Anson Stevens-Bollen
Cover, October 10: “Running at Power”
Two more things tho
Although I appreciate the excellent coverage of some of the key issues and opinions of Michelle Lujan Grisham and Steve Pearce in your article, I feel that you left out two very important issues—one of which is the staggering amount of money NM taxpayers pay to private companies to run a number of our prisons, including detention centers housing undocumented immigrants. Secondly, the heartbreaking treatment of our undocumented immigrant neighbors as they face deportation and discrimination was not discussed. It's not too late to run another article interviewing the two candidates on these very important issues.
Judy Crawford
Santa Fe
Feelin’ Gassy
With Election Day only a few weeks away, residents are drowning in a dizzying array of political ads, with potential lawmakers promising jobs, jobs, and more jobs. Here's a platform I want to see more candidates run on: energy. The state Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department describes our energy sector as "one of the state's greatest assets," noting it "provides revenue that funds schools, hospitals, and state government and lessens the tax burden on New Mexico's citizens."
What will the men and women running for office do to encourage growth in this important industry? Will they support natural gas distribution and development? That's important because the growth in natural gas exploration is one of the main reasons our state is running a surplus and it's why we're in a good position even if there's a recession soon. Every candidate must go on record and let voters know whether they are willing to support this growing sector.
Grace Reif
Clayton
A little cryptic, but…
Steve Pearce: Another impenetrable dickhead seeking public office. Don't expect transparency with this one.
Michelle Lujan Grisham: She has a secret.
Lawrence Gold
Santa Fe
News, October 17: “Ballot Boss”
Breaking Party Lines
I served as Secretary of State from 2007 to 2010, and prior to that position, I was elected twice as Bernalillo County Clerk. After I was elected as secretary of state, Maggie Toulouse Oliver did not have the votes to assume the office of Bernalillo County Clerk until I gave her my recommendation. I now regret ever recommending her, as both in her current and previous positions, Maggie was and continues to be personally responsible for rampant partisanship and corruption that has harmed New Mexicans and diminished their trust in our elections and institutions. …
In contrast to Maggie, Dr. Gavin Clarkson is a political outsider who is not part of machine politics. His business background and expertise in law and technology make him an ideal candidate to reorient the office to focus on job creation and to restore full faith in the integrity of the voter rolls. It is evident that the amicus brief he authored was used as a blueprint by the Supreme Court to unanimously repudiate Maggie's last-minute attempt to rig the election. His Harvard Law education probably contributed to the quality of that brief, and the fact that he is the first tribal member to ever earn a doctorate from the Harvard Business School shows the kind of energy he brings to every endeavor …
New Mexico needs more jobs and our free and fair elections must be restored. Accomplishing these objectives will require accountability to the rule of law from our elected officials, especially those entrusted with refereeing our elections and ethics … Although I could have remained on the sidelines, New Mexico is too important to me, and I can no longer remain silent. I am therefore wholeheartedly endorsing Clarkson.
Mary Herrera
Former NM Secretary of State
Acting Out, October 17: “August in Autumn”
A Ray of Sunshine
This letter is intended to give praise where it is due. I have watched and enjoyed reading The Reporter over the years but I believe that I am detecting somewhat of a more grown-up and mature reporting. You are outstanding in covering and presenting so many important issues involving our community. There is more depth and perceived contemplation these days. I formerly read your publication for entertainment but I have now acknowledged a new level of communication that is/will bring you even more readers. I wish to name one of your outstanding reporters both for her skills and her interesting presentations: Charlotte Jusinski, theater and copy editor. I am almost beginning to overlook the occasional crude sophomoric and superfluous interjections of personal opinion from your erudite staff.
A side note: You are getting so valuable that I would gladly pay to purchase your publication often superior to our local newspaper of note in investigative reporting.
Ray Freeman
Santa Fe
Web Extra, Sept. 26: “Council OK’s hilltop development”
Work for Us
I am a 31-year old mother, native of Santa Fe. Despite work offers all over the country, I chose to invest in my home community. I attended the Sept. 26 city hearing on the Estancia del Norte Development and was hugely disappointed.
The proposed land was deemed unfit for development by the city several times in the 1990s. Nothing has changed except the City Council. It is prone to flooding and erosion and if developed, will threaten existing properties. Pandering to wealthy second- and third-homeowners over multi-generational residents is not what Santa Fe pictured when electing Mayor Webber.
Nearly 50 residents spoke out in opposition. Despite passionate, intelligent pleas, six council members, including Webber, approved the development. They disregarded facts to cater to outside moneyed interest. This precise trend is drowning young people today. Support of this development negates Webber's campaign promises to unite Santa Fe, make life sustainable and retain young people.
Mayor Webber, I understand that you are an entrepreneur. Your pro-business agenda should not override legitimate concerns of local families. Be innovative. Help your constituents find consensus. Balance economic growth while "sustaining the way of life in Santa Fe." We elected you to safeguard all communities.
Emily Folks
Santa Fe
Food, October 17: “Get Your Vegan Fix at Root 66”
Speakin’ for Creatures
As a minor partner of Root 66 and a board member of Animal Protection Voters, your readers should be aware that a substantial portion of the profits at Root 66 goes to funding Animal Protection Voters.
APV is focused on reviving our low-cost spay/neuter bill that languished on the desk of Governor Martinez after the last legislative session (almost 60,000 dogs are needlessly euthanized in shelters every year in New Mexico for lack of homes and spay/neuter funds). APV will also be working diligently on ending coyote killing contests and trapping/poisoning on public land in New Mexico.
APV has a long history of successful campaigns including ending cockfighting, horse tripping and making extreme animal cruelty a felony.
If you aren't a supporter of Animal Protection Voters, please consider helping us help animals by donating at APVNM.org.
James Corcoran
Santa Fe
News, October 10: “Ready, Set, Compost”
Shout-out
We in Agua Fria Village are proud to have Reunity Resources here at the Santa Fe Community Farm site at San Ysidro Crossing.
Saving space in the landfill is important and saving garbage from being with rotting food in the waste stream even more important.
William H Mee
SFReporter.com
Correction
Kakawa Chocolate House's logo is Mayan-inspired, not Olmec, as SFR stated in "Welcome to the Chocolate Factory" (Food, Oct. 10).
