LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We should outlaw coyote-killing contests
Coyote-killing contests are wrong and should be outlawed. That’s an idea Albuquerque has caught onto. Albuquerque recently adopted Council Bill No. R-18-5, condemning coyote-killing contests. This bill was introduced because coyote-killing contests go against our values as New Mexicans.
New Mexico has a long and strong tradition of hunting, led by ethical, sustainable hunters, but coyote-killing contests are not hunts; they are massacres. Beyond posing an ethical dilemma, coyote-killing contests also create a public safety risk. New Mexicans enjoying our state’s great and beautiful outdoor landscapes are at risk of catching a stray bullet from one of these undisclosed contests. Finally, coyote-killing contests damage ecosystems and are ineffective in protecting livestock and deer populations.
This unsafe, unethical, ineffective way of managing coyotes needs to be stopped. As a young New Mexican, I hope that our wildlife policy joins us in the 21st century. Michael Allison Santa Fe Preparatory School student Santa Fe
Do something!
Newsweek reports that New Mexico ranks No. 6 as the worst state for animal rights. This is outrageous as well as embarrassing.
Our state is already near the last place in every facet of American life. It’s worse for all the animals. Something must be done and can be done for our voiceless companions. I am contacting my congressional representative, our two U.S. senators, as well as the governor to ask that something be done about this — anything. Don’t just sit there.
Say thanks to Anna
I honor a member of our city government, Española City Clerk Anna Galvez Squires. Six years in office, Anna, with the help of her qualified staff, efficiently conducted the 2018 city of Española municipal elections. Anna navigated Northern New Mexico’s political helter skelter and delivered the voters an election that was politically unbiased, transparent, fair, just and equal. It reflected the integrity of her character as the individual appointed to represent our community.
If you happen to see Anna Galvez Squires out in public, please take the time to stop and thank her for selfless commitment to and personal sacrifice for our Española Valley.
For the workers
Former City Councilor Ron Trujillo was endorsed by the city of Santa Fe Service Employees Union, the Santa Fe Fire Fighters Association and the Santa Fe Police Officers Association (“Unions split support among candidates for Santa Fe mayor,” Feb. 4). He also was endorsed by the National Association of Letter Carriers. All agreed that Ron was their choice.
Voters chose to ignore those employees’ thoughts. Next time you have an issue with employees or any city services, remember your action or lack of action is responsible for the low worker morale. If you are not part of the solution to problems in our city, you are the problem.
Another topic of concern is the lack of affordable housing — it seems Mayor Alan Webber may be able to solve this, since he appears to have bought Santa Fe for under $300,000. Let’s hope he takes care of this priceless gem.