Española Movidas
“This is all (expletive) Española movidas.”
https://youtu.be/yJNuXxlyJDQ?si=vYtBHrkygfuvIUqE
This week, I was asked, “This is news?” referring to the YouTube video.
I took a pause and thought about it. Is this issue the most important thing happening in Española?
At Española Voices Speak Up (Facebook group), we’ve posted almost daily for 2+ years about all the issues concerning our governing body and the general state of our city.
When we pointed out unanswered questions regarding sexual harassment, wrongful terminations, delayed financial reports, new hires whose qualifications are not in line with the job description, condemnation of the Santa Clara apartments, purchasing trash trucks and taking over trash collection of the city, the state of our wastewater treatment plant, the state of our city drinking water, the road condition on Industrial Park Road, the increased homelessness, the questionable real estate deals, the lack of collaboration with colleagues and debatable practices regarding the spending of taxpayer dollars and more … our posts are often overlooked.
I challenge you to consider these questions: What if some of the behavior in that video is just one of several episodes of misuse of law enforcement? What if the two accusations of sexual harassment are only the two widely known? What if power is being abused? What if our leaders are unqualified? What if “power” is more important than serving the public? What if our leaders engage in acts meant to intimidate, frighten, ostracize, and silence anyone who opposes them? What if the desire to silence detractors is an attempt to escape accountability?
Española Voices Speak Up was started to state opinions. Opinions are often shared and talked about during lunch, over drinks, and in closed offices but never publicly acknowledged. The problems we are having are an open secret. “Leakers” at city hall are not required. The obsession with silencing social media, silencing “outsiders,” silencing “traitors,” and silencing people over a “personality conflict” are not appropriate choices and not the best way to spend your energy. Democracy isn’t about agreeing on everything; it is about compromise.
Using armed police officers as your personal “buddies” who will come when you call and do what you ask is wrong. It doesn’t matter how much you personally dislike someone. You are public servants — you will always have opposition.
It doesn’t mean you are “disliked.” This isn’t high school; this is adult real life, and the community is suffering for egos.
The Española Police Department is now the “feelings” police, dispatched to intimidate. I wish our leaders, those in “power” cared more about doing what is right than about staying in “good” with some folks.
“This is all (expletive) Española Movidas.”
We all know it, and Española deserves better.
#tortillasfortransparency
Stay informed Española.
Cynthia Lentini
Española
A scream for help
The horrifying death of a toddler in Española this week, allegedly due to fentanyl exposure, is a piercing scream for help that we can no longer ignore. This tragedy underscores a devastating reality: vulnerable children are at risk, and decisive action is needed. Senate Bill 42, awaiting Governor Lujan Grisham’s signature, offers a crucial opportunity to strengthen the safeguards surrounding our most vulnerable population.
The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated. The tragic incident in Española highlights the fatal consequences when children are exposed to dangerous substances. SB42 represents a vital step forward, offering a framework for improved intervention, support, and ultimately, prevention in child welfare.
Crucially, SB42 includes vital strategies to improve the “plan of safe care” for children in homes where drug use may be occurring. This aims for a more robust system for identifying risks, implementing preventative measures, and providing necessary support to both children and their caregivers. By strengthening these plans, we can create a more proactive system prioritizing child safety.
Governor, you have consistently championed the well-being of New Mexico’s children. Signing SB42 would be a powerful demonstration of that commitment, a tangible action that could prevent future tragedies. It would send a clear message that our state will not tolerate the endangerment of its youngest citizens.
This is not about bureaucracy; it’s about the fundamental right of every child to safety. The memory of the child lost in Española demands that we act decisively and without delay.
Dan Jennings
Hagerman, NM