Dear Senator Moores and Steinborn,
I express my sincere appreciation for your co-sponsoring SB 268.
In 2015, the two of you made history with SB 253’s passage in the Senate Chamber.
Sadly, we all witnessed what happened at the House Committee meeting.
I remain steadfast that we will witness the passage of this legislation.
I have shared with you how I called Governor Martinez’ office in November 2013 and her Director of Constituent Affairs, Ms. Susan Velasquez, told me “She does not support them.” When I called back the next day to request a written statement from the Governor, the staff member told me “[I told you that ‘off the record.’]” That response is inaccurate.
Thereafter, I briefly met with Ms. Mindi Jones. Her advice was to work with my legislators to help support bills such as this one along. I explained to her I was doing those activities and I shared these experiences at the 2015 House Committee Meeting. In 2014, Representative Larranaga indicated to me in an e-mail he would support a bill such as this one even though he did not support HB 316 in 2013.
I have attempted to meet with the Governor’s staff in January-February 2016, but have been unsuccessful in doing so. My last contact there was Mr. Antonio Carrejo, Policy Analyst. I waited to see him in the foyer and after 30 minutes he cancelled our meeting citing Mr. Keith Gardner requested he attend another staff meeting.
I have attached, below, correspondence to the Governor’s Office and a letter I received in 2015.
There are numerous wildlife- and biology-centered articles I could include in this message, but I regard the quote below as very effective rationale why animal-killing contests have no place in a society.
Sincerely,
Brenda G. McKenna
Wildlife Advocate/Precinct Chair/Nanbe Tewa Language Coordinator
87109 & 87506