Grant Crawford
News, June 8: “Primary Election”
Disappointed in Pick
The history of labor unions, in short, is supposed to give a voice to tradespeople, workers and employees of various sectors, including public safety. Labor unions are there for the good of the workers who keep those organizations going through collective bargaining: the professionals of the sports we watch, the movies we watch and enjoy and the health care providers who (still) are fighting COVID-19.
The Santa Fe County Deputy Sheriffs Association voted “no confidence in Sheriff Mendoza.” Does that not matter? The union representing sheriff deputies for their rights voted that the elected leader is incompetent. Yet, the citizens of Santa Fe County voted back in the sheriff whose people have no confidence in him.
City of Santa Fe Labor Union AFSCME Local 3999 also voted “no confidence” in Mayor Alan Webber, yet we voted him back in as well. With both incompetent leaders voted back in by our constituents, does it really matter if the unions voice their concern to the public? We union workers advocate, lead, and fight for our rights and voice our concerns, especially with leaders who think they are “holier then thou.” Labor unions are strong and will continue to be strong and be heard no matter what.
Carlo Fernandez, Santa Fe
Boost for Prevention
The US is experiencing a mental health crisis, which has only been exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic and limited treatment options. Thanks in part to your efforts the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will officially transition to a three-digit dialing code, 988, this coming July. Please join us by contacting your members of Congress and urging them to prioritize suicide prevention through the AFSP Action Center (afsp.org/actioncenter).
Wendy Linebrink-Allison, Rio Rancho
