November

The very last of the fall color in our yard.

An approaching winter storm.

Sure looks like November here this morning.

Santa Fe Friends of Capitalism

Last night we attended the monthly meeting of the Santa Fe Friends of Capitalism at the Rio Chama Restaurant in Santa Fe. We have been hearing about this grassroots political organization for months now, and this was our first time to attend.

First of all. I was surprised at the number of people in attendance. We estimated there were 50-55 people there. There were some people there who are already friends and acquaintances of ours. We met some new people during the evening.

I emphasize that the organization is grassroots; this is not a Republican organization. There were a lot of Republicans there, but also libertarians, independents, and I am told, a few Democrats. The organization is listed as a non-profit PAC, but I would categorize it more as a pro-capitalism think tank.

According to their website, “Santa Fe Friends of Capitalism want to stop this relentless growth in the scope and interference of local government.” The people there all have a smaller government, pro-free market frame of reference.

We heard several speakers: Jon Barela, a candidate for U.S. Congressman, NM 1st District; Aseneth Kepler, candidate for Mayor of Santa Fe; Patrick Lyons, the New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands; and Jim Scarantino, the webmaster of New Mexico Watchdog.org.

John and I will continue to attend these meetings, for several reasons: a chance to learn more of the the issues and concerns of Santa Fe residents, an opportunity to meet candidates for political office, and an added way to make new friends who believe like we do.

Chief Aric Wheeler, Santa Fe Police Department

Several weeks ago, we attended a meeting where we heard the Police Chief of Santa Fe speak.

Chief Aric Wheeler is new to the position; he was installed as chief in June, 2009. He already has achieved a lot of experience at various levels of the police department.

From his talk, it was apparent he inherited a department that needed a lot of revision and updating. A main problem he has is the economy, which has caused a delay in being able to hire several new officers which had already been approved quite some time ago. Santa Fe is growing, so the combination of new growth plus not enough police officers on the streets is presenting a big challenge to Police Chief Wheeler.

Another challenge is dealing with the crime in Santa Fe, which seems to be a combination of gang activity, theft, and domestic disturbances. Chief Wheeler is beginning to implement a plan to have people who are out in the community keep an observant eye out for anything they see that looks suspicious. He is working with teachers, firemen and realtors to be the eyes and ears of the city, and to report unusual activities. He is also putting a greater number of officers in the problem areas of the city.

I was impressed with Chief Wheeler. He is young (37 years old) and personable, and as a lifelong resident of the area, he already has a interest in Santa Fe because it is his home, and he is raising a family of four children here. Actually he lives out in Eldorado, so I guess that makes him our neighbor.

One answer to an audience question bothered me. Chief Wheeler was asked what can be done about the illegal alien problem, why Santa Fe is a sanctuary city, and whether the status could be changed. His answer was that he can do nothing about the sanctuary status, because that decision is not a local or state issue, but is mandated by the federal government. That was the first time I have ever heard that, and it is of great concern to me in hoping for control of the illegal problem in this city.

(Picture of Chief Wheeler comes from the Santa Fe Police Department website. )

The Ortiz Mountains

We were up on a mesa west of Santa Fe the other day, and the view to the Ortiz Mountains and the Cerrillos Hills was pretty neat. I got this one picture that I really like for the colors and kind of mystic feel:

Gettin' to know the folks

As new Republican precinct chairs, John and I get to pretty much have a free rein in deciding how to reach out to the registered Republicans and Independents in our precinct. Our first effort has been a letter of introduction and information to the registered Republicans (who have voted in the past) in our precinct.

We spent the past week composing a letter, revising and adding and correcting until we were completely happy with it. On Tuesday we mailed out 158 letters. On Wednesday we began getting back some responses. Several people have called us on the telephone, several people have emailed us. (We expect many of the letters will be returned as people have moved from the precinct.)

What we are finding from the responses we have gotten are some very enthusiastic people out there who are glad someone is getting our precinct organized and getting out information to the GOP voters.

The Republican Party in Santa Fe County has been dormant for a long time, due to the overwhelming Democrat influence in our local politics. But that is changing, as a very cool group of committed Republicans throughout the county is becoming organized and energized. And being a part of it from the beginning is really exciting and fun, especially for political junkies like us.

More pictures of our day at the North Pole (Colorado)

I thought I was all done posting Colorado pictures, but John's photos of our day at the North Pole were so good that I picked out some to post here.

More Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

I thought I was all finished posting Colorado pictures, and then I saw the ones John took, and they are so good I need to make a couple more posts. Here are ones from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, CO: