Monday morning briefing: Richardson wants input

Good morning. Welcome to Freedom New Mexico’s Monday morning briefing.

Governor wants your opinion

Gov. Bill Richardson wants public input before deciding whether to sign, veto or partially veto bills aimed at addressing a $650 million budget shortfall.

The Associated Press reported lawmakers wrapped up a special session Friday and sent the bills to the governor. The package includes spending cuts of about $253 million this year in public schools, colleges and other government programs.

State agencies were trimmed by at least 2 percent, while the agencies directly under the governor took a much bigger hit at 7.6 percent.

The Legislature’s plan also requires the governor to eliminate 102 positions held by political appointees.

Here’s how to contact the governor’s office:

http://www.governor.state.nm.us/contact.php?mm=6

Web site of the day:

This is a Facebook group page for Floridians recently relocated to Clovis. Check out what they have to say about us:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=97897920658&ref=search&sid=1003560904.717635826

Something to do:

Yeah, yeah, Muleshoe is for the birds — about 8,000 to 10,000 at the moment.

That’s how many sandhill cranes are hanging around the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge.

The best time of day to see the cranes is either at sunrise or sunset, although park officials say sunrise is a little better.

It doesn't cost anything to go to the oldest wildlife refuge in Texas (founded in 1935), so here’s how to get there:

From Muleshoe, take Highway 214 south 20 miles before turning west on a caliche road for 2.25 miles to refuge headquarters.

Signs will lead the way.

— by Eric Butler

Question of the day:

What will you give trick-or-treaters this Halloween?

Candy? Books? Toothpaste?

Let us know by leaving a comment below.

A Baskett catch:

Clovis’ Hank Baskett caught his first pass as an Indianapolis Colt on Sunday.

The former Philadelphia Eagle has been playing on special teams since joining the Colts on Sept. 17, but he got a chance to make a mark with the high-powered Colts’ offense late in Sunday’s 42-6 win over the St. Louis Rams.

Baskett’s 5-yard reception came with 8:12 to play and gave the Colts a first down. The 11-play drive ended in a touchdown.

The Colts are 6-0.

— by David Stevens

Today’s weather:

It’s going to be partly cloudy with a high near 67, according to the National Weather Service.

We’ll have a north wind at 15-20 mph so better bring a jacket to work or school.

Tonight’s low will be around 44 with a west wind at 5-15 mph.

— by Argen Duncan