TOP OF MIND: Did former Lt. Gov. Diane Denish do anything wrong using her political connections to kill funding for a playground in her neighborhood?

Top of Mind is a weekly question about an issue affecting New Mexicans.

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION:

Did former Lt. Gov. Diane Denish do anything wrong using her political connections to kill funding for a playground in a park in her neighborhood?

“I don’t know Diane Denish personally, but I do know that she is a high profile Democrat. She used her political influence to derail a legislative bill that went against her personal wishes. This is typical elitist behavior and definitely the wrong thing to do.”

— Ricardo Flores Albuquerque

“We live right next to Netherwood park, and know this locale well. The park has a uniquely stunning topography that would be severely impacted by the proposed playground. We and every neighbor I’ve talked to oppose this radical change. Diane served her Netherwood Park neighbors exceptionally well. Thank you, Diane.”

— Joseph Martz Albuquerque

“I don’t fault Diane Denish. Any citizen can contact their elected officials to voice their opinion. I do blame our governor for taking the opinion of one citizen over that of other residents and their elected representative, Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino. She should have requested more input.”

— Tom Besson Albuquerque

“The bigger issue is a governor who would even entertain such an entitled self-centered request. MLG didn’t think twice about using tax dollars to fund a special session expressly to legalize cannabis. One has to wonder what other deals are made behind closed doors. Give the children their playground.”

— Michael Davis Albuquerque

“Remind me, are you saying if a constituent believes the Legislature has passed a bad bill, that person is not free to call the governor and recommend a veto?”

— Chuck Wellborn Albuquerque

“A politician should work for the good of the people. Using political clout for an issue has a strong flavor of self-interest. My four grandchildren play in Netherwood Park and would benefit from a playground. A recent meeting showed unanimous support. It is a shame.”

— Robert Foreman Albuquerque

“Denish didn’t do anything other N.M. politicians have done thousands of times since our statehood — call a connection to request a favor.”

— Alice Hudson Albuquerque

“Yes, when she used political connections to kill this project’s funding it speaks volumes. Playgrounds typically occupy a small portion of parks, and if someone can’t deal with that perhaps they should move to an area with no open spaces before affecting the entire neighborhood. Please restore at special session.”

— Rebecca Campbell Edgewood

“No, she did not. She saved a park loved by many, young and old.”

— Anne Callaghan Albuquerque

“Wrong? Eh, gray area. Unethical? Probably not. Quid pro quo in New Mexico. Why should anyone be the least bit surprised? She doesn’t regret doing it, or even that she caught out. Boy, if my Mom ever found out I’d done something like that, yikes.”

— Pamela Cox Los Ranchos

“Diane Denish did what any well-connected person would do in the face of blatant misrepresentation by a few new young residents playing the motherhood and apple pie card.”

— Diana Stauffer Albuquerque

“A beautiful park in the middle of the city used by people of all ages doesn’t need playground equipment to add value. Why was it included in the budget in the first place? Lt. Governor Denish acted to protect something she knew was special.”

— Suzanne Schmidt Santa Fe