October 24, 2024

Featured Presentation

Davena Norris, who is on the executive committee of the Health Security for New Mexicans Campaign, and is also a local pharmacist, brought our attention to some proposed healthcare legislation. She explained that New Mexico should have a strong consolidations oversight law, which would protect communities from the many negative impacts of corporate takeovers. Davena mentioned three complementary pieces of legislation that have to do with the consolidations oversight bill:

A law to protect healthcare whistleblowers
A corporate practice of medicine law
Health facility governance standards

You can read more about it here.

Also, state funding is needed so the Legislative Health and Human Services can continue to develop solutions that will result not only in lower costs but better care.

Casa de Peregrinos update

Eric Walkinshaw was happy to announce the groundbreaking of Casa de Peregrinos food pantries in Chaparral and Sunland Park. They will be up and running in 2025. If you were at the groundbreaking in Chaparral, you would have bumped into U.S. Congressman Gabe Vasquez and Doña Ana County Commissioner Shannon Reynolds; State Representative Ray Lara and candidate for House District 53, Sarah Silva, were present at the groundbreaking in Sunland Park. You can find out more at the CdP website.

For more information, email Eric.

Sarah Silva, running for House District 53

Sarah Silva expressed her gratitude to all those who have knocked on doors and/or donated to her campaign. She said that from day one she has felt like the people’s candidate. In just 50 days, Sarah’s campaign has knocked on 4,000 doors and raised $130,000! She said, “Power equals organized people, money, and ideas.” Sarah would be thrilled if you can volunteer in the last days of the campaign; call or text Sarah at 575-343-2029 if you can help.

Door Knock for Sarah
Saturday, October 26, 10am
Leaving from 4720 Sun Canyon Road

For more information, email Sarah.

Land use codes determine smart growth

Jim Wilcox addressed how we develop cities using land use codes. He said, “Here’s your homework: go to this website and learn more about smart growth.”

For more information, email Jim.

Show up in your blue shirt

Diane Starbuck-Ribaudo is happy to report there is a City Council work session scheduled to address the proposed new animal ordinance. She said to wear a blue shirt so the council can look into the audience and see a show of support.

City Council Work Session: Animal Ordinance
Tuesday, November 12, 1pm

For more information, email Diane.

Forever chemicals

Steve Fischmann hopes you will take a moment and write to the Oil Conservation Commissioners and ask them to regulate forever chemicals in fracking wastewater. Here’s what he suggests you say:

Dear Commissioners,

I am writing to ask you to approve the Application to amend the Commission’s rules to address PFAS, Case No. 23580, because PFAS and PFOA pose a significant and growing threat to our health. Please use your authority to protect New Mexicans from these forever chemicals. Once contaminated, there is no going back.

The address to write the commissioners is:

NM Oil Conservation Commissioners
Wendell Chino Building, 3rd Floor
Attn: Sheila Apodaca, Clerk
Re: Case No. 23580
1220 South St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87505

For more information, email Steve.

Carrie Hamblen, running for re-election, Senate District 38

Carrie Hamblen spoke about something we understand all too well: elections matter! She reminded us of four years ago when the freshman class of state senators was the reason NM was able to pass important pieces of legislation on issues like abortion, cannabis, end-of-life, and free breakfasts and lunches for our students. She said her strength is collaboration. She hopes everyone will work hard to get out the vote in this very important election.

For more information, email Carrie or visit the campaign website.

Number crunching

Nick Voges, who attended PVA’s first meeting (in 2004!), and who now lives in Albuquerque, said it was good to be among seasoned activists who get things done! However, Nick had some sobering news. He’s been crunching the numbers and is finding that the Democrats are underperforming in the vote turnout. In terms of turning out infrequent voters, Republicans are matching Democrats’ efforts. There are some very close seats up for election, and Nick advised us to get out the vote in Doña Ana County!

For more information, email Nick.

Jeff Steinborn, running for re-election, Senate District 36

Jeff Steinborn said he hopes to win his race for Senate District 36, because he has been working on some exciting legislation, such as requiring disclosure of all fracking fluids and dealing with voter protection. He said not all districts are equal and some are closer than others. For example, Sarah Silva and Nathan Small have tight races and it’s going to come down to a turnout battle.

For more information, visit the campaign website.

Ready to knock on some doors for State Representative Nathan Small?

Field director for Nathan Small’s campaign, Sasha Lujan, would love help with knocking on doors for Nathan. “We need volunteers, period,” she said. Check out Nathan’s campaign website here.

For more information, or to volunteer, email Sasha or call 575-639-8346.

Three points and a cheer

Gayle Eads announced three things:

She thanked all who wrote postcards to voters as part of the Blue CD2 postcard program
She recommended looking at your sample ballot and showing newer or infrequent voters their sample ballot, which you can pick up at the polls or get online here
Gayle strongly supports Amanda Lopez-Askin for county clerk

She also cheered on Gabe Vasquez in his reelection bid: “Go, Gabe, go! Go, Gabe, go!”

For more information, email Gayle.

Scary thoughts

Elisa Sanchez spoke about New Mexico being a minority majority state. She is very concerned about a possible Trump presidency because he has said he will initiate historic deportation, even being willing to deport U.S. citizens. “He will target people who look like me,” she said, and she suggested we go to History.com and read about what has happened to Latino people throughout history.

For more information, email Elisa.

It’s time for a Party party!

Jim Hoerst said that the County Commission may consider ending the prayer before meetings. He said that if you believe in separation of church and state, attend the meetings and speak in favor of ending the prayer.

Jim also announced that the Federation of Democratic Women of Doña Ana County will be having a Democratic Party party on November 12 in order to celebrate with one another and/or console each other. Stay alert for more on the Party party coming soon.

For more information, email Jim.

Real quick – make this important phone call

Mary Martinez White, who is with the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, asked us to call Speaker Mike Johnson and urge him to hear Senate Bill 3853, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act.

The phone number for Speaker Mike Johnson is 202-225-4000.

For more information, email Mary.

Ready to knock on some doors for U.S. Congressman Gabe Vasquez?

Jane Grider was asked by Claire Neal-Wallace to ask us to volunteer for Gabe Vasquez’s campaign. “We are pleading,” said Jane, who explained that they have a goal of getting to 7,500 doors. They are talking to infrequent voters and getting them to make a plan to vote. Gabe’s office is at 105 West Griggs.

For more information, email Jane.

“Bad Faith” the movie

Jan Thompson announced that the UU Church showed “Bad Faith” on Friday, October 25. This movie details the history and current threats of the White Christian Nationalist movement. The movie postulates that this movement affects all aspects of your life including separation of church and state, reproductive rights, voter access, and religious freedom.

For more information, email Jan.

Fernando Macias, running for District Attorney

Fernando Macias said the difference between the District Attorney candidates is their differing approach to criminal justice. You can read about Fernando’s experience and his ideas for the District Attorney’s office by visiting the campaign website, linked below.

For more information, visit the campaign website.

A way to support KTAL Community Radio

Peter Goodman hopes you will continue to support KTAL Community Radio, by donating and listening to the station frequently. He said if you have a business, you can underwrite or sponsor a show on the station. If you are interested, call Peter at 575-489-7090. Also, did you know that Robert B. Munson, whom the Munson Center was named for, was in a movie? Ask Peter about that!

For more information, email Peter.

Climate change report

Gill Sorg let us know that Conservation Voters New Mexico just published a report called “The State of Climate Action in New Mexico: A Call to Action. You can read the report here.

For more information, email Gill.

Welcoming new people to PVA!

Rocky Bacchus introduced someone who was attending PVA for the first time. Welcome! Hope to see you at our next meeting, Romulo!

For more information, email Rocky.