NM Democrats need Miera’s voice
SHOULDN’T results matter? As a public school teacher, we are asked this from the PED via teacher evaluations, and we demand it from our students with statewide mandatory testing, yet I feel (we should) do this for all the candidates running for political office . ...
After looking through all the candidates for the Lt. Governor race, I have found only one who has all the required tools to be an effective voice on the fourth floor, Rick Miera.
The former Democratic majority floor leader has a deep understanding of the legislative process. As a member of the House of Representatives, his background includes the sponsorship of House Bill 3, the education bill for the state; that budgetary experience carries merit. As chairman of the House Education Committee, Miera went above and beyond to protect the public-school system from privatization for 18 years. Miera passed significant legislation, including raises for educational assistants, pre-K and kindergarten for New Mexico public schools, and the bilingual seal for graduates with dual language accreditation.
His professional experience as a drug and mental health counselor and work at the UNM Department of Psychiatry gives me hope for the future of New Mexico. His work with youth and their families at the juvenile detention center was vital to New Mexico. He lowered the youth inmate count under his watch by providing much-needed behavioral and mental health resources for the patients and their families.
He passed a patient choice in health care bill and the “children’s youth and disabilities act,” which allowed for more people to receive desperately needed services . ...
His voting record proves he was progressive, long before it was PC to be progressive. His support for medicinal marijuana in 2008 and his current stance on legalization are forward thinking. He understands the importance of universal health care. He has a higher rating from the conservation voters than his opponents . ... Miera is an outstanding example of what a true Democratic (candidate) is. I want my voice to be represented, and Miera can carry that voice. I hope every other Democrat will ... look for themselves to see who is really the best choice for New Mexico. JOHN V. CHAVEZ Albuquerque