Dear Editor,

On July 16, 1979, “the worst incident of radiation contamination in the history of the United States” occurred when a United Nuclear Corporation “state of the art” earthen dam gave away releasing a torrent of radioactive sludge, heavy metals (including uranium, molybdenum, arsenic, thorium, radium, polonium and cadmium) and other toxins into the Little Puerco River and Puerco River that flows through Gallup and the Navajo Nation 80 miles westward.

Presently, within the Red Water Pond Road Community sits a mound over two football fields in size and three stories high as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency “Superfund” site remains on the National Priority...

Dear Editor,

I was absolutely thrilled and happy to read about the former Navajo Nation President, Jonathan Nez, who is running against the incumbent, Eli Crane in Arizona’s Second Congressional District according to Navajo Times editor, Bodera Joe on June 13. I was curious to see what happened to him since we did not hear about him after the June 4 primary election in New Mexico.

It is definitely great news that the primary election in Arizona is not until July 30 with general election scheduled for Nov. 5. I do not think Mr. Nez will mind being addressed as the Arizona Second Congressional District representative. No doubt, he will get used to it.

Nez has already contacted the 22...

Dear Editor,

Did you know that vacancy rates in 911 dispatch centers and police agencies are, on average, more than 20%, and 10% of those employed have not yet been certified (required training), threatening local 24/7 emergency response?  These conditions increase response times, and public safety staff may arrive exhausted due to long shifts.  We can't effectively address crime under these conditions.   Senate Bill 13, entitled "Public Safety Recruitment  Bureau," sponsored by Maestas and Sczczepanski, is stalled in the Senate Rules Committee despite a good deal of legislative support.

SB 13 provides funding and innovative solutions, including a media campaign to reach youth...

Dear Editor,

Since progress on the federal level has been lagging, it has led more states to try and do their part to reduce both air pollution and cut carbon emissions.  Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has made improving New Mexico’s air quality an increasingly high priority and is positioning New Mexico to become a leader in clean energy.

This year, the governor might have the chance to sign a bill into a law which will both improve New Mexico’s air quality and reduce the effects of climate change.  This Clean Transportation Fuels Standard (HB 41) incentivizes companies to produce cleaner transportation fuels, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve New Mexico’s...