Letters to the Editor

Rebutting a Republican

Editor:

It is extremely difficult to rebut the recent letter from the chairman of the Republican Party of Valencia County since he states only beliefs and no facts.

So here is an overriding fact: “If the Republican Party had anything of value to offer the American voter, they would not need to lie and cheat and steal to win elections.”

G.E. Nordell

Rio Communities

Teenagers need to be mindful of peer pressure

Editor:

I am a student leader with the 24/7 campaign from Belen and I am passionate about helping make schools in New Mexico nicotine-free.

The 24/7 campaign works to make New Mexico schools nicotine-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is important to protect our youth and follow the rules and regulations that exist in New Mexico.

This campaign is important to me because I am able to help minors like me stay away from tobacco so that they have a brighter future. I have seen my friends use tobacco products and have seen people go down the wrong path because they wanted to fit in. I have felt the pressure of trying to fit in and it never got me where I wanted to be, so I want to help prevent minors from doing something that they don’t want to do.

It is known that many users started to use nicotine before they turned 18, which often can begin in a school setting. This is usually because they were peer pressured or they just wanted to see what everyone liked about doing and see if it was worth it and later found themselves addicted.

This is an important topic that we all need to talk about, to help prevent minors from starting nicotine use so that they have a brighter path and don’t have to feel pressured into doing something they don’t want to. Thank you for taking the time to read this and understanding the point that I am trying to make.

Marley Eskeets

Rio Communities

Evolvement youth advocate

She is still missing but not forgotten

Editor:

Jessica Montoya, a resident of Belen, N.M., went missing on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 2022. On Dec. 19, 2022, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office found her vehicle on the west mesa in Albuquerque at 106 Avalon near 98th Street and Central Avenue. The criminal investigation began upon locating her vehicle.

I have been in communication with (former) Chief James Harris of the Belen Police Department on a regular basis to inquire about updates on the case. The investigation has included sending DNA found in the vehicle to a laboratory for analysis and links to people involved in Jessica’s disappearance.

On Feb. 6, 2024, I contacted Chief Harris, and he told me he had not received lab results and could not establish an investigative lead. On May 21, 2024, I spoke to Chief Harris again and he said he was still waiting for lab results from the lab regarding DNA found in Jessica’s vehicle.

Chief Harris then told me he was leaving his position as chief of police in Belen. He stated that Detective Sgt. Mario Vallejos would be managing the case.

I called and spoke to Detective Vallejos on June 24. He told me he received the results from the DNA a week and a half ago. There was evidence of three people in the car.

He also told me he was going to rebuild the case for my niece in hopes of finding her. I am encouraging Detective Vallejos and the new chief of police to enlist the support of other agencies, such as the FBI, APD and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, and organize a search of areas where Jessica might have been taken.

I am reaching out to the public, who may have any knowledge regarding the whereabouts of Jessica Montoya or any information leading to the arrest of a suspect.

Please contact Detective Mario Vallejos at the Belen Police Department 505-966-2680.

Eileen Montoya

Albuquerque