Unsuccessful candidates can still contribute

After the election, I am reminded that I am an advocate for a short list for such New Mexico Cabinet positions as secretary of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources, secretary of Environment, and the Office of the State Engineer. As campaigning proceeds, we have an opportunity to contribute to and influence the choices and appointments to numerous New Mexico Cabinet positions. We should be thinking about it now. And planting the seeds now.

I was greatly impressed with the level to which Garrett VeneKlasen ran his campaign (“‘Underdog’ Garcia Richard claims win over VeneKlasen,” June 6). He spoke of issues and solutions that, before this year, candidates avoided. He set an example for other candidates and elected officials.

VeneKlasen may have lost the race for the Democratic Party nomination for state land commissioner, but he would be first on my short list for secretary of dnergy, minerals and natural resources, or secretary of the environment. We cannot let this caliber of individual slip away. We must find a spot for him in our New Mexico system.

I can make the same argument for several candidates who lost a few nights ago. Let’s figure out how to help them help us help New Mexico. This is not meant in any way as knocking Stephanie Garcia Richard, who I support totally. This is an endorsement of an individual and a strategy. We need key people in key positions, and the Department of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources often has been the fox guarding the hen house. Mike Neas

Placitas