Diane Denish 11-6-23 on

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Interesting matchups in primary filings

By Diane Denish

Corner to Corner

It’s election year. This year all 112 seats in the New Mexico Legislature are up for grabs.

That isn’t totally accurate because 37 of those candidates have no opposition in either the primary or the general. No one else is “grabbing” for those seats.

On the Republican side, nine House seats and nine Senate seats have competitive races. For Democrats there are 15 completive House primaries and 11 competitive primaries on the Senate side.

Competitive primaries are created by numerous factors. This year, there have been a number of retirements, which opened up opportunities. In addition, the impact of redistricting created a map that fosters competition.

For example, rearranging the lines for Senate Districts 29 and 30 put two current Republican senators in Valencia County in the same district, SD 29. Sen. Greg Baca, the minority leader of the Senate, chose not to run rather than run against his colleague. When filing day arrived, the new SD 30 only saw Democrats file for the seat.

Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino’s retirement announcement during the redistricting process allowed for the redesign of his district. One Democrat and two Republicans have filed for the new SD 12. The Republican primary promises to be high profile. Former state Sen. Candace Gould, a moderate Republican, is hoping to return to the Senate. Sandoval County Commissioner Jay Block, an election denier who lost a Republican gubernatorial primary in 2022, is her opponent.

The redesign of Ortiz y Pino’s seat also helped to create new boundaries for SD 13, currently held by Sen. Bill O’Neill. The new district invited challenger Debbie O’Malley into the race. O’Malley is a former Bernalillo County Commissioner and city councilor who has long served parts of the district. Many of the voters in SD 13 have voted for her in the past. O’Neill is running for his third Senate term and now must introduce himself to the majority of voters in the district.

In Eddy and Lea counties the Republicans have an interesting primary in SD 42. The seat was vacated by Sen. Gay Kernan in 2023. Steve McCutcheon, a rancher and former Eddy County Commissioner, was appointed to fill Kernan’s seat until an election. Rep. Larry Scott of Hobbs was also favored for the appointment, but it didn’t’ happen. Now, he is running for the Senate seat. May the best Republican win and endorse the vote count after it is over.

The powerful chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. George Muñoz of Gallup also faces primary opposition from unknown Keith Hillock. Muñoz is popular in SD 4 and has overcome opposition in every election. Some primaries are created by retirements and redrawing of district lines. Others, however, are created by members of their own party. This year, it should not go unnoticed that five of the Democrats in the House who voted no on Senate Bill 3, the paid family medical leave bill, are facing primary opposition: Reps. Patty Lundstrom, Marian Matthews, Harry Garcia, Willie Madrid, and Andres Castellano. With one exception these are Democrats representing rural New Mexico. Of the remaining six who voted no, five have no primary and one chose not to run again.

If you wonder why these incumbent Democrats face opposition, the sponsor of the family-leave bill, Democrat Senate President Mimi Stewart, and progressive groups have not been shy about recruiting and supporting candidates who will be more friendly to the bill, which has failed twice. Defeat of a few of the opponents to SB 3 and it might pass next time. This risky strategy has the potential to backfire.

So, lots of factors are at play when the same party primaries appear. New districts, new retirements, and new enemies.

Cheers for Title IX and women’s sports

By Diane Denish

Corner to Corner

For me, one of the most exciting sports events in New Mexico is about to get underway – the high school basketball tournament! Prep basketball has long been a community event across New Mexico, from Dulce to Eunice to Belen to Taos to neighborhoods in Albuquerque.

I grew up in Hobbs, where boys basketball was legendary. Coach Ralph Tasker was himself a legend and the first high school basketball coach nationwide to win 1,000 games. It was a family activity, a teenage activity, and eventually an adult activity for me. I have attended every state tournament with few exceptions since 1957.

Next week I hope to go again to cheer on the Hobbs Eagles. What will be different this year is that I will be cheering for the Lady Eagles. That wouldn’t have happened any time before 1973. Everything changed in 1972 when Title IX came along.

Title IX was part of a landmark civil rights law passed in 1972 known as the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX updated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which banned several forms of discrimination in employment but made no mention of discrimination in education. Schools that received federal funding fell under the amendment.

Once passed, schools receiving federal funding began to create opportunities for girls to participate in team sports: basketball, track, tennis, golf, swimming and more. That was a momentous change from the early days when girls could only play half-court intra-mural basketball and sit on the sidelines during track meets.

Now 52 years later, we are reaping the benefits of these changes. The overall effect following the passage was a considerable increase in the number of female students participating in a variety of sports.

In a study in 2006, almost 35 years after Title IX, participation by women was up nine times in high schools and 450% in collegiate sports. Collegiate sports averaged eight different sports for women.

The law also made it possible for more women to seek professional careers in sports. Today, 40% of the coaches in college women’s basketball are women.

In 2023 for the first time all four officials in the women’s NCAA Final Four game were women. As the sports media industry started to see the writing on the wall, the first women sportscasters began to emerge. In 1974 Phyllis George, Miss America in 1971, became a sportscasting pioneer. CBS hired George not to broadcast women’s sports but to broadcast for the National Football League.

Today women keep setting records. In January Tara VanDerveer, the Stanford women’s coach, earned her 1,023rd victory, becoming the coach with the most wins in college basketball history – for men or women. When she was in high school, she wasn’t allowed to play on a basketball team.

And Caitlin Clark, of the University of Iowa, on March 3 became the all-time leading scorer – male or female – in NCAA Division 1 basketball. She surpassed the record held by Pete Maravich. Five days later, another day, another record. She shattered Stephen Curry’s record for the most three-pointers in a season.

In New Mexico, the high school basketball tournament begins with a full roster of women’s teams in every district. Our four-year schools all have women’s basketball teams and other programs. Sally Marquez, who lived through the onset of Title IX, is the first woman executive director of the New Mexico Activities Association, which oversees the tournament activities about to begin.

Thanks to Title IX, I’ll be in The Pit at UNM in just a few days cheering on Hobbs’ Eagles once again. But this time it’s the Lady Eagles. Thank you, Title IX, for making it all possible.

Observations of some legislative highs and lows

By Diane Denish

Corner to Corner

Wins, losses, surprises, and stunning moments. It’s all part of what has become known as “sausage making” during a legislative session.

In an earlier column I noted the number of bills that were introduced in the recent 30-day session – 685 to be exact (not including resolutions and memorials.) That number is lower than in recent sessions. Only 72 of those bills made it through both chambers. A handful have been signed and others await the Governor’s signature or veto.

HB1, which is always the first to pass a session, covers the expenses for staff, supplies, and per diem for a legislative session. It was signed immediately by the governor.

Some bills consumed the maximum time for debate. Here are three that made it past the finish line and are on the governor’s desk.

HB 41, the Clean Fuel Standards Act sponsored by Rep. Kristina Ortez, D-Taos, passed the Senate just a day and a half before the session ended.

HB129, which creates a seven-day waiting period for firearm purchases, and SB 5, prohibiting firearms in polling places, enjoyed extensive debate.

These bills passed both chambers by thin margins.

Other bills range from under the radar to extremely popular.

A little publicized bill was SB 15, the Healthcare Consolidation Oversight Act, sponsored by Sen. Katy Duhigg, D-Albuquerque. The act allows the Office of Superintendent of Insurance to oversee the sale or merger of health systems in New Mexico. The OSI is charged with determining how any merger or acquisition will affect price, access, and quality of care for New Mexicans. More easily passed bills include required background checks for workers, water project bills, and salary increases for judges.

The most popular bill of all, SB 275, also known as the pork bill, has $1.4 billion for projects throughout New Mexico. It passed unanimously.

A major surprise came in the closing days. Sponsors Sen. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, and Rep. Christine Chandler, D-Los Alamos, were caught off guard when SB 3, the Paid Family Medical Leave Act failed. It passed the Senate along party lines and failed in the House where 11 Democrats joined Republicans to kill the bill.

Roundhouse speculation is that lobbyists for the bill and some supporters wrongly assured Speaker Javier Martinez that the votes were there to pass it by a narrow margin. Instead, it failed 36-34.

One stunning moment came during Senate debate of that same bill. Sen. Gregg Schmedes, R-Tijeras, rose to oppose the bill. “I believe in depravity,” he said, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican. “The problem with you (meaning those supporting the bill) is that you believe in the inherent good of people. I don’t believe that.” Fortunately, Schmedes announced on the last day he would not seek re-election to his seat.

And speaking of the last day…. The House took no action on any legislation that day even though a number of bills were on the calendar. The chamber gaveled in at 10 a.m., said goodbye to retiring members, and adjourned at noon as required by law.

Meanwhile in the Senate, an unusual amount of time was consumed as Republicans and Democrats alike praised Sen. Cliff Pirtle, R-Roswell, who is not running again. During the 2023 legislative session Pirtle was caught in an embarrassing, inappropriate relationship with another senator’s legislative aide. It was widely reported in statewide news. Pirtle has long claimed to be a strong family man, yet he embarrassed his wife, children, and some colleagues with his blatant indiscretion. Meanwhile, as is his custom, Sen. William Sharer, R-Farmington, capped off the day by debating a bill until the clock ran out. If only he had started his filibuster before the adulation of Sen. Pirtle.

Plenty of bills would improve public health

By Diane Denish

Corner to Corner

There is no question it is difficult to follow bills and bill action in the Legislature. For frequent users, the Secretary of State website (nmlegis.gov) is very friendly and does a timely job of updating bill status throughout the session. For first-time users it is easy to learn.

According to the Legislative Council librarian, there have been 685 bills, 35 resolutions, and 76 memorials filed this session. Many died an early death and others are moving slowly. It’s a lot to navigate.

News reports generally focus on high profile legislation. Gun bills related to safety and possession are taking up a lot of the oxygen this session. Outlawing necrophilia (HB 70) got an early mention, pushing people to look up the definition. Paid family medical leave is moving to final votes in both chambers.In addition to following individual legislation, I am interested in how bills relate to or complement each other. That can present a more arduous task because of bill titles.

This year I was searching for bills that would improve public health. As I proceeded to search, it became obvious to me that bills to improve health outcomes are lurking in various places.

There are some strong bills focused on access to health care. Sen. Liz Stefanics, D-Cerrillos, is the sponsor of SB 17 providing emergency funding for rural hospitals. Sen. Pete Campos, D-Las Vegas, has introduced SB 268, the Healthcare Facility Viability Fund. Campos’ bill would establish a $70 million fund to provide grants to healthcare providers who serve underserved areas.

Both of these bills would, if passed, improve public health access and care in rural areas.

Other notable bills introduced raise Medicaid payments to providers and help build the health care work force especially in rural areas.

Then there are other bills I referred to earlier – lurking – the more unsuspecting ones.

First, HB 41, the clean fuel standards bill, incentivizes companies to produce cleaner transportation fuels. If well utilized, this bill will decrease harmful transportation-related emissions and improve air quality. Clean air equals better public health, easier breathing.

Then there are tax credit bills to improve air quality. SB 315 creates a clean car income tax credit encouraging purchasing or leasing of electric vehicles between the time the bill takes effect until 2030.

There is a similar tax credit bill for business, SB 316. This bill creates the advanced energy equipment tax credit. Manufacturers and corporations will be eligible after certification for a tax credit when they purchase energy-efficient, emission-reducing equipment.

Both SB 315 and 316 are moving slowly and may die in this session.The Public Health and Climate Change Resiliency bill (HB 104) would help advance our knowledge of how to respond to extreme weather, wildfires, and other climate crisis threats. The intent is to build a program in the health department to build capacity, understanding, and implement response systems. It is currently stalled in the House.

Bringing up the rear is a bill deemed non-germane for the 30-day session although it would have an impact on health. HB 75, the electric school bus bill, won’t be heard this session. The legislation proposed a plan to retire diesel buses in favor of electric buses by providing state funds to match federal funds for the program. The result: clean, quiet school buses traveling through our streets.

Cleaner air. It’s a small step with substantial impact. For kids’ sake, I hope sponsors try again. These are likely just a portion of bills that would improve public health. Better facilities, more access, incentives to improve air quality, building expertise – it’s a joint effort to improve public health.

Good news pierces gloomy headlines

By Diane Denish

Corner to Corner

Sometimes I wonder if the job of the media, no matter which channels you select, is to keep Americans wringing their hands. It doesn’t really matter if you watch cable channels such as Fox News or MSNBC or network channels.

There is always something to worry about: the economy, the war in Ukraine, violence, food recalls, just to name a few.

Just for starters, let’s think about the economy. For months, media headlines had us on the brink of a recession. First it was, “Buckle up, we are headed for a recession!” Or this: “Is a recession looming in 2023?” Some publications had tips on how to get through a recession. Lots of anticipatory handwringing.

And as gas prices were headed upwards, news programs would feature the average price of gas in New Mexico or across the country almost daily. More hand wringing.

There was constant speculation about what the Federal Reserve would do about interest rates. For most of us, we aren’t certain why we should worry about that, but it felt as though we should. So we did.

In the midst of all that worry and handwringing, some good news surfaces, but not much gets said. Here’s a sample of some of it.

A recent Harris Poll, one of the consistently reliable conservative polls in the country, recently announced: America is upbeat. This is the news from everyday Americans.

Most Americans are satisfied with their personal economic situations even as they grapple with the recent effects of inflation. (Inflation was at 3.1% on Jan. 11. This is down from 3.4% in December 2023).

The Harris poll also showed that 63% of Americans describe their financial situation as being “good,” with 19% classifying it as “very good.”Maybe more important is the optimistic outlook of Americans; 66% of Americans think 2024 will be better than 2023. And 85% think they could change their financial situation for the better.

One of the most interesting pieces of data from the Harris poll was that 77% of Americans are happy with where they are living, including renters.

I find this especially surprising when the media spend a lot of time talking about people not being able to buy homes. People can’t buy homes! (More handwringing) The poll shows that a majority of renters, 63%, are not interested in buying a home and taking on a mortgage.

And for those who are in the rental market, rents, like inflation, are trending downward. This is also true in some areas of New Mexico.

Homeowners are happy too. Most mortgages are still hovering around 4% or lower while homes increase in value.

When it comes to job security, 63% describe their job security as a sure thing. And unemployment is low, 3.7%, while the number of job openings is high.

There are other good economic indicators that were not in the poll. The economy grew 3.3% in the most recent reports and consumer confidence is up.

In 2023 workers overall received nominal overall wage gains of .08% in 2023. But inside those numbers White House economic data show that production and non-supervisory workers received 1.1% wage increases. That’s the middle class.

Gas prices continue to fall, even though we know they fluctuate, and in New Mexico the average price is below $3 a gallon. Nationwide it’s $3.10 a gallon.

What do all these numbers matter? Because these are what impact everyday Americans. Lower prices, better wages, feeling good about where we live.

Don’t you wish the media would spend more time on the good news? I do. But meanwhile, let’s stop wringing our hands or change the channel.

How to pass a bill in the Legislature

By Diane Denish

Corner to Corner

The 56th Legislature, Second Session, opens this week. There have been media reports about proposals from the executive and legislative branches.

Debates about the budget proposals and agency requests are already in progress in Legislative Finance Committee meetings. At the same time, interest groups such as gun safety groups, education advocates, environmental and economic development and business people are expressing their support and in some cases opposition to bills being proposed.

This is a 30-day session. There will undoubtedly be too many bills introduced for such a brief time period. Hundreds of bills and a budget proposal of over $10 billion are more than anyone can read and digest.

Right alongside the massive budget and hot-button bills are bills that legislators and advocates want passed, some of which impact everyday lives or solve small problems.

I’ve discovered most people don’t know the necessary or best mechanics to get a bill passed. So I asked a few current and past legislators of both parties for their recipes for success. As a caveat, they all said, “Start Early!” For most this meant April or May prior to the next session.

Whether that has happened or not, there are some basics for success – not just for legislators but also for individual advocates or interest groups supporting specific legislation.

1. Identify the issue. Clearly define why it is important and needs a legislative fix.

2. Define the fix! It could be as simple as a language change to clarify a regulation, or it could be something bolder. Examples of boldness are the governor’s proposed changes to gun safety and public safety initiatives. Something less media worthy but important is a simple language change to clarify safety standards for licensed home care givers in every community.

3. One of the most helpful tips one senator offered was to always develop a one-page executive summary. It should contain the bill number, a description of what it does, why it is needed, how it helps constituents and a request for support.

4. Conversations with legislators should be short and to the point. A summary makes efficient use of everyone’s time.

5. Identity supporters, including advocates, business groups, individuals, other legislators, and local officials if needed. Ask them to help build support for the bill.

6. Talk with known or potential opponents. Identify objections. See what changes they would like. Try to minimize the opposition if possible.

7. Get the bill drafted, secure the best sponsor in each chamber, and file it early if possible.

8. Work with leadership on appropriate committee referrals. The rule of thumb is that three committee referrals stop a bill in its tracks, especially in a 30-day session.

9. Keep all the balls in the air and keep talking to legislators, supporters, the executive, and others. This might help eliminate surprises.

10. Work hard.

Beyond these mechanics, there is the hidden impact of what style you use to persuade legislators, whether they are your colleagues, or your elected representative.

Some of it boils down to simple life lessons.

1. Keep your eye on the ball. Remember, passing legislation is hard. Passing good legislation is even harder.

2. Be a good listener. This will help you identify your supporters and your opponents.

3. “Don’t cut what you can untie” In other words, don’t burn any bridges. Your opponents today might be your supporters tomorrow.

4. Be a team player.

5. Don’t worry about the credit. Focus on the results.

6. If you lose, say thank you to everyone and prepare to try again.

7. If you win, congratulate your partners, and say thank you to everyone.

And while you are working hard, doing good, don’t forget to have a little fun.

Celebrate women of inspiration

By Diane Denish

Corner to Corner

This time of year provides an opportunity to think about the year just passed. We do this in diverse ways. Reflecting on lives lost, major events, best movies, or what impacted us on a personal level.

I tried something new this year. I thought about women who were authentic and inspirational. The more I read, the more I was uplifted. Around the world, in the country, and closer to home, women inspired us. Here are a few of my favorites.

First Lady Rosalynn Carter. At her memorial, family and friends provided a glimpse into her life of service to others. In her role as First Lady both in Georgia and at the White House, she was a staunch advocate for those with mental illness. After politics, in partnership with President Carter, she helped to define what a post-presidency should be: modeling a life of service, side by side, to improve lives.

The trailblazing jurist Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. The first woman appointed to the Supreme Court, her tenure defined what it meant to be a swing vote. That role had a profound effect on key issues. In a 5-4 vote the court upheld Roe v. Wade, determined the outcome of Bush v. Gore in 2000, and protected minority voters in redistricting. Her tenure became an inspiration for women in the law.

Fortunately, women in the law continue to inspire us: Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, federal Judge Tanya Chutkan, and Fulton County D.A. Fani Willis in Georgia. All are involved in some of today’s most challenging legal cases. Brown Jackson distinguished herself as the newest justice by participating fully in court hearings. Chutkin and Willis have been examples of strength and calm, refusing to bend to threats and pressure.

Speaking of courage and calm, two of the most public examples of 2023 are Cassidy Hutchinson, who worked in the Trump White House, and former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, co-chair of the January 6 Committee. Both Republicans, they stepped forward to testify about the events of Jan. 6, 2023, and inspired others to do the same.

Generous women inspire me as well.

MacKenzie Scott (Bezos) inspired me by redefining giving. In 2022 and 2023 she donated $12 billion of her $46 billion fortune to organizations focused on social justice and equality, including six in New Mexico. What’s the difference? Instead of putting organizations through an application meat grinder, she sought them out. And her gifts have no strings attached. A welcome change.

While I’m at it, inspiration and philanthropy are synonymous with Dolly Parton. Her giving is simple and spontaneous, from $1 million to vaccine research to the nonprofit Dolly Parton Imagination Library in 1,800 communities around the country, including New Mexico. She inspires with her downhome quotes, eliciting smiles and expressing encouragement.

Closer to home, we have our own inspirational women:

· Miranda Viscoli, founder of New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, teaching kids and families about the consequences of gun violence and benefits of gun safety and helping to get guns off the streets through gun buybacks.

· Dr. Cheryl Willman, who put New Mexico on the map by building UNM Cancer Center into a world class operation.

· Deb Haaland, taking her heritage and her heart to the national stage to help highlight and protect Indigenous communities.

My 2023 personal favorite is the phenomenal Taylor Swift. Swift, through her songwriting, performing, business acumen, and uncanny ability to communicate with and empower her audiences has become a force for good.

With 75 million followers on social media, she is the definition of inspiration for a younger generation.

2023 women of inspiration are everywhere. Celebrate them.

Start your own ‘say hi’ campaign

By Diane Denish

Corner to Corner

Recently in talking with a friend, I mentioned I was mulling over topics for my regular column. I always have ideas about current events, and there is always lots to write about – children’s issues, women’s struggles, voter issues, for starters. And it’s easy to get mired in the heartbreak of two vicious wars, climate crisis, gun violence and more.

My friend had a better idea – more suited to the holiday season. He suggested I write about how people are being nicer to each other. I was intrigued and asked him to tell me more.

I listened as he told me about shopping recently in Home Depot. Surprisingly, he said, store personnel seemed friendlier. They were especially helpful and kind, so much so that he asked one person if there had been some kind of corporate memo about being more customer friendly.

The answer was, “No, everyone just feels better.” And after that my friend felt better too.

And that’s the point. Feeling better as we come out of the pandemic and overcome its residual effect – the epidemic of isolation and loneliness. It’s an epidemic that has no vaccine, but it has a remedy: social interaction with people you know and sometimes with people you don’t know.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, U. S. Surgeon General, in his warning about isolation reminds us “social connection is essential to humanity… as essential as food, drink and shelter.” We are wired for it. And the epidemic is not just in the U. S.

In Sweden a social strategist, Asa Koski, started the “say hi” (in Swedish it’s “sag heji”) campaign. It was an effort designed specifically to help combat social isolation. Engaging with strangers can be positive.

In the Netherlands, there is a national campaign to combat isolation.

To most of us, interacting with a stranger may not seem important, but studies show positive social interactions are good for our health – and our hearts.

I agree.

Since reading about Sweden, I asked others if they had stories of interacting with friends or strangers. One couple delightedly told me their experience. They love to garden, and their garden reflects it. It was a story of strangers walking by and stopping to chat with them, attracted to their garden. The strangers are of all ages.

Then, wandering through the bookstore this week while Christmas shopping, I had my own experience. I stopped next to the table featuring Barbara Streisand’s new memoir. “993 pages,” I said to the woman next to me. “Wow!” We had a short conversation, wondering if we wanted to know that much about Streisand. She asked me about some books I was holding. Then, we parted ways. But not for long. She tracked me down in the fiction aisle a few minutes later. This time she told me she was new to Albuquerque and looking for a book group to join. I couldn’t help her, but we continued to visit. After a few minutes, I knew her name, where she lived, and she took my email address.

The conversation came full circle. It turned out she lives across the street from the friend who suggested I write about people being nicer.

Finding and engaging with strangers during this holiday season is easy. Go shopping, take a walk, stand in line at the post office, sit next to someone new at church, attend a lecture, volunteer. Strangers are everywhere. Engage in your own “say hi” campaign. You might make someone’s day. And yours too.

I haven’t heard from the woman in the bookstore. I hope I do. But in the meantime, I think we both feel better.

Climate change rocks property insurance premiums

By Diane Denish

Corner to Corner

New Mexico is a great place to live when it comes to weather. Some studies show that New Mexico is also one of the safest places to live when it comes to natural disasters. We have no hurricanes, intermittent minor floods, limited tornadoes. Wildfires are one of the few risks.

All this sometimes leads us to believe we aren’t impacted by climate change. Think again. All you need to do is look at your property insurance premiums.

My attention was drawn to this in 2022 when property insurance premium on my house in Hillsboro jumped by 42%. I called my insurance agent. Two things generated the increase: COVID-19 impacts on product availability and cost and increased climate disasters around the country. The first idea was to lower the replacement value of the house, which I thought was high. Because New Mexico is a “replacement value” state the increased value is determined by the insurer based on a formula and other factors: proximity to fire stations and hydrants and location within fire zones. Lowering the value was not an option.

The second approach was to increase the deductible, which was under $1,000. By increasing the deductible to $5,000 the premium was reduced to the previous year’s amount. (The deductible is the amount the insured would pay before coverage kicks in.)

Then this year’s bill arrived. My premium once again jumped about 35%. This year it was clear; the cause was climate-related events driving more claims than ever before.

The ISO (Insurance Services Office) recently changed rating criteria including proximity to a fire zone (from 5 miles to 50 miles). Wildfires had increased in intensity and radius.

In Hillsboro we have a volunteer fire department and equipment station. As the gateway to the Gila Forest, we fall within the fire hazard zone. Luckily, we do have fire hydrants and, during fire season, a fully staffed fire watch tower in the Gila.

All of this helped me understand increases in insurance costs for my Hillsboro house.

My bill for my primary residence in Albuquerque came at the same time. Another surprise! The premium increased by 67%. Once again, I raised the deductible and reduced the increase to “only” 30%.

Climate change, climate change.

This is not just my story but the story of homeowners here and everywhere. In Florida, Louisiana and California some of the largest insurers, including State Farm, Farmers, and AAA, have withdrawn from the residential insurance market due to catastrophic climate events.

In California 6,000 condominium projects are currently uninsured. Santa Fe projects are struggling with the same issue.

Increased drought caused by climate change make parts of our state more susceptible to wildfire disasters with floods in the aftermath. But in New Mexico companies haven’t exited the market, they just decline to renew residential policies in vulnerable places.

Unaffordable and unavailable is becoming a common story for homeowners. In Louisiana the Commissioner of Insurance said recently, “We would have to be blind and dumb not to recognize climate change as a factor.”

In some cases, where no mortgage exists, homeowners decide they can’t afford the cost and decline coverage. This is particularly true of homes passed down through generations in New Mexico. If the house is destroyed, everything is lost.

Given what is happening, homeowners are searching for how to get the best coverage for a manageable price. Here are some ideas:

· Pay more attention than ever before. Ask questions. Shop around.
· Read the small print. As premiums increase make sure your coverage is not diluted.
· Raise your deductible to an amount that you could manage if disaster strikes.
· Above all, recognize the climate change is real and learn what you can do to deter it

Voters say no thank you to Moms for Liberty

By Diane Denish

Corner to Corner

A funny thing happened in the Nov. 7 election. Turns out voters don’t like having their rights taken away or determined by others.

In Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia there was an all-out effort to ban women’s right to make their own healthcare decisions. These efforts were soundly defeated.

But as importantly, school board elections across the country rejected book banning and disinformation about healthcare resources in schools. Moms for Liberty (M4L), formed in 2021, got shellacked. They lost elections across the country.

This didn’t just happen in places termed “blue states.” It happened in the conservative Midwest: Iowa and Ohio. In the Rust Belt: Pennsylvania. In New Jersey and in Virginia (where the daughter of the late Supreme Court Justice Anthony Scalia was defeated 60-40). And it happened in the Southwest: New Mexico.

Republicans, when making excuses for the results, blame it on low voter turnout. But data show their agenda of banning books and anti-LGBTQ efforts generated opposition among voters.

In New Mexico there were four candidates backed by Moms for Liberty. One in Santa Fe, one in Las Cruces, and two in Albuquerque. One of the Albuquerque candidates, Peggy Muller-Aragon, was a two-term incumbent on the APS School Board, running for reelection. The Santa Fe candidate, Julia Vigil Stockton, is a great grandmother. It’s uncertain if she has grandkids or great grandkids attending Santa Fe schools. Julia Ruiz ran against the incumbent president of the Las Cruces School Board, and Steve Cecco ran in Albuquerque. Both were “parental rights’ candidates recruited and aligned with M4L.

All four candidates lost.

From the beginning, M4L has been a Republican, right-wing organization. Across the country their members have earned a reputation for disruptive and sometimes illegal behavior, including harassing members of school boards. In Florida, M4L members faced allegations of vandalism. In Arkansas police have investigated death threats to librarians made by the president of the local chapter.

To be fair, we have not seen allegations of violence or threats from M4L candidates in New Mexico. But what we do know is that as Moms for Liberty candidates they run under the banner of “parental rights.” This includes efforts to ban books in school libraries, public libraries and interfering in services provided in school-based healthcare centers.

As reported recently by Searchlight New Mexico (searchlightnm.org), twice-defeated Republican candidate (in 2020 and 2022) Mark Ronchetti, has been part of spreading disinformation about school-based health centers. Ronchetti and his wife Kristy, on their podcast, incorrectly state that kids as young as five can get gender-affirming care without parents’ notification. To be blunt, this is a lie.

School-based healthcare centers generally provide help with falls and scrapes, twisted ankles, fevers, and colds, calling parents when kids need to go home. They can, in some cases, be the first line of defense when kids are abused or need mental health resources.

Moms for Liberty are not about liberty. They make lots of noise and work to put restrictions on what kids read and what teachers can teach. Rather than using the processes in place to challenge books they air grievances in school board meetings.

To limit resources for kids, they spread misinformation about school-based health centers and gender care.

Last week, voters across the country and New Mexico said, “No thank you.” Their candidates were defeated. Voters rejected the platform of disinformation and grievances. They voted for candidates who campaigned for community input and transparency, schools that are safe for learning, safe for teaching, and inclusive.

‘Tis the season to be thankful. Thanks to voters for saying no thank you to Moms for Liberty.

Sen. Stuart Ingle: I’m out of here

By Diane Denish

Corner to Corner

Congenial. Fair. Smart. Trustworthy. Man of his word.

These were words used to describe Sen. Stuart Ingle when I spoke to his colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, in the Senate. Ingle, a veteran of the New Mexico Senate, resigned recently, deciding to call it quits after almost 40 years.

In his typical, low-key manner, he loaded up his box of belongings from his Senate office, and when a passerby asked him what he was doing, he said “I’m done. I’m out of here.”

Ingle came to the Senate in 1985. His first term was the only time he served in the majority. The Senate was evenly divided, 21-21. The 21 Republicans formed a coalition with four Democrats to elect a Democratic president pro-tem and to pass legislation. In the 1988 election, Republicans lost five seats, ending the coalition.

His fellow senator, Gay Kernan, described him best: “Stuart was an example of collegiality and always had an open-door policy.” She applauded his understanding that members came from various parts of the state with different interests. He advised them to do the best job they could and represent “the folks in their district.” And he gave them the freedom to do so.

A review of his legislation over the years shows he followed his own advice, making sure Eastern New Mexico University and rural New Mexicans had a voice in the chamber.

Sen. Michael Sanchez, a Democrat who served as majority leader when Ingle was minority leader, called him “greatest guy ever.” Sanchez, along with Kernan and other current members, acknowledge that Ingle’s retirement will be a loss of institutional history, support for the staff and Legislative Council Service who make the wheels turn, and critical budget knowledge.

When I joined the Senate as lieutenant governor in 2003, Ingle was in his fifth term. I didn’t know him. Lobbyist Tom Horan had assured me that he was one of “the good guys.” Not having served in the Legislature, I had tried to prepare to be president of the Senate but still needed all the help I could get. I quickly understood that as minority leader, Sen. Ingle wasn’t going to let his caucus embarrass me. But what I really learned and enjoyed during my term and beyond, was Sen. Ingle had a sense of humor – something essential to success and sanity when you are in public office. When I visited with Ingle after his retirement, I asked him if I could tell a favorite story or two. He said nothing was off limits.

One of my favorites was an evening of one of the exceedingly long, late-night sessions. Ingle called me at my desk and said he was going to the restaurant next door. He asked if I wanted something, to which I jokingly responded, “vodka on the rocks?” The session dragged on with interminable speeches that had been heard before. Later, Sen. Ingle came up to the desk and brought me a cup of coffee. I took a sip and surprise! Vodka on the rocks!!

Remembering it still makes me laugh.

Ingle almost always referred to me as “little lady.” When a member of his caucus wanted to be recognized, he would call me and say, “Hey, little lady.” Sometimes he would greet me that way at a reception. It wasn’t offensive, it was endearing. That was the language of our shared history in Southeastern New Mexico.

Ingle takes pride in his title of “farmer,” but as his colleagues pointed out, don’t let that fool you. He knew as much about the institution of the Senate, the budget, counting votes and working across the aisle as anyone to grace the chamber. And is still one of the good guys.

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