Letters to the Editor (June 6, 2024)

Response to “Vote Very Carefully” letter

Editor:

I agree with the premise that the 2024 election is critical for the survival of our democracy, but not for the reasons stated. While we only have five electoral votes, diminishing New Mexico’s importance is a mistake.

Valencia County is a bellwether county, which has determined presidential races until 2020. Currently, Republicans have overtaken Democrats in Valencia County and are still rising due to our current political climate.

I take issue with the information in the letter printed on April 25, 2024. The Republican Party does not engage in violence, nor does it engage in “one-man rule.” Reading one book and determining an ideology from one source is irresponsible.

I have not read Project 2025, nor do we subscribe to methodologies set forth by the author and his claims of dictatorship. Last I checked, we have the U.S. Constitution with a Bill of Rights, which protects all Americans. The current administration seems to be lacking in that area and continues to try and divide us by creating separate groups needing separate protections. We are all adequately protected by the constitution since 1787 with only 27 Amendments.

So far the only ones who have sought to defund the police, FBI, etc., have been some Democrats in blue states with blue governors. In places where this has taken place, it has been a disaster with citizens going unprotected. Even here in our state the police have lost their indemnification, which has forced most to move to places where they can protect their families and their livelihood from financial ruin.

This does not include everyone, just those with a liberal mindset who have not yet been victimized when dialing 911 and not getting an immediate response. The author of the letter, “Vote Very Carefully,” would have you believe that this … publication is the battle cry of the Republican Party. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Vote your conscience on Election Day. Look at your city where the police are shorthanded, grocery stores are not full and gas prices are through the roof. Then ask yourself who caused the problems. It’s been three years since the previous president has been in office.

John R. Brenna Jr.

Chairman, Republican Party of Valencia County

Thanks to the donors

Editor:

We would like to thank the following for donating to the Jay Torrez Memorial Scholarship Program: Graham McWilliam, Gerard and Anita Sais, Vance and Evelyn Braman, Rodney Baca of Farmers Insurance, Paul and Loretta Baca, Pedro Rael and Lydia Piro Rael.

Diana Y DeBaca of DYD Enterprise LLC DBA ES UNICO, Crystal Cordova, Roberta Cordova, John and Patti Preston, Vicki Otero, Mike and Tanya Doyle of Doyle Law, Gloria Carasco Chavez, Adela and Antonio Garcia, and Rudy Ramirez of Rudy’s Downtown Recycling.

Joe Myer, Jessica Bozzell, Ann Harper, Miguel and Theresa Hidalgo, Ursula Sanchez, Michael Sanchez of Hub Furniture, Marti Perry, Dennis Gabaldon, Dominic Gabaldon, Joseph and Geraldine Aragon, and Amavalise Jaramillo of Law Office Of Amavalise Jaramillo.

Sharon Cordova, Jane and Terry Murray, Glenda Baca, Yvonne and David Hardy, Lorena, Joseph and Aaron Romero and family, Joyce and Paul Hofstadler, Anthony Ortiz, Brian and Aleli Colón, Manny Garcia and Antoinette Castillo.

Pam Cordova, Mike Melendez, Helen Smith, Frank Gurule and Cindy Otero, Linda Guenley, Martin Romero and Jerri Chavez-Romero, Gloria Aragon, Marie Garcia Shaffner, Jeff Aragon, Evelyn Orona of Orona Real-Estate and Investment, Jan Micaletti, Gilbert Aragon, Elias Barela and Ralph Mims.

We would also like to thank the following for their help promoting and supporting the scholarship program: Valencia County News-Bulletin and editor, Clara Garcia, Belen Consolidated Schools Superintendent, Lawrence Sanchez, Valencia High School teachers, Jessica Porter and Cassandra Landry; and Laurie Kelstick.

This year’s recipients are: Aaron Parra-Erives (VHS), Tilden Brown (VHS), Victor Armandos Ramirez (VHS), Jacob Garcia (LLHS), Mia Carabajal-Hartog (LLHS), Isabella Landavazo (BHS), Ella Zamora (LLHS), Rio Romero (LLHS), Samantha Barela (LLHS), Gianna Nilvo (BHS).

Congratulations, students!

Regina Chavez and Mary Torrez, MD