Dangerous

We are sure it comes as no surprise to anyone, New Mexico is the second most violent and crime riddled state in the Union.  Why is New Mexico, especially Albuquerque so violent and dangerous?

According to the latest report out, “The number of violent crimes dropped across the United States by 4.4% in 2013 compared to the year before, according to estimates released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.” (READ IT HERE) However, while the rest of the US is doing well, here in New Mexico we are reported as the second most violent state.  According to USA TODAY:

2. New Mexico
Violent crimes per 100,000: 596.7
Population: 2,085,287
Total 2013 murders: 125 (21st lowest)
Poverty rate: 21.9% (2nd highest)
Pct. of adults with high school diploma: 84.3% (6th lowest)


New Mexico's violent crime rate rose 6.6% between 2012 and 2013 — the most in the nation — to nearly 597 per 100,000 residents.  The increase in violent crime came despite Governor Susana Martinez's avowal in 2011 to be tough on crime.  As in other dangerous states, the concentration of crime in New Mexico's larger cities may have contributed to the state's crime problem.  Albuquerque, for example, the state's largest city, had an estimated crime rate of 775 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, more than twice the national rate. New Mexico residents were also among the nation’s poorest in 2013, with a median household income of $43,872 and a poverty rate of nearly 22%.

Yes, Gov. Martinez has some culpability but the majority lies with good ol’ Berry.  The crime rate for us here in Albuquerque is twice that of the national average.  What has led to Albuquerque’s demise?  This all points at leadership, our mayor has lead Albuquerque down the wrong path, which has led to our city’s economic depression and the huge spike in the crime rate and a mass of police involved shootings.

It is true Berry has been “left holding the bag” at this point.  But Berry asked to be elected and re-elected so he doesn’t have the luxury of claiming poor me, he wanted to the job.  The deterioration has been in play for some time dating back several mayors from Jim Baca to Marty Chavez.  This all involved a series of bad or flawed decisions. (This topic is a story for another day.)

Now the question is how do we fix this?  How do we pull ourselves out of this cesspool that has been created by our “leaders”?  We need economic stimulus and growth in all sectors.  We need a better-rounded and educated workforce.

No one wants to come here and bring their business here when we are listed by the FBI as the second worst place in the United States of America. This brings us back down to square one. We need a real Chief of Police to provide true leadership and professionalism to the troops.  A real chief who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves, clean house and restore APD to the once great department it was.  Eden was a political choice and a poor one at that.

Folks don’t respect the police anymore; public trust has been lost.  We can give the truth here and everyone can know it but nothing will change till the Mayor of Albuquerque feels the pressure from you, the tax paying voter.

SIDEBAR ADDED 1/19/2015 Compliments of one of our Eyes...

 

14 Year Old Girl Dead; who’s at Fault?

A 14 year old girl died following at a “Foam Party” that was allowed to be hosted at Expo New Mexico.  Who is at fault? The youth from Santa-Fe, New Mexico, looking for fun? Incompetent managers at Expo New Mexico? The security guard who was supposed to be checking ID’s? It is a combination but the real culprit(s) remains silent. Someone has blood on their hands; the question is who?

This horrible event starts out by Expo New Mexico booking the “Foam Party.”  Most people in the known refer to these parties as “Raves.”  They play loud music, flash lights while young kids partake in the use of drugs like “X” or “K.”  These drugs are more commonly referred to as ecstasy and such.  The kids jump and dance till their hearts races out of control and their body are overheating.  The event sponsors then sell bottles of water for $5.00 each to the kids who are ready to faint from heat exhaustion.  Don’t forget all the drug dealers present selling their poison to the children.

What makes this case worse, some idiot allowed booze in additional to the entire drug scene. Going by Expo New Mexico stated rule which allows people 16 years of age and older to attend the question must be asked.  Who allows a child who is 16 years old to attend an event like this with people over 21 years old who are drinking.  This had tragedy written all over it from the start! Now let’s talk about the players who are really responsible for this child’s death. Was this death due to negligence and/or incompetence?

According to Mr. Hennington who is the Media Director for Expo New Mexico, since this 14 year old passed away they may not have this type of event again where they mix teenagers with drinking adults.  Really?  Ya think? This is the same Mr. Hennington who use to own "Frantic Romantoc."

SIDEBAR                              

Expo New Mexico which is managed by Dan Mourning who is good friends with the nefarious Darren White who manages the Downs Racino and New Mexico’s Pro tem Governor, Jay McCleskey.  The same names keep coming up over and over every time there is a problem or a tragedy.  Mouring managed a small restaurant prior to running the “largest show in New Mexico.”
 

END SIDEBAR

The nefarious Darren White took to tweeter and made a claim that the girl was on “X.”  Shortly after White posted his garbage, he quickly removed his post.  We would like to see White’s certificate which proves he has more knowledge than the OMI or a doctor. Or how did White come across this information? Was he there with these underage children? Did he use his position to gain this information like he did to remove his wife from a DUI crash before he was booted from the City of Albuquerque in disgrace?

Whoever’s name appears as approving this event is liable which by proxy makes the State of New Mexico liable.  This family will sue and get a huge settlement; but this does not bring their daughter back. Don’t worry; no one is going to lose their job. The Governor will not fire anyone or do anything. Besides all these people involved are political flunkies of the Governor and are fully protected.

This was completely avoidable and was all a result of incompetent decision making by several people in power.

Now someone has the blood of a 14 year old child on their hands…We hope the few dollars made was worth this child’s life.

City, County and State Employees Continue to Receive Brutal Treatment

Gov. Martinez claimed state employees including teachers would be receiving a 1% pay increase. Martinez failed to mention healthcare insurance would be going up and contributions to retirement would also be going up. The increase will affect all public workers from the City, County and State.

The B-I-G 1% increase is the first for state workers since 2008 (FIVE YEARS).  In all probability this miniscule amount will only push workers into a higher tax bracket and they will actually see a decrease in take-home pay.  While Governor Martinez busts the budget “remodeling” the kitchen; public employees go without food, putting gas in their cars, buying diapers for their children and having basic quality of life necessities like health insurance.

Gov. Martinez failed to mention she signed off on the PERA/ERB new law which takes effect July 1, 2013. The new law raises the contributions for employees by 1.5% for PERA members and 2.25% for ERB members respectively according to the Capital Reporter (READ IT HERE).  Martinez also failed to mention the cost of health insurance which is going up by 15% according the Bloomberg Businessweekly (READ IT HERE). This increase will affect over 30,000 local and state employees.  Let’s do the math on these facts the Governor failed to mention:  1.5% for PERA members and 2.25% for ERB contributions PLUS 15% for healthcare insurance equals 16.5% for PERA members and 17.5% for ERB members. Now let’s add in the 2% tax increase that was implemented in February and the nearly 100% increase that everyone experienced this past year in Social Security Taxes.

Now minus the B-I-G 1% increase from the Governor equals public employees are losing   17.5% for PERA Members and 18.5% for ERB members.  This does not include the Social Security Tax increase.  Public employees are losing almost one-fifth of their gross income.

City employees have not received anything from King Berry who lives in a grassy castle on top of the City. City employees have been without a contract for the entire time Berry has been in office. Now City employees will absorb a loss out of their pay in the amount of nearly 20% (one-fifth of their pay).

Why can’t Martinez and/or Berry take care of the backbone of the State and City?  Take care of your people and they will take care of you.  Scrooge Martinez’s 1% is a complete insult to employees when the State if raping them on the other end.  At least Martinez tried to ante up 1%.  Berry; well, he is spending millions of dollars ruining the Bosque, which the public voted down. What a despicable scoundrel. Before we wrote this story we spoke to several people. 

Below is a saying one of our Spanish Eyes stated about Martinez and Berry: 

Martinez: ¡No tiene sin vergüenza!

Berry: Same goes for you.

Translation: you do it without any shame!

We here at the Eye On Albuquerque agree.  People like Martinez and Berry do the little guy dirty and they do it without shame. 

A PUBLIC SHAME

 

RECOGNIZE ANYONE?

 

About 10 days ago a high profile fundraiser was held for the incumbent mayor of Albuquerque, RJ Berry. Oddly enough the fundraiser, marked at $500 per attendee, was held at the law office of Paul J. Kennedy, whom many of our readers know has done quite well for himself in suing the City of Albuquerque and in other nefarious affairs. Some concerned citizens forwarded to us the pictures of many of the folks who showed up, and when they couldn't get a picture of their faces because people literally fled inside the offices of 201 12th Street NW, they were able to get their car's plates.

One may ask why is the Eye doing this? The answer faithful reader is in the days since this fundraiser, MUCH has come out about not only about who these people are supporting, but who many of these people may be. As we've seen, the problems plaguing Albuquerque also plague the state. This cabal of Republicans, who in fact know NOTHING of true Republicanism but plenty about fascism, is chin deep in corruption. And it doesn't take a 1st-grader to connect these dots.

A few days ago Governor Martinez's former campaign manager was indicted on federal charges stemming from activities involving the governor's staff. And no sooner had the state's Republican cheerleader and failed DPS secretary, failed county sheriff, and failed public safety director, Darren White say or express words to the effect of "Look this has nothing to do with me and my ignorance in knowing nothing about construction or business operations or the ABQ Downs," did a high ranking Republican fundraiser come forward and confirm that she was interviewed by FBI special agents concerning the ABQ Downs deal and NOT the campaign manager. At issue is whether or not the Martinez administration participated and benefited from what is yet another "pay to play" incident in a state known across the country as one of the most corrupt places in the country. Despite all of the fiscal conservative talk by Martinez and her cronies, if you're a friend of Susana, no expenses will be spared to take care of you. Be it a $100,000+ salary or a lease worth over $1 Billion to Martinez supporters.

So here, while all this corrupt activity is going on, we have yet another fundraiser involving the same people who supported Martinez, at the law office of Martinez's personal lawyer, and coordinated by the very people that coordinated Martinez's campaign. All this in a city that since RJ Berry took office has seen reverse economic growth, a reduction in services, who are seeing the state's largest police force wither in their very eyes all while a failed police chief continues to say all is good like those violinists who continued to play while the Titanic was sinking.

And oh, where is Martinez? Oh she's in DC at another fundraiser glowing in artificial light cast upon her simply because the IDEA of a Hispanic female office holder is what the RNC thinks will be the next best thing. We say idea because we know it isn't because of anything Martinez has done for she's done simply nothing all while the rest of the country has moved forward.  Does anyone think a huge fund raiser like this should have been held in New Mexico where Albuquerque and/or New Mexico would benefit from it.

So look at these people and the plates. Some of our Eye's recognize these $500 per person attendees because their names come up quite frequently. Or maybe print them up and put them on a dartboard and play beer games.

But know this, when you hear yet another story about Albuquerque on yet another top ten bad list (like last week's annual real estate report....still a buyer's market, still in a recession), remember these are the people that not only donated to RJ Berry and want to keep him as Albuquerque's mayor, but profit from everybody else's misery and hardship.

FBI TO STOMP-OUT A FEW SNAKES

News broke yesterday about an FBI investigation into how the Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack and Casino was awarded a twenty-five year lucrative contract to run the Downs Racino over another competitor whose offer was superior to the Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack and Casino. This company who “won” gave Suzanna Martinez $75,000.00 in contributions and paid Governor Martinez’s pet snake, Jay McCleskey, to be a “consultant.” (Anyone see a problem yet?) The big question now is why did this deal go to the Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack and Casino when Laguna’s offer was superior?

Remember when the nefarious Darren White got booted out of the City in disgrace? Remember White immediately got a job at the Downs? Remember White had zero qualifications to manage a racetrack and casino? The good news for White is; he is a Republican just like Dick J. Berry and Jay McCleskey. Folks, here is where it really pays to be an SOB (Support of Berry). Since White left with two black eyes the Republicans had to take care of their boy. Remember, Gov. Martinez also appointed White to the Judicial Standards Commission? (Martinez’s unethical behavior we will save for another day.)


McCleskey who we are told are BFF’s (best friends forever) with the nefarious Darren White tried to plug his BFF (White) into the Martinez Cabinet but White was too hot in the media and of course being unethical caused Susanna to put her foot down like Sasquatch and defied McCleskey. This caused other problems we are told in the Martinez administration. Eventually McCleskey found White a job at the Downs. White was given a six month contract worth $75,000.00. Folks, that’s 150k a year; much better money than he was bringing in with the city job. So it appears the “greasing of the palm” started way back then.
Now McCleskey has been interview by the FBI about the entire possibility of corruption as it relates to why and how the Albuquerque Downs Racetrack and Casino landed the twenty-five year deal worth billions of dollars. Let’s see; McCleskey is known as the Governor by proxy, and he controls Susanna and the rest of the Republicans including Dick Berry. McCleskey consulted for the Albuquerque Downs’ deal where the State of New Mexico gets cheated, and it appears it was all orchestrated by none other than MR. McCleskey! Well, was Mr. McCleskey paid with blood money? Hey McCleskey; have you heard of the RICO STATUTE? How about conspiracy? We are not accusing you of anything; this is just a “test” of your knowledge base. The bigger question is will McCleskey sing like a Yellow Canary or has he already?

To the G Boys: make sure you are wearing cleats under your boots when you start stompin’ on all those rattle snakes. Paul Heh our future mayor has stated he will have a true inspector general who will work under the direction of the city council. The City’s Inspector General will handle complaints of corruption and will prosecute to the full extent of the law. The “funny business” will stop when Heh is in office. This is applicable to past corruption as well as future corruption. You cannot out run the long arm of the law! One last thought…how come none of the TV stations pick up on this story or the Albuquerque Journal? Could it be Berry, Schultz and McCleskey are really the Puppet Masters in control of what is released???

Remember when the nefarious Darren White got booted out of the City in disgrace?  Remember White immediately got a job at the Downs?  Remember White had zero qualifications to manage a racetrack and casino?  The good news for White is; he is a Republican just like Dick J. Berry and Jay McCleskey.  Folks, here is where it really pays to be an SOB (Support of Berry).  Since White left with two black eyes the Republicans had to take care of their boy.  Remember Gov. Martinez also appointed White to the Judicial Standards Commission? (Martinez’s unethical behavior we will save for another day.)

McCleskey who we are told are BFF’s (best friends forever) with the nefarious Darren White tried to plug his BFF (White) into the Martinez Cabinet but White was too hot in the media and of course being unethical caused Susanna to put her foot down like Sasquatch and defied McCleskey.  This caused other problems we are told in the Martinez administration.  Eventually McCleskey found White a job at the Downs.  White was given a six month contract worth $75,000.00.  Folks, that’s 150k a year; much better money than he was bringing in with the city job.  So it appears the “greasing of the palm” started way back then.

Now McCleskey has been interview by the FBI about the entire possibility of corruption as it relates to why and how the Albuquerque Downs Racetrack and Casino landed the twenty-five year deal worth billions of dollars.  Let’s see; McCleskey is known as the Governor by proxy, and he controls Susanna and the rest of the Republicans including Dick Berry.  McCleskey consulted for the Albuquerque Downs’ deal where the State of New Mexico gets cheated and it appears it was all orchestrated by none other than MR. McCleskey! Well, was Mr. McCleskey paid with blood money?  Hey McCleskey; have you heard of the RICO STATUTE? How about conspiracy?  We are not accusing you of anything; this is just a “test” of your knowledge base.  The bigger question is will McCleskey sing like a Yellow Canary or has he already?

Never Ends

No sooner were we about to break the sordid details of all the endless incidents of sexual harassment which occurred under former Belen Police Department chief, Paul Skotchdopole, (and now city of Albuquerque, IRO investigator) and the extensive federal consent decree he which led to his departure and endless liability upon the the city of Belen when a story from our friends at www.progressnownm.org caught our Eye.

 

You see for several years now, staffers and Governor Martinez have been caught up in an emailgate scandal where government employees and politicians have evaded sunshine and transparency requirements by conducting government business via personal/private email accounts. Aside from sordid and disgusting sexist laced remarks, the folks up in Santa Fe seem to think operating in public with integrity is beneath them.

Now thanks to Progress Now New Mexico, the same scandal is unfolding here in Albuquerque with Mayor Berry and his favorite take out order cook TJ Wilham. Included herein are snippets of emails sent and received from that pet snake and fringe Republican consultant Jay McCleskey (you also may know him as Jason McCleskey...the name he used when he was booked for DUI and Domestic Violence). It seems folks here in Albuquerque don't like to use their city emails either while at work but prefer to avoid sunlight when they conduct political activities on the tax payer's dime. While the Mayor likes to hide behind his lawyers to conceal illegal campaign contributions, it seems he wants to hide behind them again as he violates the federal law known as the Hatch Act.

 

As if that isn't enough concern, why would TJ Wilham, who is clearly a political operative and adviser be placed in a super sensitive public safety position where all he gets to do is WATCH PEOPLE? If you recall, Wilham is the director APD's super elite Real Time Crime Center...is it possible Wilham has been using law enforcement resources for campaign activities? Given his penchant for lying and leaking information we think there is no doubt about it.

 

Our friends at Progress Now New Mexico tell us even more emails are on the way. Given the connection between Berry, Martinez, and McCleskey isn't now simply a given that things are really much worse than we realize? That the city's economic failures over the last three years have been part of design?

 

P.S. In case our old pal Darren White missed it, horse racing across the country is in the doldrums as reported by Time Magazine. This is the result of a steady trend of the years. Really, you wanted to build a casino in the poorest part of the city and it was based on an enterprise which is not sustainable? Really?

P.P.S. Don't worry Mr. Skotchdopole....we haven't forgotten about you and your illegal felonious activities. And we wonder if you bothered to consider if you were on video...

Land of Upside Down

It seem too ridiculous to comment on but in just the course of a couple days, could the leadership of the Governor and the state's largest city's mayor, RJ Berry proved to us any more that if there's one thing that they are consistent with: it's that they are never consistent.

News broke out yesterday that over $100,000 was spent to remodel the Governor's kitchen in the state mansion. How we know the former occupant of the mansion was known for endless state dinners and functions at the house. Governor Richardson knew how to wine and dine and such events were regular affairs there. We find it totally ironic that a candidate who supposedly ran on a fiscally conservative platform would find it necessary to spend so much money on something her predecessor had no problems with. Given that the average house in Albuquerque costs about $150,000 and you can still buy a house for $100,000....isn't this a bit much. Really Governor?

Then, after months of grandstanding by Mayor Berry about how Albuquerque's new minimum wage ordinance is unenforceable, and how it is not appropriate for the mayor's office to tell the city attorney what to do, Berry then changed tune and is now enforcing the ordinance and bringing an action against the Rt66 Malt Shop owner. Nothing like showing how strong your convictions are when the general population calls you on your ineptitude. But we wonder what Berry will now say to the Rio Grande Foundation....that he had no choice?

Also as federal investigators determined that an entire class of Albuquerque employees were targets of discrimination by the APOA police union and the city, the EEOC moved forward with negotiations to resolve the matter to avoid going to court. Kudos to the APOA for stepping up and recognizing that officers are officers and appearing to work out a solution to the problem. However the spirit of cooperation ends there. When the same offer to avoid court and work out a solution was presented to the city, you can guess what CAO Perry, and city attorney Tourek, and Berry said not a chance. The city's position is "make us" instead of working towards any concilation between the parties.

Finally, with the commencement of mayoral campaign signatures hardly 10 days old, our Eyes are already reporting misconduct by Berry's people. It seems they've been busy collecting signatures on City property which is unethical since the Mayor works for the City of Albuquerque. But then again, if you're an unethical guy it really doesn't matter or does it?  We expect this to be a tough hard campaign however we also realize Mayor Berry will cheat and flip flop on issues--which is what he has done since from Day 1. So, to make sure everything is on the up and up, please continue forwarding us your cell phone pictures of Berry people doing what they do best: lie, cheat and steal. More on this to follow...

P.S. To the poster who keeps submitting the request for Mr. Heh to specifically identify what he or Mr. Dinelli will do to generate jobs....please, the answer is obvious: All either candidate has to do is NOT do what RJ Berry has been doing for the last 3 1/2 years.

DISGRACE; EVERY CITIZEN SHOULD BE REPULSED

On November 18, 2010, supervisors and civilians who had absolutely no authority or duty flooded Mary Han's home with no purpose other than to contaminate the scene, gawk at the deceased and make sure it would not be investigated for what it was; Murder.

The following personnel did not have any bona-fide, legal or legitimate reason/business for being at Han's residence. Their actions violated human dignity, morals, ethics, virtually every SOP, standard and practice for handling unattended death scenes and for that, we at the Eye strip them of their rank and post their identities as drawn from the recent lawsuit:

Paul Feist
Allen Banks
Beth Paiz
Robert Perry
Todd Wilham
Michael Meissenger
Tim Lopez
Rae Mason
Marc Adams
Darren White
Trish Hoffman
Paul Kennedy
UNKNOWN NAME
UNKNOWN NAME
UNKNOWN NAME
UNKNOWN NAME
UNKNOWN NAME
UNKNOWN NAME
UNKNOWN NAME
UNKNOWN NAME

It really doesn't matter if you personally liked or disliked Ms. Han.  This women was about business when she was in court. We at the Eye know Ms. Han was a tireless advocate of Constitutional Rights, especially the First Amendment's protection of Free Speech. May those responsible for her death and those co-conspirator's that covered up the scene be brought to swift justice.

It is heart-wrenching that the Police Department's top cop and his top subordinates would disrespect the dead.  Since Darren White was the Public Safety Director and Rob Perry was the Chief City Attorney; they should have known and stoped this disgraceful debacle.  We here at the Eye do not believe that you can get any lower than disrespecting the dead, with the exception of being a pedophile.

Of interest, Paul J. Kennedy (who should be a suspect or at a minimum a person of interest in Han's murder), was appointed to the New Mexico Supreme Court by Gov. Martinez.  Did our Governor do her homework like most attorneys or was this another decision made by  Matinez' lead person, Jay McCleskey?

UPDATED INFORMATION: Click on the bolded link to access the complaint: CLICK THIS LINK.

OVER SEVEN MILLION HOURS OF EXPERIENCE MAY BE WALKING OUT THE DOOR AT APD

Less than a year ago, our friends at KOAT-7 broadcasted a story on the "APD Hiring Crisis" (LINK HERE). In that story, which primarily consisted of interviews not with APD recruiters, trainers, or APD Chief Ray Schultz or any deputy chief, but with Albuquerque Journal reporter Jeff Proctor, much was made of what kind of officers were being hired by APD and NOT about the fact that there are fewer officers than ever.

As current and retired officers continue to advise us, sworn personnel are leaving at a rate 10x higher than new officers are being hired. THAT is a crisis. New Mexico in general and Albuquerque in particular has floundered with any economic growth since RJ Berry and Susana Martinez taking office DESPITE surrounding states and comparable cities all moving forward. Even El Paso, has had positive growth. Yet here the economy remains stagnant and people are fatigued with the lies of Mayor Berry and Chief Schultz.

In the past few years, when Chief Schultz was confronted personnel shortage concerns the headlines looked like this:

"APD Requests $1Million for Recruiting" AJ 4/19/07
"APD Adjusts Hiring Goal" AJ 12/27/07
"APD Has Grown, but the Number of Officers Assigned to Service Calls Decreased" AJ 5/6/07
"APD Ranks Down from '07" AJ 4/21/08

And in response Chief Schultz modified patrol officer schedules to 5-eight hour shifts from 4-ten hour shifts and opened up the Northwest Area Command. Yet despite all this, and as the Eye reported at the beginning of the year, the number of officers assigned to patrol are at levels not seen since the mid-1990s. Officer now assigned to the field advise us that at most there are 330 officers assigned to the field which is spread out over the sixty squads throughout the six area commands. This means each squad on average has 5.5 officers in it leaving at MOST 16 officers assigned to take calls. That's 16 officers in each area command per shift. Sixteen.

But now, in true Schultzian fashion, Ray Schultz has said the 200 officers who have left simply don't matter. Really? Are officers mere widgets that can be replaced with new personnel upon retirement? Is that why APD's academy is almost six months long? Is that why recruit officers are on OJT for 3 months? Is that why recruit officers are on probationary status for a year? Studies and veteran officers both agree that it takes at least five years for an officer to mature. There used to be a time in APD where one could not even look at a unit such as SWAT without having ten years on. Now the minimum requirement is; non-probationary.

Law enforcement is one of the few professions where there is a never ending learning curve. Senior officers possess an incredible amounts of knowledge, skills, and abilities and other characteristics that are not simply replaced with new widget officers. An officer eligible to retire has over 18 years of experience and with the loss of 200 officers....over 37,440 hours per officer of knowledge, skills, and experience disappear. Poof! Gone! Cumulatively, if all 200 officers retire, it is a grand total of 7,488,000 hours lost. And while officers seem to remain on the job until death in virtually every other major city police department in the Country regardless of retirement benefits, here they are leaving as soon as they can. And our Eyes in PERA have told us, any suggestion that a financial door is closing compelling officers to retire is inaccurate and untrue as no such changes are scheduled to take effect until 2016. In other words, they are leaving because of Schultz and Berry NOT because of PERA.

Any competent manager knows that your experienced personnel are your most economical. They know how to do things the right way the first time and cause less errors. Chief Schultz seems to think fewer officers with all the department's "high technology" will supplant the retiring officers. Really? Since most of that technology is failing to work OR not implemented how so? And will that technology withstand scrutiny in the courts? And will those officers be available for court? Or has APD simply become an agency focused on making arrests instead of building solid cases? Our Eyes tell us not one, or two, but up to five lieutenants have had enough and are challenging Chief Schultz's policy with a group lawsuit. But for the time being, experience continues to leak out the door. And while in years past Chief Schultz's response was to increase the size of the department, here he has failed to take action. (Remember "Speed of Trust" Chief? Being inconsistent is not an attribute in case you forgot.)

We're sure that questions such as these will NOT be asked of Chief Schultz. Given that on the one hand he conveniently side-steps significant and complex cases such as the West-Mesa murders, organized high profile prostitution criminal rings and related murders, Mexican cartel related homicides, internet piracy rings, and public corruption in favor of violating his own officer's civil rights or grandstanding on his moving walker while failing to prosecute his own cases we can expect more of the same: LIES and deflection.

There's one thing we know is true however...the buck does not stop with Chief Schultz, it is deflected or LIED about.

Time for Governor to Stop Playing Liberal Games

The Eye takes a different view from Gov. Martinez on how to approach the illegal alien driver’s license issue. Driving is a privileged granted by the State of New Mexico and not a “God given right” or a “Constitutional right.” Even if it was a “Constitutional right,” these people are illegal aliens; therefore, they are not entitled to a “Constitutional right.” The Governor should administratively revoke all illegal alien drivers’ licenses. If the illegal alien wants to fight this issue, they would have to file an appeal like the rest of us do legally.

In a Reuter story (read it here), Judge Sarah Singleton in Santa-Fe, “issued a temporary restraining order blocking the program, arguing in a brief ruling that ‘irreparable injury’ would occur from "constitutional deprivations to the applicants." If illegal aliens have these rights that Singleton claims, none of this would be an issue and every state in the United States would issues licenses to everyone.

The Governor needs to put her foot down and cut the “nicy-nicy” baloney!

Most recently, several churches, including the Catholic Church, have chimed in and given their two cents in favor of illegal aliens having driver’s licenses. Whatever happened to the “Separation of Church and State?” Did all these Churches take a poll to see if the parishioners’ approved of them speaking on their behalf as a communal body? Martinez won the election, and part of her promise was to stop the illegal aliens from obtaining licenses in New Mexico. One last thought, before any church even thinks about looking in Martinez’s closet; they better look in their own closet and clean it first.

If all the liberals are “that” concerned, here is an alternate idea, the State should issue “Illegal Alien Driver’s Licenses.” This would remove the cloak for the crooks. The Illegal Alien Driver’s Licenses would clearly state the person in possession of the license is an illegal alien. Any law enforcement, government agency, or any other party dealing with the alien would know immediately that the person is an illegal alien.

The license would be clearly marked and state, “Illegal Alien” and state the person who presented this information passed a New Mexico driving test. The license would clearly state, “DO NOT RELY ON THE INFROMATION ON THIS CARD!” The reverse side of the card would state, “Confirm subjects’ information independently.” The license would not resemble the New Mexico standard license in any formative manner.

Let the Governor do the job she was hired to do. If you don’t like it; move or run for office and spew your vial after you’re elected.

Governor Races to Lose it all for NM Unemployed

Our Eyes have brought an interesting story to us. On August 26, 2011, the day started out like most days do; the Governor sold the State jet at a loss of $3,000,000.00 and then jumped into a State Police vehicle and raced to meet some very important clients who were considering moving their business to New Mexico. Being a former District Attorney, one would think the Governor would know that speeding is illegal here in New Mexico. Well, let’s just say the Governor’s State Police vehicle was “lit up” by one of Albuquerque’s local “Po Po’s.” Apparently the Governor’s vehicle was speeding along the 4900 block of Pan American here in Albuquerque at about 12:30 P.M. Apparently this officer doesn’t have a big dollar state job (yet) and he did not know the Governor could do whatever the she wanted. Does any of this remind you of Giant Bill?

Our Eyes tell us that no citations were issued. From that point, the day seemed to continue to go downhill for the Governor and for the unemployed residents of New Mexico. Here’s a hint; we’re not talking about the $3,000,000.00 loss on the jet either.

The Governor was so busy selling the State jet (at a loss) and being stopped by the coppers; she was 30 minutes late to meet this client. When the Governor did show up; she basically told the client “they could have lunch sometime...” The Governor did not try to sell the company on coming to New Mexico. There were several options that the Governor could have provided such as, incentives that were possible (and already part of legislation). The opportunity to compete for their business against other states like Colorado, Arizona and Texas was apparent but the Governor did not bite. Maybe the Governor was suffering PTSD from being stopped earlier? Remember, the Governor has a top notch guy on her staff (maybe the only guy); Jon Barela, who oversees the State’s Economic Development.

Our Eyes tell us that Barela was clearly out of his league and boasted to this potential client; “We have a $300 million dollar surplus.” This did not sit well with this client and may have been taken offensively. Barela failed to mention the State of New Mexico has plenty of Economic Development Opportunities. Barela also failed to offer any valid reasons why they should consider bringing their company to New Mexico. Perhaps the Governor can stop cutting programs and benefits to the citizens of New Mexico since Barela claims New Mexico now has so much money in surplus that we don’t need any more jobs here in the State?

For those of us who work and watch friends and neighbors struggle because of the lack of jobs; this is a slap on the face.

New Mexico looses opportunities to create new jobs nearly every week due to the inability of Governor Martinez and her minion Barela’s ineffectiveness. This particular client was not a small deal; this was a Fortune 100 back office operation; financial services (not just a call center) that would employee 600 employees. Barela might want to be more cautious; the majority of the Governor’s Cabinet is all women. Barela may find that he has only been a seat warmer for one of the ladies. We hear Diana Denish is available…

White to Bring Down the Downs

The Eye has been told repeatedly that they do not understand the ties between White, McCleskey, Gov. Martinez, Dan Mourning and the State of New Mexico. The Eye is going to break it down for you. Understand that these connections are all a series of political “pay backs” for “favors” granted. This is how White (who has no experience in private consulting) can obtain a consulting license in one single day and sign a huge contract with the Downs of Albuquerque on the following day.


Remember, if they watched the news or “googled” their new consultant; it would show he resigned in disgrace from the City, has ties to a possible multi-million dollar fraud case (Tru-touch), possible perjury in a federal case (Arensfield), large payouts by Bernalillo County (on White’s behalf), the possible role White played in the firing of US Attorney, David Iglesias, etc…


Let’s start at the beginning. McCleskey and White are friends and partners in who knows what. McCleskey advised on Mayor Berry’s and Gov. Martinez’s campaigns. In what appears to be “owing favors,” McCleskey orders Berry to place White as Public Safety Director; a position that Berry promised to eliminate. White is a long time friend with Dan Mourning and pushes McCleskey to appoint Mourning to the post as the State Fair Manager. White also pushes McCleskey to place him on the Judicial Standards Commission (which White resigned from in disgrace). Martinez was just elected and is allowing McCleskey to do whatever he wants. None of us with jobs, little alone those without jobs, are “spoon fed” high dollar contracts just because of a friendship.


Dan Mourning signed an extension to the Downs and Racino owner, Paul Blanchard. Remember Blanchard and partners only own the business; he does not own the Fair grounds, the racetrack, any building or any of the surrounding property (a total of 93 acres). This is ALL owned by the State of New Mexico. This was an extension to an already twenty-five year lease. Anyone else see a problem here?


White’s tied up in controversy, resigns in disgrace from the City of Albuquerque as the Public Safety Director making $135,000.00 per year and resigns from the Judicial Standards Commission (also, in disgrace) and claims he “retired.” Oops, only one problem, White does not have enough time paid into PERA (the States Public Employees Retirement Association) to actually retire with full benefits. White gets the plug in with the Downs to get a high dollar contract because of his vast lack of knowledge in the areas of a horse racing and a Racino. Our Eyes claim the contract is for $75,000.00 for six months. It is rumored that McCleskey and Mourning set up the entire deal to help White out. Both McCleskey and Mourning are “acting agents” on behalf of the State of New Mexico and Gov. Martinez.


The Journal printed the truth in a recent story (read it here). According to the story, “Former City Public Safety Director Darren White has been hired by the Downs at Albuquerque to assist the racino in putting together a proposal to continue operating the racetrack and casino at Expo New Mexico for the next 25 years.” (Emphasis/Bold italics added)

Folks there you have it; the truth! White has been hired to “assist” the racino in gaining licensing and leasing for Expo New Mexico for the next twenty-five years. The article continues to reaffirm the statement. “Attorney Traci Wolf, Vice President of the Downs at Albuquerque, confirmed Thursday that White was recently hired by the racino to consult on security issues.” Wolf also stated, “He has been hired as a consultant to assist us with preparing our request for proposal.” (Emphasis/Bold italics added)

Since White knows nothing about racing or a racino, how could he possibly “assist” in this multi-million dollar proposal to cover the next twenty-five years? If it makes all the knights men or anyone else who have been racing to defend Martinez on this issue want to view this as a conspiracy theory; have at it. This is a public opinion blog.

This will be the first time in twenty-five years that a competitive lease will be offered for the property. The new lease will be for another twenty-five years. Now that White’s pockets are stuffed full with cash in exchange for his “assistance” (in preparing a new proposal), who do you think will get the new lease for the next twenty-five years? Are you thinking a new bidder possibly? You are a fool if you’re thinking that way. The Vice President who is an attorney for the Downs could easily prepare an adequate proposal. This is all politics; we all know who already has this lease in their pocket.

The picture White has painted appears to show that Blanchard and his partners have made “one hell of a deal” for pennies on the dollar. We all thought we had voted all the “pay-to-play” players out; wrong! We hope this picture is wrong and that there is honesty, integrity and dignity out there. So far, the facts are proving White’s picture to be correct.

The Eye has been told that Blanchard was former Governor Richardson’s BFF (best friends forever). This may be true, but now as it was then; it is all about the money. That means any expenditures’ that must be made is an acceptable overhead cost. For some, “the end does justify the means.”

White was given a free-bee by his friend Deaton. Although, all the facts show White was involved in wrong doing; Deaton let him off the hook completely. This spawned the City Council to request an investigation by the Inspector General. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice may initiate an investigation into other issues where White may be involved. White was a great choice for this contract, right?

Here is a closing thought. Confucius say, “Cross the river, then insult the crocodiles.” It appears that the Martinez Administration just entered the river to save White. All the crocodiles have their salt shakers in hand ready to feast. This is not going to end well in all probability for Martinez or her cronies.

Pro-tem Governor Jay McCleskey Gives his Friend (White) a Huge Contract

You heard it here first on the Eye. Our new Pro-tem Governor, Jay McCleskey, has been running the State by proxy and gave a huge contract to his friend, Darren White. Apparently, McCleskey will only allow the person we elected, Susana Martinez, to “call” herself Governor when in-fact McCleskey is running the show.

Our Eyes at the State told us about the contract that White was granted. White fled the City of Albuquerque in disgrace and now is under investigation by the City’s Inspector General and facing an inquiry and possible full blown investigation by the United States Department of Justice.

Our Eyes Claim that White’s contract is for $75,000.00 for six months. Do the math folks, that’s $150,000.00 per year to do; NOTHING! White’s other close friend, Dan Mourning, is in charge of Expo New Mexico where White will be stationed. Mr. Mourning appears to be a political appointee, only. Mourning has absolutely no experience in dealing with an enterprise of this magnitude. Mourning ran a hole in the wall restaurant in Albuquerque. What a deal, a multi-thousand dollar contract for another created position. White’s new position is just like the one White created for TJ Wilham, who also does nothing. Now Pro-tem Gov. McCleskey needs to send out contracts to the thousands of unemployed citizens in New Mexico and not the ones like Darren White. Every single New Mexican should be appalled by this entire scenario.

Governor Martinez needs to use her famed “Public Corruption Team” against McCleskey. We know that will never happen. Now that we have the God Father McCleskey in Santa-Fe running the State; the Eye is thinking that Big Bill’s team was a better choice. Governor Martinez, be sure you behave or McCleskey will have you cleaning toilets too.

The Republicans have become the cretins of New Mexico. The public is not going to forget this “Sham.” There is dirty politics and then there is filthy politics. This is a filthy set-up. How does the Governor sleep at night knowing that she is the floor mat for McCleskey to step on with his cleats and muddy shoes?

The Eye warned the Governor before:







Apparently the Governor doesn't learn...

Was Governor Martinez Betrayed by Senior Advisor McCleskey?

Our Eyes at the State are telling the Eye an interesting rumor. According to some of our Eyes, Darren White has been given a huge contract as head of security, consulting for the Casino-Racino at the Expo New Mexico. Strangely enough, Expo NM has been bleeding red; yet they find the big bucks for White? The Eye is being told Senior Advisor to Governor Martinez, Jay McCleskey, arranged the whole set up behind the Governor’s back.

It is nice to know when you are forced to resign in disgrace; you can always use a friend to get you a big contract with the State of New Mexico. Perhaps McCleskey could help out the thousands of New Mexicans who are unemployed with a big fat State contract.

The Republican Party of New Mexico should be ashamed of this behavior if this rumor is true. The Republican Party wants all of us to vote in another Republican candidate in the future? Really? This will not happen this does not taint the party; these types of actions decapitate the party.

This rumor may bear some truth because some of our Eyes observed White at the City obtaining a consulting license. The Eye will continue to follow this story.

Murdoch to Walk on All Charges

Is it possible for a man who is paralyzed from the waist down to walk? Here in Albuquerque it is. The Eye On Albuquerque called this one from the beginning and now it is coming to light, all charges against Presiding Criminal Judge, Pat Murdoch, will be dismissed. This case is a classical illegal search and seizure case. When this is all over, Murdoch will be the only true man standing.

It has now come to the attention of the DA’s office that the evidence obtained in the Murdoch case was obtained illegally. The Great State of New Mexico passed a voyeurism law that prohibits the video taping others in their homes, restrooms, etc… What does this mean, for Murdoch’s dream team; it means that the video will be suppressed. As a result of suppression, everything else obtain as a result of the illegally recorded video will be suppressed by the courts as well. This means that the Albuquerque Police Department does not have a case and the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office looks like a bunch of buffoons for allowing this bogus trash in the first place.

This will clear the way for Murdoch to sue the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office. The dollar amount may be well over a million dollars. This case will never go to trial. Any jury that sees a respected presiding district court judge who is paralyzed from the waist down, whose career and life was ruined by the reckless acts of the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office will quickly grant an enormous award; around the four to ten million dollar range. Berry may be asking for a tax increase to cover the millions of dollars that Schultz keeps costing the City of Albuquerque. The City will be wise to pull out the “Sam Costales Check Book” and start writing out those zero’s behind that first digit.

One last thing for Kari Brandenburg; amend the charges against Murdoch; this will help Murdoch’s dream team show malicious prosecution. This will open up the DA’s checkbook wider. As you know juries are big on retaliation.

Here is another case for the IRO to look into. The Murdoch caper will need to be administratively reviewed and swift action must be taken in order to save what little credibility APD has left. At this point the final domino from the Fifth Floor will fall; DC Paul Feist. Obviously Feist being a deputy chief had knowledge of the shoddy investigation and approved it. When the Murdoch fiasco broke, Feist was on television acting conservatively smug and victorious, as did Commander Doug West. Another two careers flushed down the toilet.

Gov. Martinez; get off your tail feathers and do something. The “lame duck” routine is getting old and quite frankly, it has been old for a very long time. This goes for all of us including the Republicans who back your duff. All this is “public corruption,” do something, anything or you will be a one termer just like Berry.

Berry will need to be a man and give the orders to clear the Fifth Floor. Berry needs a lifeline from someone out there who is known for their credibility, boldness, a stand-up kind of guy, who has dignity and honesty to lead APD. The new leader will need flexibility to hire, fire, and promote as he deems appropriate. Repairs will take many years.

Who Drank the Poisoned Kool-Aid Freely; Who was Forced?

Fresh from the “rumor mill” some interesting questions have developed. Darren White, while trying to cover up his wife’s alleged DUI crash, passed poisoned Kool-Aid laced with felonies and other crimes around. While some drank it freely, did he force others to drink it?

If some of you remember the catastrophe in Jamestown, Guyana, another fascist dictator, Jim Jones, offered poisoned Kool-Aid to his followers. Those who refused the poisoned drink were held down and forced to drink. Our “rumor mill” believes that Mayor Richard Berry, CAO Rob Perry, and Chief of Police Raymond Daniel Schultz all chose to drink freely. But did Deputy Chief of Police Elizabeth Paiz, Deputy Chief of Police Allen Banks, and Commander Clifford Saylor drink freely or were they forced?

The rumor mill tell us that White knew he was wrong for running full police code to the scene and interfering with the police investigation. Ultimately, White removed a potential DUI offender from a crash scene. According to the Journal (read it here), “city officials said White is not a certified or sworn law enforcement officer and does not carry a gun during working hours.” The journal article also stated, “The brown Chevy Tahoe he drove to the scene of his wife’s crash last week is one of two city vehicles equipped with lights and sirens that is driven by a civilian, officials said.” The article claims that the other fully equipped vehicle belongs to Mayor Berry and the vehicle is mostly driven by a sworn police officer. If White is not certified why has he been seen wearing a police badge with five stars? Why was he running full police code to the crash scene if he is a civilian? Isn’t this impersonating a police officer? Don’t you wish you could run around and play cop with lights flashing and sirens blaring? Instead of admitting his wrongs, White allegedly started passing around the poisoned Kool-Aid.

The first to guzzle the juice was Berry, Perry and Schultz. Berry knows White is wrong but is still backing him. Perry at the news conference became angered at the media and literally threw copies of Kathy White’s records at the media. Perry blamed the media for White’s fiasco. Our Eyes tell us that Perry offered to sue two local television stations on White’s behalf. Next up to shoot off his mouth was Chief Schultz. According to Schultz who was once a DUI Sergeant for APD, stated there was not “probable cause” to conduct a DUI investigation. Schultz also blamed the media. Let’s see, Kathy White admitted to consuming a mind altering drug, she admitted to driving, she admitted to have impairment (blurred vision) and she admitted to crashing into a fix object (a curb). Yup; this is probable cause. Schultz lied to protect White, his lies and crimes as did Perry and Berry.

Next, the rumor mill tells us that Darren White met with one of the officers and offered a “deal” to make this go away or keep the facts under wraps. This amounts to conspiracy, extortion and black mail. If this is true, it appears someone did not keep their part of the “deal.” This would make sense because White put the pressure down on APD’s top command staff which lead to the next debacle. Paiz sent orders down the chain of command ordering/instructing Senior Officer Walck to keep the facts out of the report, such as the admittance of the drugs and the box that was checked showing that Kathy White admitted consumption of prescription drugs which was an attributing factor. When Walck refused, Paiz sent down the orders again. The question is, did Piaz do this of her own accord or was she following orders from Schultz and/or White? In this mess, Banks had to know what was going on and did nothing. The APD SOP states, “Any act or omission is the same as lying.” Walck’s chain of command, including Commander Saylor knew about this and did nothing. Saylor received information about this situation through several different sources. This comes down to conspiracy. Walck was wise not to alter the report which is a public document and knew it is a felony to alter a public document. If Paiz did give these orders that were illegal, they are; to wit; conspiracy, extortion and black mail.

Thus, all who had knowledge of this are all guilty of conspiracy, extortion and black mail. This requires a criminal investigation; not an administrative review. This is the time that Gov. Martinez needs to send her elite Political Corruption Unit down to Albuquerque to handle this. Since the Governor is a Republican and all the Republicans are trying to save this liar, perhaps the State Attorney General, Gary King, needs to step up to the plate and handle this with integrity.

Did Albuquerque’s former public safety director commit insurance fraud? Kathy White admitted to taking a drug for seizures/bi-polarism. Darren White stated that she had been taking it for about a year. Was this disclosed to their insurer?

Another one of our Eyes claims that White does not have enough time paid into PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association). This could be a rumor but our Eyes claim that White withdrew all of his invested money when he left former Governor Gary Johnson’s administration. This means that White would need to pay back both his part and his employers’ portion. Each year that he may have withdrawn could cost up to 50,000.00 per year. It is possible that he withdrew over ten years worth. If this is true who is paying all that money back? Is it the tax payers of Albuquerque? Did White retire with any retirement compensation?

Some of our Eyes in County Government are telling us that Darren White is smack-dab in the middle of the free tickets scandal from the Journal Center. Our Eyes tell us that formal charges are forth coming in this case.

Darren White is a catastrophe looking for a place to happen; as we have seen here in Albuquerque. Thank goodness that the Honorable Martin Heinrich beat White in the congressional race for District One.

These questions warrant a full criminal investigation. Even if you buy into White and company’s rubbish, even if these questions are based on the appearance of impropriety, they must be investigated to the fullest extent. All who played part wittingly or un-wittingly must be brought to justice along with White. If the entire top command of APD is dirty; it is time to clean it out. The Mayor will need to re-evaluate his stance on White and on the rest of his top level personnel who participated in this fiasco. White’s stains have bled all over the 5th floor of APD. The Eye On Albuquerque has repeatedly warned you about the “Culture of Corruption” in APD, here is your proof. The Albuquerque Police Department needs new leadership. The slate needs to be wiped clean. The Mayor will need to appoint a chief who is known for dignity, honesty and integrity. No more “good ol’ boys!” While Berry is at it, he needs to dump the rest of Darren White entourage. Don’t you hate it when someone up and leaves; and leaves all their junk behind for someone else to clean it up?

Kudos to the fire guys and gals who called this one! The community knows we have the best paramedics and EMS equipment in the Southwest region; contradictory to what White stated. The local fire union’s vote of no confidence was right on the spot. Too bad Perry and Berry were and are too blind to see past their noses.

Rumor Mill has it; White has Submitted His Resignation

Our Eyes on the inside are telling us that Public Safety Director, Darren White, has submitted his resignation to Mayor Berry. Our Eyes on the inside tell us that Berry stated he would wait until the IRO’s report next week before he officially accepts it. White apparently knows and is fearful of the testimony of the personnel out at the crash scene. Once they tell the truth; it will be curtains for White, anyway.

Meanwhile, our Eyes in Santa-Fe are telling us Gov. Martinez and the R’s are planning for a new job for White. Our Eyes claim that White’s best friend who is a top-senior advisor to Gov. Martinez was overheard saying, “this job will help him (White) land softly.”

Keep in mind, this is just the rumor mill…

Gov. Susana Martinez Need to Honor her Campaign Promises

The Honorable Susana Martinez made a campaign promise to hold corrupt public official accountable. Chief Public Safety Officer (LIAR) Darren White is actively being corrupt by his lying and covering up his wife’s suspected DUI crash. This issue stands alone and the Eye is not talking about Brad Arensfield or Tru-touch or the other issues that are questionable.

The Eye realizes that White is a “friend” of the Governor and has “friends” in Governors office (with friends like White; who needs enemies), notwithstanding, the Governor must act decisively and cut her losses. The Governor has made a fool of herself by backing White after everyone told her what a “piece of work” he was. Even our own Mayor Berry has stated that White is a rogue employee that abides by no set of rules (SOP).
Now is the time for Governor Martinez to remove White from the Judicial Standards Commission to ensure honesty and integrity.

If this Governor has any integrity and/or honesty, it is time to prove it. The smell is only going to get worse as more facts are revealed.

It might be a good idea to call the Governors’ Office and let the Governor know your dismay. Click here for a web link to send an e-mail or you can call 505-476-2200 to speak with a Constituent Services representative.

Proposed Appointment Leaves Fox in Charge of Henhouse

The Honorable Governor Martinez’ blunder will end up costing all of us. By Darren White’s past, it is clear to see that these judges will feel the wrath and retaliation of White. During White’s tenure as Sheriff he “served on the board of directors of a group that launched an advertising campaign targeting judges in 2004” as reported in the Journal (see here.) Any of the public who has educated themselves on Whites’ past know that he will now have the power and backing of the Judicial Standards Commission. Appointing White to the Judicial Standards Commission is no different than the Governor appointing a KKK member to the Human Rights Commission. With White on the Judicial Standards Commission, it’s truly like “leaving the fox in charge of the hen house.”

White has a history of questionable actions. Whites’ history includes everything from paying over $333,000.00 by proxy for a machine that his department never used, to allegedly lying on the stand during the Brad Arensfield federal trail.

White may try and defend his Republican appointment to the commission, but many view this appointment as political corruption as the Manny Aragon case.

White asserted to the Journal, “he’s probably has more experience than anyone else on the 11-member Judicial Standards Commission in handling allegations of misconduct, because of his roles during 16 years in law enforcement.” Strange… retired Deputy Chief Michael Castro is on that panel. Castro has over 25 years as a fully commissioned police officer. That assertion Mr. White is a bold face lie. Another point that comes to the front is, if White considers his 16 years in law enforcement as a way to pound his chest proudly, what about Brad Arensfield? Arensfield had 15 years in law enforcement and possesses much higher and stronger credentials than White. Arensfield testified as an expert in the Orlando Comacho murder trial. Comacho was found not guilty.

White pounded Norman Thayer. According to the Journal, Mr. Thayer is a partner in Sutin, Thayer & Brown, whose employees have donated to Democratic campaigns, including former Gov. Bill Richardson's presidential bid in 2006. Later in the article White said he was not criticizing Thayer's fitness to serve on the commission, but pointed out that both he and Thayer have engaged in advocacy. It is an unprofessional tactic in many people’s opinion to “push someone under the bus and then say ‘disregard.”’ The damage has already occurred.


White is quoted as stating, "I believe that every member of the judicial commission has views on public policy issues, and expressing those views is not a disqualifier or virtually every member of this commission would be unable to serve," he said. We now know where White has been. He apparently has been living in a “virtual world” where he can do as he pleases without ever having to be responsible for them. It is inappropriate for White to compare himself to others on the commissions who have no baggage.


The Journal stated, “he (White) said the governor asked him to serve on the Judicial Standards Commission and he agreed, he said he did not seek an appointment.” Next time you need an appointment Governor Martinez look at the top shelf people before you start picking through the rubble. If you need glasses let us know; otherwise, people will start calling you “Ms. Magoo.”

Whose Fault is it for the rash of recent DWI Deaths and Crashes?

No one wants to get that 3:00 A.M. “knock on the door.” You know, the knock that is followed by a policemen and chaplain standing at your door. No one wants to hear the dreaded words, “I’m sorry to inform you that there was a bad accident and your loved one did not make it,” all to find out later that it was due to another ‘Drunk Driver.’

In a time when drinking and driving is a prevalent problem and part of the culture, in a time where most fatalities are involving alcohol, in a time where more and more innocent people are killed and the guilty rarely get the punishment they deserve; why is Darren White and Ray Schultz willing to put “public safety” aside for the sake of saving a “few bucks?” Because of their statistics that haven’t been proven to the citizens? If you ask anyone who has lost a loved one, the Eye is sure they would give White and Schultz 100 times return for their “blood money” just to have their loved one back.

Many officers and citizens of Albuquerque assumed that the implementation of the DWI Specialized Unit was largely due to Schultz and White. It was after all while Schultz and White were with the DWI Unit, they worked hard to take DWI’s from officers, sergeants, and anyone who needed to get back to their field duties and not have their time consumed with a DWI investigation. But then again, that is the philosophy behind the DWI Unit, isn’t it? Part of their mission statement is “to support field services.” Schultz has forgotten that he set the precedence and established the court ruling in the State of New Mexico on the “police officer team concept.” Chief Schultz was a rookie K-9 officer headed to a call and was forced to stop a drunk driver. Schultz needed to get to the call; he gave the DWI to another officer to process.

So, why would our Public Safety Director and our Chief of Police take away the responsibilities from the DWI Unit? Officers are not allowed to turn over a DWI investigation to a DWI Unit. Why is this important? As a citizen calling for police help, don’t you want an officer to show up as quickly as possible? Do you have or want to wait that extra 30 minutes, an hour, even more for an officer to respond? If a citizen calls for police it is because they need help now, not in two hours.

With all of this in mind, why would Chief Ray Schultz and CPSD Darren White jeopardize public safety and prohibit DWI officers to do the job they were assigned and paid to do? Why can’t an officer who pulls over a DWI offender be allowed to hand over the investigation to a member of the specialized DWI Unit? The safety of the public is jeopardized when an officer is called out of the field for several hours. This is the mission statement that the Department boasts? How did Schultz and White come up with the numbers they did when they claimed they single handedly saved the city millions? The Spin Doctors, as many refer to them, have a knack of spewing out $@!*, we mean numbers without being able to back them up. This is nothing new to the Berry Administration. Because officers are tied up with other calls or other drunk drivers; many other drunk drivers go about their business freely. DWI officers are seasoned and have been trained in depth to handle drunk drivers on a frequent basis. If the officers could still stop them and allow the DWI officers to do their jobs, this would make our streets safer. It’s a crazy idea but maybe an idea that would save a life?

If you have been keeping up with the news, Albuquerque has seen one DWI crash after another. Many of these crashes end with fatalities. The City had not seen a rash like this in some time. The common factor is the flawed policies of the Berry Administration. Trying to save a buck at the expense of the citizen’s safety is unacceptable. White and Schultz apparently don’t care who gets hurt, as long as they save a buck.

A DWI case takes months to process through the court system; there is no way to immediately see any cost saving measures. What we are seeing is more and more serious or fatal crashes involving DWI offenders. Just ask Chief Breen about his future brides’ crash. If only one life is saved; it is worth every penny! If money is their only benefit, most will take public safety over a few bucks any day. Comparing a few bucks to the life of any citizen, the citizen’s life is worth a few bucks. After all, Judas sold Jesus for a few pieces of silver; we all saw where that got him.

Chief Public Safety Officer Darren White is still being sued in court over his alleged failure to enforce the laws in the county while he was sheriff, and now this? Great pick Governor Martinez. It may be a good idea for everyone to start calling the Governor again. Governor Martinez needs to understand that respect is not just given, it is earned. Governor Martinez lost respect when she appointed White to the Judicial Standards Commission. Schultz lost his in Federal Court after being convicted of violating an officer’s civil rights. The Eye does not believe that White was ever respected according to all the votes of “NO CONFIDENCE” he has on his mantle.

Now that both Chief Schultz and CPSD White have blood money on their hands, maybe it is time to right the wrong. Correct the policy and get all these drunks off of our streets! Do not allow another person to die at the hand of a drunk driver. Do not continue with a “bloody” policy in spite of those who brought it to our attention; do correct the policy because it is the right thing to do.



PLEASE STOP THIS!
NO MORE!