West Side Forum

By Patricia Milner, MA Women’s History Month, observed in the US, UK and Australia in March, and in October in Canada, all began with just a single day.   International Women’s Day, March 8 , has been observed since 1911.  It was fading into obscurity until the women’s movement in the 1960’s.  I remember the various demonstrations and bra burnings which long preceded the current Women’s Marches and pink hats.  But in 1975, it was commemorated by the United Nations and in 1977 was…

So far, the race has remained undecided. But now we’ve come to Super Tuesday. And with 14 states around the country (and one U.S. territory) holding primaries all at once, today is likely to serve as a strong indicator of who the Democratic Party electorate is ready to support as the chosen candidate for the presidency.   Super Tuesday states cut a wide swath geographically, from Maine across four time zones to California, northernmost Minnesota to the southern tip of Texas.  And they include…

by Lance Chilton As I write this, I’m sitting in the morning meeting of the New Mexico House Health and Human Services Committee three days before the end of the 2020 session. I’m interested in testimony on a bill, Senate Bill 131, the Tobacco Products Act. More on another day. But a little about my frustration: delaying tactics by the Republican minority on this committee and in both houses. Other times when I’ve sat in on the committee meeting, its Republican members have failed…

By Flora Lucero, Chair Many thanks to all who participated in Saturday’s ward meetings to elect Delegates to the Pre-Primary Convention. The volunteers were tremendous! Special thanks goes out to all who helped with the training preparation, packet preparation, sign making, site setup, registration, clean up, and general help.  And very special thanks goes out to the site and registration coordinators for organizing the helpers. And to the team that processed the election results, I salute you and am eternally grateful for your steadfast…

by Lance Chilton A fir is a conifer, with evergreen foliage and upright cones. A FIR is a Fiscal Impact Report, a summary of a New Mexico House or Senate bill or memorial or resolution, with an estimate of, what else, its “fiscal impact.” How much will it cost the state government? FIRs are written for every piece of legislation introduced into the legislature, which this year totals 878 pieces of legislation –thus almost 878 FIRs, excepting only those memorials honoring someone or something…

Saturday, February 22, 2020, from 12 PM - 8 PM5121 Masthead St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 A Summit with key speakers and messages focused on energizing the people of New Mexico to Vote, Participate in the Legislative Process, and Run for Office to Represent and make a difference for the people in your community. A joint reception will be held celebrating Congresswoman Karen Bass and Congressman Ben Ray Lujan from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the New Mexico State Bar Office.  Click HERE for more details. Let's go…

Whether it's due to marriage, divorce, court orders, or even a personal preference, there are many reasons for a person to make the decision to officially change their legal name. But it goes beyond just changing your name itself. You must alert government agencies of the change so you can still get benefits and have access to government programs. While the process works a bit differently in every state, here are three ways you can start: Update your voter registration: This is important if you…

Pre-Primary Tuesday, February 18 - The Credentials Committee will meet at Los Duranes Community Center, 2920 Leopoldo Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, February 22 — County Pre-Primary Convention Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Meeting 10:00 a.m. Cibola High School’s Performing Arts Center, 1510 Ellison Dr NW, Alb., NM 87114. 2020 Pre-Primary Delegate ElectionsSaturday, March 7 — State Pre-Primary Convention and SCC Meeting at Buffalo Thunder

Elected Officials and Candidates: Help Us Help You As part of the #StartingStrong2020 initiative, the Democratic Party is engaging with Democrats throughout the State and building a robust infrastructure to win the elections in 2020.  The Bernalillo County office is currently updating and expanding their database of elected officials and candidates in the area so that we can include you in all our events and announcements. Kindly update your information with the Bernalillo County office so you don't get left out.  Please send your full…

by Linda Allen, resident of Precinct 171 — January 18, 2020 2020 is a critical election year. Our democracy, the foundation of our lives, and everything we believe as Americans, is at risk.  Not from an outside invader, but from ourselves. Our enemies watch and wait, rubbing their hands in glee as they think our nation is about to implode. Let me just state categorically, we don’t need to “Make America Great Again.” This has always been the greatest country in the world. The…