Thrilled Noble is running for mayor
Last spring, I had my first foray into the world of the Santa Fe Public Schools Board of Education when it was exploring closing my children’s beloved school, E.J. Martinez Elementary. I rallied at meetings, emailed board members, called and generally harassed everyone I could think of in order to keep our school open. At this time, a new school board member had just been elected — Kate Noble.
I heard about Kate from mutual friends and acquaintances. I remember being impressed that she actually ran a campaign and hosted a series of conversations with people in her district, even though she was unopposed. I also liked that she sent her kiddo to public school when so many people I know do not.
In each of the five- to sevenhour meetings (no exaggeration), I was also incredibly impressed by the fact that Kate listened to each and every person who talked. It got very heated, emotional and very hot in that room, and she continued to absorb what was being said. She wasn’t afraid to listen. That can be very hard for some people in public office. She also thoughtfully responded to each person who contacted her and made a decision based on the sum of the facts, as well as understanding the need for E.J. to continue to be a neighborhood school.
Since then, Kate and I have become friends. I am thrilled that she is running for mayor. In our conversations since the E.J. debacle, she has exhibited an absolute passion for good policies that will help Santa Feans. With her experience working for the city in economic and community development for nine years, co-founding MIX Santa Fe and New Mexico’s first two business accelerators, she truly understands how to improve our economy by investing in small businesses, how to make our city more business friendly and keep up our reputation (according to Forbes magazine) as the No. 1 spot for women entrepreneurs in the country.
Having worked at the city for almost a decade, she has seen what works and doesn’t work at the city. Her ideas about how city government can become more accountable and responsive to the community are great. Finally, as a Santa Fe native, she truly wants to work for all the people in this city. She is campaigning over the entire city, not just select areas. She listens to people and promotes their ideas for Santa Fe. I’ve seen this firsthand.
Kate sees how she can do more good for the schools and for the city as mayor. I believe this is true. To anyone who says that Kate needs to spend more time on the school board or take care of her kids, I have to ask, would you ask the same of a man?
This election should be about who has the best ideas and, crucially, who has the ability to implement these ideas. Kate has focused and insightful ideas and the inside knowledge to make them happen efficiently and effectively. You shouldn’t vote for Kate because she is a woman, because she is a mom or because she looks the best (yes, someone said that to her), but because she is the best candidate in the race. She, like any candidate, is the sum of her experience, character and ideas. And with that combination, Kate has the potential to make Santa Fe exceptional.
Megan Perkins is the PTA president at E.J. Martinez Elementary school and is a community activist. She lives in Santa Fe.