Albuquerque Journal from Albuquerque, New Mexico • 16

METROPOLITAN Wednesday, January 26, 2005 DISTRICT 5 SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES B2 Albuquerque Journal SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE QUESTIONS Baker, 17 POLITIC ALGOVERN ENT EXPERIENCE: APS school board, 2001-2005 COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Character Counts Statewide Cooperative, chain Sandia High PTA, member; Sandia High Swimming Team Parent Association, treasurer Andrew M. "Drew" Baughman PLACE OF RESIDENCE: Albuquerque AGE AND PLACE OF BIRTH: 43; Orville, Ohio EDUCATION: Community College of the Air Force at Maxwell Air Force Base, associate applied science degree, 1985; Columbia Southern University in Alabama, bachelor's and master's degree in occupational safety and health, 2002 MoHlgomer? Candeana -'a J- is 1 mc a Gibson jj -XT 1. APS is the biggest school district in New Mexico and one of the largest in the country with 87,000 students and almost 12,000 employees. Do you think the district should be split into two or more school districts? Why or why not? 2. Do you support the district's effort to replace the traditional grading system of and with' the new grading system of standard-based "performance levels," 6uch as "proficient" and "emerging?" 3.

APS employs more licensed professionals (such as nurses, counselors, social workers) than are required under state law. Do you support trimming any of these positions to help the district balance its budget? If not, where should the district cut costs? 4. APS is slowly phasing-out separate enriched classes. Do you support that effort, or should APS maintain separate enriched classes? 5. Since APS can't fire employees for off-hour DWI violations, should the district revisit its 247 no-tolerance policy on student drinking? 6.

Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens? 7. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding? i 8. Have you ever been arrested, for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony? community activist FAMILY: None POLITICALGOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: Democratic ward chair; volunteer for New Mexico Kerry-Edwards 2004 campaign; Bernalillo County Board of Ethics COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Vice president, Nahalat Shalom; "Albuquerque Reads" tutor in APS APS DISTRICT 5 5. 1 think some change is necessary. 6.

Don't have a business. 7. No. 8. Not to my knowledge.

Paula Maes (incumbent) PLACE OF RESIDENCE: Albuquerque AGE AND PLACE OF BIRTH: 50; Las Vegas, N.M. EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in journalism, University of New Mexico, 1976 OCCUPATION Broadcasters Association," president FAMILY: Married to Doug Baker; four sons, Michael Baker, 20, Evan Baker, 20, Joshua Baker, 18, and Christopher New Mexico MAES able numbers. However, I am against the splitting due to the impact it would have on the district bond base and school structure. 2. The process that APS has gone with the SBRC (standards-based report card) system is too extensive and time-consuming.

The need to improve our teaching standards in our schools is fact. Parents are finding the new SBRC hard to read. 3. First, there is a major concern with a lack of school nurses within APS. I would evaluate our true needs, assess the value of the positions, realign and then cut the excess positions.

4. We need to maintain some of our enrichment classes to meet student needs. A thorough assessment should be accomplished by our school principals and recommendations should originate there. 5. Lead by example is my mot OCCUPATION: Retired Air Force, disabled FAMILY: Wife, Patricia D.

Ellyson Baughman, R.N.; son, daughter, granddaughter BAUGHMAN POLITICALGOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: First time in official politics; elected offices through the Disabled American Veterans COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: President, Princess Jeanne Neighborhood Association; member, Albuquerque Block Captains Association; member, American Legion, VFW, Veterans Coalition, Disabled American Veterans (vice commander, past commander, past inspector general); organized the Jeanne Bel-lamah Community Youth Development Program; active in youth activities and intervention. 1. Certainly splitting would reduce the numbers to manage- 2 Media Dianne Anderson will gear show toward women; Larry Ahrens will have guests, field calls By Rick Nathanson Journal Staff Writer Former KOAT-TV anchor Dianne Anderson will join Larry Ahrens at Albuquerque's first commercial all-talk and news FM radio station, when KAGM (106.3-FM) signs on the air Feb. 28. The date, still tentative, depends on the completion of a new studio for KAGM, part of the block of stations owned by American General Media based in Bakersfield, Calif.

Anderson, who left her 15-year career in December to spend more time with her fam- ink to. I find it troublesome that our administration has this double standard when it comes to students vs. employees. I understand union protection, but we should take a stand or provide alternative leeway. 6.

No. 7. No. 8. No.

John D. Eder PLACE OF RESIDENCE: Albuquerque AGE AND PLACE OF BIRTH: 57, Tacoma, Wash. EDUCATION: Bachelor's in sociology, Kent State University, 1970 EDER OCCUPATION: Student tutor, tract, Ahrens departed from KKOB-AM in December after nearly 25 years at the station, where he hosted "The Morning Show" weekdays from a.m. His only regret, he said, was the station didn't give him an opportunity to host one last show to say goodbye to his large and loyal following. His new program will air from 6-10 a.m., which means he will be vying for an audience in the same time slot as.

his former colleagues. "It's not about competing against KKOB," he said. "I just got a better job offer and I took it." The show will feature in-stu-dio guests and phone interviews, as well as listener phone calls, like his old program. But unlike the old program, "we'll be able to open it up and talk to listeners a lot earlier in HTMMjjn i. ml Personalities Set on New Station "f'H 1 1 1 1 1 iHnu.uMn.M.

I It, 'V 1. The district needs to remain whole. Division of the district would cause problems with the tax base. Case irf point is Rio Rancho, who left APS and does not have the resources to build the schools. 2.

The proposed change in the grading system needs to be supported by the teachers and parents in the communities being used. Teachers, administration and parents need to work together to make sure the needs of our students are met. 3. We need to look at fiow these positions could be funded. We need these professionals in our classroom.

I am not in favor of cutting these positions or the budget, but in looking for other funding. 4. The issue of enriched classes needs to be dealt with at each school. Each school needs to determine what its communities' education needs are and to create a curriculum to address those needs. 5.

No, there are different consequences for different behaviors for minors and adults and this is one of them. 6. No. 7. No.

8. No. Ed Asher, 47, was charged with aggravated DWI and failure to keep a lookout, according to a Metropolitan Court criminal complaint. The Albuquerque man was arrested about 3 p.m. Saturday in the 4500 block of Eubank NE.

The vehicle he was driving nearly collided with a police car and then struck a curb, the complaint states. His blood-alcohol content was above a 0.16, the complaint states. During the past two years, Asher covered county and city government for the Tribune, according to the newspaper. He also worked as a city reporter from 1987 to 1998. Phil Casaus, Tribune editor, said Asher resigned Monday.

Casaus declined to comment further. TO DUCK BUTTS," 10 a.m. Saturday at the Rio Grande Nature Center, 2901 Candelaria NW. Call 344-7240. RIO GRANDE NATURE CENTER VOLUNTEER TRAINING 2005 ORIENTATION, 9 a.m.

Saturday at the center, 2901 Candelaria NW. Training will be from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 and March 5. Call Rebecca Tydings at 344-7240.

HIGH DESERT SUNDOGS FLY- i BALL RACING TEAM FREE DEMONSTRATION, 1 p.m. Saturday at Garfield Park, Candelaria and Menaul NE. Classes start in February and cost $60 for six sessions. Call Chuck or Christy at 296-3378 or Beverly at 298-2963. I GREG SORBERJOURNAL Dianne Anderson and Larry Ahrens, standing in the studios under construction for KAGM (106.3-FM), will each host programs on the station.

AROUND THE METRO AREA 1. Absolutely not, since it affects the whole state and would be chaotic. 2. 1 think there may be a better system, but it is only a pilot project. 3.

No, absolutely not. We need to cut costs with studies, district positions and instructional coaches, maybe. 4. It should maintain enriched classes. To Talk the show," he said.

The new station will occupy the FM channel band now home to KYLZ, Wild 106, which will move to 106.7. The Spanish oldies station located there now, KZNM, will go off the air. KAGM-FM's signal will reach from Truth or Consequences north to Taos, and from Gallup east to nearly Santa Rosa, said Scott Hutton, general manager of the cluster of 11 stations-that AGM owns and operates in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Despite the presence of a half dozen stations that provide talk formats including Christian and sports talk Hutton said the real competition is from KKOB-AM, which dominates the market and has the bulk of the listeners. The station will also air some syndicated programming.

equipment had been left behind a business at Eubank and Indian School NE. School officials said about a third of the equipment has been recovered. County Extends Vacation Time Bernalillo County commissioners Tuesday approved an increase in the vacation time available to department heads and other top staff members. The commission voted without opposition in favor of the change. It allows the employees to carry forward their vacation time, even if the amount exceeds limits outlined in county employment rules.

The change is warranted, because top staff members often have responsibilities that NE. No dues. Call George Laben at 298-2450 or Arthur Peterson at 237-0968. VINCENT MANTSOE PERFORMS "NDAA AWAKENING OF THE SELF AND MOTSWA HOLEPERSON FROM FAR AWAY," as part of Global DanceFest 2005, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, UNM's RodeyThe-.

atre. Mantsoe is one of South Africa's leading choreographersT Tickets are $16 for the general public, $12 for seniors and students. Call 266-2826. THEATRE-IN-THE-MAKING PRESENTS "PATRIOTS," adult satire on the politics of fear and the policies of the current administration, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, KiMo Theater, 419 Central City Says Play Areas May Open in Summer ily, will host a 1-4 p.m.

show "geared for active mothers and business women," she said. Anderson is no stranger to radio. "I grew up the daughter of a country HUTTON: General manager for 11 stations music disc jockey in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri," she said. She later paid her way through college in Arkansas and Missouri by working as a DJ, before switching to news. "I'm really excited about this," Anderson said.

"This will allow me to be home with my family, which is my first priority, and still be in touch with the community." Unable to agree on a new con MANZANO MESA COMMUNITY CENTER Southern AIDUqU Albuquerque map Mo) area 12 mile 2S) CAROL COOPERRIOER JOURNAL parking lot are largely done, they can't be opened until the soccer fields are ready, Adams said. "The contractor has not finished with his obligations to the city, so we don't want to relieve him of responsibility prematurely," Adams said. "And it is unfair to (Star Paving) to allow public use if they have to maintain it. We're in a tough spot here." The center at 501 Elizabeth SE opened in 2002 and has had summer programs for kids since then, Ward said. The center has a gym and kids play ball at a Little League field south of the playground, he said.

Manzano Mesa, designed especially for all age groups, toddlers to seniors, has more than 8,000 members, manager Paul Bonnell said. 3 -O 3 Missing Music Items in Dumpster Some of the more than $20,000 in musical instruments and computer equipment that were stolen from an Albuquerque middle school's band room last week have been found inside a Dumpster, police said. Investigators have yet to make an arrest in the theft, but they suspect juveniles were involved. Police were called to Grant Middle School on Thursday after security alarms went off. When school police officers arrived, they noticed someone had broken into the band room through an outside door, stole the equipment and emptied fire extinguishers inside.

Police on Monday got an anonymous tip that the CALENDAR "STANDING ON YOUR OWN: FINANCIAL SUCCESS FOR OLDER WOMEN" WORKSHOP, part of the Displaced Homemak-ersWomen in Transition gram, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. today, Los Volcanes Senior Center, 6500 Los Volcanes NW. Call Lorraine at 841-8920. FREE HEALTH LECTURE ON ADRENAL AND BLOOD SUGAR DISORDERS, 7:30 p.m. today, HealthPlex Chiropractic Clinic, 8201 Golf Course NW.

Call 792-3311. CHINA-BURMA-INDIA VETS ASSOCIATION is looking for more members. Meetings are at 9:30 a.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Palo Duro Senior CenWr, 5221 Palo Duro keep them from taking all of their vacation, officials said. Most of the employees aren't entitled to overtime and often work more than 60 hours a week, according to a county staff report.

They also can be dismissed "at will" and aren't entitled to normal employment protections. A recent audit said county managers already had allowed the increased vacation time, but the commission needed to formally approve the change. Tribune Reporter Quits After Arrest An Albuquerque Tribune reporter has resigned after he was arrested last weekend on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the newspaper's editor said Tuesday. Tickets are $12. Call ACLU-NM at 266-5915 or the KiMo Box Office at 768-3544.

"LIFE PASS IT ON" PANEL AND COMMUNITY DISCUSSION about organ donation and transplantation, p.m. Friday at the UNM Continuing Education Conference Center, 1634 University NE. Free to the public. Refreshments served. Call Maria at 843-7672.

SEKOU SUNDIATA PERFORMS "BLESSING THE BOATS" as part of Global DanceFest 2005, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at UNM's Rodey Theatre." Tickets are $16 for the general public, $12 for seniors and students. Call 266-2826. "RANGER ROB'S FIELD GUlE By Isabel Sanchkz Journal Staff Writer Swing sets and shiny play structures sit behind chain link fences and a "do not enter" sign at the Manzano Mesa Multigen-erational Center. So does a 330-space parking lot.

And two soccer fields, all bare earth poked with a few tiny trees on their margins. "People ask me, 'when is it supposed to be said Robert Ward, the center's program coordinator. The three outdoor areas, a $1.2 million job, were to have been completed in August. Now, city officials say, kids might be able to play there this summer. It all depends on the grass.

The chance to seed the soccer fields in the fall was missed because the work was behind schedule, said Ed Adams, director of the city's Municipal Development Department. If the seed is planted in spring, it must thoroughly sprout and the grass must be mowed several times before it can be played on, he said. 1 Contractor Star Paving Co. began work in late March 2004 under a 150-day said, and so far has run up $46,000 in late penalties. "From what I understand, many of the issues that caused them to be late are in fact subcontractor issues," he said.

Star Paving officials could not be reached for comment. Although the playground and.