It's easy to wax nostalgic about crossing guards -- after all, most adults of a certain age had the honor of donning a safety vest and escorting the kindergartners across the street back in elementary school. Being chosen as a crossing guard was a rite of passage for older children.
No more. Providing crossing guards, like so much else in our modern world, is now an adult responsibility, complete with salary and accompanying cost to the budget. Paying for crossing guards -- almost half a million, total -- is one big headache. No wonder Santa Fe Public Schools is trying to pass off more of the costs for hiring crossing guards to the city of Santa Fe. The city is saying, politely "no thanks." For 20 years, the two governments have split the costs, and that is the arrangement the Santa Fe school board wants to change, hoping to save $225,000 a year.
Naturally, getting cross over crossing guards is nothing unique to Santa Fe. Some cities, such as Beaumont, Texas, are facing a loss of t ... Read more >>
Editorial: A conflict over condoms?
Of course, citizens likely will never know the full story about what is going on at the state Department of Health and why the top medical officer was asked to resign last week shortly after doing a television interview recommending that teens use co ... Read more >>
Editorial: For DA: Angela 'Spence' Pacheco
The job of the district attorney is broader than simply securing convictions. It also is about seeking justice -- for the state, the victim and the public at large. Incumbent 1st Judicial District Attorney Angela "Spence" Pacheco understands this.
... Read more >>
Editorial: Our endorsements for county offices
Santa Fe County Commission, District 2: Chavez
The race to replace outgoing Santa Fe County Commissioner Virginia Vigil is a three-way contest, with a former city councilor vying against a lawyer and a retired county employee. All have strengths.
... Read more >>
Editorial: For the PRC: Virginia Vigil
It's hard to look at the candidates running for the Public Regulation Commission District 3 seat and not feel more than a twinge of regret.
Current District 3 Commissioner Douglas Howe, appointed by Gov. Susana Martinez, decided that he couldn't be ... Read more >>
Editorial: For U.S. Senate: Balderas, Wilson
The Democratic primary race to replace retiring Sen. Jeff Bingaman is a cordial one, with both State Auditor Hector Balderas and U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich saving their punches for Republicans, rather than damaging each other. That's probably wise, be ... Read more >>
Editorial: ENDORSEMENTS: For N.M. Senate and N.M. House ...
One of the more interesting aftermaths of the 2012 election will be what happens with the New Mexico Legislature. Incumbents are retiring, others are being challenged, and when the dust settles come November, government in Santa Fe will not be the sa ... Read more >>
Letters to the editor
Facts, not prejudice, point to pit bulls
Comments: (0)
This is in response to the May 21 letter, "Don't blame the breed," by Craig Hoopes, who is defending pit bulls. I'm sorry for Hoopes, and for anyone else who feels pit bulls are a maligned breed, but the statistics (available from DogsBite.org) speak ... Read more>>
My view. Reader Op-eds
MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM AND DEBORAH ARMSTRONG
Keep Rep. Salazar as champion of seniors
TOM MACH
Women's war goes on in voting booths
DR. CHRISTOPHER STANLEY AND B.J. DAVIS
Obesity calls for early intervention
LAUREN SARKISSIAN
City teens lead Hooked on Books project
ESTHER GARCIA
Bill preserves unique landscape
CAROL G. WINKEL
Bridge Academy fit bill for choice and quality in education
ATTORNEY GENERAL GARY K. KING
Reauthorize Senate version
of violence protection law
N.M. HOUSE SPEAKER BEN LUJAN
Strong, experienced leadership needed in House District 46
STANLEY ROSEBUD ROSEN
Candidates shouldn't dismiss importance of forums to voters
LORRAINE GOLDMAN
Officials confused about superintendent needs
ROBERT SLUSHER
State needs to free up money to help people meet real needs
JUDITH BROPHY
Garden bridge would transform intersection
