Public can show up for Mexican gray wolves

This Saturday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be holding a meeting from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza, 1901 University Blvd. NE in Albuquerque to give the public an opportunity to comment on its draft recovery plan for Mexican gray wolves. Over the past 20 years, wolf recovery has limped along due to inaction on behalf of the federal government and obstructionism on the part of the states.

The recovery plan as written continues this trend and will hamper the recovery of this most endangered gray wolf in the world by giving states decision-making authority over when and where wolves will be released in the wild, even though New Mexico has sued to block these releases. Saturday’s meeting will be the best chance for wolf supporters to speak on behalf of lobos. Comments can also be submitted at www.regulations.gov. Search for FWS-R2-ES-2017-0036. Michael Dax

New Mexico outreach representative Defenders of Wildlife Santa Fe

We decide

People forget that we are the real power in this country (“Poll: Majority of Americans say they lack influence,” July 13). If we were as powerless as that poll suggests, the Affordable Care Act (also known as “Obamacare”) would have been repealed and the Republican skeletal health care bill would have passed. This is only a small sample of the power we have as individuals.

It is true that the rich wield a great deal of influence, but a rich person can only cast one vote and we, the majority, cast many, and it is members of the majority who choose our representatives and decide where this country should go. The ballot box is the source of our power, and it is a power we must exercise regularly and guard zealously. G. Gideon Rojas, MNL Santa Fe

Giving teens jobs

A shoutout to all local businesses who have taken the time and care to hire our local teenagers this summer. It’s wonderful to go about one’s business and find familiar young faces running the cash registers, cleaning dishes and busing tables. A great experience for these youngsters; it doesn’t go unnoticed, and it is much appreciated. Vinaigrette, Tullivers Pet Emporium, Rasa, La Casa Sena and so many more — well done. Abigail Olson Santa Fe

Preparing for the worst

It was with glee that I read and shared with a handful of my unconvinced La Cueva Valley (Glorieta) neighbors Staci Matlock’s Santa Fe New Mexican story (“Wildfire, wildlife and water,” Dec. 4, 2016). Maybe the experience of another would convince them of the real danger we face living in an overgrown, unhealthy forest with only one way out to N.M. 50, should the worst occur, I thought. Over time, the word from firefighters went from a “possible rescue” in 2004 to “no way possible” a few years later because forest conditions would place fire personnel in grave danger. Various programs were put in place to thin personal properties. We had done everything possible, but it was not enough. That is why we solidly supported the U.S. Forest Service decision to thin Block E at the mouth of our road northward. It will better our chances of surviving a catastrophic fire in our valley. We are very grateful for their decision, supported by the U.S. Geological Survey, the Greater Santa Fe Fireshed and the Santa Fe County and Glorieta Pass fire departments. Mrs. Helmuth J. Naumer (Sybil)

La Cueva Valley, Glorieta

Martinez is all me-me

Gov. Susana Martinez says we should consider reducing or eliminating New Mexico national monuments (“Martinez supports Trump’s call for review of monuments,” July 14). Question: Who does our governor work for — the citizens of New Mexico or the U.S. Department of the Interior? Her strategy is transparent. She is sucking up to the Republican administration in Washington, D.C., hoping she will be considered for a position after she leaves office here in 2018. Clark Zrakovi

Santa Fe

Quoting Henry Stimson

That a was an interesting column on meddling by Bill Stewart (“The U.S. is no stranger to meddling,” Understanding Your World, July 15). However, it was not Cordell Hull who said, “Gentlemen do not read each other’s mail.” It was Secretary of State Henry Stimson. Marvin Lachman

Santa Fe