***News Alert: Some Red Light Cams Must Come Down

Big news today regarding New Mexico cities that use red light cameras. Take a look at this press release from the State's Department of Transportation saying red light cameras will not be allowed on state highways/federal interstates in city limits. This also impacts the speed vans.

State Transportation Commission Bans Use of Red-light Cameras on State and Federal Highways

CLOVIS – The New Mexico State Transportation Commission has unanimously approved a policy allowing the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) to restrict or completely prohibit the use of red-light cameras and mobile enforcement vans on any state roadway, highway or federal interstate under its jurisdiction in New Mexico.

The automated traffic enforcement devices, commonly known as “red-light cameras,” will still be allowed for use by local municipalities at their discretion, as long as they are not located on any NMDOT-regulated roadway in New Mexico.

The ban would apply to red-light cameras and mobile enforcement vans on state and federal roadways, such as:

• I-25 and I-40 in Albuquerque
• Coors Boulevard in Albuquerque
• Paseo del Norte in Albuquerque
• Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe
• St. Francis Road in Santa Fe
• St. Michael’s Road in Santa Fe
• U.S. 70 in Las Cruces
• S. Valley Drive and Avenida De Mesilla in Las Cruces

As more cities around New Mexico plan to install red-light cameras, the Transportation Commission indicated a growing concern because of an absence of convincing proof that the devices truly make the streets and highways safer for motorists.

“There seems to be many competing studies out there that make confusing claims about the efficacy of the devices currently in use,” said State Transportation Commission Chairman Johnny Cope. “While the true safety impact of the use of these cameras is still murky at best, one thing has become clear to the Commission—more and more New Mexico cities seem to be putting driver-generated revenues ahead of sound traffic management techniques; frankly, that concept really troubles me.”

Transportation Secretary Gary Girón said, “Any existing red-light cameras violating this new policy must be removed within 60 days of the implementation of the policy. NMDOT will work with each city on this issue; shutting down and ultimately removing the devices in a timely manner.”

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jeremyjojola.com

Dancing Around the Word "Quota"

Last night I aired a report about what appears to be a quota system within New Mexico State Police.

Check it out:



The NMSP administration is not calling what I found a "quota," but rather a "minimum performance standard."

Interesting.

That reminds me of the term Revenue Enhancements I hear often from politicians.
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jeremyjojola.com

Sad Email

UPDATE: If you would like to donate for the cost of the cremation, you can contact Danile's Funeral Home in Rio Rancho At: 505-891-9192.

I found out the name of the Veteran in this email below. According to Terrie, Marv Corradi likely died of lung cancer last month. He would have been 59 years old.

I just got this email from a woman named Terri. I have phone calls/emails to our local state agencies. If any of you readers have any suggestions for this woman, please let me know.

She told me the cremation cost would be 900 dollars (300 of it would be reimbursed by the Veteran's Administration) according to Terri.

The Email:

Recently, a very dear friend of mine passed away. He was a Vietnam Veteran, decorated and with 2 Purple Hearts, he suffered from PTSD and alcohol became a problem, at times he was homeless, like many veterans. He did not have much money, only what he got from his military service, he was very ill with cancer and had been declared 90-95% disabled by the VA. I am trying to get him cremated, as were his wishes, but as yet have been unable to do so. The government will pay only $300-after the cremation. So this man who served his country with dignity and respect lies waiting, for over 3 weeks now, as I try to find a way to put him to rest. Who do we talk to, where do we go? What government lets these honorable men be forgotten?

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jeremyjojola.com

McCormack's Apology after ABQ Comments

Just got an email from Mary McCormack about the statements she made on Chelsea Lately.

Below is her full statement.

Background: Here's the video link where McCormack appears to cringe about having to come back to Albuquerque. Towards the end of the show, McCormack says "it's true" when the host mentions that it's going to be "F***** Boring," in Albuquerque.


"I'm so sorry if I offended anyone with anything I said on Chelsea Lately.  Her show is acerbic and anarchic but still I never meant to hurt anyone's feelings. And its not even how I feel! I LOVE Albuquerque.  My children and I have lived here for four VERY happy years.  I consider it my home. I brought Craig Ferguson a mug from The Rattlesnake Museum and it's still on his desk, every night.  This city is cool and kind and has been wonderful to me and my family and In Plain Sight. I've said that in every interview I do, so I'm really sorry about my words on Chelsea's show." -Mary

McCormack also apologized on Jackie Tony and Donnie this morning here.

McCormack made it a point to say she has said plenty of good things to say about Albuquerque in past interviews.
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jeremyjojola.com

Snyder Family Statement

This morning, I received an email containing a family statement from Teri Johnson, the sister of Michael Snyder (background). Here's the whole statement:

On behalf of the Snyder family; I would like to make this statement.

We are deeply saddened by the recent events and discoveries. Mike Snyder was our loving son, brother and a great friend to many and he will be greatly missed.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the Albuquerque Police Dept. and the Albuquerque Fire Dept. and all others who in this past week have gone to extraordinary lengths to recover Mike’s remains. We particularly want to thank retired APS officer Kevin McCabe and Detective Mark Wilson who were instrumental in the efforts to find Mike. All have been professional and resolute in their efforts.

Thank you to the media for respecting our privacy. We ask you to continue to give us the time needed to grieve as we struggle with our loss.

We would also like to express our gratitude to all those who have extended their support, sympathies and prayers to us during this very difficult time.

-Teri Johnson

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jeremyjojola.com

Police Dig for Missing Man in Garage

A mysterious cold-case continues to unfold in Albuquerque today. As I write this post, I'm sitting in a live truck as police continue digging up the floor of a garage in the northeast part of the city. They hope to find the body of Michael Snyder, who's been missing since 2002. Here's some background.


Here's the spot where police are digging as I write this.

So far, no body has been discovered and no arrests have been made.
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jeremyjojola.com

I'm an "A**hole" According to Court Bailiff

I've been called every four-lettered word in the book by thugs, scam artists and criminal suspects.

But out of all the years I've spent covering court cases in this state, in countless courtrooms and courthouses, I have never been called an asshole by an officer of the court. No big deal. I do find it amusing and I'd figure you may too since many readers of my blog like the behind the scenes stuff.

It all started when we reporters and photographers were segregated in a courthouse conference room and told we couldn't shoot video in a public hallway (we were covering this story). We were told we couldn't leave the conference room by a Rio Arriba County Sheriff's Department deputy named Tony.

I saw members of the public in the hallway sitting around and walking through the lobby.

I protested, politely and aggressively. I never used vulgarity and I never raised my voice. I took turns speaking. I've been in arguments like this before plenty of times when people think they can do whatever they want with press access.

Another deputy didn't like my questioning and got irate when he realized I wasn't backing down.

I started recording on a mini camera I had with me when the bailiff of the court stepped in. He called me an asshole and then admitted were were "segregated," but then corrected himself. I wish I rolled on the heated discussion a bit earlier.

See the video.

The bailiff is the guy in the white shirt.

00:40 is when I get called an asshole.

01:15 is when the bailiff admits we were "segregated," but then corrects himself.



To give the bailiff credit, he became more reasonable and actually seemed like a nice guy after the whole exchange.

I could only imagine what would have happened if I resorted to the same vulgarity.
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jeremyjojola.com