The nominating committee for Judge Jim Hall's replacement Wednesday asked precious few questions about each candidate's experience, knowledge and biases on domestic violence. This is inexcusable for a position that will oversee domestic relations in our community. Nearly 20 percent of New Mexico's homicides arise out of domestic violence situations, and this summer we saw a string of deadly domestic violence incidents. District judges with little experience or inaccurate views of domestic violence can put victims (1,100 of whom filed for orders of protection in 1st District Court so far this year) in extreme danger.

The governor has the final say on Hall's replacement. Please call the governor's office at 505-476-2200 and insist that the appointee to our court has extensive training and education in domestic violence. The safety of our community depends upon it.


Party vote

Rep. Ben Ray Luján made a historical vote Nov. 7 in voting for the House version of the health care bill. Rather than voting for the interest of the country, he placed the interests of the Democratic Party as a priority. This unaffordable monstrosity will do more to damage our nation than any prior piece of legislation in our history. In addition, he voted against the amendment that would have prohibited federal funding for abortion. We should note his vote on this despicable legislation, and vote accordingly in the next election.


Historic passage

History was made on Nov. 7 in the House of Representatives when H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, was passed. I want to thank my representative, The Honorable Ben Ray Luján, for standing up for his New Mexican constituents among great pressure from the insurance-industry lobbyists when he voted for the bill.

I am one of the fortunate Americans who enjoy health coverage, but with the passage of this bill, I will be provided with a more secure and stable health program. Americans less fortunate than I will be afforded health care coverage, and everyone will see lower costs for families and businesses.

Nine months' pay

Regarding Alma Parker's Nov. 9 letter, "Cut school budget," which states that teachers should get a 25 percent pay cut because we don't work over the summer: Teachers should not get a pay cut. Teachers are only paid for nine months of work! Some teachers opt to have their pay spread out over 12 months. Some have second jobs (not only in the summer, but year-round).

Reality check

Just FYI for the parent who wrote, "Cut school budget": I use my eight-week summer vacation to work to make up for the shortfalls of my Level III teaching salary, and I work two — as many as four — other jobs during the year to pay off doctor/dental bills not covered at all by my "incredible" benefits. I will be working full time in another state when I retire to make up the difference between my "giant pension" and basic living expenses.

I am an efficient, creative and good teacher because my focus is on the kids and their needs. I am glad and grateful that National Education Association has my back because without these people and their dedication, teachers in this district would have so much less.


Protect living wage

"Mayor Cossing fear," an Oct. 30 letter by Kurt Sax, claimed mayoral candidate Asenath Kepler wasn't against the living wage, but merely opposed it going to $9.85 last year because of the cost of living going up. But Kepler, at an Oct. 22 forum clearly said: "The jury is still out on whether or not the living wage is a good or a bad thing. ...(A)nd I know, because I hear it anecdotally, that the living wage has created a problem."

Kepler should spend time with people who just barely make ends meet at $9.85 per hour. For them the "jury is not out." Going back to $7.50 would be cruel for those who can least afford it.

The mayor plays an important role in enforcing city laws. Will Kepler take a page from the Republican playbook and undermine our wage laws by failing to enforce them?