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SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO COMMON CAUSE (SNMCC)
MINUTES OF THE September 18, 2002 GOVERNING BOARD MEETING
DRAFT
Meeting location: J. W. Flours, Catering and Bakery; 1030 El Paseo, Las
Cruces, NM.
Attending: Jane Asche, Gus Bigelow, John Bloom, Paul Borunda, Alex Burr,
Joyce Cassidy, Rose Garcia, Jim Kadlecek, Bob Lowe, Ron Nesler, Betty Pool, Sue
Torres Van Frank, Charlie Welch.
Dr. Jim Kadlecek, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 11:50 AM.
The minutes of the Governing Board Meeting of August 28, 2002 were
unanimously approved upon motion by R. Nesler.
Gus Bigelow, Vice-Chairperson, led a discussion about the proposed SNMCC
Governance Plan. The membership of SNMCC shall consist of those Common Cause
members who live in New Mexico Congressional District 2. Initially we will focus
on issues in Las Cruces and Dona Ana County. As membership grows, we hope to
establish more groups throughout southern New Mexico (there are interested
individuals in Socorro and Carlsbad). SNMCC will interface with Common
Cause/National and Common Cause/New Mexico by serving as the eyes and ears for
state and national issues here in southern New Mexico. Sturgis’ Standard Code of
Parliamentary Procedure shall govern the procedural and organizational affairs
of the SNMCC not provided for in this governance plan. A quorum shall consist of
a majority of the SNMCC Governing Board members. Removal of officers shall
remain somewhat broad in order to encourage additional members. There being no
further questions or discussion, the proposed SNMCC Governance Plan was
unanimously passed upon motion by G. Bigelow.
Issue Updates:
City Expenditure of Federal Funds: A memorandum from Chris Sanchez and
Jim Kadlecek was distributed. The memorandum outlines their research into the
types of federal monies received by the City of Las Cruces (CDBG, HOME
Investment Partnerships Act funds, and HUD), their identified purpose, and
concerns expressed by community members as to how these monies are utilized by
the city. So far they have received good cooperation from the city staff
regarding access to information. They have begun the process of analyzing the
information they have gathered and are formulating questions and concerns. So
far, six questions/concerns have been identified. As their research continues,
further questions will undoubtedly emerge. Assistance from other members of
Common Cause would be appreciated.
Conflicts of Interest/Codes of Ethics: A number of requests have been
received to become more involved in local issues. It was suggested that we
need to do our "homework" carefully and well in order to maintain our
credibility. One strategy is to continue to submit articles to the newspapers
in order to expose issues of concern.
Home Rule Charter: The Charter needs to be reviewed, discussed, and
parts need to be rewritten. It was proposed that SNMCC coordinate an effort to
review the Charter. SNMCC could solicit media support, citizens, and possibly
student interns to review the Charter over the next 8 months and, if changes
are needed, put them on the next city election ballot. This is a timely issue
that could be helpful to the next mayor. Upon motion by R. Nesler, the
proposal to coordinate an effort to review the Charter was unanimously passed.
Campaign Finance Reform Support: The Free AirTime Campaign, the next
phase of the national campaign, has begun. A rally is scheduled in Albuquerque
on 9/28/02.
Accountability Mapping: No new information was presented.
Monitoring Public Meetings: Jane Asche distributed a handout containing
a schedule of public meetings that are to be monitored in order to encourage
responsible government. She has agreed to be responsible for keeping a
schedule of those members who volunteer to monitor meetings. She coordinated
with J. Kadlecek to determine which meetings should be monitored and what
types of issues should be noted. At this time the public meetings of five
groups will be observed. Any matter of concern, which is noted at a meeting,
should be brought to the attention of Jim Kadlecek or Jane Asche so that they
can present it to the group. Alex Burr congratulated Jane on her outstanding
work and suggested that monitors give a short report on their observations.
Volunteers are needed to monitor meetings. Anyone who is interested in doing
so should contact Jane.
Other/ New Business: P. Borunda voiced concern about the Municipal Court
system and stated that perhaps this is something that should be addressed by
this group. He suggested that the Municipal Court be monitored. After
discussion, several members volunteered to informally go to the court to observe
proceedings.
The next meeting of the SNMCC Governing Board is October 16, 2001 from 11:30
AM to 1:00 PM. The location will be at J.W. Flours, 1030 El Paseo, Las Cruces.
Chairperson J. Kadlecek adjourned the meeting at 1:35 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Torres Van Frank
SNMCC Secretary
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