Physician sues medical board

A Santa Fe physician who voluntarily surrendered his medical license last year after a three-year battle with the New Mexico Medical Board over prescribing painkillers and narcotics is suing the board for defamation and breach of contract.

George R. Schwartz filed his own complaint in state District Court on Wednesday, alleging the board has published defamatory information about him that "tend to expose Dr. Schwartz to contempt, harm his reputation, and discourage others from associating or dealing with him in professional and personal capacities."

Last summer, Schwartz and the board signed an "agreed order" through which he surrendered his license to practice medicine and agreed to retire as a doctor but continue operating a consulting and research business. The board's Web site says there have been "public actions" against Schwartz, but says one must contact the board for information on those actions.

Schwartz's pro-se complaint asks a judge to award actual and punitive damages.

Congressman visits Rio Rancho

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., will hold office hours in Rio Rancho from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday at the Rio Rancho Economic Development Offices, 1201 Rio Rancho Drive Southeast, Suite C.

His office said the congressman will meet with constituents with concerns and talk about issues before Congress.

Lujan's 3rd Congressional District includes Santa Fe and stretches south to include parts of Rio Rancho.

County seeks input on new code

Santa Fe County will host three workshops to give county residents a chance to review the first five chapters of the county's developing new land-use code.

Copies of the first five chapters of the code are available at the County Land Use office in the County Administration Building at 102 Grant Ave., at all county satellite offices, and in the reference section at the Santa Fe and Eldorado public libraries.

The three workshops will be held at 5 p.m. July 7, July 15 and July 19 in the Commission Chambers at 102 Grant Ave.

For more information or to comment on the updated land use code, e-mail County Attorney Stephen Ross at sross@santafecounty.org or call 986-6279.

Commissioner sets Nambé meeting

Santa Fe County Commissioner Harry Montoya will host a meeting to gather public input on the proposed Nambé Community Park project.

A news release said the meeting is set for 6 p.m. July 15 at the Nambé Head Start building at 180 B, CR 503.

For more information call 995-2761.

Los Alamos gets new fire chief

LOS ALAMOS — Los Alamos County's deputy fire chief has been promoted to chief.

County Administrator Max Baker appointed 60-year-old Doug Tucker to the top job, calling him qualified and prepared to be chief.

Tucker, who has been with the Los Alamos department for 15 years, succeeds Chief Doug MacDonald.

Tucker came to Los Alamos after retiring as a division chief from the Phoenix Fire Department, where he worked from 1969 to 1994.