Sen. Ortiz y Pino

Reform-minded lawmakers, thwarted by a stubborn Governor, are preparing an end run around the chief executive by proposing a constitutional amendment to clean up the perennially troubled Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD).

The amendment, if approved at the upcoming legislative session, would then be sent to voters in November. It would strip CYFD from the Governor's cabinet, appoint a three member commission of qualified professionals to oversee the agency who in turn would hire an executive director for day-to day management. 

That's a full call-out of MLG under whose watch the department has tumbled to new performance lows in protecting the state's kids from abusive homes. Yet she is on her third CYFD secretary in five years and still won't admit that the CYFD predicament--that also defied previous governors--can be resolved by her and her alone. 

So who dares defy MLG? Progressive Democratic women at the Roundhouse finally reaching the breaking point? Nope. Their eyes remain blind except to party loyalty. 

But it is a Democrat leading the charge. That would be ABQ's Jerry Ortiz y Pino, the Legislature's liberal conscience--and lucky for him--he is not seeking reelection to his seat this year after what will be a 20 year run. 

We won't say the amendment has as much chance of passing at the '24 session as someone beating a roadrunner in a foot race, even though that rings of the truth. 

What the proposal could do, however, is put the growing friction between the Governor and a sizable constituency demanding that she act into the political narrative. In other words, some good old fashioned pressure. 

Certainly a full-bore hearing at the Senate Judiciary Committee featuring not only experts in the matters of CYFD but parents, former agency social workers and others whose voices have been drowned out at the Roundhouse would be helpful in creating necessary momentum to keep the idea alive--or perhaps persuade the executive it's time to get on board.

It took a decade to pass a constitutional amendment that now amps up funding for early childhood education. A decade is too long to wait to resolve the issue of abused children being murdered, stashed away in inappropriate and often danger circumstances instead of proper homes, and the crisis created by the lack of foster families. 

We turn the floor over to Sen. Ortiz y Piano for a final take:

The department has reached, which I think, is what I would call a downward spiral. Almost a death spiral. Its reputation is so bad, that professionally trained workers aren’t willing to work for it which lends itself to a further deterioration in the reputation and the public’s perception of the department. My amendment would take CYFD out of the governor’s cabinet, and create a three person commission that would oversee it instead of a cabinet secretary. The governor would appoint one, the senate pro tem[pore] would appoint one, the speaker of the house would appoint one. Each commissioner would eventually serve six-year terms. They would be the ones who set the policy direction for the department. They would do that in public hearings instead of behind closed doors in a cabinet meeting where nobody knows exactly what went on when nobody can hold them accountable.

Let's flag those words for leading progressive women whose support is critical to the cause--Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, House Majority Floor Leader Gail Chasey and House Majority Whip Reena Szcepanski. It's your turn. 

A SECOND ONE 

Louie Sanchez

There's a second Republican in the race for the ABQ-centered congressional seat held by Dem US Rep. Melanie Stansbury. 

Louie Sanchez, who lost the 2022 GOP nomination to Michelle Garcia Holmes for the right to take on Stansbury, is back for a second try in '24. His campaign says: 

 Sanchez is a staunch defender of the 2nd Amendment and has a proven track record of promoting responsible gun ownership while protecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. His unwavering support for the 2nd Amendment has garnered national respect and support from New Mexicans who value their right to bear arms, especially during the current New Mexico Public Health Order. . .His campaign will focus on critical issues such as job creation, government reform, crime, and the protection of constitutional rights in New Mexico and Washington, D.C. As a candidate, Louie Sanchez is committed to engaging with constituents. . .

This Louie Sanchez is not to be confused with ABQ Dem City Councilor Louie Sanchez. 

The Republican Louie has experience that includes working as one of the owners of Calibers Indoor Shooting Range and Gun Shop and as a healthcare sales representative.

Sanchez could not get by Garcia Holmes but he may have better luck against Steve Jones, a 77 year old retired energy executive from Ruidoso who has also announced his candidacy. Jones has said, if nominated, he does not expect to beat Stansbury who has held the heavy Dem seat since mid-2021. She has no announced primary opposition. 

NOT THE DA

We erred Monday in a first draft when we quoted one of our reader/contributors as saying Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman was involved in plea bargain negotiations with attorneys for former state Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton. It is federal authorities and the state attorney general's office involved in those talks regarding the corruption charges she faces. We apologize for the error.  

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