Letters to the Editor

Jumping on the bus

Editor:

Our Constitution was not originally written for our current two-party system. At the beginning, the presidential runner-up was the vice president. Imagine President Biden serving with Vice President Trump. We have amended our Constitution and made adjustments.

Whatever the original design, we now have two major political parties that wield a vast amount of power, like two big buses driving down the street. What options do we, the people, have?

Option one: ignore the buses. Stay out of this ugly thing called politics — except that it touches so much of life. Remember how much of our COVID-19 response came from the mandate of political actors. If we ignore the buses, we might get run over.

Option two: wave at the buses, exert influence from the outside. Hope the drivers will take one or both buses where we want to go. How responsive do you see either major party right now to independent voters?

Option three: get on a bus. Tell the driver where you want to go. Maybe become the driver. Pick the party where you can wield influence, and influence a bus’ direction from the inside.

Sure, there’s a lot to dislike about the two big political buses. Many people think one or both are ugly, and the ride is often bumpy. If we’re serious about change, though, maybe our best option is not to ignore the buses or wave at them, but to jump on board, grab for the steering wheel — and hang on.

Jonathan Gardner

Los Lunas

The hill looks wonderful

Editor:

I wanted to thank the local high school students and the fire department for their recent update to El Cerro Hill and changing the year painted on the hill to 2021.

I am sure this is not an easy task, and it’s heartwarming to know that effort in planning and carrying out the project was a team task and is appreciated. As a new resident in Los Lunas, I may have not know everyone who is involved and perhaps left out a person or group who also took part, but I hope all involved in this annual activity know it’s appreciated!

I always get a smile looking up at El Cerro and the “2021” on my drives around the area and it makes me feel proud to live in this community.

Jill Garcia

Los Lunas

They work for us

Editor:

Learning of the govenor’s veto of the hospital bill, I, as most of Valencia Counties residents were, at first confused, then angry.

Why in the world would this govenor, supposed leader of the state, veto a bill that received “do pass” recommendations from both chambers’ committees, floor passage in both the House and Senate, sent to her for her signature with no debate, and a long overdue quality of life deficit for Valencia County? Why would she punish the citizens of Valencia County?

Too many times these politicians forget that they work for us, and if we are not satisfied with their job performance, we can terminate their employment by voting them out of office.

I remember years ago, I was skiing in Taos and riding a chair lift with a guy named Gary Johnson. He told me he was going to run for governor, but faced one obstacle — his party really didn’t want him as their candidate. I told him that might prove difficult. He said “not really.” If I had 10 friends who would get his message out, and they had 10 friends, etc, he would win. Well, he won two terms as governor of New Mexico.

The time has come for Valencia County to start contacting 10 people across New Mexico, and those 10 another 10. Valencia County has to hire a new governor that will listen and get in touch with all of New Mexico.

Jerry Moya

Los Lunas

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