Which candidates for office are going to listen?
Experience shows that too many legislators can’t even be bothered to return a constituent’s email
New Mexico should demand more from our elected officials. They work for you!
I learned of the political process after the shock of my biological father being released from prison for molesting and raping me beginning at the age of 10, the same age as Victoria Martens from Albuquerque who was brutally raped, tortured and murdered. I understand the horror and can relate to the devastation of abuse endured by baby Brianna Lopez of Las Cruces who died at the age of 5 months after being raped by her own father.
It is time to empower engagement in the political process in New Mexico by sharing my experience, roadblocks and progress with our elected officials. Please understand that although many experiences will be shared, I will also empower you with facts. While advocating as a volunteer for the thousands of voiceless abused children, domestic violence victims and sexual assault victims in the New Mexico capital for five years, I learned that some legislators have compassion for issues and some have their own agenda.
How did I come to this conclusion? Unreturned phone calls and emails from some N.M. lawmakers. Experiences which come to mind immediately: N.M. House District 13 and U.S. Congressional District 1 in Albuquerque and N.M. Senate District 31 in Las Cruces. Although I do not live in Las Cruces, my foster mother and father do. I left several messages for Sen. Joseph Cervantes during the 2018 legislative session. I was hoping to support legislation and be active in the process to get a bill passed and signed. He hasn’t called me back! I wanted to help the thousands of countless victims in N.M. but have yet to hear from the senator who is running for N.M. governor. Inbox empty!
House District 13, after years of Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero, finally has Democratic candidates opposing her, which I am extremely relieved about. Erin’s Law — an education bill which was enacted to teach age-appropriate education on safe touch/safe secrets — and Racheal’s Law (which gives more protection to rape victims) may not be reality for countless victims had I given up with my House Rep. Roybal Caballero. I ... tried to visit her at the address listed. The mobile home appeared vacant. I then learned from various media outlets that she purchased that mobile home in District 13 after she won the election. Years of unreturned e-mails sit in my box. I’m pleased to report that in House District 13 I recently received a call back within minutes from Robert “Bobby” Atencio, a former police officer residing in the district for 30 years who is running against Roybal Caballero. It’s refreshing to know that District 13 is now open for a new representative who I know from experience will call and e-mail you back.
Positive news regarding elected officials in the named districts — Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is running for governor, introduced Racheal’s law in Washington, D.C. My experiences with her office staff and her personally have always been positive. I know from years of personal experience that she and her staff are passionate advocates!
Recently I reached out to Damon Martinez, who is running for Congressional District 1, to discuss his thoughts on Racheal’s Law. I’ve never felt safer than sitting at my kitchen table with Damon having tea and cookies. Although he was not wearing his military uniform, I felt protected. I was assured after speaking with Damon that not only will he protect survivors of sexual assault, he will protect our children with safer gun laws (by) keeping assault weapons out of the hands of individuals who enter our schools and shoot to kill our children.
You are empowered on June 5 to vote! Before you vote, and regardless of your personal choice, please consider our elected officials work for you! Who will call or e-mail you back?