Ray Powell

Albuquerque Tribune Endorsement June 3, 2006

2006-06-05T17:11:00.000-06:00

I also wanted to share with you another endorsement that in its entirety was quite long and very favorable. Their endorsement included statements that I really represent "... good, innovative environmental values and ... a more consensus- and mediation-oriented approach to problem-solving... that will allow [me] to put those values into effect on New Mexico's enchanted ground."

They summed it up and I appreciate their endorsement today and yesterday with "... We have little trouble recommending Powell for the same reasons we've consistently endorsed him for land commissioner in the past."

Albuquerque Journal Endorsement May 28, 2006

2006-06-05T16:34:00.000-06:00

In its endorsement of me, the Albuquerque Journal said, "LAND COMMISSIONER: Ray Powell has proven he can handle responsibilities that come with being chief steward of the state’s ... land."

The Journal also recognized what it called " ...the Powell approach: working openly with all interested parties to ensure quality development for communities while improving the value of property retained by the Land Office..."

And finally they cited my intention to "...strengthen the Land Office’s ability to keep lands healthy and restore abused areas, to step up monitoring and enforcement and to reduce leases in places like Otero Mesa in southern New Mexico until user impact is better understood."

I appreciate their confidence in my ability to support the future of New Mexico land.

2006-06-01T07:49:00.000-06:00

During my tenure as State Land Commissioner we set a new standard for the care and protection of State Trust Lands. We did the first inventory of Trust Lands that looked at the water, plants, animals, minerals, archeological and palentological resources. We did this so that we could better manage the lands.

We were the first to get legislative approval to spend some of the money earned from the land back on the land. We did river and riparian restoration, forest and grazing land improvement, protected endangered species habitat, and stabilized and protected archeological and paleontological treasures.

We traded lands out of wilderness study areas, National Parks and Monuments, and Tribal lands to protect very special and unique places. In return, we received lands that were appropriate for commercial uses to earn money for our public schools.

We started the first scientific monitoring and management of predators on Trust land and banned the removal of predators except when absolutely necessary to protect domestic animals. I banned the removal of snakes and other reptiles from State Trust Lands.

I worked hard with many others to successfully increase penalties for animal cruelty in our state. I continue to work to stop cock fighting in New Mexico.

My record speaks for itself and can be accessed via my website www.raypowell4land.com

If I have the honor of returning as Land Commissioner we will re-institute these programs and initiate many more to ensure that we take care of our Trust Lands while producing revenues to support our public schools.

Velarde New Mexico vs. New Mexico State Land Office

2006-05-29T11:02:00.000-06:00

Last September I attended a meeting in Velarde, New Mexico about a gravel mine on private land in the heart of the community.

I was saddened and astonished to learn that the current Land Commissioner had dropped the effort, that my team had worked so hard on, to force the mine operator to take responsibility for the mess he had made and to clean it up. Instead, I learned that the same man who had created the problem was now financially benefiting from a new lease on the adjoining State Trust Lands.

As I sat in the meeting in Velarde my sadness changed to anger and to determination that we must fix this problem and make Velarde whole again. Our communities need a Land Office that will work as their partner not as an adversary. At that moment I knew I must tell everyone in New Mexico what had happened in Velarde.

As I have traveled around the state campaigning to become the next Land Commissioner, I discovered that the same type of thing was happening in many other places. Other communities were faced with the same arrogance and lack of cooperation from the current State Land Office Administration.

Last Thursday evening I attended a candidate Forum in Alcalde, New Mexico. What I witnessed was beyond astonishing. The current Land Commissioner refused to take responsibility for his actions about the gravel operation in Velarde and in fact insisted that everyone else was to blame.

After witnessing this performance, my determination and resolve to make a positive difference as your next Land Commissioner in Velarde and across the state was only made stronger.

I pledge to you that I will do everything in my power to make things right in Velarde and to work with the community to ensure that the State Land Office and Velarde become partners to develop a bright future for both the community and State Trust Lands.

I need your vote Tuesday, June 6, to begin the serious campaign to take back the Land Office. Please tell your friends and family too!

Highwall created by mining operation of Richard Cook. Foreground is mine operator's private property and highwall represents beginning of State Trust Land.

LA JICARITA NEWS Vol IX, November 2004, Number X

Coppola Mining continues to haul sand-and-gravel from its State Land Office site in Velarde while negotiations between the Land Office and members of Vecinos del Rio, the group that has been fighting the mining operation, are on-going. State Land Commissioner Patrick Lyons told members of Vecinos del Rio that in the interest of the community he is looking to relocate the mine to another tract of state land.

Here is an overview of the history of the mine, excerpted from the Vecinos del Rio Newsletter.

"In late June[2004] the State Land Office (SLO), with fewer than 48 hours notice, held a public meeting at the Oñate Center to 'inform' the community that they had withdrawn the lawsuit filed by former Land Commissioner Ray Powell against Richard Cook relating to the High Wall [site of Cook's sand-and-gravel mine] in Velarde. Then, to add insult to injury, the SLO announced that the current State Land Commissioner, Patrick Lyons, had leased 160 acres of State land adjacent to the Cook property and the Velarde village to a new entity, Coppola Mining, LLC, for further sand-and-gravel mining. This 5-year lease (with options to renew) was negotiated and entered into without any public input or advance notification. Within days of the execution of the lease between the SLO and Coppola, the SLO denied another lease application for the same tract of land because it was 'not in the best interest of the people of New Mexico.'

"On July 5, Coppola started mining sand-and-gravel on the state land, trucking it out through Velarde. [The company] at times haul[s] over 200 loads a day (400 truck trips), operating up to 6 and 7 days a week starting at 5:30 am. On August 9, the law firm of [Mary] Humphrey & [Connie] Odé, acting partly pro bono and representing Vecinos and residents living in Velarde, filed a Writ of Mandamus in the First Judicial District Court. [The Writ of Mandamus accuses the SLO of failing to follow the law in awarding the mining lease and to address reclamation of the dangerous 150 foot-high wall left from Cook's previous mining operation on the property he owns that abuts the state land.] Judge Hall scheduled the hearing for August 27, at which time he determined that there were technical defects in our Writ filing; but rather than throwing out our application, he gave us until September 27 to make corrections and re-file, which Humphrey and Odé did on September 24. The new hearing was to take place on November 9, but the Land Office attorneys subsequently requested, and we agreed, that we give them a 2 to 4 week continuance so that a mediator could be brought in to hopefully help us settle the issue out-of-court."

Even if Commissioner Lyons relocates the mine elsewhere something must be done to remediate the high wall left by Cook's operation, and negotiations continue to address that issue. While Coppola has been removing sand-and-gravel from behind the wall in the hope that it will collapse back onto state land, total remediation of the wall depends upon Cook to go back into the site and collapse the wall from the front. He will need a permit from Rio Arriba County, which passed a sand-and-gravel ordinance several years ago, and will have to follow all the rules and regulations set down by that ordinance.

We support Ray

2006-05-24T09:39:00.000-06:00

Getting the opportunity to visit with old friends and make new ones is one of the highlights of campaigning for Land Commissioner. Families from all over New Mexico have generously opened their homes and invited their family members, neighbors, and friends to spend an evening with my wife Jean and I. We visit about their concerns for the future, information about what the Land Office does, and how we can make our government work on behalf of our schools, communities and our working families.

I will always remember and cherish these positive and exciting evenings. They are helping me better understand how I can optimize my time at the Land Office in the future. By working on projects that bring people together to find the common ground and create solutions and opportunities for good new jobs the Land Office can further increase revenues for our school children and take better care of the health of our land.

If you would like to host a house party please send me an e-mail—raybpowell@msn.com or give me a call at 505-507-0697.

John and Connie Gould of the South Valley of Albuquerque host a house party for Ray Powell. (Thanks Carolina for the pictures!)

Ray Powell Supporter/FABIAN CHAVEZ

2006-05-17T21:57:00.000-06:00

I am very grateful and honored to have Mr. Fabian Chavez, a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives 1951-1952, the State Senate 1955-1964 and Senate Majority Leader 1961-1964 as a strong supporter. Many regard Mr. Chavez as one of the most accomplished and well liked leaders in New Mexico’s history.

Fabian Chavez at event for Ray Powell for Land Commissioner at the Hotel Santa Fe on Tuesday, May 9, 2006.

Ray Powell Supporter/JANET BRIDGERS

2006-05-16T22:12:00.000-06:00

Janet is a native New Mexican who attended Albuquerque Public Schools and the University of New Mexico. She had a very successful career in public relations and marketing in California and has recently returned to New Mexico.

She is the daughter of Jean and Frank Bridgers. Her father Frank was a solar pioneer who was captivated by the idea of harnessing the energy of the sun. In 1956 he incorporated it in the first commercial solar building in the world, in Albuquerque. Janet shares this passion and is also an accomplished environmental communicator who wants to "preserve enchantment, because although beauty can be seen in most places that haven't been totally degraded, I do think there is a mystic quality about New Mexico. And I agree completely that if we don't promote a more hands-on approach to learning about this land for our school children, they won't have that gut-level sense of importance about saving any of it for themselves or their future children.”

Returning to the Enchantment

2006-05-16T21:44:00.000-06:00

One of the most exciting aspects of returning to the State Land Office is rebuilding the environmental education program that we worked so hard to create when my team was last at the land office. We worked with over 100 teachers statewide to create opportunities for hands on education utilizing State Trust Land.

Watching the curious eyes and eager feet of bright and inquisitive students explore the outdoor classrooms on State Trust Lands was extremely rewarding. One such project that my team helped establish was the “River Angel’s” Outdoor Classroom Program, which offered hands-on learning about the importance of a healthy Santa Fe River.

We will protect and preserve only what we love,

We will love only what we understand and

We will only understand what we are taught.

- Lao Tso

The course walked students on a winding path up the Santa Fe River. As they made their journey, they gained an understanding of watershed health and river restoration.

Students learned what watersheds are and about the types of plant and animal life found along New Mexico Rivers. They also learned about things they personally could do to keep the river alive and to improve water quality.

We worked statewide to build partnerships with other agencies and local groups and the “River Angel” program was a joint effort between the State Land Office, the City of Santa Fe, the KKIC’s (Kids Kickin’ in Community Service Program), and the State Environment Department.

Our team of fine Land Office Professionals assisted with lesson plans and field demonstrations that included discussions on water conservation, wildlife preservation, archaeology, geology, and team building.

We will also protect what we experience.

- Ray Powell

I look forward to bringing our teachers and students back to State Trust Land. We do this in a continuing effort to understand, appreciate, protect, and succeed in this unique and beautiful place we call our home—New Mexico.

Why I Live Here

2006-05-14T23:06:00.000-06:00

When I was young my parents would have to drag me inside. The ultimate punishment for ill behavior was to sit in a room with no windows. My childhood passion was to stand in the middle of a dust storm or one of our driving 5 minute monsoon rains, ride horseback across the mesa, explore our local arroyos with my best friends--my dogs, leap with abandon across the rocks that span the Jemez River, explore the ponderosa forests on Mt. Taylor, look for rattle snakes and horned toads in the Chihuahuan Desert or just run as fast and as far as I could before I would drop.

Experiencing New Mexico has shaped who I am and what I want to learn. This place is part of my bone marrow. Marveling at the ruins at Bandolier or the stunning petroglyphs that are found in the most unexpected places gave me an insatiable craving to understand who lived here before and how they did it successfully for so long. Through the study of anthropology I understood that many of my lifelong friends, playmates, and mentors were decedents of these very special people and that far from being a footnote of the past their rich culture and traditions are alive and well.

New Mexico has 6 of the world’s 7 life zones, everything but the tropics. Observing the incredible variation of insects, plants, animals, and birds became an incurable addiction. As a botanist, plant ecologist, avid gardener, and practicing veterinarian, with a special interest in wildlife, I have fed that addiction with every step that I have taken across this incredible place we call home—New Mexico.

As a special assistant for natural resources to former Governor Bruce King, as New Mexico’s State Land Commissioner for a decade, and as the past Executive Director of the newly established Valles Caldera National Preserve, I have been treated to the opportunity to learn something new everyday, when I am bright enough to listen and observe.

My teachers and mentors have been as varied and diverse as our landscape. Ranchers, school teachers, scientists, sportsmen, nuns, tribal elders, ditch riders, politicians, and my constant companions from the animal kingdom have been extremely patient and generous in sharing their wealth of knowledge and their deep respect and passion for our land.

Getting the chance to observe elk run and rough-house across the Valles Caldera, catch a glimpse of mountain lion youngsters playfully swatting each other’s tails along a stream in the Sandia Mountains, and watch with amazement as our local raccoons pelt our dogs with nuts from a safe vantage point in our backyard pecan tree have instilled in me a deep appreciation, joy, and reverence for our natural world.

Everyday is a chance to celebrate my great and good fortune of living in this special place. Everyday gives me another reason to do my very best to remind my human friends that the chance to experience this place requires only the simple effort of getting out into it.

I am convinced that if you directly experience this special place—New Mexico--it will change you forever, and for the better.

Bird Flu/Another Reason to Ban Cock Fighting in New Mexico

2006-05-12T11:48:00.000-06:00

As a veterinarian I am acutely aware of the fragility of our natural world. I served two terms as a member of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Advisory Committee on Foreign Animal and Poultry Diseases.

I recently attended a meeting in Las Cruces that was entitled Emerging Threats Preparedness Seminar. One of the most important presentations was on avian influenza (Bird Flu) which represents a real and potentially catastrophic threat to our citizens, wildlife, and poultry producers in New Mexico and our country. The seminars were hosted by the New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association, the UNM Center for Disaster Medicine, Southwest Center for Public Health Preparedness, and the New Mexico Livestock Board.

Kerry Mower, from the New Mexico Game and Fish Department presented the Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) surveillance in New Mexico Wildlife. Other presenters included: Dr. Paul Ettestad, State Epidemiologist in the New Mexico Department of Health, who talked about the anatomy and physiology of the public health system in New Mexico; Dr. Michael Greenlee from the USDA-APHIS who discussed regulatory programs and current concerns in New Mexico; and Kerry Mower, from the New Mexico Game and Fish Department, who also talked about wildlife law for veterinarians.

So what does this Avian Influenza have to do with cock fighting? Fighting cocks are imported from Asia, where this disease is prevalent, to Mexico. Then the birds are illegally imported from Mexico into New Mexico. Now these birds could introduce bird flu here, a disaster to our wild and domesticated birds, and potentially to our citizens.

We do not want to be the state introducing Bird Flu to America. Banning cock fighting in New Mexico, one of two states in the entire country that still allows this practice, is imperative.

My Mom: My mentor and Best Friend--Happy Mother's Day Mom!!

2006-05-12T09:14:00.000-06:00

My mom has been one of my best friends my entire life. She is an extraordinary and gifted individual. She has been a life-long athlete, an accomplished scientist/mathematician/physicist who came to Los Alamos in 1943.

She taught me about the value of books. How you could use them to learn about the world around you and the world across the oceans. She taught me about the value of every living thing by her daily actions of saving homeless animals and by standing up and saying no to senseless cruelty and violence. She taught me to have fun and to laugh about things, even when they go terribly wrong.

Thanks mom!! Happy Mother's Day!

Campaign Finance Reform

2006-05-11T08:15:00.000-06:00

As a former elected State Land Commissioner and member of the Board of Common Cause I believe that one of the most important issues we face is enacting campaign finance reform. We need this desperately and now. Let me give you a case in point.

As candidates we all turned in our financial reports on May 8. We list our contributors-- how much they gave us and what our expenditures were. I was flabbergasted and appalled when a reporter called me and asked my reaction to the report submitted by Mr. Pat Lyons, the incumbent State Land Commissioner. He declared the purchase of a truck for $29,000 and antelope hunting permits for $11,000 as campaign expenses. $8,000 of which went to Mr. Phil Lyons. I am told that he is Pat’s brother and business partner.

Pat Lyons has $433,636 now in his campaign war chest and spent $184,543 since his last report was submitted last May 2005.

I strongly believe that it is time to change our laws and make public campaign financing the order of the day for the State Land Commissioner and other statewide offices.

The Land Commissioner is an elected state official who administers the state's land grant trust (9 million acres of surface and 13 million acres of subsurface rights) for the beneficiaries of the trust. Beneficiaries include the public schools and universities, as well as special schools and hospitals that serve children with physical, visual, and auditory disabilities.

Endorsements

2006-05-10T23:21:00.000-06:00

Christine Trujillo, President American Federation of Teachers in New Mexico and Earl Potter, attorney at event for Ray Powell at Hotel Santa Fe, May 8.

I was honored this week to get the endorsement of the Albuquerque Federation of Teachers (AFT). This is in addition to earlier endorsements from the National Education Association (NEA), the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Workers (AFSCME), the Sheet Metal Workers Local 49, and the Animal Protection Voters. Josh Anderson, Political Coordinator of AFSCME, and Pat Derieg, President Local 1461- Bernalillo County Blue Collar congratulating Ray on endorsement by AFSCME.

These groups represent thousands of honest and hard working New Mexico families.

Charles Boyer, head of Government Relations, Professional Issues, and Research congratulating Ray on endorsement by NEA.