OPINION: Talk of the Town

Pre-trial detention rules strike a balance

Columnist Jeff Tucker is wrong about New Mexico’s system of pretrial detention.

As indicated by the 2021 University of New Mexico study he cites, when released without bond, over 95% of accused citizens show up in court and don’t commit additional crimes. Those citizens were allowed to return to their jobs and their children, rather than lose both while awaiting trial on minor criminal offenses for which they were too poor to post a bail bond or for which they were innocent.

Meanwhile, those who are a danger to the community or proven to be a flight risk can be held by judges without a chance of “bonding” out.

New Mexico’s constitutional amendment strikes the right balance between the legal precept that “a person is innocent until proven guilty” and Mr. Tucker’s approach to “lock ‘em all up” and let them lose everything while they await a chance to prove their innocence.

Randi McGinn

Albuquerque

Thanks for the assistance, ABQ

Recently my truck broke down (alternator) at a very dangerous intersection at northbound Atrisco Vista Boulevard and Interstate 40. While waiting over an hour for a tow truck, 25 people in trucks and cars, both women and men, stopped to offer me assistance. I received offers for a jump start, a push to get further out of the intersection, a pull with a rope and, amazingly, food or water while I waited for the tow.

A sheriff’s deputy did eventually push my truck out of the way with his emergency lights on and checked on me later to make sure I was OK. So many folks were generous with their offers of help. I am touched by the many kindnesses by total strangers. Thank you, Albuquerque.

Geri Knoebel

Albuquerque

Protect kids, don’t keep out community

Albuquerque Public Schools — do the right thing.

APS should install metal detectors at all high schools and middle schools to protect our children. Oh, APS, you don’t have the funds? What about the hundreds of thousands of dollars APS spent fencing and gating all their campuses? Those fences keep taxpayers, whose property taxes paid for those schools and their campuses, from using facilities like the tracks and school grounds for walking.

APS should get its priorities straight and protect our children, rather than keeping taxpayers from using the facilities. Is APS going to wait until another child like Bennie Hargrove loses their life before doing something? Until APS gets its priorities straight, I won’t be voting for another school bond.

Tom Besson

Albuquerque

Bregman is the right choice for governor

In today’s world, we are witnessing a troubling trend where many countries are moving towards authoritarianism and rejecting the principles of democracy, which now includes the United States.

Under the current administration, political power has been concentrated in the hands of one man, Donald Trump. He is engaged in the blatant suppression of civil liberties, political oppression and the use of state control over institutions such as the military and media to maintain power through propaganda and fear. He has weakened the rule of law and weaponized the U.S. Department of Justice.

It is abundantly clear that as a nation, we must take appropriate measures to counter this drift through the election of strong and battle-hardened candidates such a Sam Bregman, who has proven himself as a warrior and stood firm against injustice. Tough times call for tough individuals who have the best interest of all citizens and not just a few. I highly endorse Sam Bregman for governor of New Mexico because of his resilient spirit and steadfast character.

Michael S. Vigil

Albuquerque

Fairness won’t save democracy

I recently wrote to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham urging her to take a stronger stance on gerrymandering. Republicans in states like Texas, Utah and Ohio are redrawing maps to cement power, silencing voters they don’t want to hear from. It’s part of a larger strategy that includes voter suppression, disinformation and even stacking the Supreme Court through Mitch McConnell’s blockade of Merrick Garland’s nomination.

Other Democratic governors see this for what it is: an assault on democracy. Govs. Gavin Newsom, J.B. Pritzker, Gretchen Whitmer, Josh Shapiro and Jared Polis are fighting back — loudly, publicly and unapologetically. They’re calling out Trump’s authoritarian tactics and refusing to let Republicans rig the game unchallenged.

When I raised these concerns, the Governor’s Office responded with language about “fairness” and “unique approaches.” Fairness is noble, but meaningless if the other side cheats. New Mexico Rep. Cristina Parajón and Sen. Harold Pope understood this when they resigned from our state’s redistricting task force, warning that Democrats are being asked to play baseball with wiffle ball bats while Republicans swing for the fences.

New Mexico should be part of this national fight. Lujan Grisham should stand with her Democratic colleagues across the country and confront the GOP’s tactics head-on. Anything less is surrender.

Dan Ball

Pecos

Slow down during school drop off

As a parent and member of the Albuquerque community, I’m deeply concerned about the unsafe driving habits I witness almost daily during school drop off.

It’s become routine to see cars speeding through school zones, ignoring crosswalks with children present, blocking intersections and even dropping kids off in active traffic lanes … especially along Barstow. I’ve also seen aggressive behavior between drivers that creates a hostile and dangerous environment for children and staff.

We all understand the morning rush. We’ve all been late. But nothing justifies putting children at risk.

I want to acknowledge and thank the teachers and staff who show up early to help monitor crosswalks and parking areas. Their presence is appreciated. But they can’t be at every corner or every intersection. Expecting them to singlehandedly manage traffic while also caring for students is unrealistic.

A single patrol car might help for a day, but we need lasting behavior change. Maybe that starts with parents choosing patience over speed, courtesy over convenience.

It takes a village to raise a child, and that includes getting them to school safely.

Olivia Gallegos

Albuquerque