Dear Editor This Veterans Day, wars and conflicts overseas starkly reminds us of how fortunate we are to live in the United States and of the great debt we owe to our current and former military members.
The service and sacrifices of our veterans allow us the freedom to speak our minds, to practice our religions freely, and to make our voices heard at the ballot box - as we just did last week. These liberties should not be taken lightly, and they certainly didn’t come for free.
That’s why, as State Representative for Northwest New Mexico’s House District 9, I have fought hard to ensure that our military personnel, veterans, and their families receive the resources, honor, and recognition they deserve.
Last year, we successfully halted the proposed shutdown of VA clinics in Gallup and other rural communities across New Mexico, protecting local access to medical and community services for those who proudly served our country. We also allocated $40 million to build a new state-ofthe- art State Veterans’ Home, slated to open in January.
N ext fall, voters will have the opportunity to consider two ballot measures to provide financial relief to our veterans. The two joint resolutions ask New Mexico voters to consider increasing the amount of property tax exemptions for veterans, and expanding them to additional vets, through Constitutional Amendments on the 2024 General Election ballot.
While Veterans Day celebrations are a great way to honor our military heroes, I hope you will join me in supporting these brave men and women all year round.
New Mexico State Representative Patricia Lundstrom
CrimeStoppers Need Board Members
Dear Editor, Our Crime Stoppers organization is committed to assisting all Law Enforcement Agencies within Cibola County. We have recently reorganized our program and would like to invite you to participate in our efforts. Cibola County has supported this organization in numerous ways during this transition.
Primarily, we would like to ask you as an Individual or Business entity to join our Board of Directors. As a business owner you may have an employee who could serve on our Board and represent our community. Our Board meets on the third Thursday of each month at the Sheriff's office at 10:00 am. However, we are exploring the option to change the time of our meeting to accommodate more participation on our Board.
We evaluate reward requests presented to us by a Law Enforcement entity and based on the information provided, severity of the crime and accused individuals' records will approve or adjust the reward request. The reward is paid to the Individual that has provided information leading to the arrest of suspected persons and the Informant remains anonymous to the Board.
If you are interested in joining or simply visiting our group, please come to our meeting scheduled for Thursday Nov. 16 at 10:00 am or contact us by mail PO Box 1908, Grants, NM 87020. You may also leave a message on our Cibola County Crime Stoppers face book page.
Donations are appreciated and needed to continue our efforts to apprehend those in our County who are involved in committing criminal activity, and to deter others.
Please remember that this organization serves the entire County including the Reservation, Pueblo's, and all surrounding areas. We work with the Forest Service, State Land management, NM Park Service, NM State Police, and all State, Federal and County Agencies.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to a response from you.
Cibola County CrimeStoppers Board Cibola County CrimeStoppers Facebook or 505-287-8400
Addiction Screenings
Dear editor, I'm writing to make you aware coverage and articles about the value of drug and alcohol treatment centers in our neighborhood are paramount. The fact that addiction still has a significant negative impact on the lives of countless people and families in our area makes raising awareness of this problem both urgently needed and relevant. Due to stigma, fear, and a lack of knowledge, addiction is a complicated and deadly problem that frequently goes unrecognized. But it's encouraging to see our community having a more candid and understanding conversation about the necessity of rehabilitation centers. These facilities are essential in helping people struggling with addiction find healing and hope. Addiction is a universal enemy that affects individuals of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and life stages. Seeking assistance is a brave choice that merits our unwavering support.
Rehabilitation programs offer a path to recovery and rediscovery in addition to treatment, in a setting of compassion, understanding, and expert direction. Rehab facilities provide people with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to take back control of their life, mend broken relationships, and rekindle their passions and sense of purpose. These initiatives also play a critical role in lessening the wider societal effects of addiction. They help to bring an end to the cycle of drug abuse, which lowers crime rates, healthcare costs, and creates stronger, more stable families.
It is our duty as a community to support individuals who are battling addiction by removing obstacles in their way and encouraging them to get treatment. Together, we must dispel the stigma attached to addiction and establish a welcoming environment where people can get the help they need to overcome their obstacles. I think we can positively impact more lives if we talk about and advocate for the importance of drug and alcohol rehabilitation more. Together, let's provide support to individuals pursuing recovery and spread the word about the importance and efficacy of these initiatives.
We appreciate your dedication to bringing attention to this important matter. I hope that this conversation will keep gaining momentum in our neighborhood, which will ultimately result in more people having access to rehabilitation programs and, in the end, a society that is both healthier and more compassionate.
Sincerely, Matthew Goodson