We think that it's fair to say that the Almighty Mayor has supported this program with an almost religious fervor. Suddenly, (and we probably should have expected this) the Napoleon of the 11th floor has decided to form a "Task Force" to study the scam-era program saying that the program is not "delivering on its promises" (ABQ Journal - Subscription).
For months these little scam-era money makers have been snapping away at Albuquerque drives sucking money out of our pockets faster than three dollar a gallon gas pumps. Last week both KRQE and KOAT did exposés on Marty's scam-eras and found that of the $10.6 MILLION snapped up by the scam-eras $4.8 MILLION went to operation costs and $5.8 MILLION went into the city's general fund (read them here and here). Now on Marty's favorite day to manipulate the media, he's out there announcing a "task force." What's going on here?
The obvious answer is that the diminutive mayor is trying to find a way to get some political cover. You see His Honor has 20 scam-era millstones firmly tied around his political neck; millstones that have the potential to sink his Senatorial campaign. Marty needs a political life vest - a nine person dingy would be even better.
We're always skeptical of task forces and blue ribbon commissions. Their most common function is to provide political cover or to sell an unpopular program. They're always an indication of a lack of political leadership and fortitude.
This task force is no different. It will be stacked to produce a predetermined outcome and will take just enough time to keep the scam-eras off the table during next year's election.
(Sidebar)There's another angle to this task force move by Marty; one that's not immediately apparent. You see... The Legislature has been uncomfortable with a red light scam-era system that fills city coffers at the expense of the State of New Mexico. Legislators are concerned that other cities in New Mexico will steal the idea in order to fill their own municipal war chests.
The good news for Marty is that he won't need the task force for the full election year as The Journal is no reporting that Tom Udall is in the race for the Democratic nomination for Senate (Subscription); which is both good news and bad news for Ds. They will get their progressive and a top tier opponent for the Amighty Alcalde, but lose an almost sure thing.
(End Sidebar)
Our Eyes tell us that this task force is also intended to short circuit the Legislature whose next session is a short 30 day session. Marty and his Minions will be busy selling the idea that there's a task force looking at the problem and they may get rid of the system anyway, so the Legislature doesn't need to waste time during a short session on legislation designed to kill or redirect the proceeds from a program that will probably be substantially changed anyway.
The reasons behind the task force don't really matter. The whole thing is a sham designed to fool the voters and freeze legislators. It's all part of the blame game; a game that we've seen played far too often.
40 comments:
EXCELLENT POST!!! Wow!
Marty can fool some of the people some of the time, but can't fool all. Watch out Legislators, this really is a sham. Don't be fooled. Kill these red light scameras in your next session. Don't believe a damn thing he says. He will appoint his own panel with fools and wanna be's like Don Crouchman(aka, I've got a speed van in my driveway, so Marty will like me more) and Sandra Richardson, (aka Nazi Eva Braun, of the famed de'Pascal-Payne campaign.)
And....... these cameras ARE NOT about 'Safety', they are about money, but most importantly,
" Political liabilities" (Sunday's Journal)
A-N-Y-W-A-Y you cut this 'shit pie',one things for sure, Marty needs that money for his future political campaign. State legislators; don't let that happen. YOU take Marty's ball, and send HIM home without it.
Oh yea, after the legislature goes home, the panel( Marty cronies) will come back and recommend keeping the program in place as it Is doing what it was intended. Bull@#$%^
Kill these things regardless of what task force he puts in place.
This is just another ruse and TJ Wilhelm (Journal)just got suckered again.
Thats why the Ds call him Smarty Marty. But please leave TJ out of this. He is only dong what Ray tells him to do!
"I am not seeing the reduction in accidents that justify the headache and conrtoversey"
Hey APD here's an idea, since you're going to be blamed for mishandling the Red Light Camera system and the political demise of Marty's senatorial bid, why don't you just be a man, stand up and leave politics to politicians.
Chief and the DCOPs, do the right thing before this phase of your career ends. Tell the public like it is and go down fighting for your troops who fight for you everyday. There is no better time than that coming up. He's wounded and will be thrashing about blaming everybody but his own poor leadership. You however still have a choice whether you want to leave with your head held high.
Remember what integrity means: doing what's right especially when others aren't looking. Well it's time to cowboy up.
Everyone with integrity has already retired, except for 2 captains that are holding the 5th floor responsible.
Really. And whom might they be?
Right, the previous DCOP's were just overflowing with integrity. No, there's a window of opportunity here, we'll see if anybody moves on it.
CM and CC
You mean Si Si ?
And CM (?)
Okay, getting back to the subject at hand...
Anyone with even a decimal amount brain can see right through this facade. Just wish politicians could be forthright and above board for once. Does it always have to be about fleecing and F_ _ king the public?
Arrogance and invincibility will certainly be his demise. Where did he learn to be so unscrupulous?
Out from with under what rock?
Haha, those two Captains are the worse. One was almost arrested by the AG and the other sold out the union membership on the lunchtime lawsuit. They are not keeping anyone honest just covering their own butts.
Way to go "Eye"! Another great article. Keep em coming. Keep the 11th floor hopping!! These Scam-eras were always about the $$$$. Never about safety. Now he says they could be "political suicide" We can only keep hoping.
This is a desperate attempt to gain some political capital. First a trip to Washington to beg now this!
If one of those captains is CC don't forget how he shredded the mayors parking tickets. That is a great example of the lack of ethics amongst the command staff at APD.
Let's use our voting power to rid the city, state and national governments of this type of crap.
What does it take to wake up!
So obvious, so corrupt. So politics as usual.
This is about the mayor not the captains!!!!
Man this twerp is fun to watch; but for god sake someone on his staff get the little taquito a phone book to stand on, he can barely see over the mike at his all to often conjured lie conferences. Perhaps a blue ribbon committee or task force should be empaneled to study the effects of ambitious small-time mexican mayors and napoleon syndrome upon local legislators and the news media.
Eye: Who is on this task force? Names, please???
It'in today's paper.
Probably on his campaign contribution list for the last several years
The truth will set you free as this site does.
Other news media outlets are stiffling what they do. Some reporters want to get the truth out, but the editors and news management won't let them release it. Media corruption?
When are the business men & women going to stop pandering to this Mayor instead of taking care of themselves, through contracts and business deals etc. If you own a business in this town do right by being community minded instead of saying " I've got my nut, screw the rest".
If the business community said enough, then things might change.
If you guys are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.
Business must act to eradicate this corrupt administration, otherwise they not only feed coruption downtown but feed the crime on our streets because of it.
Tom Udall for Senator!!!! See ya marty..
Comment no 1 - you must have the same experience that I have with Don C. He's paranoid about losing his District 8 prez, so he manipulates the local NA elections by holding surprise elections and changes the list of agenda email precipitants to exclude his perceived enemies. And he posts the agenda at the very last moment to prevent people from discussing or objecting items. He fits right in with Marty and Greg...
It's time for a change.
Two up. He thinks he's a player. As president of my neighborhood for many years, I was never afraid of losing power nor did I care. I was re-elected time and time again because I met with people pro & con and usually came to an amiable solution or conclusion. I didn't have to sneak around like some scared, low self esteemed, insecure little toad prick. I stayed president because I wasn't afraid and did what was right, out in the open.
So yes, to answer your question, Don C is just what I described a pathetic under dressed slob that is afraid of losing some mythical power, as anyone really gives a damn. Someone needs to knock him out of the saddle and tie him and his side kick lil' Napolean up with Don's dirty, 30 year old pair of suspenders. Take a bath, shave that so called beard off and drop about 50.
District 8 as well as the City need a change. The diaper really stinks.
so back to the blog. What about this mayor's actions?
Insecure, yet arrogant, as if he can KEEP getting away with the stunts that he pulls. Not at all Honorable.
Total disregard for the public for whom he is a servant.
If this city were a corporation, the CEO and everyone directly below him would be in prison for the next 30 years.
If these evaluators are independent and their job is to seek the facts, then all would have to do is take the blinders off. To ensure objectivity and neutrality the city council president should pick the members of the committee. Does anyone really think that Marty's team will do what is best for the community? He is very desperate now, I bet I know who gets the blame for the scameras, watch your back Ray Boy. Sleep with the devil and you lose your soul.
I agree, watch Schultz take the hit for the red light camera's...
Well, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy!
Unlike a lot of you guys I dont dislike Ray or any of the current DCOPs... but they are about to get thrown under the bus by the Mayor on the red light cams. Someone has to be responsible, and as usual it wont be HIM! He can throw some mud at the councilors who were pro red light cams also, a sort of 2 birds, 1 stone scenario. Shows you guys just how pro-cop he was doesn't it? He is about as pro law enforcement as Jim Baca was... i.e. he hates us or thinks we are uneducated buffoons.
Somone from his rivals camp(s) needs to be reading this blog, I suspect there is or will be lots of material for them here soon if not already, and much of it will lead to a few kernals of truth you can use against him.
If you do not run red lights, the cameras do not affect you. Who cares how much money is made off of the program! Maybe there is a good use for the money - like hiring more police and fighting crime in one of the most dangerous cities in the nation? Or is that just too crazy of a thought?
You are so naive. Take off the blinders, smell the coffee, get in the real world. This is not Mayberry.
It would be wishful thinking that the money from the red light camera program would go to the police(rank and file specifically)for pay increases, equipment etc. We had a 1 cent tax in place for that as well, but we are still short of officers, proper vests and so on.
Yes Sheriff Andy and Barney would sit down and do what's right, but Marty & Ray have other plans.
$5.8M is a lot of 'Moola'
Yea, that would almost buy that Senate seat he's been salivating over.
Like two squirrels hovering over a nut.
I got ur nut right here, come hover on this.........
You must be a DC. Only have one nut do you. That figures.
You are correct sir, I seem to have left the other one in your wife's mouth, thanks.
Oh, and your's is under who's desk?
You are correct sir, I seem to have left the other one in your wife's mouth, thanks........
I told you where mine were, I don't think he is going to answer you.........
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