TOP OF MIND: Should the U.S. ban capital punishment in favor of harsher punishments?

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

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION

As local elections draw ever closer, those running to represent N.M. should know our priorities. What matters most to our readers in their representatives? Regardless of party, what priorities must they have for our state’s future?

“Simple question, simple answer: Crime and illegal immigration.”

— Richard Field, Bernalillo

“Our state Legislature must listen to Sheriff John Allen and DA Sam Bregman. We need aggressive laws passed that punish juvenile offenders as adults. After age 18 those juvenile offenders should be moved to MDC to serve the remainder of their sentence. No more excuses, we’re tired of them.”

— Michael Davis, Albuquerque

“It would be a welcome, and much-needed change, if our elected representatives in November listen to and heed the vox populi or “the voice of the people” and not be party hacks voting straight party lines. Study the ABQ Journal and other polls and see what constituents want and need.”

— Dave Coulie, Albuquerque

“Priorities should include sincere acts of common-sense policy in support of N.M. families — Dad, Mom, kids, grandparents — addressing drug abuse and mental illness, inflation, education and safety. Forget the only-for-votes and don’t-want-to-offend nonsense. We need real people in leadership roles, not career politicians whose only commitment is the political ladder.”

— Stephanie Olguin, Corrales

“We need representatives who do just that, represent their constituents. I’m hoping this November we as New Mexicans can elect individuals who will prioritize stopping crime in our streets. I hope for the day the bang in my neighborhood does not illicit wondering if it was a gunshot or not, or the day a walk along Central does not pose significant chance of injury.”

— Alexander Jones, Los Lunas

NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION

Following the controversial Missouri execution of Marcellus Williams, questions regarding capital punishment resurface. Should the U.S. ban capital punishment in favor of different, harsher punishments on certain crimes or should N.M reconsider reinstating the death penalty?

Submit your response at: https://www.abqjournal.com/site/forms/online_services/top_of_mind/

Responses must include your name and city of residence to be published.