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LOCAL & REGION
THE NEW MEXICAN Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Poll: Expunging records gets support Tax refunds on the 49 percent of surveyed voters in N.M. horizon as Colo. would abolish public access to arrest files economy improves
would oppose such change, the Journal reports. ALBUQUERQUE — The “This comes down to people’s criminal arrest of an adult gut feelings on the individual in New Mexico is a matter privacy issues versus the pubof permanent public record lic’s right to know,” said Journal regardless of whether it results pollster Brian Sanderoff, presiin a conviction, but a new poll dent of Research & Polling Inc. indicates many likely voters “They’re leaning toward privacy, in the state would approve of but not overwhelmingly.” changing that. The new poll was conducted Just under half of those surSept. 9 through 11 and has a veyed by the Albuquerque Jour- margin of error of 4 percentage nal, 49 percent, said they would points. The sample is based on support a state law that gets rid a scientific, statewide survey of of public access to records of 500 voters who cast ballots in most arrests that don’t lead to the 2010 and 2012 elections and convictions. That’s compared said they were likely to vote again this year. to 38 percent who said they The Associated Press
All interviews were conducted live by professional interviewers, with multiple callbacks to households that did not initially answer the phone. Land lines, 73 percent, and cellphone numbers, 27 percent, of proven general election voters were used. Legislation allowing most criminal records to be expunged for individuals who were acquitted or had their charges dropped passed the Legislature in 2007 but was vetoed by then-Gov. Bill Richardson. The legislation would have prohibited striking arrest records for crimes against children, sex crimes, domestic violence and driving while intoxicated. According to the Journal sur-
vey, independents were slightly more likely than others to opt for increased privacy with 54 percent in support. For Democrats, 51 percent were in favor. Among Republicans, support was 45 percent. Geographically, voters in New Mexico’s northwest region voiced the strongest opposition. From that region, 57 percent of likely voters said no. “On the one hand, if a person is arrested but not convicted, should this stay on their record for decades to come and perhaps jeopardize job opportunities?” Sanderoff said. “On the other hand, if a person has a pattern of arrests and no convictions, is this something that should be accessible for anyone, from media to employers?”
Fate of Texas’ voter ID law in judge’s hands CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The fate of Texas’ tough voter ID law moved into the hands of a federal judge Monday, following a trial that the U.S. Justice Department said exposed another chapter in the state’s troubling history of discrimination in elections. State attorneys defending the law signed by Republican Gov. Rick Perry in 2011 urged the judge to follow other courts by upholding photo identification requirements. The most recent such case came this month when a federal appeals panel reinstated Wisconsin’s law in time for Election Day. Whether Texas will also get a ruling before then is unclear. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ended the twoweek trial in Corpus Christi without signaling when she’ll make a decision, meaning that as of now, an estimated 13.6 million registered Texas voters will need a photo ID to cast a ballot in November. The U.S. Justice Department, which is fighting the law, began closing arguments by flashing onto a projection screen how many eligible voters it says lack an acceptable form of ID: 608,470, a revised lower number than what the DOJ and other law opponents said when the trial began. It also argued that black residents in Texas are four times as likely not to have an ID
as white residents, with Hispanics being three times as likely not to have an ID. Both minority groups are traditionally Democratic voters. “It imposes punishing costs. The burden is far beyond what is usual to vote, and under the circumstances, unsupportable,” said Richard Dellheim, a Justice Department attorney. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder took the unusual step of bringing the weight of his federal office into Texas after the U.S. Supreme Court last year struck down the heart of the U.S. Voting Rights Act, which blocked Texas and eight other states with histories of discrimination from changing their election laws without approval from the DOJ or a federal court. Prior to that landmark ruling, Texas had been barred from enforcing voter ID. The ruling freed those states from the federal oversight, but Holder still dragged Texas back into court to challenge the voter ID law under a remaining — but weaker — section of the Voting Rights Act. Known as Section 2, the provision requires that opponents meet a far higher threshold and prove that Texas intentionally discriminated against minority voters. The office of Republican Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, who is favored to win the race to replace Perry as governor next year, said law opponents didn’t clear that hurdle. Several minority voters testified during
the trial, including a black retired grandmother who grew up in the segregationist era of poll taxes who described hurdles to voting since the Texas law took effect last year. The voter ID law, however, “will not prevent from voting a single one of the 17 voters who testified,” said Adam Aston, Texas’ deputy solicitor general. Nineteen states have laws that require voters to show photo identification at the polls, and Texas is among four states where legal fights are pending over the issue, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. But opponents view Texas’ law as the toughest. Georgia, another Republican stronghold, also recently passed a voter ID law, but the Justice Department portrayed that state’s framework as reasonable in comparison. But unlike in Georgia, Texas’ list of acceptable forms of ID doesn’t include college IDs, but it does permit concealed handgun licenses. The Justice Department also accused the Texas of intentionally skimping on voter outreach after the law was passed. The state deployed mobile voter card units after the law took effect, but those were on the ground for only 11 days. Texas has issued fewer than 300 free voter IDs since the law took effect, according to opponents. Georgia, meanwhile, has issued 2,200 voter IDs under a similar but more robust program.
In brief
vices” they received. He said the hosts of such private events should make a donation to a local charity to offset the costs of protecting dignitaries.
insurance and are putting their own drivers at risk along with New Mexico residents.
By Paul J. Weber The Associated Press
Sheriffs unhappy about Uber, Lyft restraining Biden security costs order eyed in N.M. ASPEN, Colo. — Two Colorado sheriffs are unhappy about the security costs of Vice President Joe Biden’s short weekend visit to Aspen. Biden was in town for less than 24 hours to speak at an annual conference hosted by the private equity firm Forstmann Little & Co, the Aspen Daily News reported. His 40-car motorcade caused temporary closures Friday and Saturday along its 70-mile route from the Eagle County airport to Aspen. Pitkin County Sheriff Joe DiSalvo said the visit required him to increase staffing beyond the normal three or four deputies he normally has on duty during a shift. When he questioned Forstmann Little about the cost, he said a representative referred him to the Secret Service. When all the costs are totaled, DiSalvo said he intends to send an invoice to the firm showing the “complimentary ser-
ALBUQUERQUE — A state judge is set to hear arguments from a group of taxi and limousine operators seeking to stop ridesharing services from operating in New Mexico. Albuquerque District Judge Nancy Franchini is scheduled Monday to hear arguments in a temporary restraining order hearing from a lawsuit filed by the group. The Public Regulation Commission, which regulates taxis and limos, previously ruled that Lyft and Uber were in violation of state law. However, the two companies have continued to operate. Unlike traditional taxi businesses, Lyft and Uber use smart-phone programs to connect people seeking rides with people who have cars. The president of Yellow Checker Cabs in Albuquerque says the ride-sharing services don’t have proper
employee reported that a man shoplifted three cellphones from the business at 4250 CerThe Santa Fe Police rillos Road about noon SaturDepartment took the day. Police were able to contact following reports: the man who, according to a u An employee of Wal-Mart report, admitted to stealing the at 3251 Cerrillos Road told phones. He told an officer he police that at 7:30 p.m. Sunday would return them. A municisomeone fraudulently returned merchandise he hadn’t bought. pal court summons has been issued for the man. u City officers responded to u A resident in the the unattended death of a male 1200 block of Agua Fría Street between 2 p.m. Saturday and reported that he encountered 12:30 p.m. Sunday in the a man trying to break into his 1800 block of Espinacitas home about 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Street. The suspect fled when the vicu A man said he had been harassed via telephone between tim approached him. u Someone stole a wallet 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday in the from a car while its owner was 1200 block of Zepol Road. paying for fuel at Allsup’s, u A woman died at a home on Camino Charro at 10:53 a.m. 4680 Airport Road, at 9 p.m. Sunday. Police said the incident Friday. u Police arrested Quanah was not suspicious. u A Verizon wireless Monteau, 33, of Rio Rancho on a
Police notes
Hobbs district signs deal with college HOBBS — The Hobbs Municipal Schools is partnering with a private, Christian liberal arts college to address a teacher shortage in the booming oil town. The Hobbs News-Sun reports that the school district and University of the Southwest signed an agreement last week that will allow district staff to earn their teaching degrees from the college while continuing to work for the school district. The agreement also allows the institution to count experience in the classroom toward a bachelor’s degree in education for instructional assistants. Currently, Hobbs schools employ hundreds of instructional assistants, who must possess a high school diploma or GED. Hobbs Schools Superintendent T.J. Parks says the district loses around 10 new hires per year because of a lack of affordable housing in the booming oil area.
charge of breaking and entering at a home in the 2800 block of Camino del Bosque sometime Saturday. The victim told police she found the man sleeping in a bed. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office took the following reports: u County deputies on Saturday arrested Robert Arrey, 37, of Española on U.S. 84/285 on charges of driving with a revoked license and expired registration. u Jewelry was stolen from a Camino Seco home in Arroyo Seco between 9 a.m. and 2:50 p.m. Sunday. u Someone entered a garage on E. Ramada Way and stole vehicle rims, a car battery and some tools between Friday and Sunday.
The Associated Press
DWI arrests u City officers arrested Michael Trujillo, 44, of Denver on charges of DWI and driving with a suspended license at 11:10 p.m. Sunday at Guadalupe Street and Paseo de Peralta. u City officers arrested Felicia Lucero, 28, of Santa Fe on charges of DWI and driving the wrong way on a one-way street at 2:09 a.m. at West Water Street and Galisteo Street. u City officers arrested Karen Fierro, 50, of Santa Fe on charges of her third DWI offense and possession of a controlled substance in the 3200 block of Cerrillos Road at 7:15 p.m. Friday.
Help lines Police and fire emergency: 911
limit and that means that there will still be tough budget decisions to be made. And we’re there,” said Natalie Mullis, chief By Ivan Moreno economist for the Colorado The Associated Press Legislature. Mullis’ quarterly revenue DENVER — Colorado’s forecast was one of two pregrowing economy means tax sented to lawmakers Monday. refunds are on the horizon for The other was from the govresidents. ernor’s economists. Both had State economists told lawsimilar projections, saying makers Monday that projecColorado revenue continues to tions for tax collections conexceed expectations because tinue increasing and they need to budget for refunds mandated of strong sales and income tax by Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of growth. Rights, also known as TABOR. Recreational marijuana taxes It calls for refunds when revmay also trigger refunds, barenue exceeds the combined ring legislative action, even rate of inflation and population though pot revenue is nowhere growth. near the estimate voters The first refunds are expected received when they approved to happen in 2016, and econothe taxes in 2013. Instead, the mists told lawmakers they need refunds would occur because of to budget about $130 million the overall rise in state revenue for that in next year’s budget. and because of a TABOR proviThe following year, lawmakers sion regarding new taxes. have to budget anywhere from Voters approved the pot taxes $239 million to $393 million for for school construction and refunds. enforcement and prevention While that’s an indicator programs. So far, the taxes are of better economic times, the estimated to generate about half growing revenue pie can also the $70 million predicted. highlight the ideological divide “People voted for this, people over TABOR, which Republicans favor and Democrats often wanted it, and TABOR’s going criticize. to give them their money back Supporters of the 1992 voterand not let it do any of the approved constitutional amend- things they wanted it to do,” ment see it as forcing state said Sen. Pat Steadman, a Dengovernment to be prudent with ver Democrat who is one of the spending even during economic state’s budget writers. expansions, while opponents Steadman said if lawmakers see it as restricting investments refund the marijuana tax money, in schools, transportation, and they’ll have to cancel spending other services when more they approved with the new money is available. revenue or dip into the state’s The last refunds happened general fund to make up for it. about a decade ago. With refunds looming, law“I think for a few years I’ve makers returning to the state been telling you all that there Capitol in January can expect would come a point and time pressure from interest groups when the economy is trucking to try to keep the additional rev— at least in Colorado it feels like it’s trucking — but the bud- enue by putting the question to voters, as TABOR requires. get is going to hit the TABOR
Rebate expected to happen in 2016
Funeral services and memorials ELDA CARRILLO September 15, 1924 September 20, 2014
Elda Carrillo, 90, of Santa Fe, New Mexico passed away Saturday, September 20, 2014. Elda is preceded in death by her loving husband, Miguel Carrillo; daughter, Rojin Rollins and three grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Cecilia Roybal; son, Manuel Carrillo; eight grandchildren; 11 greatgrandchildren and two greatgreat grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at 10 am at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Private burial will be held at a later date.
Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 984-8600 Please sign our guestbook for the family at: www.berardinellifuneralhom e.com
JOSE ORTEGA
Remembering and missing you this day and always Your loving Family
Celebrate the memory of your loved one with a memorial in The Santa Fe New Mexican. Call 986-3000
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