Pass All Compacts State lawmakers have been touting the fact that New Mexico recently secured $211 million in federal funding for rural hospitals through the first round of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

The RHTP will distribute $50 billion a year among the 50 states. States get more points for being in each of five licensure compacts for physicians, nurses, emergency medical services, psychology, and physician assistants.

New Mexico is only a member of the nurse compact. However, New Mexico remains one of only five states to join one or fewer interstate healthcare compacts.

New Mexico’s application for federal funding included statements about how New Mexico plans to pursue approval for physician assistants, EMS and psychologist licensure compacts during the 30-day legislative session this year.

According to a spokesperson from the NM Health Care Authority, some of the $211 million allocated to New Mexico could be clawed back if those compacts are not approved this year. Our rural hospitals need every penny.

Legislation to enter the four additional compacts has been introduced seven times since 2017. Finally, the legislature passed the doctor compact this session. But that begs the question: what is holding up the others?

The compacts have significant support from across the state, with a coalition including conservatives and liberals, business groups and labor unions, and even both the Conference of Catholic Bishops and Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains.

Only the trial lawyers have spoken negatively about the compacts because the compacts prohibit suing the interstate compact commissioners, who oversee the compacts.

The remaining compacts are awaiting hearing in the Senate. Please call your state Senator. Ask them to pass all the compacts in order to help rural hospitals like those in places like Española, Carlsbad, Ruidoso, Artesia and Alamogordo.

Sam LeDoux Española

An Endorsement for Salazar Española is a city steeped in culture, tradition and community — a place where families, art, and history shape daily life. Yet today, our city faces serious challenges. Crime, drugs, homelessness and business closures threaten the vibrancy and safety that make Española unique. For too long, leadership has been mired in conflict, stagnation and missed opportunities.

Voters are asked to choose between two men who have already held power — one as the current mayor and the other as a city councilor for over 20 years. Their tenure has not delivered the progress our community deserves.

It is time for a leader who honors our culture, values, and potential. I proudly endorse Joann V. Salazar for Mayor of Española. With over 30 years of government leadership experience, Joann V. Salazar brings competence, integrity and vision. She is independent, carries no political baggage, and knows how to build partnerships that include all sectors of our community — city, county, and tribal governments alike.

Joann V. Salazar understands that leadership is about service, collaboration, and respect for our people and traditions. She brings strength, clarity, and positive energy to the office—qualities our city desperately needs to restore trust, spark growth, and preserve the cultural heart of Española.

Española deserves leadership that celebrates who we are while shaping a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future. Joann V. Salazar is the woman to lead us there.

Angela M. Gallegos Española

She Supports Peggy Sue I am writing this letter in full support of Peggy Sue Martinez for the position of municipal judge. As the principal of James H. Rodriguez Elementary School, I have had the privilege of working closely with her and witnessing firsthand her deep commitment to public service and to the families of our valley.

For the past three years, she has generously provided Christmas gifts for our students — an act that reflects not only her compassion but also her understanding of the challenges many of our families face. Her kindness has brought joy and dignity to countless children, and it has made a meaningful impact on our school community.

In addition, she has supported our attendance initiative by sponsoring a Frito pie dinner fundraiser for our school. She provided all supplies, donated her time and asked for nothing in return. Her generosity helped us raise critical funds while bringing our community together in a spirit of support and encouragement.

Her actions consistently demonstrate that she is a public servant at heart. She serves with sincerity, humility, and a true love for the people of our valley. Her integrity, fairness, and dedication to community make her an outstanding candidate for municipal judge.

I offer my full support for Peggy Sue Martinez and am confident she will serve with the same commitment and compassion she has always shown to our students and families.

Nancy Y. Garcia Martinez

Española

Get Out and Vote I hope you all realize how important it is to vote in the upcoming city election. The city is in chaos. Some of the people hired to run city departments aren’t qualified to do their jobs and don’t receive the training required to do their job accurately. That is why the current administration has failed and caused so many lawsuits to be filed at a very high rate affecting the city’s insurability.

Now is the time to make a change and elect people who are experienced and have good leadership qualities. That is why I choose to support Joann V. Salazar for Mayor. She is a respectful person who has integrity. With her knowledge and experience she has the ability to take the city out of the 2 to 3 million dollar deficit.

People are not aware of this because they refuse to give accountability to residents. Public records are not made available and hundreds of thousands of dollars have been paid to those who have filed claims for the city’s refusal to provide public records as required by law. We all deserve better. We need people who are committed to follow the oath they take to follow the laws of the State of New Mexico and run the city with pride and honor.

Please join me in supporting write-in Candidate Joann V. Salazar for mayor. Thank you for your consideration by voting early, by absentee ballot or on election day, March 3.

Elmer V. Lucero Sr.

Española

Libraries Will Help Since the state’s Senate Finance Committee (SFC) received the House budget proposal, Chairman George Muñoz’s first scheduled discussion is “Mitigation of the Economic Impact of HB9,” which cancels state contracts for immigrant detention facilities.

Senator Muñoz is right. The state should mitigate consequences of these job losses.

When the Moly mine closed in Questa, miners turned to the library for help accessing unemployment insurance. Libraries help with job applications, employment and training opportunities, and resume writing.

Tularosa library in Otero County, Estancia, Moriarty and Mountainair libraries in Torrence and Acoma in Cibola will help workers seeking support.

Unfortunately, these front-line institutions don’t have sufficient staffing and lack other resources. Last year Senator Muñoz blocked legislation to strengthen them by not scheduling a hearing for the Rural Library Endowment at the SFC.

If Senator Muñoz wants to boost community resilience during economic difficulties, he will schedule rural library legislation.

Shel Nymark Embudo

Gold and Black Standard Why the Española Firefighters Union IAFF Local #4339 Sets the Standard The Española Firefighters Union IAFF Local #4339 stands as a model of professionalism, unity and ethical leadership within our city. Built on the principles of accountability, integrity and service, our union has earned a reputation for doing things the right way — even when it isn’t the easiest path.

What truly sets Local #4339 apart is that it is the only union in the city with 100% membership and active participation. Every firefighter is committed not only to protecting lives and property, but also to supporting one another and strengthening the department as a whole. This level of solidarity ensures every voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and every member is invested in the success of our mission.

Our union is grounded in the values of ethics, honesty, and integrity. These are not just words — they guide our decisions, our leadership, and our daily work. Whether advocating for firefighter safety, responsible governance, or the resources needed to better serve the public, we remain focused on what benefits the community we proudly protect.

The “Gold and Black” Standard represents more than our colors — it reflects a reputation built on trust, professionalism, and unwavering service to our community. Firefighters are consistently ranked among the most trusted professionals in the nation, and our endorsements carry that same credibility. When the Española Firefighters Union supports a candidate, the public knows that endorsement is rooted in integrity, careful consideration, and a commitment to what is best for our city. That is why Española endorsements mean so much — they stand for leadership the community can believe in.

This is why our endorsements stand alone and carry significant weight. When the Española Firefighters Union supports a candidate or initiative, it reflects careful consideration, shared values, and the collective voice of professionals deeply committed to the wellbeing of our city.

Dennis Tim Salazar for mayor Jacob Torres for D-1 Michelle Martinez for D-2 Manny Martinez for D-3 Justin Salazar-Torrez for D-4 Local #4339 is more than a union — it is a commitment to excellence. Through transparency, collaboration, and unwavering dedication, we continue to raise the standard for what a professional labor organization should be. When it comes to leadership, accountability, and unity, the Española Firefighters Union IAFF Local #4339 is proud to set the benchmark for today and for the future of our community.

Alex Suazo

IAFF Local #4339 Union President