Meeting location: J. W. Flours, Catering and Bakery; 1030 El Paseo, Las Cruces, NM.

Attending: Jane Asche, Gus Bigelow, John Bloom, Paul Borunda, Alex Burr, Joyce Cassidy, Rose Garcia, Jim Kadlecek, Bob Lowe, Ron Nesler, Betty Pool, Sue Torres Van Frank, Charlie Welch.

Dr. Jim Kadlecek, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 11:50 AM.

The minutes of the Governing Board Meeting of August 28, 2002 were unanimously approved upon motion by R. Nesler.

Gus Bigelow, Vice-Chairperson, led a discussion about the proposed SNMCC Governance Plan. The membership of SNMCC shall consist of those Common Cause members who live in New Mexico Congressional District 2. Initially we will focus on issues in Las Cruces and Dona Ana County. As membership grows, we hope to establish more groups throughout southern New Mexico (there are interested individuals in Socorro and Carlsbad). SNMCC will interface with Common Cause/National and Common Cause/New Mexico by serving as the eyes and ears for state and national issues here in southern New Mexico. Sturgis’ Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure shall govern the procedural and organizational affairs of the SNMCC not provided for in this governance plan. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the SNMCC Governing Board members. Removal of officers shall remain somewhat broad in order to encourage additional members. There being no further questions or discussion, the proposed SNMCC Governance Plan was unanimously passed upon motion by G. Bigelow.

Issue Updates:

City Expenditure of Federal Funds: A memorandum from Chris Sanchez and Jim Kadlecek was distributed. The memorandum outlines their research into the types of federal monies received by the City of Las Cruces (CDBG, HOME Investment Partnerships Act funds, and HUD), their identified purpose, and concerns expressed by community members as to how these monies are utilized by the city. So far they have received good cooperation from the city staff regarding access to information. They have begun the process of analyzing the information they have gathered and are formulating questions and concerns. So far, six questions/concerns have been identified. As their research continues, further questions will undoubtedly emerge. Assistance from other members of Common Cause would be appreciated.

Conflicts of Interest/Codes of Ethics: A number of requests have been received to become more involved in local issues. It was suggested that we need to do our "homework" carefully and well in order to maintain our credibility. One strategy is to continue to submit articles to the newspapers in order to expose issues of concern.

Home Rule Charter: The Charter needs to be reviewed, discussed, and parts need to be rewritten. It was proposed that SNMCC coordinate an effort to review the Charter. SNMCC could solicit media support, citizens, and possibly student interns to review the Charter over the next 8 months and, if changes are needed, put them on the next city election ballot. This is a timely issue that could be helpful to the next mayor. Upon motion by R. Nesler, the proposal to coordinate an effort to review the Charter was unanimously passed.

Campaign Finance Reform Support: The Free AirTime Campaign, the next phase of the national campaign, has begun. A rally is scheduled in Albuquerque on 9/28/02.

Accountability Mapping: No new information was presented.

Monitoring Public Meetings: Jane Asche distributed a handout containing a schedule of public meetings that are to be monitored in order to encourage responsible government. She has agreed to be responsible for keeping a schedule of those members who volunteer to monitor meetings. She coordinated with J. Kadlecek to determine which meetings should be monitored and what types of issues should be noted. At this time the public meetings of five groups will be observed. Any matter of concern, which is noted at a meeting, should be brought to the attention of Jim Kadlecek or Jane Asche so that they can present it to the group. Alex Burr congratulated Jane on her outstanding work and suggested that monitors give a short report on their observations. Volunteers are needed to monitor meetings. Anyone who is interested in doing so should contact Jane.

Other/ New Business: P. Borunda voiced concern about the Municipal Court system and stated that perhaps this is something that should be addressed by this group. He suggested that the Municipal Court be monitored. After discussion, several members volunteered to informally go to the court to observe proceedings.

The next meeting of the SNMCC Governing Board is October 16, 2001 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The location will be at J.W. Flours, 1030 El Paseo, Las Cruces.

Chairperson J. Kadlecek adjourned the meeting at 1:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Torres Van Frank

SNMCC Secretary