There will be no progress until the NRA is stopped
Kudos to The New Mexican for the editorial (“In 2018, make guns the issue,” Our View, Feb. 18). However, the newspaper did not go far enough. You should have demanded that all candidates accepting any support from the National Rifle Association (Republicans or Democrats) be identified by the press (by you) and other media, identified continuously until the 2018 election so that voters have absolutely no excuse for supporting any of these NRA whores. It is your job “to inform,” and not to expect voters to ferret out who these people are. Furthermore, being a hunter is no excuse.
Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., should be ashamed of his NRA “B” grade. Obviously, sale of all assault-type weapons, bump stocks and high-capacity magazines should be stopped. Further, there should be a bounty on them making their ownership too expensive for rational people. Until the NRA is stopped, there will be no progress by any government — federal, state or local — to end gun-triggered violence.
Terry R. Gibbs Santa Fe
All of Santa Fe
My husband, Ronald Trujillo, sees the potential and beauty in this city, all of the city, even the often-ignored sections. Ronald sees the value and beauty in the people — all of the people, regardless of their race, religion or sexual orientation. Ronald sees that the whole community of Santa Fe deserves to be represented equally, without consideration of education, economic standing, political party or lack thereof. Ronald has represented the people of Santa Fe, all of them, despite the prejudice shown against him for 12 years. He will continue to do so as your next mayor. How do I know? I have read every resolution, watched every council meeting and been front and center for it all. Ronald is a multicultural, fair, experienced leader who will proudly represent all of Santa Fe.
Amber Espinosa-Trujillo Santa Fe
For the children
It’s enormously disturbing that the candidates for mayor and City Council are not addressing climate change and water issues in any concrete way. Climate change is the most critical, local and global issue facing all of us. However, the good news is, Nate Downey, a person with integrity, water credentials, knowledge and an actual platform about water and our water future, is running for City Council in District 2. A vote for Nate is a vote for our children and our children’s children.
Bobbe Besold Santa Fe
Many in opposition
A recent mayoral debate made no reference to previously submitted questions regarding the proposed site of a Pilot Flying J truck stop. Wake up Santa Fe. An ugly, unsuitable and totally unnecessary truck stop at the gateway of Santa Fe is an existential threat that will blacken the eyes of residents who live in the City Different and discourage visitors seeing such a blemish. Beckoned by unsubstantiated Pilot Flying J revenue prognostications, the county has yet to undertake an independent financial appraisal to determine realistic expectations from a truck stop at the proposed location. Many in opposition see Pilot Flying J will mainly siphon away revenue from already established local businesses.
Michael Pschorr Santa Fe
The logical choice
Thanks for the series on the mayoral candidates, which provided helpful insights about each candidate. Time to decide who to vote for. Let’s see, three have served on the City Council, some for years. Now they claim that City Hall is broken. Weren’t they the policymakers who made the major decisions that may have contributed to this “broken” condition? Probably not one is a good choice. One worked for the city and is currently on the Santa Fe school board, elected with the expectation to honor the commitment to serve out the whole term. What if an opportunity to run for a higher office presented itself before the four-year term of mayor was up; would the decision be to run for that and abandon the city? Too risky. That leaves the candidate with a proven successful business record who could best manage the city — Alan Webber. The logical choice.
Rena Sanchez Santa Fe
Why not rank?
Milan Simonich (“Vote for the best; skip all the rest,” Ringside Seat, Jan. 12) advocates voting for one candidate in the upcoming mayoral election and forgoing the opportunity to rank your choices. If every voter followed his recommendation, it is probable that no candidate would be elected, because to win, someone must receive a majority of votes. If everyone votes only for a first candidate (in other words, if there are no second-place votes), a likely distribution of votes among five on the ballot would result in no one candidate getting 50 percent plus one vote. For example, one candidate could get 46 percent and the other four could get 11 percent each. Or 35-25-20-10-10. Or any other probable spread. Result? Deadlock, a possibility that is brought up in Mr. Simonich’s own newspaper (“Ranked-choice voting in Santa Fe: A guide,” Nov. 30). Given the outstanding field of candidates profiled in The New Mexican, I can easily support more than one. Why shouldn’t I do so?
Paul Johnson
Santa Fe
A prepared candidate
I strongly support Nate Downey for city councilor in District 2. I’m proud to have him as a friend since he was a student at St. John’s College in the early ’90s. Nate has been working vigorously for the community and environment locally and statewide ever since. His knowledge and preparation for the post are unparalleled. See for yourself on his website at: www.downeyforcouncil.com
Accountability through fiscal responsibility is key to him. Economic development is essential with affordable housing, job growth and support for education at all levels, including after school activities. Sustainability, especially concerning water quantity and quality, are very important to Nate and most of us. Nate Downey is a bright, articulate and experienced candidate who wholeheartedly wants to take the responsibility of a city councilor with enthusiasm, proven ability and great ideas.
Michael Truax Collins
Santa Fe