Sinkhole is evidence of our country’s free fall
Asinkhole such as the one forming at the White House is caused by water erosion. It can be stopped and repaired by redirecting the water that has caused the problem in the first place. The sinkhole our country is falling into has been caused by the current administration and its constant erosion of honesty, intelligence and morals, the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.
This, too, can be stopped and repaired by redirecting the free fall through the upcoming election as long as the newly elected are held to a higher standard than those who seem to be no more than seat fillers in office today, both Republicans and Democrats, who are allowing this degradation of what the USA stands for. Remember Nov. 6.
Terry Rothwell
Santa Fe
Fighting misogyny
Anything worse than the conscious misogyny from a “privileged” male? The unconscious misogyny from a self-proclaimed pro-women female. Misogyny isn’t just hating women/girls, but also contempt and prejudice against them.
Would you buy a car from a woman? Would you get your car fixed by female mechanics? When dealing with technical computer issues, would you rather talk to a guy because she wouldn’t know what she’s talking about?
Our society is ingrained with unconscious systemic biases against women. So pause and ask yourself every day. And correct it every chance you get. One way is through elections; with your vote, you have a chance to change the fabric of our society to be more inclusive and representative, by electing many talented, qualified women, running for governor, land commissioner, state representative, judge, etc. Don’t “elect any woman.” But “always elect a woman if she’s qualified”; i.e., as qualified as her male opponent. Don’t require she be more qualified.
Sandrine Gaillard
Santa Fe
What have we become?
I received a libelous flyer straight out of Richard Nixon’s dirty tricks bag. It was clearly intended to tarnish State Rep. Carl Trujillo’s reputation — suggesting a reader “check the facts” and citing headlines from the Santa Fe New Mexican and Albuquerque Journal reporting allegations against Trujillo. Not facts. Allegations. The details of this flyer are disturbing and disgusting — and its statements are attributed to no person. Trujillo has submitted to a polygraph examination and convincingly passed. His accuser has not. In the U.S. I used to know, a person is innocent until proven guilty. A person had the right to confront his or her accuser. Not so with this campaign. This flyer is dirty politics. It is very disheartening to see the depths to which some people will descend to try to get their way. Let’s get back to seeking the truth. Sign your name to the statements you make against another person.
Lori Lopez, R.N.
Santa Fe
First and only priority
My first and only priority is to represent the people who elected me into office. That will never change. Serving the community members of District 46 for three terms has been an honor. We have accomplished many milestones working together, but there are many more ahead of us. To give you an idea, here’s what that effort has looked like:
Voting for early childhood education and advocating for more money directly into our kids’ classrooms.
Championing legislation for our environment in the areas of water, energy conservation and more renewable energy.
Advocating for women’s rights; championing legislation for those affected by domestic violence; supporting equal pay for equal work; and addressing access to health care, child care, contraception and issues of reproductive freedom.
Championing legislation to fund drug court to help those families affected by drug addiction for which New Mexico receives national recognition.
Infrastructure investment in high-speed internet so we provide services in telemedicine, education and work from home.
Economic viability so that we stop exporting our talented youth and provide opportunity here at home.
Often you find putting your best foot forward for the good of the whole means that the small but vocal few will take aim at you. My constituents did not elect me to vote with the political establishment for a partisan agenda or to align with special interest groups. They elected me to represent them. My first and only priority is to represent the people who elected me into office. That will never change.
Carl Trujillo
state representative, District 46
Hikers and bikers
I wish to add my voice to that of Elizabeth Bradley (“Bikes and pedestrians don’t mix in wilderness,” My View, May 20). I have lived in Santa Fe for 25 years. Before my dogs passed away and I ruptured my Achilles tendon, I regularly took my two dogs into the mountains for a day of wonder, relaxation and exercise on the delightful wilderness trails above our city. Now I have two puppies. When I resumed my weekly hikes, I found all the trails had deteriorated and bikers were everywhere, which scared the dogs. Instead of having a meditative stroll, I had to be on the alert, looking ahead and behind in case a bike appeared. There must be designated biking trails and designated hiking trails so we can all enjoy the outdoors. It is wonderful that Santa Fe is touting itself as an outdoor adventure destination, but these two activities do not mix.
Ginny Hogan
Santa Fe
Only two candidates
As a property rights activist and advocate for the people, I have spent many hours in the courtroom observing how judges and attorneys treat pro se litigants. Access to justice is a basic right, which was purportedly addressed by our government through the system of checks and balances. Unfortunately, the incestuous nature of the judiciary, which is wholly self-regulated, has created a disturbing trend toward total corruption. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. I feel judicial reform is imperative, but in the meantime, we must elect compassionate and approachable judges who believe in fairness.
Having engaged with the First Judicial District Court candidates at events, the judicial forum and also from my firsthand experience with those already on the bench, I believe the only two candidates for the job are Maria Sanchez-Gagne for Division 2 and Jason Lidyard for Division 5.
Marcie Martinez
Santa Cruz, N.M.
Achievement
I am personally endorsing Adan Mendoza for sheriff of Santa Fe County. I have had the opportunity to work side by side with Mendoza on several investigations. I was impressed by his commitment, his philosophy toward law enforcement and progressive ideas for leading the sheriff ’s department. I have met other active and retired law enforcement professionals who also respect Mendoza and comment on his level of achievement in law enforcement. Given Mendoza’s many years of law enforcement experience, education as well as his management and budget skills, Mendoza is the best candidate to lead the Santa Fe County Sheriff ’s Department into the future.
Mat Perez
FBI special agent in charge Albuquerque division, retired Santa Fe
Skills and passion
New Mexico is facing a pivotal time of drought and other problems brought on by climate change. The choice we make now for state land commissioner is critical not only our survival but to our prosperity, especially regarding funding the education of our children. We believe this is the most important choice voters can make in this election. Garrett VeneKlasen is the only candidate who has the experience, the skills and passion, and the progressive ideas to manage and steward our state trust lands. New Mexico must start to move forward toward more renewable energy as sources of income for our childhood education system. Experts warn that our oil and gas will not be here forever. Let’s make New Mexico a shining example to the West and to the world in how not only to survive but to flourish in an environmentally sound way during these times. Vote for Garrett VeneKlasen for state land commissioner. New Mexico needs him.
Warren Watson Cindy Burton
Santa Fe
Desire to serve
State Rep. Debbie Rodella’s accusations against challenger Susan Herrera are without foundation (“N.M. House candidate threatens legal action,” May 29). Rodella’s accusation are indeed libelous. Herrera served as director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation from its beginning until she chose to retire. I served as a member of the board for six years and was impressed with Susan’s commitment and desire to serve in every educational project we on the board felt was important. And the programs have succeeded in furthering the goal of making Northern New Mexico teachers and schools achieve excellence. I strongly protest Rodella’s libelous assertions and urge voters to support a far more qualified and honest candidate to represent District 41
— Susan Herrera.
Mary Louise Williams
Santa Fe
Fresh ideas
I am supporting Andrea Romero and ask you to help elect Andrea. When I met her last year, I was so impressed by her qualifications and her life experiences. Romero is a graduate of Santa Fe High School and earned a degree in political science from Stanford University. Her parents, like mine, stressed the value of education and working in our community to make it better for everyone. After working to help others halfway around the world and in Washington, D.C., she came home to Santa Fe to help others start their own businesses. She will bring new, fresh ideas to help improve the lives of all the residents of the state. Help elect Andrea Romero to the state House of Representatives, District 46.
Christina Chavarria
Santa Fe
Advocate
I highly recommend Christine Chandler for District 43, New Mexico State House. I have known Chandler for more than 30 years as a colleague, supervisor and friend. She is a person of energy, intelligence and integrity. She understands the fundamental needs of a healthy community through her work as a Los Alamos County councilor. Prudent investments in infrastructure, public and school safety, and critical services are key factors in creating and maintaining a livable community. She also has gained a working knowledge of the Legislature in recent years as a lawyer for one of the key Senate committees. This will allow her to begin right away to advocate for the district without having to first learn the ropes.
Sheila Brown
Santa Fe