TalkoftheTown: UNM's ill-advised dedication to football over proven success

UNM should support success, not football

I am a proud University of New Mexico graduate and have followed UNM sports since my time at the school. Like many New Mexico organizations, we seem to want to compete with the big boys without the economic networks to compete well.

We also seem to make, in my opinion, stupid decisions about sports that fly in the face of logic.

A few years ago, UNM decided that we would support football over an awarded skiing program and an equally successful and supported soccer program. The school abandoned these successful programs for one that has a poor record at best.

I don’t understand it; I am guessing that people with money and influence were part of that decision-making, but in life you support the things you’re good at and drop the things you are less successful doing. UNM should consider the same. I love football as much as the next person, but New Mexico cannot compete.

Being the state that we are, we cannot seem to compete on a salary basis, and we can’t attract coaches that want to stay. With the exception of basketball, which we should support to the highest level possible, we should stop trying to act like bigger schools and concentrate on what we’re good at, both financially and culturally.

Let’s start by making better choices and rethinking our priorities in the future.

GEORGE RADNOVICH

Los Ranchos

City correct to keep housing contractor

I read with delight the article in the Metro section entitled, “Company that manages city-owned residences gets extended deal” (Dec. 3 Journal), which announced that the city of Albuquerque has extended Monarch Properties’ contract to continue managing the city’s portfolio of low-income housing for over 20 years.

Albuquerque residents are fortunate to have a company with the competence, integrity and kindness of Monarch Properties’ leadership team, led by CEO Jack MacGillivray. As board president of the David Specter Shalom House, a HUD-financed low-income senior community, our Shalom House Board cannot offer higher praise for Monarch’s management of our community.

Monarch is proactive on issues ranging from security, maintenance, staff and resident concerns. They attend and provide a comprehensive board packet of financial and community information for our quarterly meetings. They are an amazing group with which to work, and I’m glad to know the city has retained such a competent and caring company.

LISA KAPLAN WITT

Albuquerque

Keller helped restore Trump to White House

I just want to give a great big thank you to Mayor Time Keller for not allowing President-elect Donald Trump to hold a campaign rally in Downtown Albuquerque.

You see, by doing that the mayor caused him to hold his rally at the Sunport, which allowed him to have many more people at the rally, which I am sure resulted in many more votes for him.

So, thank you Mayor Keller for the help. The Republican Party greatly appreciates it.

It was certainly a beautiful sight to see the huge plane come to a soft stop with the Trump name emblazoned across the side of it. Were the rally held Downtown; people would not have been able to witness that awesome sight.

So, it would seem that the mayor’s little ploy backfired.

I thank the mayor for his contribution in restoring Donald Trump to the White House.

IRENE CAUSEY

Albuquerque

Caregivers should disclose vaccine status

My husband’s home health care nurse, who works for a private agency, came for her next-to-last visit after a month of visits to our home. When my husband mentioned that I was recovering from pulmonary emboli, she said that I got the emboli from the COVID-19 vaccine.

During her next visit, I watched her get out of her vehicle and hug my husband, putting her face against his. I approached her and asked if she had been vaccinated, to which she replied, “No, I do not believe in vaccines.” I asked her why she had not informed us, and she replied, “I am not required to.”

When I spoke with her boss, he told me they do not require their nurses to be vaccinated against COVID-19, nor do they require them to inform the patient. He said the N.M. Department of Health requirement that health care workers be vaccinated had been rescinded. I asked if he thought it is ethical not to inform their clients, and he said “no.”

Given that these nurses see multiple, older, medically fragile patients each day in their homes, I find the lack of divulgence about their vaccine status outrageous and unethical. To get vaccinated is a personal decision, but not divulging one’s decision in a health care setting is negligent.

To all out there who have or might have home health care, please ask about your caregiver’s vaccine status. We are at the top of the list with COVID-19 cases circulating in our metropolitan area.

Are hospital workers vaccinated? We assumed so and did not ask. Everyone beware of this unconscionable oversight in our health care system.

MARLA PAINTER

Albuquerque

Technology fuels NM’s competitiveness

Advanced technologies have become irreplaceable for local entrepreneurs working to compete globally and fortify business resilience. The rise of AI allows companies to optimize operations, reduce overhead and scale sustainably. However, true success for innovation requires forward-thinking policies.

Government leaders need to prioritize legislation that supports domestic innovation, addresses today’s hurdles and creates opportunities.

Preserving America’s competitive edge in technology is paramount, especially as countries like China expand their tech ecosystems. Technology empowers rural and smaller-market entrepreneurs in New Mexico to overcome geographic barriers and access broader markets.

Small businesses, which make up 98.9% of all businesses in the state, rely on technological innovation to flourish.

As the CEO of Tandmm, a New Mexico-based tech company, I’ve witnessed the impact of AI in helping businesses grow. For New Mexico, this means jobs, growth, and a secure future.

Our policymakers must act to ensure America’s tech sector remains globally competitive.

BRYAN WEMPEN

Santa Fe