Garrett’s a voice for change
Billy Garrett may not be a household name here in Santa Fe, but it’s one we should get to know. Billy Garrett is a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor and has all the leadership qualities and experience that are needed to successfully serve and be an outstanding voice for change, the kind of change we desperately need in the Roundhouse. His ideas for transforming the office into a meaningful position that advocates for social and environmental justice will put the interests of all of us at the center of state government. His recent Looking In piece (“Next governor must lead on climate change” April 24), clearly summarizes his thoughts on New Mexico leading the clean energy revolution. Billy also feels that we New Mexicans have struggled too long with biases against women and the poor, rural residents and other underserved people.
Billy Garrett has 34 years of public service including currently serving as Doña Ana County commissioner for the past seven years. He has been a designer and planner, and in his long career with the National Park Service, held advancing positions of historic architect up to deputy general superintendent at Gateway National Recreation Area, a huge National Park serving millions of visitors annually in the New YorkNew Jersey metropolitan area.
Reading information on a résumé doesn’t do enough to convey Billy’s innovative and thoughtful qualities. He would like to transform the position of lieutenant governor by establishing a center of excellence, whereby subject matter experts could come together to analyze and help solve the many problems we face now and in the future. I had the pleasure of working with Billy when I led a team for innovative change in the northeast region of the National Park Service. It was always exciting to have Billy contribute his ideas that led to the design and development of a listening tour throughout the region, resulting in improved communication to and from the regional director.
Don’t just take my word for it. Check out his website at BGarrett 4NM.com. And then get out and vote in the June 5 primary. New Mexico needs fresh, new, carefully thought through ideas, and Billy Garrett’s leadership qualities and experience can provide them. Nancy Burgas had a career in New Jersey at AT&T corporate headquarters in executive development. In Santa Fe, she led a consulting company specializing in strategic planning and values implementation until her recent retirement.