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Reporter’s Note: This story is Part II of a two-part series.KENNETT SQUARE — Rockhopper, a limited partnership in Pennsylvania, presented its proposal to build nearly 300 apartments and townhouses at the National Vulcanized Fiber (NVF) site before a packed town hall at Kennett Library earlier this month.Residents have expressed both environmental safety and traffic impact concerns [...]
Dibba scores 19 in Southern Illinois' 73-70 win against Southern IndianaDavante Adams Throws Shade At Raiders After Being Asked About Struggles With JetsA mum showed no emotion when a social worker discovered she had kept her daughter hidden in a drawer under her bed for years. When the social worker saw the girl sitting in the drawer, she asked the mother whether that was where she kept her daughter. The mum confirmed this was the case - but showed no emotion. A court heard this concerned the social worker who realised hers was likely to have been the only other face the child had ever seen - other than her mother's - as she had been in the drawer for three years . The cruel mother, who cannot be named to protect the identity of her child, admitted four counts of child cruelty, reflecting her failure to seek basic medical care for the child, abandonment, malnourishment and general neglect. The parent, from Chester, was jailed earlier this week for seven years and six months . As a result of her mother's torture, the child has never had a birthday present, a Christmas present or anything to recognise her three years of life. Yet, the motive for her mum's behaviour remains unclear. Sentencing the woman at Chester Crown Court, Honorary Recorder of Chester Judge Steven Everett said: "The consequences for [the child] were nothing short of catastrophic - physically, psychologically and socially." He said the infant was an "intelligent little girl who is now perhaps slowly coming to life from what was almost a living death in that room". In an interview, the woman told police she had not known she was pregnant and was "really scared" when she gave birth in March 2020. She said the baby was not kept in the drawer under the bed all the time and said the drawer was never closed, but told officers the child was "not part of the family". She told social workers she had an abusive relationship with the child's father and did not want him to find out about her. But it meant the girl had no interaction with her siblings, and hadn't known daylight or fresh air in her first three years of life. The cruelty was only uncovered in February 2023 when the then partner of her mother heard her cry from the bedroom when he was home alone. After he alerted Cheshire Police and social services, authorities attended the address to find the youngster with matted hair, deformities and rashes. The court also heard the woman did not seek medical assistance for the child's cleft palate and did not give her adequate food and water, feeding her milky Weetabix through a syringe. The child's foster carer revealed that the youngster heartbreakingly wasn't aware of her own name. The statement read: "It became very apparent she did not know her own name when we called her." A social worker said she saw the child sitting in the drawer and asked the mother whether that was where she kept her daughter. "She replied matter of factly 'yes, in the drawer'," the social worker said. "I was shocked the mother did not show any emotion and appeared blasé about the situation. It became an overwhelming horror that I was probably the only other face (the child) had seen apart from her mother's." Sion ap Mihangel, prosecuting, said: "She was kept in a drawer in the bedroom, not taken outside, not socialised, no interaction with anybody else." He told the court the child had a developmental age of nought to 10 months when she was first taken into hospital and was significantly malnourished and dehydrated. Senior crown prosecutor Rachel Worthington, of CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: "This child has never had a birthday present, a Christmas present or anything to recognise these days. She's had no interaction with any of her siblings. She hadn't known daylight or fresh air and didn't respond to her own name when she was first found." She added: "The motive behind the mother's behaviour is still not clear, but that is not the role of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Our job is to bring the person responsible to justice. That has now been done and it is the profound hope of the CPS that the victim in this case recovers sufficiently to live as full a life as possible."
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Special counsel moves to abandon election interference and classified documents cases against Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith moved to abandon two criminal cases against Donald Trump on Monday, acknowledging that Trump’s return to the White House will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him for retaining classified documents Alanna Durkin Richer, Eric Tucker And Chris Megerian, The Associated Press Nov 25, 2024 1:47 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message President-elect Donald Trump gestures after speaking during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith moved to abandon two criminal cases against Donald Trump on Monday, acknowledging that Trump’s return to the White House will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him for retaining classified documents or trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. The decision was inevitable, since longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Yet it was still a momentous finale to an unprecedented chapter in political and law enforcement history, as federal officials attempted to hold accountable a former president while he was simultaneously running for another term. Trump emerges indisputably victorious, having successfully delayed the investigations through legal maneuvers and then winning re-election despite indictments that described his actions as a threat to the country's constitutional foundations. “I persevered, against all odds, and WON," Trump exulted in a post on Truth Social, his social media website. He also said that “these cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless, and should never have been brought.” The judge in the election case granted prosecutors' dismissal request. A decision in the documents case was still pending on Monday afternoon. The outcome makes it clear that, when it comes to a president and criminal accusations, nothing supersedes the voters' own verdict. In court filings, Smith's team emphasized that the move to end their prosecutions was not a reflection of the merit of the cases but a recognition of the legal shield that surrounds any commander in chief. “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind,” prosecutors said in one of their filings. They wrote that Trump’s return to the White House “sets at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: on the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law.” In this situation, “the Constitution requires that this case be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated,” they concluded. Smith’s team said it was leaving intact charges against two co-defendants in the classified documents case — Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira — because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” Steven Cheung, Trump's incoming White House communications director, said Americans “want an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and we look forward to uniting our country.” Trump has long described the investigations as politically motivated, and he has vowed to fire Smith as soon as he takes office in January. Now he will start his second term free from criminal scrutiny by the government that he will lead. The election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing Trump as he tried to reclaim the White House. He was indicted for plotting to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in 2020, an effort that climaxed with his supporters' violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. But the case quickly stalled amid legal fighting over Trump’s sweeping claims of immunity from prosecution for acts he took while in the White House. The U.S. Supreme Court in July ruled for the first time that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution, and sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to determine which allegations in the indictment, if any, could proceed to trial. The case was just beginning to pick up steam again in the trial court in the weeks leading up to this year’s election. Smith’s team in October filed a lengthy brief laying out new evidence they planned to use against him at trial, accusing him of “resorting to crimes” in an increasingly desperate effort to overturn the will of voters after he lost to Biden. In dismissing the case, Chutkan acknowledged prosecutors' request to do so “without prejudice,” raising the possibility that they could try to bring charges against Trump when his term is over. She wrote that is “consistent with the Government’s understanding that the immunity afforded to a sitting President is temporary, expiring when they leave office.” But such a move may be barred by the statute of limitations, and Trump may also try to pardon himself while in office. immunity afforded to a sitting President is temporary, expiring when they leave office. The separate case involving classified documents had been widely seen as legally clear cut, especially because the conduct in question occurred after Trump left the White House and lost the powers of the presidency. The indictment included dozens of felony counts accusing him of illegally hoarding classified records from his presidency at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and obstructing federal efforts to get them back. He has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. The case quickly became snarled by delays, with U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon slow to issue rulings — which favored Trump’s strategy of pushing off deadlines in all his criminal cases — while also entertaining defense motions and arguments that experts said other judges would have dispensed with without hearings. In May, she indefinitely canceled the trial date amid a series of unresolved legal issues before dismissing the case outright two months later. Smith’s team appealed the decision, but now has given up that effort. Trump faced two other state prosecutions while running for president. One them, a New York case involving hush money payments, resulted in a conviction on felony charges of falsifying business records. It was the first time a former president had been found guilty of a crime. The sentencing in that case is on hold as Trump's lawyers try to have the conviction dismissed before he takes office, arguing that letting the verdict stand will interfere with his presidential transition and duties. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office is fighting the dismissal but has indicated that it would be open to delaying sentencing until Trump leaves office. Bragg, a Democrat, has said the solution needs to balance the obligations of the presidency with “the sanctity of the jury verdict." Trump was also indicted in Georgia along with 18 others accused of participating in a sprawling scheme to illegally overturn the 2020 presidential election there. Any trial appears unlikely there while Trump holds office. The prosecution already was on hold after an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Four defendants have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors. Trump and the others have pleaded not guilty. ___ Associated Press writers Colleen Long, Michael Sisak and Lindsay Whitehurst contributed to this story. Alanna Durkin Richer, Eric Tucker And Chris Megerian, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More World News Judge in LA delays until January decision on resentencing Menendez brothers Nov 25, 2024 2:02 PM White Florida woman sentenced to 25 years in prison for shooting Black neighbor in lengthy dispute Nov 25, 2024 2:02 PM Judge rejects request to sideline a San Jose State volleyball player on grounds she’s transgender Nov 25, 2024 12:29 PM Featured Flyer
Fishing changes angling for troubleKamala Harris could already have an opponent if she runs for Governor of California: 'I would destroy her' Caitlyn Jenner is mulling a bid for governor of California as a Republican Sign up for the latest with DailyMail.com's U.S. politics newsletter By SARAH EWALL-WICE, SENIOR U.S. POLITICAL REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM IN WASHINGTON, DC Published: 21:46, 25 November 2024 | Updated: 21:48, 25 November 2024 e-mail 3 View comments As Vice President Kamala Harris considers her next move after her brutal presidential election defeat, she could face a well-known opponent should she run for governor. The defeated Democratic presidential nominee is reportedly mulling a bid for governor in her home state of California as she prepares to leave office in January. Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited, so the governor seat will be open in 2026. But celebrity Caitlyn Jenner , a well-known Trump supporter, is also hinting at a bid for governor. 'If I ran, and it was ultimately against Harris, I would destroy her,' the transgender former Olympian wrote on X. Jenner previously ran for governor as a Republican replacement in the recall election against Newsom in 2021, but she received just one percent of the vote. But lately, Jenner has been dropping hints she will run again in the regular 2026 election for governor. Reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner claims if she runs as a Republican against Kamala Harris for governor of California she would 'destroy her' Jenner is a vocal supporter of Trump, who proudly voted for him in the 2024 election despite the president-elect demonizing transgender people as part of his campaign messaging. The reality TV star referred to her last failed bid for governor in a recent post 'Should we do it again? Have been getting a lot of calls with a lot of strong opinions. Newscum is out in 2026.' The day after the presidential election was called for Trump, she posted a picture of her with the president-elect and supporter Elon Musk, writing 'Hope is back in America.' But Jenner's political ambitions and hopes to take on Harris directly would be a long stretch in California, which is a blue state. Caitlyn Jenner speaking at a news conference as she ran in the recall election against Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021. The recall effort failed and Jenner received only 1 percent of support as a replacement Jenner suggesting she would run against Kamala Harris for governor For one, it's not clear Harris will make a play for governor or if she could potentially run for president again in 2028. Advisers and allies said they have been instructed by the vice president to 'keep her options open,' according to Politico. At the same time, winning liberal California statewide is an uphill climb for any Republican candidate. While Trump won the election, Harris won the state by more than 58 percent to Trump's 38 percent with more than 9.1 million votes to the president-elect's 5.9 million votes. But Republicans were able to gain grounds in The Golden State after President Biden won the state by more than 63 percent in 2020 and 11.1 million votes. Jenner has been a vocal supporter of Trump and posted this image of her with the president-elect and Elon Musk one day after his 2024 election victory Jenner noted the state has shifted more red in the most recent election. When it was pointed out that she could not win the recall election, the 75-year-old acknowledged the challenge. Recalls are quite different. Times are also quite different. But ofc point taken,' she wrote on X. But she is keeping followers on social media guessing writing on Monday in response to reports she is considering it 'MAKE CA GREAT AGAIN!' Politics Share or comment on this article: Kamala Harris could already have an opponent if she runs for Governor of California: 'I would destroy her' e-mail Add comment
BEIRUT (AP) — Israel's military launched airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, unleashing explosions throughout the country and killing at least 12 while Israeli leaders appeared to be closing in on a negotiated ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group. Israeli strikes hit commercial and residential buildings in Beirut as well as in the port city of Tyre. Military officials said they targeted areas known as Hezbollah strongholds. They issued evacuation orders for Beirut's southern suburbs, and strikes landed across the city, including meters from a Lebanese police base and the city's largest public park. The barrage came as officials indicated they were nearing agreement on a ceasefire, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet prepared to discuss an offer on the table. Airstrikes kill at least 12 Massive explosions lit up Lebanon's skies with flashes of orange, sending towering plumes of smoke into the air as Israeli airstrikes pounded Beirut’s southern suburbs Monday. The blasts damaged buildings and left shattered glass and debris scattered across nearby streets. No casualties were reported after many residents fled the targeted sites. Some of the strikes landed close to central Beirut and near Christian neighborhoods and other targets where Israel had issued evacuation warnings, including in Tyre and Nabatieh province. Israeli airstrikes also hit the northeast Baalbek-Hermel region without warning. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Monday that at least 12 people were killed in the strikes in the Tyre province, adding to the more than 3,700 people in Lebanon who have been killed since Israel launched its invasion two months ago. Many of those killed since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah have been civilians , and health officials said some of the recovered bodies were so severely damaged that DNA testing would be required to confirm their identities. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Lebanon's Health Ministry says the war has displaced 1.2 million people. The latest round of airstrikes came weeks after Israeli ground forces invaded southern Lebanon in early October, meeting heavy resistance in a narrow strip of land along the border. The military had previously exchanged attacks across the border with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group that began firing rockets into Israel the day after the war in Gaza began last year. Lebanese politicians have decried the ongoing airstrikes and said they are impeding U.S.-led ceasefire negotiations. The country's deputy parliament speaker accused Israel of ramping up its bombardment in order to pressure Lebanon to make concessions in indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah. Elias Bousaab, an ally of the militant group, said Monday that the pressure has increased because “we are close to the hour that is decisive regarding reaching a ceasefire.” Hopes grow for a ceasefire Israeli officials voiced similar optimism Monday about prospects for a ceasefire. Mike Herzog, the country's ambassador to Washington, earlier in the day told Israeli Army Radio that several points had yet to be finalized. Though any deal would require agreement from the government, Herzog said Israel and Hezbollah were “close to a deal." “It can happen within days,” he said. Israeli officials have said the sides are close to an agreement that would include withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and a pullback of Hezbollah fighters from the Israeli border. But several sticking points remain. Two Israeli officials told The Associated Press that Netanyahu’s security Cabinet had scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, but they said it remained unclear whether the Cabinet would vote to approve the deal. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing internal deliberations. Danny Danon, Israel’s U.N. ambassador, told reporters Monday that he expected a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah to have stages and to be discussed by leaders Monday or Tuesday. Still, he warned, “it’s not going to happen overnight.” After previous hopes for a ceasefire were dashed, U.S. officials cautioned that negotiations were not yet complete and noted that there could be last-minute hitches that either delay or destroy an agreement. "Nothing is done until everything is done," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Monday. The proposal under discussion to end the fighting calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. The withdrawals would be accompanied by an influx of thousands more Lebanese army troops, who have been largely sidelined in the war, to patrol the border area along with an existing U.N. peacekeeping force . Western diplomats and Israeli officials said Israel is demanding the right to strike in Lebanon if it believes Hezbollah is violating the terms. The Lebanese government has said that such an arrangement would authorize violations of the country's sovereignty. A ceasefire could mark a step toward ending the regionwide war that ballooned after Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250 . The lack of a ceasefire has emerged as a political liability for Israeli leaders including Netanyahu, particularly while 60,000 Israelis remain away from their homes in the country's north after more than a year of cross-border violence. Hezbollah rockets have reached as far south into Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers died fighting in the ground offensive in Lebanon. The Israeli military said about 250 projectiles were fired Sunday, with some intercepted. A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the strongest of Iran’s armed proxies , is expected to significantly calm regional tensions that have led to fears of a direct, all-out war between Israel and Iran. It’s not clear how the ceasefire will affect the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Hezbollah had long insisted that it would not agree to a ceasefire until the war in Gaza ends, but it dropped that condition. While the proposal is expected to be approved if Netanyahu brings it to a vote in his security Cabinet, one hard-line member, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, said he would oppose it. He said on X that a deal with Lebanon would be a “big mistake” and a “missed historic opportunity to eradicate Hezbollah.” If the ceasefire talks fail, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said, “it will mean more destruction and more and more animosity and more dehumanization and more hatred and more bitterness.” Speaking at a G7 meeting in Fiuggi, Italy, the last summit of its kind before U.S. President Joe Biden leaves office, Safadi said such a failure "will doom the future of the region to more conflict and more killing and more destruction.” Federman reported from Jerusalem and Metz from Rabat, Morocco. Associated Press writers Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Nicole Winfield in Fiuggi, Italy, and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report. Find more of AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Happy Birthday for Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024: You are complex. You are playful, warm and friendly, but you are also intense and impulsive. You care. This is a slower paced year. Focus on your closest relationships and make sure you are with people who have your back. Take time to rejuvenate yourself. The stars show the kind of day you’ll have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult ARIES (March 21-April 19)  Be patient with children and young people in the morning, because they might annoy you or test you in some way, especially by refusing to accept responsibility for something. Or perhaps their values differ from yours. Tonight: Welcome support. TAURUS (April 20-May 20)  Minor disputes or spats with partners, spouses and close friends might occur this morning. This is natural if there is tension in the air. Fortunately, these people will help and support you later in the day. Tonight: Agreement. GEMINI (May 21-June 20)  Squabbles about work, duties and possibly a pet might annoy you this morning. Nevertheless, after this happens, you will be productive in all your efforts because you’re willing to do whatever is necessary to make things work. In fact, it will all unfold with dignity and tradition. Tonight: You’re organized. CANCER (June 21-July 22)  Difficulties with your kids or younger people who are present might be a challenge this morning. For some of you, this difficulty will be with a romantic partner. Fortunately, this is temporary. The rest of the day will be a delight in pageantry and tradition that all will welcome. Tonight: Socialize! LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)  In your zeal to make this day unfold according to your hopes and plans, you might be at odds with a parent or a family member this morning. Let this go. Move on. In fact, everyone will respect traditional ways of doing things and be willing to put their wishes second to the needs of the group. Tonight: Relax. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)  You might feel irritated this morning because you have a lot on your plate. Unexpected guests or news from family members you haven’t seen for a while might catch you off guard. Fortunately, you will rise to the task and keep things orderly and practical. Planning always pays off. Tonight: Conversations! LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)  Morning squabbles with a friend or a group, perhaps about money or possessions, might irritate you. Fortunately, whatever the problem is it will be resolved. Later in the day, you feel calm, in control and capable of running everything smoothly. Tonight: Everything’s orderly. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)  Someone might challenge you this morning, especially an authority figure who tries to get in your way. (Bad move.) Later in the day, things will flow smoothly, and you will take on chores and duties with grace and a willing acceptance of duty. Tonight: You win! SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)  Ignore worries and challenges with travel or controversial politics this morning. Everything will come together in one way or another. By the end of the day, with the sun in your sign and your strong sense of duty, you will be pleased with how this day unfolds. Tonight: Quiet times. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)  Squabbles about shared values, shared costs and inheritances might be a challenge to your morning. However, there is no sign that reveres tradition more than you. Furthermore, you have unwavering family values. Tonight: Friendships. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)  Don’t let morning squabbles with partners, friends, parents or bosses ruin your day. It’s not going to happen. Au contraire! Today you will be respected because of the unflagging energy and support you are giving to everyone. You will spare no effort. Tonight: You’re noticed. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)  Steer clear of controversial subjects or travel problems this morning. You need to stay calm and clear today, which you will, because you’re willing to put your own comfort second so that everything comes off in a way that pleases everyone. Tonight: Explore! — King Features Syndicate Get local news delivered to your inbox!Just weeks after voters cast ballots in a presidential election many described as the most critical of their lifetime, another highly anticipated contest looms. Two candidates — both political newcomers — have jumped in, announcing they intend to enter the 2025 race to be the next mayor of Santa Fe. Tarin Nix, a political consultant and deputy commissioner of public affairs for the State Land Office, has launched an initiative called "Fix Our City Different," which she describes as a precursor to a mayoral campaign. Meanwhile, Oscar Rodriguez, a former Taos town manager and Santa Fe finance director, announced his candidacy this week in an op-ed published in The New Mexican . But elected officials, some of whom have been named as potential mayoral candidates or have expressed interest in the race, remain reluctant to publicly declare whether they have decided to run. Some said in September they were focused on the general election and weren't yet prepared to make a decision about next year's municipal election. One of them was Mayor Alan Webber, who is in his second term. Asked recently if he plans to seek a third term in office, Webber said it was still too early to comment. "We're still recovering from the general election," he said. Official filing deadlines for the 2025 local election won't come until summer. If Webber chooses to run, however, other contenders likely will need a significant amount of time to raise campaign funds and build name recognition. In 2021, Webber raised almost $500,000 — a record for the office. Rodriguez said in an interview he chose to declare his candidacy for mayor now because he believes he will need a long runway to get his name out there. "I just don't have the level of ID that others might have, particularly those who are on the [City] Council already," he said. City Councilor Carol Romero-Wirth — whose District 2 seat also is up for election in November 2025 — declined to comment in September on whether she plans to seek the higher office; like Webber, she cited a focus on the general election. She did not respond to multiple requests for comment this week on whether she plans to run for reelection or make a bid for mayor. Fellow District 2 Councilor Michael Garcia, whose political future has been the subject of significant speculation, said in September he was "seriously considering running" for mayor. More recently, however, he said it was too early for him to discuss any plans. Garcia, reelected to a second term in November 2023, wouldn't have to give up his council seat to run for mayor. In a statement last week, Garcia said it was an "honor" to be discussed as a potential candidate. "I will always fight to ensure that residents have a local government that represents them and their interests," he said. "I am still in the process of taking the necessary time with my family to make this important decision." Nix and Rodriguez have both framed their decision to enter the mayor's race around a desire to improve what they described as inadequate or failing city services. Nix released a video earlier this month detailing her Fix Our City Different initiative and describing what she sees as problems with city services as stemming from "a lack of will." "A majority of our issues could have been solved with real leadership and common sense," she said. Rodriguez wrote in his op-ed his campaign that getting basic city services right "only improves the quality of life of our community, it also builds the muscle to tackle bigger, more complex issues." He said in an interview he hopes people will be ready for a race focused on issues. He cited a quote from famed Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi. After taking over the team, Lombardi said he would turn it around not by making drastic changes or replacing the players but by becoming "brilliant at the basics." Rodriguez said the city needs more focus on maintenance and a system for addressing potholes and other problems as they arise. "A big part of delivering quality services is to prevent problems coming up in the first place," he said. He also expressed concern about high-level job vacancies at the city, which currently lacks a permanent city manager and community development director. Rodriguez served as the city's finance director for nearly two years, leaving in 2016 for a new job at the New Mexico Finance Authority, where he has remained since then. He believes he would be able to hit the ground running. "I'm confident I would be able to step into this role and make a significant immediate impact on morale, on transparency in the organization, on the quality of the services, etc.," he said. Nix had similar sentiments about improving city services. "If we can't do the basic functions of City Hall — which are infrastructure, roads, transportation, public safety, public health — then how do we get to really big ideas that move our community forward?" she said in an interview. She pointed to a recent, brief lapse of the city's contract with the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society as evidence the city would be "hard-pressed" to say it is delivering basic services. She said the response to Fix Our City Different has been positive. "I think people are ready for a change." A website for the initiative will publish weekly videos about different issues affecting Santa Fe and allow people to self-report problems with things like sewer lines, roads, noise and light pollution. "The whole premise is that this is not political," Nix said. "This is really about how you deliver good government, and if you do it correctly, there shouldn't be this political undertone that exists right now in our city." Four city councilors' seats are also up for election in November. So far, only District 3 Councilor Lee Garcia has said he plans to run again. Signe Lindell in District 1, Romero-Wirth in District 2 and Amanda Chavez in District 4 did not respond to requests for comment. Some people who ran unsuccessfully for council seats in 2023 signaled they may be open to running again. Joel Nava, who lost a District 4 challenge against Councilor Jamie Cassutt, said he is exploring the possibility of another run but probably won't make a decision until spring. "I'm still disappointed with this administration, and I do feel that change is still needed, now more than ever," he said. Katherine Rivera, one of four candidates in last year's District 1 race, said she is exploring the possibility of running again and will make a decision in the new year. "I am definitely a potential candidate," Rivera said. Brian Gutierrez, a District 1 contender in both 2021 and 2023, said his decision will hinge on who else declares a candidacy. "If there’s a good candidate out there, then I will stay out. If nothing looks appealing, then I’ll probably throw my hat in the ring," he said Monday. He added, "I’m hoping somebody good jumps in, because I’m busy." Geno Zamora, the district's best-funded candidate in 2023, who lost to Alma Castro, said it's "too early to know anything." Phil Lucero, who ran unsuccessfully against Michael Garcia in District 2 last year, declined to comment.
WAKE RADIOLOGY’S DR. RAJ B. GONDALIA NAMED TO INAUGURAL RADIOLOGY BUSINESS 40 UNDER 40 LIST
Democrats plan to elect new party leader just days after Trump's inauguration