News
Gun Violence Not Fault of Gun Control Advocates
A version of this letter appeared in the June 12, 2022 edition of the Rio Rancho Observer. The author, an advocate for common sense gun laws, gave permission to the Democratic Party of Sandoval Count to use her letter. Editor: Your editorial headline on May 29, 2022,...
Gimme Some Truth – Advocate for Women, Children, Veterans, Wildlife, and Individuals with Disabilities Runs for State House
Kathleen M. Cates, Candidate for House District 44, as told to June Anglin, DPSC Kathleen M. Cates is a first-time candidate running for the NM House of Representatives District 44. A longtime resident of the area, she has been a business owner, homeowner, nonprofit...
Abortion Rights Are on the Ballot – Keep New Mexico Blue
By Judy Gordon, DPSC Secretary Re-printed from the Rio Rancho Observer with permission. The leak of the draft Supreme Court decision is a wakeup call that a handful of right- wing Christian theocrats are about to pull the plug on abortion rights. Denying women...
First Friday Forum – June 3, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGESjlmdjFs Democratic Party of Sandoval County First Friday Meeting June 3 Speaker Jessica Velasquez Chair DPNM
Condemnation of Treasurer, Tim Eichenberg’s Actions
From: Alexandria PILAND <alexpiland@msn.com>Sent: Monday, May 23, 2022 6:15 PMSubject: Condemnation of Treasurer, Tim Eichenberg's Actions For Immediate Release: Letter to the Editor Contact: Alex Piland, Call or Text: 505.350-6590 Email: alexpiland@msn.com...
Second Saturday Forum – May 14, 2022
https://youtu.be/o1z-SbsAt-w Democratic Party of Sandoval County 2nd Saturday NM Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver
Privatized Medicare is Closer Than You Think
By Judy Gordon, DPSC Secretary Medicare Advantage—private insurance with much looser rules than Traditional Medicare—can be enticing. Compared to Traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage offers lower costs and extra benefits such as vision, hearing, and dental...
Gimme Some Truth Part II – More Wisdom for Democrats from Sen. Fred Harris
By Sen. Fred Harris as told to June Anglin, DPSC How Can Democrats Best Counter Smears from the Right and Best Tell Their Story? Currently, the Republican Governors Association is buying frequent television time to tell New Mexicans that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is...
First Friday Forum – May 6, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GL33mIQTHI Democratic Party of Sandoval County First Friday May 6th Anne Brady Romero Sandoval County Clerk
Governor’s Leadership and a (State) House Full of Women Create Progress for New Mexico
By Daymon Ely, NM State House Representative House District 23 I have served in the legislature for the past six years.In that time, I saw two major changes: 1 - a change from a Republican administration (Gov. Martinez) to a Democratic administration (Gov....
Gimme Some Truth Part I – Wisdom for Democrats from Sen. Fred Harris
By Sen. Fred Harris as told to June E. Anglin, DPSC Fred Roy Harris was born in 1930 in Walters, Oklahoma. After graduating from University of Oklahoma Law School with distinction, Harris was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate in 1956. At age 25, Harris was the...
Second Saturday Forum – April 9, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xfeu70WpXb0 Stephanie Garcia Richard, New Mexico's Land Commissioner, reported the success that her office creates with increased revenue, better environmental protections, and acknowledgment of native land rights.
U.S. Cable Subscribers Fund Russian Propaganda
By Judy Gordon, DPSC Secretary Russia has silenced independent media, and journalists are fleeing the country. The Russian people have virtually no access to fact-based, objective reporting. But lest you fear that Russians aren’t hearing Western voices, rest assured...
Looking to Our Party’s Future
Young leader offers pride and hope to Democrats By Jaden Chavez, Freshman, Political Science Major, UNM The world is used to telling people like me that our passions, priorities, and proposals don’t matter—or what’s almost worse, that they can simply wait. After all,...
First Friday Forum – April 1, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIGUReL56A8 Four Democratic candidates, Derrick Lente, Kathleen Cates, Michelle Sandoval, and Ramon Montana, for the New Mexico House 2022 election for seats based in Sandoval County updated attendees on their campaign issues and...
New Mexico Indivisible United 2022 Conference
READ CAREFULLY - Registration is first come, first served and places are limited! Greetings, Sandoval County Indivisibles! We are excited to invite you to the New Mexico Indivisible United 2022 Conference to be held April 29 and 30, 2022. This will be a chance to meet...
Early Childhood Education Constitutional Amendment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izt2IPHeu3g Sandoval County Democratic and Progressive Organizations present a video of a Webinar about the Early Childhood Education Constitutional Amendment that will be voted on the November ballot in New Mexico.
Take the Quiz: Whatever It Is I’m Against It
By Judy Gordon, DPSC Secretary Test your knowledge of New Mexico politicians.Match the quote with the speaker and be reminded once again why it’s critical to vote Democratic up and down the ballot. Download the document to test your skills.
Second Saturday Forum – March 12, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwsaD-2PQQo State Sen. Brenda McKenna provided the head line presentation at a lively Second Saturday meeting. Take a look and listen for yourself on this video.
First Friday Forum – March 4, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMVZWm6YUdA The First Friday Meeting in Bernalillo featured presentations by Democratic candidates who will run in County wide races in the June primary and November General Election. Watch this video to acquaint yourself with the...
Jerry Saxton, Placitas Democratic Leader Dies
Jerry Saxton was born in Dallas on July 18, 1941. Sadly, he lost a fast, vicious battle with malignant melanoma at the UT Southwestern University hospital in Dallas on February 23, 2022. He leaves behind his wife, Janice, his brother Ben, his daughters Jana and...
Second Saturday Forum – February 12, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cJ7nOg_FrY Democratic Party of Sandoval County Second Saturday February 12th Meet the Candidates
Support Establishment of a School of Public Health
From the Santa Fe New Mexican - February 11, 2022
The Insurrectionist Next Door
By Judy Gordon, DPSC Secretary In the past, far-right-wing extremists were viewed as a fringe element that could be contained. But Robert A. Pape, political science professor at the University of Chicago and director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats,...
First Friday Forum – February 4, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU_CuOARmkw Democratic candidates for municipal elections in the town of Bernalillo discuss their vision for the town in a First Friday meeting hosted by the Democratic Party of Sandoval County.
Making A Difference in Sandoval County
Secretary of State safeguards New Mexicans’ voting rights and our democracy By Maggie Toulouse Oliver, New Mexico Secretary of State I entered public service as County Clerk of Bernalillo County in 2007. Since then, motivated by my passion for democracy, my time as...
The Health Security Plan for New Mexicans
All New Mexicans deserve quality healthcare By Ann E. Kepley, Precinct 132 Chair, DPSC All New Mexicans deserve a home- grown health care system that reflects our unique healthcare needs. New Mexicans deserve an affordable plan that provides coordinated preventive...
Last Week’s Columns are Just Mansplaining
This letter to the editor appeared in the Dec. 26, 2021, issue of the Rio Rancho Observer Dear Editor, On last week’s editorial page of the Rio Rancho Observer, one of the newspaper’s reporters explained what the Democratic Party of Sandoval County needs to do to win...
Republican Commissioners Vote for Gerrymandered Map
Democratic Party of Sandoval CountyContact: Alexandria Piland, Chair 505-350-6590 chair@sandovaldemocrats.org For Immediate Release Dec. 10, 2021 Rio Rancho --The Sandoval County Commission's Republicans showed their true colors at last...
No to Republican Gerrymandering
Last week’s editorial condemned the Democrats’ principled opposition to Rod Adair’s radically gerrymandered redistricting maps, declaring it to be a “fiction” based on “inaccurate narratives.” The Observer claims it is illogical to object to packing Native Americans...
County Commissioner Advances the Safety and Well-Being of County Residents . . . and Our Pets
By Katherine Bruch, Sandoval County Commissioner, District 1 I took office on January 1, 2019, and hit the ground running by sponsoring a resolution in support of state legislation to fund spay and neuter programs. Since that time, I have worked hard for the residents...
Proposed Plans for County Disrespects Native Americans
Democratic Party of Sandoval CountyContact: Alexandria Piland, Chair505-350-6590chair@sandovaldemocrats.orgFor Immediate Release Nov. 25, 2021 By Isaac Chavez, Vice-Chair, Democratic Party of Sandoval County At the Sandoval County Commission Meeting of November 18,...
Sneaky Shenanigans in Sandoval County Redistricting
County Commissioners engage in political shenanigans Bert Coxe of Corrales on Nov. 19 wrote a comment piece published in The Paper about the moves by Sandoval County Commissioners to set up pro-Republican gerrymandered commission districts. Original artical appears in...
Republican’s Redistricting Consultant Insults Public Commenters
Media ReleaseDemocratic Party of Sandoval CountyFor Immediate Release Nov. 19, 2021 On November 18, the Sandoval County Commission meeting presented a shameful performance by the Republicans. Their redistricting “expert” presented four different plans, all of which...
Letter Smearing Democrats Was Misleading
Published on November 14, 2021 in the Rio Rancho Observer The letter of Charles Sullivan of Albuquerque in the Rio Rancho Observer of Nov. 7, 2021, disappoints. Some of the presented “facts” have some basis; some have some basis but are used misleadingly; some are...
The Governor’s Many Accomplishments
Published on November 14, 2021 in the Rio Rancho Observer For a variety of historic and geographic reasons, New Mexico struggles to overcome a legacy of poverty, lagging educational achievement and sluggish economic growth. Last week’s letter to the editor by Charles...
Panelists: Plans for Plutonium Transportation Put New Mexicans at Risk
By Hannah Grover This story originally was published by the New Mexico Political Report and is republished with acknowledgment....
Public Safety and the Rio Rancho Police Department
By Gail PinkepankArticle appeared in the ABQ Journal Opinion Section on November 15, 2021 It’s no wonder that Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently appointed Jason Bowie,who was serving as Deputy Chief of the Rio Rancho Police Department (RRPD), asSecretary of the...
Medicare Drug Price Negotiation: Big PhRMA Claims of Harm “Overblown”
By Judy Gordon, DPSC Secretary Remdesivir is the COVID-19 drug that can shorten hospital stays. Gilead, its developer, received $162 million in federal funding for clinical trials and other assistance to accelerate its market availability. Gilead also benefited from...
Sandoval County Indivisible Promotes Progressive Agenda
Join us for progressive politics, education, and camaraderieBy Bert Coxe for the members of Sandoval County Indivisible. I was asked by our fearless Chairwoman Alex Piland to write a paragraph letting you all know about Sandoval County Indivisible (SCI). SCI is part...
First Friday Forum – November 5, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg95-rgLB58 Watch the video. The New Mexico Secretary of State said she is running for re-election. Also, she urged all to resist Republican attempts to limit voting rights.
Making A Difference in Sandoval County
Commissioner of public lands protects our natural resources for generations to comeBy Stephanie Garcia Richard, Commissioner of Public Lands Hello fellow Democrats! This is Stephanie Garcia Richard, your commissioner of public lands, reaching out to let you know how...
Advanced Energy Can Fuel New Mexico’s Economy
By Katherine Bruch, Sandoval County Commissioner, Dist. 1 This summer, smoke from wildfires as close as the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and as far away as the Sierra Nevada’s, blanketed New Mexico. Ongoing drought and heatwaves are threatening public safety and...
Trying to Understand Fear of Critical Race Theory and Diversity Programs
By Trip Jennings, New Mexico In Depth- October 30, 2021This story was originally published by New Mexico In Depth - https://nmindepth.com/2021/10/30/trying-to-understand-fear-of-critical-race-theory-and-diversity-programs/ I’ve been watching school board races across...
Stop Lying About Gary Tripp and Have a Serious Discussion of the Issues
School boards can have significant implications for our children’s education, which is why voters in Rio Rancho School District 1 deserve a serious discussion of the vastly contrasting positions of myself and my opponent. Yet Robyn Schmalz’s letter in last Sunday’s...
Bowie an Excellent Choice for State Public Safety Secretary
It’s no wonder that Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently appointed Jason Bowie,serving as Deputy Chief of the Rio Rancho Police Department (RRPD), as Secretary ofthe New Mexico Department of Public Safety. To help prevent the violent incidents wehave seen around...
Press Must Treat Candidate Fairly
The Rio Rancho Observer in its Oct. 10 editorial and opinions page threw its policy out the window that banned publication of letters that tout or attack specific candidates for election. The attack came against Gary Tipp in a nonpartisan election for Rio Rancho...
KEEP SANDOVAL BLUE EVENT
The Democratic Party of Sandoval County’s Premier Event with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Occurred September 25, from 3 to 5 pm at the home of John Arango in Algodones. The Event attracted Activists and Candidates on a Beautiful Autumn Day. Please join us for...
Second Saturday Forum – October 9, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2y8ebCqmL8 The Democratic Party of Sandoval County and Sandoval County Indivisible host Member of Congress Teresa Leger Fernandez as the keynote speaker in a joint virtual meeting. Candidate for Auditor Zack Quintero will log in as the...
State Senator Gregg Schmedes Discourages Vaccinations and Masking
By Judy Gordon, DPSC Secretary We are advised to consult our doctor if we have concerns about getting the COVID-19 vaccination. But what if your doctor is a politician who promotes misleading information about vaccines and masking? What if your doctor advocates not...
Making A Difference in Sandoval County
Sandoval County Treasurer Improves Critical Office to Better Serve Community By Jennifer Taylor, Sandoval County Treasurer The first nine months of 2021 have been busy, yet very exciting, as the newly elected Sandoval County Treasurer. Through my previous experience...
New Mexico’s GOP Candidates for Governor are Anti-Educator
While Governor Lujan Grisham is Endorsed by the NEA, GOP Candidates Support Policies that Harm Educators Today, National Education Association-New Mexico (NEA-NM) endorsed Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for a second term, touting her moonshot investment in New...
Gary Tripp: The Only Choice for Rio Rancho School Board, District 1
A Dedicated Lifelong Educator Squares Off Against a Right Wing Extremist The following letter is Gary Tripp’s response to Brenner’s baseless accusations (click here to read selected Brenner tweets) that the Rio Rancho Public Schools are teaching critical race theory....
First Friday Forum – October 2, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyXQvA0MITI Democratic Party of Sandoval Friday Speaker Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard
Environmental Justice Caucus
Please join us by clicking below and we'll send you more information - https://form.jotform.com/212675080208149
Gary Tripp – His Good Ideas for Improving Our Schools
By Melissa Fernandez I was heartened to read Gary Tripp’s letter in the Rio Rancho Observer. His good ideas for improving our schools were a much-needed antidote to Patrick Monroe Brenner’s willfully ignorant screed published the week before. No, critical race theory...
Las Familias Solidarity
The Democratic Party of Sandoval County supports the efforts of this Sandoval County organization to help asylum seekers in the El Paso area. Please consider helping them out. Las Familias Solidarity - September 1, 2021 Trip Summary Every month, our team drives to El...
Exhausted Educators Deserve Support and Respect
Insults and complaints demoralize dedicated, hard-working teachers Billie Helean, 1st Grade Teacher, Rio Rancho School Employees Union President, Labor Employees Union President, and Labor Liaison to the DPSC Executive Committee When we finished the last school year,...
First Friday Forum – September 8, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2bowPhob8Q Democratic Party of Sandoval County First Friday Featured Speaker Commissioner Katherine Bruch
Republican Cancel Culture is Coming for Your Vote
By Judy Gordon, DPSC Secretary Democrats have proven we can overcome voter suppression through the strength of our ideas and organizing energy. But Republicans are not deterred in their efforts to undermine democracy. They are now positioning themselves to nullify...
Indigenous Solutions Can Contribute to Equity In Our Communities
Indigenous educators must ensure Indigenous knowledge and ancestral wisdom are perpetuated By Jon Ghahate, Cultural Educator, Indian Pueblo Cultural CenterRe-printed from the Green Fire Times with permission. Each of the 573 U.S. federally recognized Indigenous...
Cindy Nava – Why I am a Democrat
Being a Democrat without being able to vote You might wonder why I would consider myself a Democrat if I can’t yet vote nor legally register as a member of a political party. To that I would tell you that my name is Cindy and as the daughter of Mexican immigrants, as...
Jan Marfyak – Why I am a Democrat
I've been an active Democrat since I was 18, and even before that. I've taken an active part in elections since working in Stevenson's campaign for President way back when. I am what you might call a stick in your eye Liberal. Nice is not part of my vocabulary. The...
Jonathan Muniz – Why I am a Democrat
In high school I was part of Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA). Little did I know how much this after school club would influence me. I was introduced to the work of Caesar Chavez and Delores Huerta and from here a passion was sparked. This passion took...
Barbara Clinton – Why I am a Democrat
When I think of the Democratic Party, some of the first words that come to mind are diverse, caring and inclusive. That is the modern-day Democratic Party.On the other hand, the picture of the original Democratic Party is very disturbing. However, in spite of, or...
Cynthia Tidwell – Why I am a Democrat
I grew up in a hard-shell Republican family. When we settled in Glenview, (a Chicago suburb), when I was in high school, my dad always made a point of declaring that it was our sacred duty to pull the Republican lever for all candidates, as a protest against the...
Karen Schafer – Why I am a Democrat
Actually, there are four things in my life that inspired me to be a Democrat and then confirmed my commitment. 1) I joined the Young Democrats in college and found the meetings and participants interesting and fun. Then came JFK’s presidential campaign. It was my...
Rosella Gonzales – Why I am a Democrat
John’s invitation to speak to why I am a Democrat brought to mind a Ward D meeting where we discussed the need for a concise presentation on what the Democratic Party stands for. I took the invitation as an opportunity to write what the Democratic Party means to me...
Genia Chavez – Why I am a Democrat
Being a democrat has been a piece of a three part story that make up my identity-my past, present, and future. My past is largely influenced by stories of my maternal grandfather. He was a Mexican-American veteran who had a hard time keeping his mouth shut in the face...
David McGuffie – Why I am a Democrat
Imagine a world where healthcare and education are privatized leading to rising costs, many animals are now extinct, hordes of people are on the streets, begging for a dime, no public lands as they are now all in the hands of multimillionaires; and an earth that is...
Kitty Pérez – Why I am a Democrat
When John asked me to put into writing why I chose to belong to the Democratic Party, it occurred to me that I can’t ever remember not being a Democrat! As the proud daughter of immigrants, and having lived in several different countries, I was taught to appreciate...
Sherianne Pierce – Why I am a Democrat
I grew up in a household parented by a single mom. Hard times were many, but we persevered. My mother was not a political creature though, in her circumstance, she should have been. As a child of color with two white half siblings and a white mother, I noticed...
Steve Conrad — Why I Am a Democrat
I grew up in a Republican household. I love my Republican family (as well as my many Republican friends). But from a young age, I knew I was a Democrat at heart. I knew it as clearly as I know that I’m tall, and left handed, and have brown eyes. It seems as if it...