Enchantment State News

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham addressed crime issues during a recent Town Hall, proposing several bills aimed at tackling the problem. The session extended late into the night as the Governor allowed extensive public participation.

"Although we have opposed much of what the Governor has done during her tenure, she demonstrated with the Bills she proposed for the special session and her comments at Thursday’s Town Hall that she is ready to work on the crime issues," an attendee noted. They emphasized the importance of leveraging any opportunity to improve crime laws, regardless of political differences.

The Governor acknowledged competency issues among offenders, stating that repeat offenders should not be allowed to continue harming themselves and others. "We cannot continue to allow 'incompetent' repeat offenders to destroy their own lives and our community," she said. Her personal connection to the issue was highlighted by noting that members of her family have suffered due to offenders in New Mexico.

City Councilors Mattiace and McClure were present at the event. However, some councilors faced criticism for their perceived lack of engagement with public concerns. "Several of our City Councilors (Bencomo and Corran) are not willing to actually engage with the public, hear what people are experiencing, and challenge their own beliefs based on the evidence of what is happening in our community," stated another participant.

The Governor called for providing necessary treatment for incompetent offenders, emphasizing it is not compassionate to let individuals ruin their lives with drugs. "What the Governor is calling for is a way to get 'incompetent' offenders into the treatment they need," an observer mentioned.

In recent years, Las Cruces has been influenced by progressive politics, but there now appears to be an opportunity for change. An attendee remarked, "For years, Las Cruces has been overwhelmed by a 'blue political tide.' But we finally have a chance to push back." The speaker appreciated that despite past disagreements with Governor Lujan Grisham's policies, she showed alignment on holding legislators accountable regarding public safety concerns.

The validation from Governor Lujan Grisham regarding local progressive candidates provided a significant moment for those advocating change. Attendees urged candidates to support small businesses affected by crime and distinguish themselves from incumbents who have been accused of neglecting these issues.

A billboard promoting this message was rejected by a company but attendees encouraged widespread dissemination through other means: "This billboard is not allowed by the Billboard company, but we can make an impact by posting it far and wide!"