Get Out and Vote
My name is Donna Casados, and I am a proud, born and raised Española Valley local. I grew up here, went to school here, and like many kids of my generation, spent time cruising around this city. I was the City Hall brat who knew every office, every employee, and exactly where the candy was kept. Who knew that talking to everyone would turn into early leadership training? I even met my future mother-in-law there — but that’s a story for another time.
My family’s roots in public service run deep. My father and grandfather both worked for the City of Española, and I was raised to believe that serving our community isn’t just a job — it’s a responsibility. Those values stayed with me as I built my life and became a female small business owner in the valley that raised me.
I love Española — its people, culture, history, and resilience. But loving our community also means being honest when change is needed. As we approach an important mayoral election, we must ask ourselves what kind of future we want.
Our youth need more than promises. They need real resources, positive role models, safe spaces, and opportunities to grow. A healthier community starts with investing in our young people. If we fail to develop them now, we are only hurting ourselves later.
The next mayor will help shape the direction of our city. This election is our opportunity to demand leadership that listens, leads with integrity, and moves Española forward. Participate in this election.
Donna Casados
Española
Where’s the
Post Office?
I’m Wondering how much longer we have to go without a Post Office? In Chimayó, Teresa Leger Fernandez, congresswoman was here 2 1/2 years ago and had a town hall meeting promising that we’d have a post office. Guess what? We’re going on three years and still no Post Office. Somebody should quit protesting Donald Trump’s presidency and start taking care of the people here in Northern New Mexico.
Gary Duran
Chimayó
Let’s Get it Done
Straddling the Colorado/New Mexico border, the South San Juan Mountains hold the headwaters of the Rio Grande and Chama River, major sources of water for many New Mexicans.
I’ve seen dramatic changes to the snowpack of these mountains over the last 37 years, because of climate change. Certain trends are clear: snow melts sooner in the spring; major snow storms are less frequent and produce less snow; many years, the snows start falling later in the season and the temperatures are warmer overall. This leads to less snowpack, shorter periods of run-off and less water for New Mexicans. This winter is tracking to be one of the worst, with Chama having had only 20.2 inches of snow, when it normally receives 75.9 inches by the beginning of February.
We need to take action on controlling greenhouse gases (GHG) and quit making our climate warmer, by passing the Clear Horizons Act bill. This bill keeps the momentum of the Governor’s 2019 Order on Climate Change rolling forward.
The 2026 version of the bill holds major polluters accountable, NOT families, small businesses, farmers or ranchers, and not people who have wood stoves. It applies ONLY to those who emit 10,000 metric tons annually of greenhouse gases. It also allows GHG reductions through alternatives, such as improving soil health or carbon capture.
Let’s get it done! Our state legislature, needs to pass the Clear Horizons bill and make funding for the Community Benefits Fund permanent so New Mexicans are prepared for what’s ahead.
Mary Ann DeBoer
Chama