Press Releases

Press release: Bingaman talks FAA reauthorization bill

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today talked about a bill currently before the Senate to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration. Bingaman’s remarks can be retrieved by going to his website or clicking on the following link:

http://bingaman.senate.gov/mediaasset/bingaman020612m.mp3

00:00 – Bingaman talks about the FAA reauthorization bill before the Senate.

02:31 – Bingaman talks about the future of nuclear power in the United States.

04:22 – Bingaman talks about the effects of natural gas prices on renewable energy development.

06:20 – Bingaman comments on the state’s ongoing debate on allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.

07:40 - Bingaman talks about other issues on the Senate agenda, including a bill to extend the payroll tax cut.

Press release: Naming competition for baby giraffe

On January 25, 2012, a baby was born to Jael, our Rothschild giraffe.  The 6 feet, 120 lb. female calf is receiving around the clock care from the zoo staff.  Future plans for the baby include the construction of a runway that will lead to the giraffe enclosure.  Also, as the weather begins to warm up, the Zoo hopes to be able to allow the public to view her. 

 “Because she was much anticipated by the public, the Parks & Recreation Department would like for the community to name her.  I wish to hold a citywide contest to name the baby.  The winner of the contest will have their name on a plaque and receive a family year pass to the zoo,” advised Parks & Recreation Director Bill Bizzell on Thursday.  Clovis residents wishing to submit written nominations for the name of the baby giraffe should send these together with their contact information (name, address and phone number/e-mail)  to the Clovis Parks & Recreation Department at 500 Sycamore, Clovis, NM 88101 between Monday, February 6th, 2012 and 5:00 p.m., Monday, February 29th, 2012.   

Should you have any questions regarding this, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (575) 769-7870.

Press release: Ribbon cutting set for dog park

The City of Clovis will be holding a ribbon cutting for the new dog park area at Hillcrest Park at 12:30 p.m., Monday, February 6th, 2012.

Clovis Parks & Recreation Director Mr. Bill Bizzell advises that the dog park consists of two areas, one for large and one for smaller dogs. There are park benches, fire hydrants and “mutt mitts” in the area. The project was completed at the cost of $50,000. “We are very pleased to have the dog park area up and running” advised Clovis Mayor Gayla Brumfield Thursday. “It is a wonderful addition to our parks system”.

“I think the dog park is a great place for people to get out and exercise their pet, especially the large dogs who have a lot of energy. I am really impressed with the amount of thought and planning that went into its design and construction”, advised Linda Cross of the High Plains Humane Society.

“The dog park is a great place for pet owners to take their dogs for exercise and socialization” advised Clovis veterinarian Dr. David Hudson Thursday. “As a veterinarian I am concerned about their safety. There is plenty of shade and level terrain for them to play on. The city has established a set of rules for users of the park and if followed should provide a safe and fun environment for our pets.”

Should you have any questions regarding this, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (575) 769-7828.

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Udall: USDA Pilot Program to Help Rural N.M. Homeowners

WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will launch a new Single Family Housing Guaranteed Rural Refinance Pilot Program in New Mexico to help rural borrowers refinance their mortgages.

Currently, approximately 2,000 New Mexico families are enrolled in the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Program. They are now eligible to refinance their homes at a lower interest rate and reduce their monthly mortgage payments. To take part in the new pilot program, rural residents are encouraged to contact their banks.

“I applaud the Obama Administration for expanding their homeowner assistance programs in New Mexico,” Udall said.  “The money that this program will save makes a big difference to families trying to make ends meet and struggling to stay in their homes.  I am working with USDA to see that the initiative helps New Mexico’s rural communities as much as possible.”

To be eligible under this pilot, borrowers must have made their mortgage payments on time for 12 consecutive months. They do not have to obtain new credit reports, property inspections or home appraisals.  Refinanced loans must be at rates below the original interest rate. Terms cannot exceed 30 years.  No cash out is permitted to the borrower.

Governor Susana Martinez announces arrest in Mexico of alleged fugitive child killer Noe Torres

SANTA FE – Today, Governor Susana Martinez and District Attorney Matt Chandler stood with the family of murdered 10-year old Carlos Perez to announce that fugitive murder suspect Noe Torres has been arrested in Chihuahua, Mexico and is awaiting extradition. Torres is wanted for the September 15, 2005 murder of Perez in Clovis, New Mexico. He has been on the run since Perez was shot while sleeping in the middle of the night, believed to have been hiding out in a Mexican religious compound.

On January 18th, Torres wrote a letter to Governor Martinez requesting that she provide assistance in dropping the murder charges against him. The next day, Martinez met with District Attorney Chandler, who provided her with information about where authorities believed Torres to be located in Mexico, as well as details about previous activity in the case. Later that evening, Martinez met with Chihuahua Governor Cesar Duarte prior to an economic development summit that was held in Pojoaque and provided him with all relevant details on the case – including the address at which Torres was believed to be hiding, photos of the hideout, and his mug shot. She asked Governor Duarte to provide the information to Mexican law enforcement officials and for his help in securing the arrest of the suspected killer.

After more than six years of evading capture, while law enforcement officials at the state and federal level worked to keep the case alive and bring Torres to justice, Torres was arrested in Chihuahua, Mexico on January 25th at approximately 2:00 PM.

“I want to thank Governor Duarte and Mexican law enforcement agents for helping to capture this suspected child-killer so that he can face the justice he deserves. We have worked to build a strong relationship with our neighbors in Mexico that is not only helping to create jobs along the border, but is also capable of promoting public safety and cooperation on both sides,” said Martinez. “This is a tragic case of a peaceful child killed in his sleep and a family that continues to grieve his loss. Collectively, we have worked together to send a loud message that our families deserve to be safe and those who terrorize them will face stiff punishment.”

Martinez also praised the United States Marshal's office and New Mexico U.S. Marshal Conrad Candelaria for all the work the Marshal's office did to make this arrest possible.

Torres has been featured on “America’s Most Wanted,” and his accomplice in the crime, Edward Salas, is on the U.S. Marshal’s 15 Most Wanted List. Salas was convicted of first degree murder, among other crimes, and is currently on the run after escaping with seven other prisoners from the Curry County Detention Center while awaiting transport to the state penitentiary. Of the eight prisoners who escaped, only Salas remains at large as he attempts to outrun his 56-year prison sentence.

In addition to Edward Salas and Noe Torres, Orlando Salas pled guilty as a serious youthful offender to accessory to first degree murder, tampering with evidence, and conspiracy to commit first degree murder. Demetrio Salas was convicted of first degree murder, shooting at a dwelling, tampering with evidence, and intimidation of a witness. David Griego was convicted of second degree murder.

“It’s been over six years since Carlos was murdered and his family has suffered tremendously as they wait for justice in this matter and the prosecution of the final alleged murderer. We are grateful that within six days of Governor Martinez’s meeting with Governor Duarte, Noe Torres is in custody and will be held accountable for his actions,” said 9th Judicial District Attorney Matt Chandler, who frequently received taunting phone calls from Torres over the past few years. “Each time I spoke with him, I told him that we would never forget what happened to Carlos and that we were confident he would be found and brought to justice.”

Torres, who calls himself “Lil Loco,” is currently in jail awaiting extradition from Mexico.

Press release: Udall talks STOCK Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) today discussed the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act on his weekly radio call. Udall also talked about the Ultralight Aircraft Smuggling Prevention Act, which is headed to the President for his signature. Click here for audio.

Below is a timeline of Senator Udall’s remarks:

00:00 – Udall opens the conversation by giving an update of final passage of the Ultralight Aircraft Smuggling Prevention Act, which he worked on with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. In addition he gives his thoughts on the STOCK Act being debated on the Senate floor this week.

2:44 – Answers questions on the STOCK Act and discusses the process moving forward to ensure the bill passes the Senate.

4:43 – Talks about his expectations regarding debate on the payroll tax, unemployment benefits and tax extenders, which expire at the end of February.

7:15 – Highlights growing support for campaign finance reform through a constitutional amendment. Notes that since the Citizens United decision, special interest funding in campaigns has gone up 1,600 percent.

Press release: Missing-Endangered-Caution Person Advisory (picture attached)

Curry County – On behalf of the Curry County Sheriff’s Department please note that the following person is considered a Missing-Endangered-Caution Person.

Robert J. Gutierrez was last seen in Clovis on 01-27-12. Gutierrez is a 45 year old hispanic male with brown hair and brown eyes. Gutierrez is 5’8” tall and weighs 176 pounds.

Robert J. Gutierrez has been diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis with cavitary lung disease. Gutierrez should be presumed to be infectious and should be placed in airborne isolation.

Please call 911 or the Curry County Sheriff’s Department at (575) 769-2335 if you have any information about Robert J. Gutierrez.

Press release: Roch bill gives tax break to retired military

Military retirees in living in New Mexico may see their state income tax burden reduced under a bill introduced this week in the State House by Representative Dennis Roch (R-Texico).

House Bill 162 proposes to exempt twenty-five percent of a retiree’s military pension income from the state’s personal income tax, with that percentage increasing to fifty percent, seventy-five percent, and ultimately one hundred percent over time.

“Not only do our men and women in uniform defend our freedom, they also make significant contributions to our communities,” Roch noted. “It’s time we honor their service to New Mexico and the nation by allowing them to keep every penny they’ve earned through their selfless service.”

The exemption would apply to retirees from all branches of the armed forces. In addition to New Mexico natives who served a career in the armed forces before returning to the state, Curry and Roosevelt Counties are home to a number of military retirees, many of whom chose to remain in New Mexico after concluding their active duty service at Cannon AFB.

Press release: Bingaman talks Senate agenda

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today talked about some of the issues on the agenda for the second session of the 112th Congress. Bingaman’s remarks can be retrieved by going to his website or clicking on the following link:

http://bingaman.senate.gov/mediaasset/bingaman012312m.mp3

00:00 – Bingaman talks about tomorrow’s State of the Union Address and about some of the issues on the agenda for the second session of the 112th Congress.

02:18 – Bingaman comments on the Obama Administrations decision regarding the Keystone XL pipeline.

04:28 – Bingaman talks about issues, he believes, can be address in the second session of the 112th Congress.

06:08 – Bingaman comments on the Protect IP Act that is being talked aboutin the Senate.

07:30 - Bingaman comments on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement.

09:11 – Bingaman says he hopes to get some energy bills passed before the end of the Congress.

10:18 - Bingaman comments on a provision in the defense authorization bill that deals with the detention of U.S. citizens and terror suspects on U.S. soil.

Press release: Udall talks Bataan recognition, Iraq withdrawal

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) talked with radio reporters today about the Senate's passage of legislation he introduced to help improve border security by cracking down on smugglers who use ultralight aircraft to bring drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border. Udall also previewed a bill he plans to re-introduce this week that would award Bataan Death March survivors the Congressional Gold Medal. In addition, he discussed the final troop withdrawals from Iraq and the end of the war. For the audio, click here.

Below is a timeline of Senator Udall’s remarks:

00:00 – Udall opens the conversation by noting the passage of his bill to close a loophole for drug smugglers who use ultralight aircrafts to bring drugs across the border. He also talks about a bill he will introduce this week to recognize Bataan Death March Survivors with a Congressional Gold Medal. He also gave comments on the final troop withdrawal from Iraq.

05:15 – Responds to a question on his ultralight aircrafts bill.

07:03 – Discusses the various provisions the Senate must take up before the year’s end.

09:15 – Stresses the importance of protecting the Social Security trust fund.