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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Four of Trump's Cabinet secretaries coming to Santa Fe for Western governors meeting
Santa Fe may be one of the most liberal cities in New Mexico, if not the nation. But later this month, the City Different will host some of the most high-profile figures of the MAGA movement. Four U.S. Cabinet secretaries under the administration of Republican President Donald Trump will headline the 2025 annual meeting of the Western Governors' Association as keynote speakers June 23-24, the association announced Friday. They include Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. Additional Trump administration officials may be coming to New Mexico, too, but their attendance has not yet been confirmed. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who chairs the association, said the four Cabinet secretaries' attendance represents the largest gathering of presidential administration officials at a Western Governors' Association meeting since the coronavirus pandemic. "I think the point is both Democratic and Republican governors want a chance to talk about their states and what their pressing issues are," Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, said in a telephone interview Friday. "All the governors in the National Governors Association signed a resolution that I helped lead that is against all the cuts that we're seeing in the budget reconciliation bill, so this is a chance to maybe, outside of the larger party platform lobbying, to talk about real issues," she said. The two-day meeting, held at the Eldorado Hotel and Spa, will be a star-studded event, at least in the world of politics. In addition to the four Cabinet secretaries, six Western governors — Mike Dunleavy of Alaska, Jared Polis of Colorado, Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota, Arnold Palacios of the Northern Mariana Islands, Spencer Cox of Utah and Mark Gordon of Wyoming — are also scheduled to attend. "Together, these federal officials and state leaders will explore bipartisan solutions to the West's most pressing challenges," a news release states. The governors will also moderate panel discussions on various issues, including rural health care, outdoor recreation for disabled people, housing and post-wildfire flooding. 'True bipartisan dialogue' Amy Barela, chair of the Republican Party of New Mexico, said the state GOP welcomes the Cabinet secretaries and governors to New Mexico. In a statement, she called the meeting an extraordinary opportunity for New Mexico to be part of meaningful conversations on critical issues impacting the region. "We sincerely hope this event fosters true bipartisan dialogue — especially on matters like rural health care, which must prioritize the needs of New Mexican citizens first; outdoor recreation, which should begin with making our state a safer, more desirable destination; and post-wildfire flooding, where discussions must recognize not only the diverse landscapes but also the stark differences in recovery outcomes," she said. Barela noted New Mexico's wildfire recovery efforts are much further along under Republican-led leadership in Ruidoso and bipartisan leadership in Roswell, "while citizens in San Miguel and Mora counties under Democrat leadership are still suffering and waiting for meaningful recovery." "These contrasts must be acknowledged in any honest discussion about disaster response and preparedness," she said. Lujan Grisham, who announced her initiative would focus on housing when she was elected association chair last year, said she wants to make sure housing is a big topic of discussion during the meeting. "Affordable housing is my signature issue, and I want to make sure that we get a chance to really talk about the federal government's role and the state's regional roles at supporting each other to get more affordable housing in stock," she said. 'We are not shy' Lujan Grisham said Cabinet secretaries typically talk about their priorities and "what we should expect to see in the Trump administration." "They're beginning to hire people back," she said. "They want us to know that that's occurring, that they are wanting to engage with states directly, and this is really what the Western Governors' Association promotes, that irrespective of the federal administration, we want these partners to recognize states' rights and the state's priorities, and as they unfold their own [priorities], do no harm and make sure that you're engaging in the things that matter to us." All the governors will want to talk about regulatory reform and "to lean much heavier on states' rights," Lujan Grisham said. "I've been a proponent of that as well." Asked whether she expected friction, given proposed federal budget cuts, Lujan Grisham said the Western governors are "typically pretty respectful, which is one of the reasons that the [Western Governors' Association meeting] is a popular forum." But, she added, "we are not shy." "I just got back from Alaska," she said. "Gov. Dunleavy and the administration officials who were there will tell you I'm not shy. They know how I feel about the cuts and how I feel about some of the more draconian measures that are being pitched and proposed, and I think that they fully expect for us to be talking about it." The meeting also presents opportunities to discuss collaborations, she said. "There are some issues and proposals that could really help us," she said. "I'd like more help finishing up our transmission lines, so I do think there's an opportunity here, so we really try to make it a dialogue. But none of us are going to shy away from what our concerns are, and they didn't in the Biden administration, either." An economic boon Lujan Grisham called it "kind of fantastic" to have the meeting in a super blue city like Santa Fe. "It is valuable to show that we can stand on our own, that we are not afraid of having active dialogue," she said. "We can be respectful, but we can also make sure that we're heard. "And they should come here," she added. "They expect me to go to D.C. I expect them to come into my fantastic state and to talk about resolutions to the problems that they, A, may create, and B, they have the power to resolve. I like these juxtapositions." The meeting is expected to provide an economic boon for Santa Fe. More than 400 people are registered so far. While the meeting will include various panel discussions and keynote addresses, it won't be all business for the governors and administration officials. The agenda includes a dinner at the Santa Fe Opera, a reception at La Fonda on the Plaza and a working lunch meeting at the governor's residence. "I think the vast majority of governors are bringing their spouses and partners, and I think that speaks volumes about people wanting to be in New Mexico and wanting to be in the City Different, so I'm excited about that," she said. "It's a packed agenda, so we're going to be working overtime, so I'm excited about that, too." Lujan Grisham said her husband, Manny Cordova, may have his hands full, too. "We're trying to get Manny to do a red chile cooking lesson for the spouses," she said. "And maybe one last thing we'll do, we'll remind all the governors that the best green chile in the world is indeed in New Mexico."
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Santa Fe Jet Center adding seasonal, upscale flight to Dallas in May
The Santa Fe Regional Airport will soon be adding a new flight to Dallas through the public charter jet service JSX. The flight will operate out of the airport's Jet Center as the airport continues to work on adding additional commercial flights following the completion of the first phase of a terminal expansion. The JSX flight has been in the works for about a year, and was driven by demand from passengers at the carrier's other locations. "Over the past few years, we've seen an increasing interest in travel to Santa Fe," said Ben Kaufman, senior director of customer experience and brand partnerships for JSX, who said the City Different has been at "the top of the list" of requests for new flights. "... As we add aircraft to fleet, the stars aligned for us to be able to make it happen this year." Flights went on sale Tuesday and will start May 22. They will run once per day, five days a week on a seasonal basis, with tickets starting at $349 one-way. Headquartered in Dallas, JSX operates flights in the United States and Mexico, mostly in the American Southwest. In New Mexico, it also operates out of Taos Regional Airport. The company has 47 aircraft, all of which seat 30 passengers, and flies between private airport terminals. Kaufman described its business model as providing the benefits of private jet service at a more attainable price. Fares include two checked bags, in-flight Wi-Fi and snacks and alcohol. "The real joy of our model is we bring a lot of those perks and make it attainable," he said. "If you compare our introductory price of $349 one-way to what you see from network airlines, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised." The air carrier is also certified by Autism Double-Checked, he said, and employees dealing with customers are trained in how to support and interact with travelers on the autism spectrum. Kaufman described JSX's customer base as affluent and interested in arts and culture, making Santa Fe a natural fit. "Santa Fe offers a lot of natural beauty that's a short flight away for our Dallas-based customers, but it's also an area that, much like the state of New Mexico at large, is just full of incredible arts, culture, rich heritage and fabulous cuisine," he said. For Santa Feans who are Dallas-bound, Kaufman said visitors can take advantage of the city's booming dining scene and growing financial services sector, which he said has developed the tongue-in-cheek name "Y'all Street." "Whether for business or pleasure, Dallas really has something for everybody," he said. The Dallas-Santa Fe flight will fly into the Dallas Love Field Airport, which Kaufman noted is closer to the city center than the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. The airport has an existing flight into Dallas Fort Worth on American Airlines. Kaufman said most seasonal JSX flights run from about Memorial Day through Labor Day, but because of October attractions in New Mexico, primarily the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the flight to Santa Fe will run through the end of October. Depending on demand, he said there's a possibility the route could be extended. "If there's good, strong indicators that the market can sustain for the winter season as well, that's definitely something that we would consider," Kaufman said. Airport Manager James Harris said the new flight "fits perfectly" at the airport and speaks to growing demand. Over the past several years, the airport has seen a significant increase in both revenue and passengers. This year, he said it expects to exceed 400,000 passengers. The city last year completed the first phase of an expansion to the airport, which grew its footprint by 8,000 square feet and added additional gates, seating, parking and other amenities. Design work on the second phase is anticipated to start later this year with $2 million in capital outlay. As of now, Harris said the airport has been told by the New Mexico Department of Transportation that it is not going to be affected by any federal funding changes. The airport has been very successful at securing state funding over the past several years. Another aspect of the airport's work has been growing its passenger base, said Stuart C. Kirk, executive director of the Northern New Mexico Air Alliance. That effort has led the airport to now have about 1,000 daily passengers, he said. Kirk said the airport is particularly interested in a flight to the Los Angeles International Airport or Hollywood Burbank Airport due to demand from the film industry, something Santa Fe is trying to cultivate with the development of a large film studio at the midtown campus and other initiatives. He said the airport has met with American Airlines about the possibility of a flight to LAX. Nothing has been promised, but he said he's optimistic. "For a while the limitation was the capacity of our terminal, but now that we've got this nice new terminal, more parking and when we're getting started on a next phase, that makes us more and more attractive," Kirk said. Kirk said JSX also operates out of Burbank, and he would love for the carrier to begin offering that as a destination from Santa Fe. Kaufman said JSX typically enters new markets with one route, but has "every intention" of expanding if the Santa Fe-Dallas flight proves successful. He said the demand for a flight to the Los Angeles area is on the company's radar. "It's definitely top of mind for us," Kaufman said.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Vietnam veteran remembered as advocate for peace
In the approximately 15 years Ken Mayers and Tarak Kauff knew each other, the two veterans struck a good balance: hot and cold. Kauff is fiery and emotional; Mayers was intelligent, thoughtful and calm. "But we were both standing for the same thing," Kauff said. The pair, both members of anti-war nonprofit Veterans for Peace, traveled the world together, visiting Japan to South Korea to Palestine — and often performing a little civil disobedience along the way. Mayers, a Vietnam War veteran, who went on to found the Santa Fe chapter of Veterans for Peace, died Jan. 27. He was 88. Over the years, Mayers advocated for action against sexual assault in the military, a freeze on nuclear weapons development and against Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. His activism and civil disobedience stretched well into Mayers' 80s. The octogenarian was arrested in 2019 for trespassing on an Irish airfield in protest. Mayers and Kauff were arrested after they entered Shannon Airport's airfield to inspect and protest U.S. military aircraft that had stopped at the base while on the way to the Middle East — a layover Kauff said violated Ireland's longstanding policy of military neutrality. Mayers and Kauff were jailed for 13 days, then prevented from leaving the country for several months. Ultimately, two of the three charges leveled against them were rejected. But they were found guilty of obstructing airport operations, receiving a fine of 5,000 euros — $5,225 — each. In the months the two men were stuck in Ireland, they were met with goodwill. They never had to pay for a hotel, Kauff said, but were instead housed "like family" by like-minded Irish citizens and asked to speak and join events. After the trial, they were about to be met with another gesture of goodwill. In an hour, Veterans for Peace Ireland founder Ed Horgan and other allies had gathered the funds to cover both men's fines. "We all felt it was a victory, because the judge didn't expect that we would be able to pay that fine so quickly, and we did," Kauff said. "When we walked out of there, there was TV and press waiting for us ... it was kind of a victory to see that kind of community support and local support ... and people just loved Ken." Ireland wasn't Mayer's only sojourn outside of the City Different for activism, and it wasn't the only time the activist had been arrested. More than a decade ago, Mayers and other activists handcuffed themselves together at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza in New York City to protest the 13th anniversary of the war in Afghanistan. In 2013, Mayers visited the Palestinian West Bank village of Bil'in to protest repeated tear-gas bombings by the Israeli Defense Forces. Mayers was never daunted, his companion said, and "always stood up for what was right," even in the face of tear gas and rubber bullets. "Ken was basically fearless in his own quiet way," Kauff said. "I never saw him afraid of anything." That year, Mayers was selected as one of The Santa Fe New Mexican's 10 Who Made a Difference recipients. The next year, he was declared a Santa Fe Living Treasure. 'I am honored,' he told The New Mexican over the phone in 2013. Mayers was in the Palestinian territories at the time. 'It doesn't seem to me that what I am doing makes a difference. I hope it makes a difference.' For Santa Feans, Mayers may be more recognizable for appearing at a weekly protest against nuclear weapons. 'We get a lot of honks for peace," Mayers said in a 2014 New Mexican article. "And some drivers give us a one-finger peace sign instead of a two-finger peace sign, but generally speaking, the response is favorable. People thank me all the time for what I'm doing.' Born in New York, Mayers was exposed to the military from a young age. Both his father and brother served, the former as a Marine and the latter in the Army. At 17, he was awarded a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps scholarship to Princeton, and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. In 1958 — just a few years before the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War — he began serving in the Marine Corps. He remained in active duty until 1966, and earned the rank of major. But Mayers ended up radically changing course and resigning his commission. In a 2007 New Mexican article, Mayers pointed to the Gulf of Tonkin incident as a disillusioning experience that led him to his life of activism. But at other times, he looked back even further. More than a dozen of his family members had perished in the Holocaust, he said in a 2013 New Mexican article. 'The lesson I took from that is, no one should ever be oppressed,' he said at the time. Jay Coghlan, executive director of Nuclear Watch New Mexico, said he met Mayers in the small world of anti-nuclear activism. The veteran was always modest, Coghlan said. "What impressed me so much was that he came back and resigned his commission, out of out of conscience," Coghlan said. "That, of course, destroyed his career. It was over. But, therefore, I feel that Ken was just a person of high integrity." Mayers moved to Northern New Mexico more than 25 years ago. His wife, Elizabeth Mayers, died of cancer several years after the couple moved to Santa Fe. He is survived by his partner, Pam Gilchrist; children, Bill Mayers and Catherine Fenner; a brother and sister-in-law; and several nieces, nephews and grandchildren, according to his obituary. After his military career, Mayers taught political science and economics at Bennington College. He later moved into the private sector; in 2017, he was honored as the "longest tenured team member" of TAG Alliances. "We are indebted personally to Ken for his unfailing support, loyalty, mentorship and wise counsel, particularly during the transition of the organization to us," a 2017 post said. "His passion and enthusiasm is contagious, and he continues to inspire us on a daily basis." Change, Mayers once told The New Mexican, could only happen over time — and isn't guaranteed. Nevertheless, Mayers stalwartly continued his regular protests. That's where his celebration of his life will be held — at the weekly haunt at Sandoval and West Alameda streets. 'There's a chance — and I grant it's a slim chance — that over time we will effect change,' Mayers said in 2013. 'I've been at this 45, 46, 47 years. I can't say I've seen a helluva lot of progress. But I feel like I have to keep doing it." The vigil in Mayers' memory will be held at noon April 4. A lunch and hybrid service will be held afterward at Unitarian Universalist, 107 W. Barcelona St.
