TOP OF MIND: What matters most for our readers in their representatives?

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

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION

What do you think about Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s recent choices for public education secretary and secretary of the Economic Development Department?

“During the summer the media reported N.M. ranking 50th in child well-being. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s director of the Children’s Cabinet, Mariana Padilla, is now tasked to head the Public Education Department. Gov. MLG isn’t interested in results, it’s about her agenda. Is there a government program to subsidize the incompetence flowing from our Roundhouse?”

— Michael Davis, Albuquerque

“The NMPED and UNM Lobo football team share familiarity with an often-heard term: ‘It’s a marathon, not a sprint.’ For NMPED’s new secretary it’s an ultra-marathon. Good luck and best wishes madame secretary. You need to cut the umbilical cord with N.M. leadership for any real progress to happen.”

— Dave Coulie, Albuquerque

“Will Mariana Padilla’s ‘deep New Mexico roots’ make a difference? Or will Rob Black’s extensive experience and background in public policy and community relations be the start of a strong economy and business-friendly environment in the state? Doesn’t matter what I think, what matters is results. If they deliver? Great.”

— Pamela Cox, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque

“Higher education secretary, CYFD and now PED all have been pulled straight from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s staff. The governor said it herself; Mariana has been here all along. She is the only common denominator. This governor is an absolute disaster.”

— Joyce Walker, Albuquerque

“Nothing will change for New Mexicans. Our government is only interested in enriching politicians and their owners.”

— Dale McCan, Corrales

“Unfortunately, it has become all too evident that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s selections do not help elevate our state. Far too much turnover in her time as governor. Establishing difficult-to-meet mandates, and her lack of understanding in what policies would be best for our state. I hope for the best with these two, yet working under Gov. MLG may be the problem.”

— Alexander Jones, Los Lunas

“Mariana Padilla has two years in the classroom more than a decade ago, and substitute teaching. Other than that, she has been a dedicated staffer for MLG. Now MLG has a green light for her corruption. Good people can’t stay in this administration. Good luck N.M., you will need it.”

— Wanda Davis, Bernalillo

NEXT 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?

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.