TOP OF MIND

Top of Mind is a weekly question about an issue affecting New Mexicans.

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION Should we go on daylight saving time year-round, go to standard time year-round, or continue changing our clocks twice a year?

“How many times do doctors have to repeat themselves? Daylight savings is harmful to our health. Do we not listen to our doctors? Do not keep daylight saving time year-round. Children should not have to wait for buses in the dark.”

— Ramona Lujan, Albuquerque

“Albuquerque excludes those who — wisely — don’t drive at night from cultural activities because many bus routes end by 6:30. Daylight saving time becomes a cause for celebration because driving to First Friday, the museum’s Third Thursday, to late-afternoon plays, concerts, then arriving home before dark becomes possible.”

— Vennie Eline White, Albuquerque

“I strongly oppose permanent daylight saving time: It is not aligned with our natural circadian rhythms, which are dependent on the sun’s cycle of day and night. This leads to all kinds of health issues. More importantly, it is unthinkable for us to have children walking to school in the dark — or even waiting for a bus. Permanent standard time would be acceptable.”

— H.L. Roosild, Albuquerque

“We need to stop daylight saving time and go to standard time year-round. It is unnatural to be light outside at 9:30 p.m., like when on daylight saving time.” — Mark Shortencarier, Albuquerque

“It’s called standard time for a good reason: It is the standard used all over the world and is based on where the sun is at noontime. Stop switching back and forth; just keep it standard.”

— Lisa Jackson, Albuquerque

“Do not make us change the time. Keep it the same year-round. Changing by an hour twice a year is very disruptive. I don’t really care which, so pick one and stick with it. Actually, given a choice, I’d pick standard time.”

— Heula Pittman, Albuquerque

“Regardless of standard time or daylight saving time, stop changing our clocks. Settle on one or the other and put this silly practice to rest.”

— Stanley Lawson, Rio Rancho

“We should go to standard time yearround. It’s the healthiest and safest and easiest to adjust to.”

— Mary K. Smith, Albuquerque

“Time should be left at standard time year-round, none of this on/off DST. It messes with my garden, animals and me. I wouldn’t want my child at a bus stop in the dark if it was to be DST yearround.” — Cindi Maxwell, Albuquerque

“Daylight saving time is not needed in modern society. It does more harm than good. Technology helps us manage our time more efficiently. Go standard time year-round. Let businesses and institutions modify their schedules to satisfy their needs. Put the question on our November election. Let people debate and decide.”

— Henry Ng, Rio Rancho

“I am all for cancelling daylight saving time. I would prefer to stay on mountain standard time. What I can’t stand are the time changes. It messes with a person’s body clock, plus having to adjust every clock a person owns. Leave the time one way or the other, but leave it alone.”

— Susan Hill, Albuquerque

“Standard time year-round. We need the light in the morning to wake up, dark in evening to go to sleep. Circadian rhythms work for restful sleep and waking the next day.”

— Debra York, Albuquerque