Lawmakers waffle on webcams

SANTA FE (KRQE) - Streaming legislative hearings live on the Internet could create political trouble if legislators were seen nodding off, one lawmakers said Tuesday during a hearing on allowing webcams in those sessions.

Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones, R-Albuquerque, touched off the digital debate Monday by bringing her own webcam to a House Taxation and Revenue Committee hearing and refusing to take it down.

Her colleagues there expressed concern that webcams would be distracting if they are allowed to broadcast committee meetings.

Then on Tuesday, during a meeting of the House Rules and Order of Business Committee, some representatives expressed more concerns. This time one issue was what might happen if a webcam captures an unflattering moments.

"If I'm sleeping and I'm being recorded, it could be used as a political gain against (me by) my opponent," Rep. Ray Begaye, D-Shiprock, said. "I'm very cautious about those kinds of things."

Other committee members weren't so cautious.

"I think the public needs to know anything and everything that we're doing that's in the public arena," said Rep. John Heaton, D-Carlsbad, said.

"We're subject to that in this arena that we're in," added Rep. Tom Taylor, R-Farmington.

They agreed that webcasting is necessary for people across New Mexico to take part in the government regardless of how they will be perceived.  One made reference to the aura of corruption surrounding the state with the recent convictions of top public officials and ongoing grand jury investigations into others.

"As a matter of fact, the vast majority of states have already done this, so for us not to do it really gives the perception that we are trying to hide something," said Rep. Kathy McCoy, R-Cedar Crest, said. "In this climate, I think that's the worst possible thing that we can do right now,"

After more than an hour of debate, the committee voted to request Speaker of the House Ben Lujan put together a subcommittee to outline rules and procedures for allowing webcams in meetings.

"What we decided was to not decide," Arnold-Jones told KRQE News 13. "We formed a committee.

"The citizens deserve to have access."

While the subcommittee tackles the issue, it will be up to committee chairpersons to decide whether or not webcams will be allowed in their meetings.

Arnold-Jones said she will only bring her webcam to the committees she is assigned to.

She said it would be really difficult for her to take the webcam down if she is asked to because she believes strongly they should be allowed.