OPINION: Talk of the Town

Why many LGBTQ voters won’t join the GOP

In response to Corey Stevens' op-ed about his experiences as a gay Republican (March 1 Sunday Journal): He makes a valid point about the lip service we in the LGBTQ community sometimes give to the concept of inclusion, while failing in its execution. In particular, his report of physical assault by other LGBTQ people was shocking. I have known other LGBTQ Republicans and have had cordial and respectful conversations with all of them; I agree that there should be no need for him to be closeted about his political affiliation with other LGBTQ people, just as he should not need to be closeted about his sexual orientation with other Republicans.

However, he does not convincingly make a case for others to join him. I came of voting age 50 years ago. During that time, Republican elected officials have consistently acted against the interests of the LGBTQ community. They have repeatedly campaigned and voted against hate-crime legislation, nondiscrimination legislation in military service, employment and housing, same-sex marriage, and transgender rights and inclusion. There are current initiatives from Republican elected officials to overturn the Supreme Court decision allowing same-sex marriage, in addition to other more insidious efforts to allow discrimination against LGBTQ individuals/couples/organizations under the fig leaf of religious freedom. The Trump administration is systematically removing all references to LGBTQ history, and to the existence of same-sex behavior and variation in gender identity from public surveys and records.

From my perspective, the Republican Party has consistently had a large and vocal component who considers me a threat to morals, public health and children; they believe that I belong in hell. Perhaps my perspective is distorted, but it is as true for me as Stevens' is for him. If he has found a space where he belongs, I am happy for him. Maybe we can talk someday.

Ed Fancovic

Albuquerque

It’s time for the city Code Enforcement to step up

I appreciated John Hooker's letter to the editor (March 1 Sunday Journal) about code enforcement issues. I thought I was the only one in town constantly asking via 311 for assistance or calling my city councilor for help in our neighborhood.

Besides junked cars being left on the streets after being tagged and houses with cars for front yards, there are even more egregious actions. In my Northeast Heights 1950s neighborhood there are two residences in the middle of our residentially zoned neighborhood on opposite ends of the same block that openly operate car repair and parts services out of their backyards. One time I actually spoke to a person with Code Enforcement about this issue whose only question was: “Can you see the backyards from the street?”

“Well, in fact, the tin roofs of the small buildings where much of the work is being done on these cars are visible above the fence, and is that all you worry about?” I asked him. He appeared hesitant to give a citation.

Both businesses continue operating and expanding openly (including posting ads online about their services) and park cars up and down the streets with impunity. This causes traffic issues because it is difficult to see around the parked vehicles.

Is someone being paid off to look the other way? Where is Mayor Tim Keller? Where is Code Enforcement? Hire however many people you need and follow the laws.

I agree with Hooker's comments and solutions. "Selective enforcement breeds neglect. Smart enforcement builds (and I add maintains) cities people choose to live in."

Anne Burtnett

Albuquerque

Proposed schedule change would be bad for students

The Albuquerque Public Schools website posted a survey for students, teachers and parents to help determine if students should start school on Aug. 19 and end June 8 and take finals after winter break for the 2027-28 school year. Taking finals after winter break and ending school in June is a very poor decision and we should not let our students go through this. Students deserve to have a longer summer and also not stress all winter break for their finals.

Let's think about how this makes students feel. They deserve to enjoy their winter break and be happy celebrating time with their families and not stress about finals. Additionally, ending school in June would have a huge impact on students who love their summer.

We should really consider their feelings and how they think about this new schedule. Students' schooling is important and we can stick to the same schedule as we always have.

Addison Mcguill

Albuquerque

Governor must sign the spay/neuter ill

Anyone who has seen New Mexico’s crowded animal shelters knows the heartbreak of animal overpopulation. The Legislature’s passage of Senate Bill 38 offers a practical approach to our animal overpopulation problem by enshrining funding for affordable spay/neuter services into law. 

This bill will alleviate both the financial burden on counties and municipalities and the emotional burden felt by communities when there are not enough homes for animals, resulting in euthanasia. The problem is the direct result of a lack of affordable spay/neuter services.

Prevention is the humane solution, and SB 38 will expand affordable services across the state, especially in rural areas where care is hardest to access. We are grateful to lawmakers and strongly hope the governor will sign this important bill into law.

Celia A. Cook

President of Friends of Estancia Valley Animals