NM must get serious about public safety

Just when we thought things could not get any worse. Forbes just named New Mexico the number one most dangerous state in the United States. This is the direct result of soft-on-crime policies and laws that have plagued us. 

Fueled by drugs like fentanyl that have poured into New Mexico, violent crime, property crime, homicides and our chances of becoming victims have all spiked. 

Our families are unsafe in their homes and our children are unable to walk our streets because criminals run rampant without consequence.

With bottom-shelf rankings like this, it’s become hard for parents to raise their kids, workers to find jobs and businesses to survive in New Mexico. 

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has called for a special session to address public safety. Given the track record of this administration, I have little hope that real solutions to our very real problems will be presented. 

Just like everyone in our community, I have had enough lip service. Constantly, liberals have beat down on common sense solutions that would build a safer New Mexico. This includes increased penalties for crimes committed with a firearm, cracking down on fentanyl dealers and adjustments to our pretrial release system. 

If the governor has decided to force taxpayers to spend $50,000 dollars a day on a special session, then it is imperative that time is not wasted and we take action. 

New Mexicans have made it clear that they want safer neighborhoods. Legislators and the governor owe it to the people to restore law and order and make our communities safe.

Kimberly Skaggs is the former executive director (south) and treasurer of the Republican Party of New Mexico and a candidate for the state House of Representatives in District 36.