community that demands a voice! Please remember:
TAXPAYERS ARE THE MAJORITY VOTE AND THE MAJORITY CONSUMER OF OUR COMMUNITIES. UNITED WE CAN MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN!
We like to remind everyone that participated, either by attending the meetings or by emailing Representatives, what a difference their voice made and how important it is to get involved. This started as a Memorial which is only recognition that a problem exists, to a Bill that went through two key legislative committees with much support and recognition by many Representatives as being a very important and complex issue that needs to be addressed.
In the end we did prove one point. We proved the power of a united community that demands a voice! Please remember:
TAXPAYERS ARE THE MAJORITY VOTE AND THE MAJORITY CONSUMER OF OUR COMMUNITIES. UNITED WE CAN MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN!
Friday, February 21, 2014
BIA Letter of Trespassing
On December 6, 2013 a letter was sent to Santa
Fe County from the BIA stating that San Ildefonso Pueblo considered
County Road 84 to be under trespass. In response, Santa Fe County sent a
response to the BIA with a copy of a perpetual easement
agreement paid to San Ildefonso in 1989. In response to community
concern over a letter sent to the County of Santa Fe from BIA,
Congressman Ben Ray Lujan
reached out to the BIA to further investigate the situation. Below is
his letter expressing concern and seeking more information from BIA.
This is a strong statement made to the BIA and Congressman Ben Ray Lujan asked that they consider this situation critical and one that needs to be resolved quickly. He also states that he is personally willing to work with the BIA in a resolution to make sure El Rancho, NM has access to their homes, businesses and private property.
This is a strong statement made to the BIA and Congressman Ben Ray Lujan asked that they consider this situation critical and one that needs to be resolved quickly. He also states that he is personally willing to work with the BIA in a resolution to make sure El Rancho, NM has access to their homes, businesses and private property.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
HB356 PASSED THE BUSINESS & INDUSTRY COMMITTEE, 11-1
HB356
was presented to the Business and Industry Committee last night at
10:00pm.
The people that waited for +5 hours to represent our community, made it very clear that we supported this bill because taxpayers deserve fairness and consideration, as well as representation on business agreements that affect ALL citizens and have a huge economic impact on our communities. Sovereignty should not exempt anyone from unfair business practices that impact innocent people.
This was reinforced by Representative Donald E. Bratton from Lea County. (donald.bratton@nmlegis.gov) This Representative was our voice last night people! He reinforced everything our community has been saying and stood up for all consumers and taxpayers in New Mexico. So much so, Rep. Bratton deserves an email from everyone in our community thanking him for standing up for what is right and reinforcing what we have been saying! Negotiating agreements using unfair advantage is not friendly and neighborly negotiations. Imposing high fines until an unreasonable offer is accepted is not fair negotiating. Imposing unreasonable fines for trespass yet stating it “inhumane” to stop service in which you are in trespass of, is not acceptable.
Rep. Bratton, thank you for taking a stand!
HB356 now goes to the House for debate and vote. If it passes the House, it still has to go to the Senate for debate and a vote. Time is running out due to the legislative session ending tomorrow and it is a long shot.
How can you help? Send a message to Speaker W. Ken Martinez and tell him the taxpayers and voters of our community ask that he support such an important issue to the people by placing HB356 on the House floor immediately for debate and a vote. Remind him that in our community, the taxpayers are the majority vote!
PLEASE KNOW your emails have been and are so powerful! It was very evident that the committee members read them and actually referred to them in their supporting statements.
The people that waited for +5 hours to represent our community, made it very clear that we supported this bill because taxpayers deserve fairness and consideration, as well as representation on business agreements that affect ALL citizens and have a huge economic impact on our communities. Sovereignty should not exempt anyone from unfair business practices that impact innocent people.
This was reinforced by Representative Donald E. Bratton from Lea County. (donald.bratton@nmlegis.gov) This Representative was our voice last night people! He reinforced everything our community has been saying and stood up for all consumers and taxpayers in New Mexico. So much so, Rep. Bratton deserves an email from everyone in our community thanking him for standing up for what is right and reinforcing what we have been saying! Negotiating agreements using unfair advantage is not friendly and neighborly negotiations. Imposing high fines until an unreasonable offer is accepted is not fair negotiating. Imposing unreasonable fines for trespass yet stating it “inhumane” to stop service in which you are in trespass of, is not acceptable.
Rep. Bratton, thank you for taking a stand!
HB356 now goes to the House for debate and vote. If it passes the House, it still has to go to the Senate for debate and a vote. Time is running out due to the legislative session ending tomorrow and it is a long shot.
How can you help? Send a message to Speaker W. Ken Martinez and tell him the taxpayers and voters of our community ask that he support such an important issue to the people by placing HB356 on the House floor immediately for debate and a vote. Remind him that in our community, the taxpayers are the majority vote!
PLEASE KNOW your emails have been and are so powerful! It was very evident that the committee members read them and actually referred to them in their supporting statements.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
TURN OF EVENTS: HB356 ADVANCES TO THE NEXT COMMITTEE!
All the
community members who attended Tuesday's committee meeting were very
upset on how the meeting was conducted. It was obviously conducted very
one-sided. Some of the community members re-grouped last night and
decided that we had spoken our peace as it relates to our community
situation but this was something much bigger. Therefore we had the statement below, ready to go in case we were asked to speak once more.
Many
realize that this Bill may not be the solution, in fact it was stated
that it may only force a very difficult and complex situation to be
discussed by our state and federal leaders.
The few in our community that attended this morning were prepared for this Bill to get "tabled". The Chair, J. Roger Madalena stated that he would not let anyone speak further except one person that asked for more time on the opposed side. After a 25 minute presentation, the Chair spoke of the accusation of "conflict of interest" and said he was merely a member of Jemez Pueblo, a life long council member and not involved in the JMEC negotiations. He did not let anyone in the committee speak and stated how this Bill would separate communities and violate rights. He then announced he was tabling the Bill. Some of the committee members were shocked and asked why they were not given a vote. He refused until Representative Nate Gentry demanded a vote, stating that the Chair did not have the power to table without their vote once a bill was presented. It was seconded by Representative Alonzo Baldonando. A vote was taken and in seconds it passed to the next committee, which is Business and Industry.
The few in our community that attended this morning were prepared for this Bill to get "tabled". The Chair, J. Roger Madalena stated that he would not let anyone speak further except one person that asked for more time on the opposed side. After a 25 minute presentation, the Chair spoke of the accusation of "conflict of interest" and said he was merely a member of Jemez Pueblo, a life long council member and not involved in the JMEC negotiations. He did not let anyone in the committee speak and stated how this Bill would separate communities and violate rights. He then announced he was tabling the Bill. Some of the committee members were shocked and asked why they were not given a vote. He refused until Representative Nate Gentry demanded a vote, stating that the Chair did not have the power to table without their vote once a bill was presented. It was seconded by Representative Alonzo Baldonando. A vote was taken and in seconds it passed to the next committee, which is Business and Industry.
EMAIL COMMITTEE MEMBERS AGAIN!
We need to put in our own words a response to every single one of those committee members to let them
know how we feel about the hearing Tuesday. Your first emails made a
huge impact people! That is why HB356 was not killed or
tabled....because you spoke! We need to let the committee members know
that they have to support HB356 to help it pass to the floor! This is
where it belongs for a FULL debate with ALL elected Representatives
having knowledge and input to what is happening in our communities.
They ALL need to recognize how difficult and crucial this situation is.
It can be short but the most effective messages will come directly from you in your own words. If you choose to copy elranchocommunity@gmail.com, we will not share the emails with anyone but will post to Governor Susana Martinez' website for you.
Here is the list of emails to copy and paste once more:
ken.martinez@nmlegis.gov,james
It can be short but the most effective messages will come directly from you in your own words. If you choose to copy elranchocommunity@gmail.com, we will not share the emails with anyone but will post to Governor Susana Martinez' website for you.
Here is the list of emails to copy and paste once more:
ken.martinez@nmlegis.gov,james
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
UPDATE ON HOUSE BILL 356
For all those that attended yesterday’s hearing, thank you so much for
making the time to support our right to a voice. Unfortunately, we were
not given much time to have a voice yesterday. HB 356 was opened at
10:30am. After formal presentations were made on the bill, Chair J.
Roger Madalena told those in favor to be very brief because the
committee had to report to the House
floor at 11:00am. We were given 10 minutes and were rushed. Then he
proceeded to allow those that opposed to speak. The clock then STOPPED…
35 minutes later he decided to let those opposed return on Thursday to
continue their opposition statements. He ended the session by allowing
as he stated, “My Governor from Jemez Pueblo” time to say his speech
and asked him to come in front of the room! The Chair, J. Roger
Madalena, is a council member of the Jemez Pueblo who is in direct
negotiations currently with JMEC. Remember, HB 356 is asking for
regulation on astronomical easement amounts and fines in negotiations
with Cooperatives in order to be fair to all consumers.
Thank you everyone that spoke yesterday for HB356 for being respectful. The opposed called us racist, reminded us what our forefathers did to them 100 yrs ago, stated we were violating their sovereign rights and also reminded us that they were federally protected and the State did not have a right to challenge them. The opposed stated that HB356 would cause animosity to the relationship between Pueblos and communities. This is the reason for the bill! Animosity has already been fueled by unfair business tactics by some, that are affecting ALL persons in those areas.
House Speaker W. Ken Martinez is the person responsible for placing our bill in this committee (Health, Government, and Indian Affairs) and the people ask, was this intentional??? Please feel free to write him an email and ask him just that. ken.martinez@nmlegis.gov
Thank you everyone that spoke yesterday for HB356 for being respectful. The opposed called us racist, reminded us what our forefathers did to them 100 yrs ago, stated we were violating their sovereign rights and also reminded us that they were federally protected and the State did not have a right to challenge them. The opposed stated that HB356 would cause animosity to the relationship between Pueblos and communities. This is the reason for the bill! Animosity has already been fueled by unfair business tactics by some, that are affecting ALL persons in those areas.
House Speaker W. Ken Martinez is the person responsible for placing our bill in this committee (Health, Government, and Indian Affairs) and the people ask, was this intentional??? Please feel free to write him an email and ask him just that. ken.martinez@nmlegis.gov
HB356 will continue Thursday, Feb. 13 at 8:30am Round House 3rd Floor Room 309.
Hope to see new faces.....the same ones cannot keep defending the whole community. Our only hope is to be a united Community and inform other communities in New Mexico what is happening in our government.Monday, February 10, 2014
DEMOCRACY!!!
House Memorial 17 that you supported last Tuesday, passed the House floor!
43 in favor to 19 opposed!
Democracy:a system of government by the WHOLE population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through ELECTED representatives.
43 in favor to 19 opposed!
Democracy:a system of government by the WHOLE population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through ELECTED representatives.
NEXT STEP - SHOW YOU HAVE A VOICE!
HB 356 goes before the Health, Government and Indian Affairs committee
tomorrow, Feb. 11 @ 8:30am at the Round House on the 3rd Floor, Room
309. The Representatives have to return to the floor at 11:00am so this
is the longest you will have to be present.
Below is a photo of a personal letter from our Governor, Susana Martinez, in response to our communities request for support. This is proof that there is strength is numbers! Please participate tomorrow. It is time to show we have a voice!
Below is a photo of a personal letter from our Governor, Susana Martinez, in response to our communities request for support. This is proof that there is strength is numbers! Please participate tomorrow. It is time to show we have a voice!
Friday, February 7, 2014
Plea for Representation
Messages were sent today to Senator Heinrich, Senator Udall and House
Representative Ben Ray Lujan via contacts in their Constituent Office.
In light of the fact that lobbyist are said to be trying to kill HB356
before it goes to committee, kill our voice that we exercised Tuesday,
we have attempted to once again plea for federal representation.
This makes it even more crucial that we call or email all members of the Health, Government, and Indian Affairs ASAP. Don't forget your House Speaker W. Ken Martinez, who is suppose to work fairly for all New Mexicans.
People have asked for suggestions to what to say/write. Let's make it simple....
"The taxpayer's of New Mexico support House Bill 356 because the lack of protection the government has given taxpayers in dealing with Native American easements is causing great burden to our elderly and veterans who are on fixed incomes, great burden to those that are struggling in today's economy and is taking away our rights as consumers and land owners. We demand rights and a voice!"
By exercising your voice to these members, HB356 should go to committee Tuesday, Feb.11 at 8:30am. Round House, 3rd floor... room # will follow.
We'll even make it one step easier for you - here is the list of emails for you to copy and paste!
This makes it even more crucial that we call or email all members of the Health, Government, and Indian Affairs ASAP. Don't forget your House Speaker W. Ken Martinez, who is suppose to work fairly for all New Mexicans.
People have asked for suggestions to what to say/write. Let's make it simple....
"The taxpayer's of New Mexico support House Bill 356 because the lack of protection the government has given taxpayers in dealing with Native American easements is causing great burden to our elderly and veterans who are on fixed incomes, great burden to those that are struggling in today's economy and is taking away our rights as consumers and land owners. We demand rights and a voice!"
By exercising your voice to these members, HB356 should go to committee Tuesday, Feb.11 at 8:30am. Round House, 3rd floor... room # will follow.
We'll even make it one step easier for you - here is the list of emails for you to copy and paste!
ken.martinez@nmlegis.gov,james.madalena@nmlegis.gov, alonzo.baldonado@nmlegis.gov, kelly.fajardo@nmlegis.gov, natefornm@gmail.com, yherrell@yahoo.com, emilykane4nm@gmail.com, rodolpho.martinez@nmlegis.gov, docmcmillan@gmail.com, liz.thomson@nmlegis.gov, lucky4st@msn.com
Thursday, February 6, 2014
MUCH WORK AND LITTLE TIME!
In speaking with supporters of fair representation from our New Mexico legislature, we have been advised to INFORM our committee of Health, Government, and Indian Affairs that we ALL support House Bill 356 because we believe the impacts of astronomical Native American easement agreements hurt ALL consumers and ALL New Mexicans.
The taxpayers want fair representation and consideration, and since we cannot afford Lobbyist, the next best thing is to call each and every one of the committee members before Tuesday (Feb 11). Leave a message and tell them just that! You can also email them but please, please DO SOMETHING to help let them know we are watching to see if our legislation works for ALL New Mexicans!
Below is a contact list with all the committee information you need including our Governor, Susana Martinez.
Below is a contact list with all the committee information you need including our Governor, Susana Martinez.
Representative James Roger
Madalena Chair
R.A.,
Sandoval & San Juan
505-986-4840
Representative Nick L. Salazar Vice
Chair
Colfax,
Mora, R.A. & S.M.
No
email
505-986-4433
Representative Alonzo Baldonado Member
Valencia
505-986-4227
Representative Kelly K. Fajardo Member
Valencia
505-986-4220
Representative Nate Gentry Member
Bernalillo
505-986-4757
Representative Yvette Herrell Member
Otero
505-986-4248
Representative Emily Kane Member
Bernalillo
505-986-4464
Representative Rodolpho
"Rudy" S. Martinez Member
Dona
Ana, Grant, Sierra
505-986-4235
Representative Terry H. McMillan Member
Dona
Ana
505-986-4450
Representative Elizabeth
"Liz" Thomson Member
Bernalillo
505-986-4255
Representative Luciano
"Lucky" Varela Member
Santa
Fe
505-986-4320
Governor Susana Martinez
Telephone:
(505) 476-2200
http://www.governor.state.nm.us/contact_the_governor.aspx
We want to highlight contact information of
Our community feels like we have to especially contact Speaker Martinez to let him know we want fair and equal representation in our legislature.
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