MLG

Hours after Judge’s ruling overturning MLG’s restaurant health order, NM Supreme Court kills it

24 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Monday, it was reported that the New Mexico Restaurant Association had won their lawsuit against Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, which accused the Governor of targeting the restaurant industry. 

According to KRQE News, “The lawsuit requested a temporary restraining order that now stops the governor from carrying on with the recently amended public health order. This means for the next 10 days, restaurants can open for indoor dining at 50% capacity. The reason the judge permitted restaurants to reopen for the next 10 days was because the State failed to file any response by the set deadline of July 20.” 

New Mexico Restaurant Association’s attorney Antonia Roybal-Mack said the Governor “is making decisions without fact and as a result of that, those decisions are void,” also saying that the Judge’s order “is the right decision for restaurants.” 

“After the July 30 hearing hopefully (the injunction) can be extended. I think the evidence is going to be clear to the judge and to everybody else that restaurants are not the cause of COVID-19 spread,” said Roybal Mack.

It’s unclear what will happen after the 10-day mark, however, the public health order in question expires on July 30th.

Previously, New Mexico Restaurant Association CEO Carol Wight estimated that the health order would plunge the state’s restaurant industry into further decline possibly wiping out 20% of all restaurants in the state permanently.

After the Court’s decision, New Mexico House Republican Leader Jim Townsend applauded the injunction, saying, “One person cannot make all the decisions for New Mexico, the Governor was elected to work for the people and unfortunately some of her decisions have really hurt New Mexicans.” He continued, “If the Governor and her staff had not made this political, I believe that our state would have continued to slow the spread as we were just a few weeks ago.”

UPDATE, 5:25 P.M.:

Gov. Lujan Grisham petitioned the New Mexico Supreme Court to grant a “Stay of Temporary Restraining Order” following a lower court judge allowing restaurants to reopen indoor dining.

According to KOB 4, “The state Supreme Court granted the stay, and ordered the governor and the suing parties, which including the New Mexico Restaurant Association, to submit their arguments by next week.”

Hours after Judge’s ruling overturning MLG’s restaurant health order, NM Supreme Court kills it Read More »

MLG raises campaign cash off of coronavirus-related email and survey

1 Comment / New Mexico, News, Opinion, Politics / By

On Friday, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s campaign sent out an email touting the Governor’s supposed work she’s done to “mitigate COVID-19.” It then goes on to say, “So first and foremost, welcome to this online community. Now let’s hit the ground running – with a face mask!” 

The email also boasted about the Governor’s penchant for pursuing “moonshot” spending on public education, the state’s raising of the minimum wage, and the passage of New Mexico’s “Energy Transition Act,” also referred to as the state’s “Green New Deal” to combat the “climate crisis.” The email then asks respondents to “take a survey” to let Lujan Grisham know what the email openers’ “top priorities” are, closing with “I’m dreaming big in these trying times because I know my work won’t end anytime soon, and there’s so much I can do to help.”

Once respondents click the survey, they are met with the question, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, do you think Democratic Governors have led where national leadership has failed?” The confusing-sounding item appears to checkmate people into either agreeing that every Democrat governor is leading during COVID-19 or not.

The next question asks, “Under Democratic leadership in New Mexico, we’ve passed so many important pieces of legislation. Which ones are you most excited about?” Multiple vague choices are given, such as “protecting our seniors” and “creating new job opportunities,” which also appears to be another catch-22 for respondents. None of the options show specific bill names, and they trick the respondent into thinking the Governor has done close to miraculous things. However, the jury is still out on the options given — especially on job creation — as families are suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The next page says, “New Mexico Democrats are on a mission to deliver a moonshot for our public education system. We’ve already passed several landmark bills that will invest in public education, increase educator salaries and establish a framework for community schools that will serve New Mexico’s families.” Then the question “Do you think it’s important that we keep fighting for our children and educators” is posed, forcing the respondent to either be against children and teachers by clicking “no” or agreeing that Democrats have somehow created an education paradise with “yes.” 

After the education question, the next page gives a blank box for respondents to answer what their priorities are, with the final question asking, “How important is it to you that we have a Democratic Governor leading New Mexico and fighting for our communities this year?” The answer choices range from “extremely important” to “not at all important.” 

Then, a page pops up asking — or more accurately — begging for a $5 donation, even though the survey says “times are tough.” No option is given to opt-out of giving, with either the option “Yes, I’ll give $5” or “Yes, and I can give more!” 

The Donation page features a photograph of Lujan Grisham with her arms crossed and the text “Donate now to help Michelle Lujan Grisham defend New Mexico values.” It is unclear what Lujan Grisham believes are “New Mexico values,” however, using COVID-19 in a hook to get people to donate to one’s campaign in a non-election year doesn’t appear to be a value shared by many New Mexicans. 

As Lujan Grisham has closed down the state with crippling bans on most activities, including restaurants, the ramifications of the strict mandates are increasing rapidly. The New Mexico Restaurant Association estimates that 20% of restaurants in the state will close for good due to the Governor’s ban on indoor dining and only 50% capacity outdoor dining allowed, while hotels are facing abysmal occupancy rates due to the governor’s strict 14-day quarantine mandate for out-of-state visitors. Massive demonstrations have erupted across the state in protest to the Governor’s lockdown.

MLG raises campaign cash off of coronavirus-related email and survey Read More »

City of Roswell exploring legal options against MLG for damages due to her public health orders

2 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Friday, it was reported that the Roswell City Council is exploring options to take legal action against Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for her lockdown of the state which has devastating ramifications on the City.

The City Council will consider whether to direct City Manager Joe Neeb “to not enforce emergency orders issued by the governor concerning COVID-19 through any of the city departments.” 

Another agenda item the Council will consider is if it would direct Neeb to investigate legal options against Lujan Grisham “for damages to the city of Roswell caused by emergency orders concerning COVID-19.” 

Neeb said at a Thursday forum that “According to the public health order, not wearing a mask is a misdemeanor. It is unclear how to enforce the mandate,” among other concerns. He also said that the Roswell Police Department will answer calls about violations of the order, “but will prioritize them against other calls,” according to the Roswell Daily Record. 

“She can’t just protect our health, she has to protect our economy. There has been real damage done to the economy,” City Councilor Jacob Roebuck said. City Councilor Barry Foster said that the loss in lodger’s taxes is about $30,000 to $60,000 a month from normal levels. The action taken by the council will give the city manager “clear direction in looking at the city’s options of legal action to recover those losses,” according to Roebuck. 

The Council’s action is just the latest from local leaders in response to Lujan Grisham’s strict public health order, which is estimated to close 20% of New Mexico’s restaurants permanently. Peaceful protests have erupted across the state with calls for the Governor to reopen the state, let employees get back to work, and children back to school.

According to the Roswell Daily Record:

“The council will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday in Meeting Room A of the Roswell Convention & Civic Center. The public is encouraged to watch the meeting virtually rather than attend in person due to the pandemic.

The meeting can be joined through GoToMeeting at global.gotomeeting.com/join/815060573, by calling 669-224-3412 and using access code 815-060-573, or viewed on the city’s YouTube channel.”

City of Roswell exploring legal options against MLG for damages due to her public health orders Read More »

Leftists horrified as hundreds of patriotic ‘Reopen NM’ demonstrators rally at ABQ’s Civic Plaza

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Thursday, a huge crowd of patriotic protesters took to Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza to show Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham that they want New Mexico reopened and they are ready to get back to work. According to KOB 4’s Tommy Lopez, there were over 500 people in attendance, although that number looks to be a low estimate. 

Lopez also noted that the protesters were especially “nice” and “pleasant” to media, writing, “We often, as media, get harassed/ spoken rudely to at protests of all kinds. Everyone here has been nice and pleasant today and has allowed us to roam freely to take video.”

Multiple well-known political figures and faith leaders spoke, including Cowboys for Trump’s Couy Griffin, who is also an Otero County Commissioner, Steve Smotherman of Legacy Church in Albuquerque. Also in attendance were state Senator Greg Baca (R-Belen), as well candidates for New Mexico House of Representatives Scott Chandler (R-Deming) and Dinah Vargas (R-Albuquerque). 

“Big government telling us we can’t sit in a restaurant but we can sit outside or we can crowd into Walmart,” Chandler told KOB 4 News, adding, “None of it makes sense.” 

Folks in attendance held signs reading sentiments like “Open New Mexico,” “We the People Will Not be Muzzled,” and “I miss going to school.” Members of the New Mexico Civil Guard (NMCG) were also in attendance to keep the peace. Despite the 100% peaceful protest, Albuquerque’s leftist fringe, domestic terrorist, and other hate groups such as The Red Nation, were triggered by NMCG members carrying firearms.

The protest comes after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham rolled back reopening in New Mexico, which included mandates forcing restaurants to only operate at 50% capacity and outside, a ban on contact sports, and a mandatory 14-day quarantine for out of state visitors. 

The New Mexico Restaurant Association estimates the measure will lead to at least 20% of the state’s restaurants to close permanently, while New Mexico hotels have already had to deal with thousands of hotel cancellations due to the Governor’s new rules. 

Leftist “reporters” for the University of New Mexico’s “Daily Lobo” blog/school newspaper remarked on Twitter “Way bigger crowd than I expected. This is truly horrifying!” 

The huge showing from conservative New Mexicans in Albuquerque is another indication of a growing momentum for Republicans to take back New Mexico’s government — from the state Legislature — all the way up to the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate this election cycle. There was a table at the event to register new voters

Leftists horrified as hundreds of patriotic ‘Reopen NM’ demonstrators rally at ABQ’s Civic Plaza Read More »

MLG still courting Biden for longshot VP nod with virtual fundraiser for his campaign

1 Comment / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Tuesday evening, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham joined Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) to raise cash for Biden’s presidential campaign. The virtual fundraiser was announced as a “clean energy conversation,” where no doubt Lujan Grisham would tout New Mexico’s far-left anti-oil and gas “Energy Transition Act,” which has been dubbed as the state’s “Green New Deal.” 

According to the fundraiser’s website, tickets start out at $100 for “guests,” and gradually work their way up to $5,600 for “champion” sponsors. Lujan Grisham and the campaign have yet to comment on the results of the fundraiser, however, it appears to be another attempt by the Governor to curry favor with Biden for a longshot vice presidential nod. 

CNN’s recent shortlist, which was compiled from inside sources working with Biden’s Campaign, showed Lujan Grisham no longer in contention for vice president, but that doesn’t seem to be stopping her from flinging herself in front of the campaign as an alternative. 

The anti-energy fundraiser sparked criticism from pro-energy group Power The Future, in which its Western States Director Larry Behrens chided Lujan Grisham for ignoring constituents to instead flaunt Biden’s policies. Behrens wrote, “Governor Lujan Grisham’s priorities are clear: Joe Biden’s green agenda comes before her own constituents.” He also noted that “While so many New Mexicans are simply worried about finding a job, Governor Lujan Grisham is working full-time to audition for her next one.” 

In an April 12th interview, the Governor spoke about the potential of becoming vice president, saying, “I think that you want a vice president who was much like former vice president Biden. He knew how to govern, he had done a ton of work as a senator and in local government as well, and I think those are incredible attributes. I want to be the governor of New Mexico. I will do whatever it takes to support a Biden administration, and I’m looking forward to a federal administration that can do a national strategy in good times and in bad times both.” 

In a July 13th interview, Lujan Grisham said “I want Biden to pick what gets his ticket elected.”

MLG still courting Biden for longshot VP nod with virtual fundraiser for his campaign Read More »

Democrat NM Rep: ‘Who said the shut down was only supposed to be temporary?’

23 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Sunday, far-left New Mexico state Rep. Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces), made startling comments on Facebook targeting small businesses — specifically restaurants — for their alleged “blatant disregard for workers justice” [sic]. 

In her post, she singled out restaurant owner Marci Dickerson of Las Cruces’ “The Game” sports bar and grill, who showed her “true colors YEARS ago.” Dickerson’s restaurant will be participating in the New Mexico Restaurant Association’s protest, happening at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, which will include employees of each restaurant affected standing outside their establishment and holding up a sign with the number of employees hurt by the Governor’s latest lockdown.

Apparently Dickerson’s support for her employees led Rubio to stop supporting any small business that looks to defy Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s latest re-lockdown of the state, which bans restaurants from indoor dining and limits them to only 50% occupancy outdoors. The Governor’s order is estimated to force the permanent closure of 20% of New Mexico restaurants, according to the New Mexico Restaurant Association. 

Rubio did not appear to care that small businesses would be closing and thousands of staff members would lose their jobs. She wrote, “👏🏽 restaraunt’s [sic] 👏🏽 are 👏🏽 not 👏🏽 ‘essential’ 👏🏽 for the 👏🏽 purpose 👏🏽 of fighting a 👏🏽 global 👏🏽 pandemic! 👏🏽.” She continued, “I’ll continue to not support, nor any other business—who supports this catastrophic disregard for public health and safety of our community. I ask you all to do the same. Wow!”

In response to a commenter who was appalled by her disregard for the workers affected by the health order, which was supposed to be temporary, Rubio shot back, “Who said the shut down was only supposed to be temporary?” The comment appears to be an endorsement of the permanent lockdown of New Mexico, but Rubio did not elaborate on her radical-sounding sentiments.

Multiple constituents, many of them being Democrats wrote back to her in anger, one commentator saying, “[g]ood to know your views on business owners…. I’ll make sure to never vote for you and encourage others not to. You obviously care very little for your community… Way to go.” 

Another person wrote, “Every job is essential to families relying on their paychecks. What a shameful post to make tearing down the very businesses you should instead be helping. We will remember this when you are up for re-election.”

Others’ comments mimicked these sentiments, including support for Dickerson. One comment read, “Personally attacking a business owner during a time of crisis incredibly unprofessional. This is a poor example of leadership in a time where we need unity more than ever. I encourage you to take emotions out of this and see what Marci Dickerson has done for the community while we were shut down. While it may not be essential to you, it is to 96,400 people who are employed in the state by restaurant and food service.” 

According to New Mexico Restaurant Association CEO Carol Wight, the re-lockdown is going to be much harder on restaurants than the previous one. “Last time we had PPP money, we had ways to get open, we had some savings left. We have no more savings,” she said. “Our inventory – we’ve got fresh inventory right now we’ve got to get through and three days is not enough. So what are we going to do, right? We’re all just throwing our hands up saying, ‘What can we do?’”

After public fury on Rubio’s timeline, she shared her previous post with a long-winded comment saying, “I hope that the passion you had today, to defend those willing to go against Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and her attempts to keep us safe and alive, you’ll do the same for workers come January. I’ll be taking note.” In January, the New Mexico Legislature will reconvene, where Rubio will no doubt propose more far-left legislation, as she has in the past.

Democrat NM Rep: ‘Who said the shut down was only supposed to be temporary?’ Read More »

MLG touts her $35M taxpayer-funded ‘free college’ proposal as small businesses struggle to stay afloat

10 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Saturday, the Democrat Party of New Mexico held a virtual “rally” touting their new initiative, “New Mexico for All,” which is a coordinated campaign across the Party to express support for Democrat candidates.

During the call, Democrat U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) promoted Joe Biden’s campaign, saying that “Joe Biden is a person of strong character, a decent man, a man of compassion, someone that will restore competence and sanity to our government.” In recent months, many people have questioned Biden’s sanity, with a recent Rasmussen poll showing 38% of voters holding the belief that Joe Biden has dementia. 

During the virtual “rally,” members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation patted themselves on the back, including Senate candidate Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), who claimed the only way to correct “injustices” was to vote for Joe Biden in 2020. However, Luján did not mention Biden’s abysmal record on race, which even far-left NBC News and New York Magazine called it “problematic.” 

Rep. Xochitl Torres Small did not mention Joe Biden, but repeatedly mentioned how “proud” she was to “be a Democrat,” despite her previous ploys to appear “moderate” and not following the party-line. She also spoke about how she looks to plus orphaned oil wells and invest in “environmental energy.” 

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was not physically on the call, but she did have a pre-recorded message play, in which she touted her expensive social justice programs, her free pre-K plans, and her future “effort well underway to provide universal free college to every New Mexico student.” The plan would cost the New Mexico taxpayers an estimated $35 million annually, but that is a rough estimate. She did not mention how she plans to pay for these costly new initiatives, especially as local businesses, have been forced to close — many for good. 

The Governor recently had the New Mexico Legislature convene to fix her $7.6 billion budget passed during the 2020 Legislative Session, in which millions of dollars in spending had to be cut. However, once the budget reached Lujan Grisham’s desk, she vetoed $23 million meant to go to Tribal communities hurting from the ramifications of COVID-19, and she cut $15 million specifically meant to help other Indigenous communities hurting from the effects of the virus.

According to the New Mexico Restaurant Association, approximately 700, or 20% of New Mexico’s restaurants are estimated to close their doors permanently due to her latest order, and nearly every other industry has been hit hard by the Governor’s strict coronavirus mandates.

MLG touts her $35M taxpayer-funded ‘free college’ proposal as small businesses struggle to stay afloat Read More »

MLG’s new COVID-19 rules estimated to force 20% of New Mexico’s restaurants into permanent closure

55 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Thursday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued new restrictive health orders for the state, which included a restriction for restaurants to only be allowed to serve customers outside and at 50% capacity — a crippling blow to the industry, according to New Mexico Restaurant Associaton CEO Carol Wight. 

Wight estimated that about 700 restaurants (or 20%) will be forced into permanent closure, with little to no safety net to catch the newly restricted businesses. 200 restaurants have already closed for good since the start of Lujan Grisham’s lockdown. “She doesn’t have the latest number but estimates New Mexico will lose 20% of its restaurants – or 700 restaurants – with the new regulations in place,” reports KOB 4. Wight also said “Restaurants aren’t where COVID is being spread. We’re just not the problem, and [Michelle Lujan Grisham] punishing us for it.”

Another startling point Wight revealed was that Gov. Lujan Grisham never even took the time to speak to the restaurant industry before closing it down. “My board is putting together a letter to ask her to sit down with us and really think this out because she never did talk to the industry about this,” she said. 

Now restaurateurs are being forced into a panic, as they previously were allowed to get back to work on June 1st, meaning they had hired back members of their staff and begun regular shipments of food and supplies to their establishments.

According to Carol Wight, it is going to be much harder on restaurants than the previous lockdown. “Last time we had PPP money, we had ways to get open, we had some savings left. We have no more savings,” she said. “Our inventory – we’ve got fresh inventory right now we’ve got to get through and three days is not enough. So what are we going to do, right? We’re all just throwing our hands up saying, ‘What can we do?’”

Lujan Grisham’s latest set of lockdowns includes a 14-day mandatory quarantine for out-of-state visitors, which is already negatively affecting the hotel industry. Joe Schepps, president of Santa Fe’s Inn on the Alameda said, “We had 157 room night cancellations in the 36 hours after the governor’s announcement.”

Jeff Mahan, executive director of the Santa Fe Lodgers Association blasted the Governor’s lockdown, with a similar criticism to Carol Wight’s of the NM Restaurant Association. “Why are you bringing an entire industry down to its knees?” said Mahan. “The data doesn’t justify such a severe 14-day quarantine.”

MLG’s new COVID-19 rules estimated to force 20% of New Mexico’s restaurants into permanent closure Read More »

MLG gives conflicting advice about gathering in groups

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Opinion, Politics / By

During Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Thursday press conference, she announced new regressive restrictions on New Mexicans, this time banning indoor dining at restaurants, banning contact sports for kids going back to school in the Fall, forcing people working out to wear face masks (both at in-person facilities and outdoors, and banning out-of-state visitors from state parks. 

During the press conference, she blamed New Mexicans for a recent spike in cases, which Human Services Secretary David Scrase claims shot up 79% in a recent 16-day period. Lujan Grisham said, “Unfortunately, our state’s dramatically rising case numbers reflect that those behavior modifications and precautions have either not been taken seriously or taken up by enough people.” 

The Governor continued, “Too many of us are still congregating in groups, taking risks with our own lives and endangering the health of our family members, our neighbors and our state.” 

However, some of the Governor’s advice seemed to conflict, particularly that about gathering in groups. Lujan Grisham said, “Please wear facemasks. Please don’t gather in large groups without them,” while later tweeting “Wear a mask. Stay home. Do not gather in groups. Take the risk seriously” 

So, which piece of advice are New Mexicans expected to follow? Are they supposed to not gather in groups, or are they supposed to gather in large groups but only if they have a face mask? The Governor’s advice appears all over the place.

The new restrictions come as new cases of COVID-19 appear to be affecting younger populations more, Secretary Scrase saying that dults in their 20s are an increasing share of the infections. 

Coincidentally, protesters, which Michelle Lujan Grisham applauded for protesting for “racial justice,” some in violent means, are still taking to the streets in protest. Just this week, KRQE 13 reported on a Black Lives Matter protest in uptown Albuquerque. But Lujan Grisham vehemently rejects the notion that these protests are spreading the virus, despite indicators showing otherwise.

According to Pew Research, 41% of those who recently attended a protest focused on race were younger than 30. Nationwide, only 19% of people are in this age group, so statistically, they were overrepresented by over 100% at protests. It just so happens that people contracting COVID-19 are in their 20s and 30s, which lights up directly with the spike in recent cases. However, Lujan Grisham denies it being a factor in the spread of coronavirus. And with the Governor’s conflicting advice, it may give protesters and rioters justification for taking to the streets in protest.

Full details about Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s latest restrictions can be found in the press release from her office linked here.

MLG gives conflicting advice about gathering in groups Read More »

Be prepared to pay $100 and rot in jail for six months for defying MLG’s mask mandate

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Monday, Twitter caught fire after Rep. Gregg Schmedes, M.D., who is running for state Senate posted a letter from New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas “memorializing” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s strict mask mandate, which carries a $100 fine and up to six months in jail for violation of the mandate. 

Balderas’ letter reads, “any provisions of … any order … adopted pursuant to the provisions of the Public Health Act is guilty of a petty misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) or imprisonment in the county jail for a definite term not to exceed six months or both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.” He continued, “Since the face covering mandate is promulgated pursuant to this section, among other provisions of law, any certified law enforcement officer in the State of New Mexico may enforce the failure to comply with this provision.”

Upon pushback on her edicts from law enforcement officers and other officials, Lujan Grisham penned an op-d in the Albuquerque Journal, claiming they “ignored their duty to their fellow New Mexicans” by deliberately sticking it to the Governor. 

Previously, Lujan Grisham broke her own orders by having a “non-essential” business (Lilly Barrack jewelry store) open up specifically for her so she could adorn herself with expensive luxuries — while New Mexicans suffered — many of them having to close their businesses for good.

On Tuesday, the New Mexico Legislature opened an investigation into Lujan Grisham for abusing her emergency spending powers by blowing $40 million on her COVID-19 response, which exceeds her allowed spending limit of $750,000 in extraordinary circumstances. She spent 53 times what she was allowed, and legislators on both sides of the aisle are now asking questions and looking for answers. 

As reported on in June, thousands of New Mexicans have followed Lujan Grisham’s call for citizens to turn on each other and “snitch” on people not wearing masks or violating her public health orders by sending complaints to the Department of Public Safety. The new rules issued by Lujan Grisham to potentially throw people in jail for half a year are now just another incentive for citizens to turn on each other  — this time, with life-altering consequences … simply for not wearing a mask.

Be prepared to pay $100 and rot in jail for six months for defying MLG’s mask mandate Read More »

1 … 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68
Scroll to Top