Letters to the Editor

Sparking dialogue

Editor:

As an intern with Environment New Mexico, I’ve been working on renewable energy projects within Valencia County throughout the past few months.

I’ve been continually impressed by all the innovative action taken in the community that stems from a strong commitment to change.

A couple of weekends ago, I was able to learn exactly how much work has been done. We hosted an event called “Celebrating Sustainability” at the University of New Mexico-Valencia campus that featured numerous guest speakers who presented on local and statewide successes with sustainability.

This event sparked a dialogue about how we can expand renewable energy practices on campus and in surrounding communities. It was inspiring to hear all the meaningful change – both enacted and planned.

Rick Goshorn, director of business operations at the Valencia campus, shared that the campus receives 18 percent of its energy from on site solar panels, and future plans will ultimately cover 65 percent of the university’s energy needs. They have reaped $180,000 in savings thus far, with more to come!

Although UNM-Valencia is small, it’s truly a state-wide leader in what it means to be forward-thinking and sustainable. Seeing all the local efforts and resulting successes has broadened my views and given me encouragement for the future.

If Valencia can make all of these important and influential changes, I’m sure the rest of the state, and country, can follow suit.

As someone who’s future will be impacted by climate change, I hope we can continue down this path of sustainability for years to come.

Leah Evensen

Albuquerque

Fixing the system

Editor:

As a senior on a very low fixed income, it is hard enough to buy food let alone own medicine.

We have to think twice about going to the doctor because of the 20 percent we have to pay and with the price of medicine on top of that.

It can be a choice of how we want to die — starvation or our illness. Please help to fix drug prices.

Debra Brucker

Los Lunas

Fair board is appreciative

Editor:

The Valencia Fair Management Co. Inc. thanks the following citizens, groups, businesses and organizations that participated or bought animals during the 2019 Junior Livestock Sale at the Valencia County Fair:

4 Daughters Land and Cattle, Ag New Mexico Farm Credit Services, All Fired Up Enterprises, Axon Electric LLD, Black Hills Enterprises, Built It Right.

Cattleman’s Livestock Auction, Conservation Services Sbt, Cross Country Propane, Diamond T Trailer, Dairy Producers Livestock Auction, Elite Communication.

Garcia Farms LLC, H.A.W. Farms, Heritage Title of Valencia County, High Desert Plumbing, HR Construction Inc., Jones Dairy Inc., Mesa Tractor, McCallister Communications.

My Lube Center, MWI, New Mexico Bank and Trust, Old Mill Farm and Ranch Supplies, Onate Feed LLC, Pareo Dairy, ProSteel Inc., RAKS Building Supply, Randy’s Electric.

Schwebach Ag Services, Sego Enterprises, Southwest Livestock, TLC Plumbing and Utility, T&T Trailer Sales, Valencia County Buyers Pool, Valley Tractor, Verde Drilling and Construction, Yhece LLC, Village Veterinary Hospital and Yucca Veterinary Medical Center.

Thanks to everyone who made the sale a tremendous success this year, and we look forward for the continued support of the Valencia County Fair in 2020.

Danny Goodson

Valencia Fair Management Co., Inc.