Morning Word: Mayor McMoneybags?

How much?
The Santa Fe city commission that's studying how much to pay the mayor when the position goes full-time next year came up with a whopper: at least $145,000 and maybe as much as $175,000. The panel isn't bound by that range, and at least one member already thinks it's too high. Voters passed the full-time mayor proposal with a $74,000 position on the ballot.

Chan jury to travel to crime scene

Yesterday, the retrial of former Santa Fe County sheriff's deputy Tai Chan began in earnest. After choosing a jury, the judge agreed to allow prosecutors to

in person. After opening statements this morning, the jury will travel to the Hotel Encanto in Las Cruces, where Chan shot and killed fellow deputy Jeremy Martin in October 2014.

A failure to communicate

New Mexicans have been hearing a lot about lawmakers failing to pass a balanced budget. That's part of why the governor has called them back to the Capitol for a special session later this month. But is that claim true? Dan McKay at the

Journal

.

Troubling times at Molina

Last month, one of New Mexico's largest companies, Molina Healthcare, lost its president. Last week, two sons of the company's founder were fired from their jobs as CEO and CFO after stock values dropped. Now, the company has announced it's

. That will likely drop its number of total employees below 1,000.

The US Senate has confirmed Heather Wilson as the next head of the US Air Force. The former New Mexico congresswoman, political consultant and university president (South Dakota School of Mines and Technology) made it through by

. Both New Mexico senators voted for her confirmation.

Santa Femous former spy Valerie Plame and her diplomat husband Joe Wilson have their

for a cool couple million. That may or may not mean they're planning on picking up stakes with their two children. We've asked, and will let you know if we hear back from her.

A Santa Fe kindergarten teacher fared well in the

tournament featuring educators. Gail Ansheles is through to the semifinals. She

last night. Also, that exclamation point; it's technically part of the show's name. Maybe that's where "Jeb!" got his campaign slogan? Maybe!

Santa Fe had a whopper of a thunderstorm last night, and more downpours

. Grab that umbrella on your way out the door!

Santa Fe Reporter