Ask Governor Lujan Grisham to commit to take actions this year to phase out private prisons in New Mexico. Remind her that in a few years, due to changes in federal contracts and a declining New Mexico prison population, the state will not need more than 80% of the private beds it currently permits.
We want MLG to lead the shift away from private detention in New Mexico beginning today!
PDA Central New Mexico Chapter hosted the second CD1 Candidate Forum on Wednesday February 10th with 8 Democratic candidates. The format included 5 open-ended questions and a whole series of Yes/No questions. These Yes/No questions were based on submissions by PDA and INH members and citizen input emailed to organizers after the first forum on February 4th, and also emphasized the PDA national pillars.
It is interesting to note that ALMOST all of the candidates reply with similar answers. One forum participant dropped in the event chat it seemed we all “thought alike” about these progressive topics. Others noted that we had a powerful slate of candidates who espoused progressive policies. And some thought this Y/N question format did not elicit enough difference among the candidates.
How can we use this information?
While the data does not allow for clear discernment between candidates, it is a starting point for your investigation of candidates’ websites, socials, platforms and policies for more specifics. The questions and responses might encourage citizens to contact candidates directly for follow-up dialogue. This information can also be a powerful tool for accountability that we use with the candidate who ultimately wins the seat. We need to hold all our elected officials accountable to their statements, promises, policies and platforms.
Join PDACNM for citizen advocacy and meet with staff of your US Senator or Representative. Every month PDACNM sits with these friendly folks to express concerns, show support, share information and create lasting relationships. We bring a letter from PDA national asking to support specific legislation or to express our thanks for their support. These letters are delivered by PDA chapters throughout the country. We welcome your participation.
Lisa Franzen geolisafranzen@aol.com
Laura Stokes stokescorrales@comcast.net
Paul Stokes stokescorrales@mac.com
Continue reading CALL TO ACTION: push back against extremism
