Cars and bikes — a dangerous imbalance of power
The New Mexican’s support for encouraging equality between cars, trucks and bicycles on the streets of Santa Fe is highly irresponsible and seriously misguided, though no doubt politically correct (“Move over and make room for bicyclists,” Our View, Nov. 20). Do you seriously think that there is “equality” between a 2-ton truck going 40 mph on Cerrillos Road, St. Francis Drive or St. Michael’s Drive and a hapless bicyclist suddenly veering into a lane of traffic at night at 5 to 10 mph?
What will your position be when the first cyclist is killed or seriously injured? Mark my words, it will happen, and sooner rather than later. Change the state law (or ignore it) and use your God-given common sense, for God’s sake. Steven Hecht
Santa Fe
Electoral reform
The current “winner-take-all” state laws stipulate how Americans’ popular votes are counted before results reach the Electoral College during presidential elections. Only 12 “battleground states” determine the final outcome. Is that fair? A viable alternative — the National Popular Vote bill — already has been enacted into law in 11 states and the District of Columbia and is slated for New Mexico’s 2019 Legislature session. On Nov. 10, Sen. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, spoke before a full-capacity Santa Fe audience, dispelling myths and putting forth compelling arguments for our state’s National Popular Vote bill. A second public forum is scheduled for 2 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 107 W. Barcelona Road, three days before the legislative session opens. I urge everyone to attend and learn why the National Popular Vote bill is the right step for New Mexico and all Americans. Marcia Kellam
Santa Fe
If lawmakers collaborate
There’s much to be thankful for this holiday season. The state has the largest budget surplus in its history; just recently posted its largest job growth and lowest unemployment marks in several years; and more funding has been allocated for roads, schools and public safety. And that state’s record energy production is a big reason why.
That’s why the state’s newly elected leaders should continue to work together to maintain a regulatory climate that lowers costs for families and encourages businesses and producers to stay or relocate here, not flee to next-door pastures like Texas or Colorado and tap areas like the Permian or San Juan basins there — especially since other economic rankings including poverty, income and child well-being could be improved faster with the opportunities only local energy can provide. Thanks to improved technology and procedures, New Mexico will continue to do just that, safely, if lawmakers collaborate. Emily Haggstrom
senior director Consumer Energy Alliance Cimarron
Counting all votes
New Mexico is fortunate to have Sen. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, sponsor the National Popular Vote bill during our state’s upcoming 2019 legislative session (“Let’s all support the National Popular Vote,” Letters to the Editor, Nov. 8). But to ensure success, it will take all of our active support as well. Once fully in place at the national level, the National Popular Vote will allow New Mexico to award its electoral votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Our votes should matter in every election, presidential included.
For more information, go to the National Popular Vote-New Mexico website (www. nationalpopularvotenm.org). Deborah van Hecke
Santa Fe