UPDATED: DNA Computer Server Moved to Santa Fe (NM-Richardson's last gasp)

The Albuquerque Journal ^ | December 29, 2010 | Susan Montoya Bryan/AP

[CedarDave]

Gov. Bill Richardson's administration and Gov.-elect Susana Martinez continued to play tug-of-war Wednesday over a state operation that is charged with processing DNA samples and maintaining related records on thousands of criminals across New Mexico.

The incoming Republican governor, Democratic legislative leaders, prosecutors, defense attorneys, victim advocacy groups and others have opposed the department's plan to relocate the lab.

[CedarDave]

The "others" include the Democratic AG who filed suit in the state supreme court to stop the transfer of the DNA lab. The AG lost in court Monday when it ruled that the Richardson administration had the authority to make the move from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. Martinez has said the move makes no sense given the opposition to it by just about every one except Richardson's DPS secretary, who will be out of a job in 72 hours. She will order the computers and files moved back to ABQ on Monday.

Watch this video from KOB-TV to see how ridiculous the whole situation is.

New Mexico's DNA server headed to Santa Fe

[CedarDave]

NM list PING!

(The NM list is available on my FR homepage for anyone to use. Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the list. For ABQ Journal articles requiring a subscription, scroll down to the bottom of the page to view the article for free after watching a short video commercial.)

[Red Badger]

Why even bother if they can just move it back in three days?????.......
Seems like a huge waste of time and money......

[CedarDave]

Opponents, including the attorney general's office, APD, and Susana Martinez have argued that the move is politically motivated. Here is what Martinez had to say late Monday:

“It is politics at its worst to move the DNA lab to Santa Fe in the final hours of the current administration only to move it back to Albuquerque on Monday, which is exactly what will happen. Instead, we should be putting victims and justice first. The move is opposed by both Republicans and Democrats, along with victims’ advocates and law enforcement. I will not be bullied into doing anything that will jeopardize cases and justice for New Mexico victims."

The politics, corruption, cronyism and just plain ineptness in Santa Fe probably have a lot to do with even state Democrats opposing the move. The Albuquerque PD crime unit has much more resources at its command which is probably why the support to leave it there is so strong.

[Mr. K]

They need to purge their freinds from the criminal database before they leave office...

[Squantos]

Looks like a good place to file a lawsuit against Fat Boy Bill for wasting funds when the 99% of those advising him said do not do it , including the incumbent replacing his sorry ass. Typical friggin stoopid azz socialist rat with a tax payers checkbook !

Did he get around to shutting down that website and office taking emails about a pardon for Billy the Kid or is he still wasting time and cash on that fiasco ??