Well, John and I have finally taken the big step and agreed to be GOP precinct chairmen here in our neighborhood precinct in Santa Fe. It was time for us to put our money where our mouths were and get involved at the next level.
First step - a training session October 24 at a restaurant in Santa Fe.
Also - we are having a tea party here in Santa Fe this coming Saturday Oct. 17 at the capitol building when the New Mexico legislature goes into special session to resolve budget issues. Our state is massively in debt, and still Gov. Richardson wants MORE spending and MORE taxes. The statewide teacher's union plans to be here in Santa Fe every day of the special session to lobby for more money -- MONEY THE STATE DOES NOT HAVE.
The greenies in the state have put so many restrictions on the gas and oil industry here (major source of taxes in the state) that oil rigs are moving right out of the state and to friendlier places like Texas and California. So -- while Richardson and the teachers want more money and more taxes raised, our major contributor to state taxes has shrunk 60% in two years.
I don't know where the governor thinks he is going to get the money from for his budget - 10% of New Mexicans pay 80% of the personal income taxes in the state already. Hence, the reason for a STATE tea party this time around, to focus on the enormous problems for the state of New Mexico.
However, John and I will not be here for this rally - we already have plans to meet our daughter and her family in Colorado for the weekend.
They are saying the special session may go on for up to 30 days -- so we will be back in plenty of time to take part in protesting as well as observation of the sessions in the coming weeks.
The Republican Party is growing in Santa Fe, and we are excited to be a part of this huge grassroots movement. These are exciting times for us...
