OTERO COUNTY, NM, JANUARY 9—Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) Chair Amy Barela acknowledged Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s attendance at a public safety town hall in Otero County on Wednesday, an important opportunity for community concerns to be addressed directly.
“Governor Lujan Grisham’s visit to Otero County provided a platform for residents to voice critical issues, many of which affect communities statewide. It’s encouraging to see the Governor engaging with constituents, though the effectiveness of such engagement will ultimately depend on whether it translates into meaningful action,” said Chair Barela.
During the town hall, several nonpartisan topics were discussed, including public safety reforms and accountability for those suffering from mental illness and substance abuse. The Governor acknowledged that 16,000 cases involving these individuals were dismissed last year due to the lack of detention laws, signaling potential changes ahead.
Governor Lujan Grisham cited reforms in states like Texas and Florida, where Republican leadership has implemented measures for accountability in cases involving mental illness and addiction, and emphasized that these issues are not political. She also stressed her focus on pretrial reform for repeat offenders and felons in possession of firearms.
“While I appreciate the Governor’s acknowledgment of the need for accountability, it remains to be seen whether her administration will prioritize meaningful reforms or continue to pursue policies that often impose further restrictions on law-abiding citizens instead of focusing on actual criminals,” Barela added.
The town hall also highlighted the need for collaboration with local communities, a sentiment echoed by Alamogordo Mayor Susan Payne, who stated, “We do not want to do for the people, but want to do something with the people.” “Mayor Payne’s statement captures the essence of what leadership should look like—working with people to empower them, not creating further dependence on government programs,” Barela said.
However, Chair Barela expressed concern over the lack of discussion on critical issues such as securing the border and addressing the role of illegal immigration in contributing to crime and drug addiction. “These are significant challenges that directly impact public safety in our state, and their omission from the discussion is concerning,” Barela stated.
Chair Barela concluded, “The town hall was a productive step, but the real measure of success will be whether the Governor follows through on her words with actions that prioritize the safety and values of all New Mexicans.”
Chair Barela pumps the fake border crisis and ignores the facts that violent crime rates are down and immigrant crime rates are lower than those for the native-born.
She says nothing about guns, yet most New Mexico voters want tighter gun restrictions consistent with the 2nd Amendment. What gun reforms will you support, Chair Barela?