Got any thoughts on the new budget bills? Any feelings about the $250-million-plus cuts in government spending and services? On the seven long days (cost: $50,000 each) of tussling over how to save New Mexico from its $650 million budget shortfall? The bills are the product of a special legislative session that ended last Friday, Oct. 23. It's now up to Gov. Richardson to sign, veto or partially veto them by Nov. 12. But it's not too late to have your say, according to the governor's office:

Governor Bill Richardson will hold office hours on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 to hear from New Mexico residents about the budget bills that were passed last week by the Legislature....The Governor will grant five minute meetings to New Mexicans who would like to discuss the budget cuts.  Meetings will be held on a first-come, first-served basis from 2:00pm to 5:00pm in the Governor's Office at the State Capitol in Santa Fe.

NOTE: You won't be seen unless you show your New Mexico driver's license. The Gov's office is Room 400 at the Roundhouse. If you can't go in person, you can also contact the governor via email (special.session@state.nm.us) or phone (505.476.2210).

Now get in there and do some democracy!