Stick with Kristina Ortez for District 42

If you are a registered Democrat voter, it is imperative that you cast your ballot in our June primary election for Kristina Ortez, incumbent state representative who was elected for District 42. Kristina has been endorsed by my friend, Senator Martin Heinrich, Sierra Club, Conservation voters of New Mexico and Planned Parenthood. She has a proven record and has voted for all legislative bills that have benefited her constituency in Northern New Mexico. When we have a committed legislator, it makes no sense to change.

She has accomplished so much in two years. She deserves our support to go forward and represent us as she has in District 42. Please check out her website, ortez4nm. com/priorities.

As former chair of the Taos Democratic party, I make every effort to keep track of the pulse of political movements in Taos county. Politics in Taos County and among Democrats countrywide brings to the forefront many distinctions and divisions. I admire anyone who steps into politics, and my only advice to Kristina’s opponent is that your reasons for opposing her are not so well thought out. I wish all of you had zoomed in to the forum on Monday (April 11) to witness first-hand the caliber of each candidate’s responses. Kristina reconfirmed my decision that she must be reelected.

So, Taos Democrats, we must look at the candidates’ records of accomplishment and put aside the reasons for challenge and ask why someone would choose to campaign against a leader. Think this through, folks. Ask yourselves, as I often do in politics: Does changing a strong leader for a chance that may not increase the odds of positive outcomes for all Taos County residents make sense? Stick with the known quality — vote to reelect Kristina Ortez for House District 42.

Billy Knight is a local business owner and past Chair of the Taos County Democratic Party.