Representative Christine Chandler addresses the League Forum

By Representative Christine Chandler
Democrat
House Dist. 43

Editor’s Note: Rep. Christine Chandler is running unopposed for re-election to her seat in the Dist constituency. 43, which includes Los Alamos, Santa Fe, and Sandoval counties. Below, Chandler shares remarks she made at Monday night’s policy forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Los Alamos.

Many thanks to the league for hosting this candidates forum.

First of all, what an honor and what a pleasure to serve you. I feel very fortunate to know so many engaged and thoughtful constituents and to serve in a Legislature where my colleagues work collaboratively with each other and with our Governor. Although we have disagreements, our productivity has been extraordinary – especially compared to the previous 10 years when traffic congestion was the norm, where education, healthcare, behavioral health and infrastructure needs were at best ignored and at worst actively dismantled.

While a lot of good things have happened in New Mexico and I’m very optimistic about our future, that optimism is tempered by continued pressure from politicians, pundits and activists here and nationally who espouse the big lies that our elections are corrupt. , that the attack on our capital and law enforcement was a media hype, that school curricula are brainwashing our children. Many now think banning books is okay – and our rights to privacy and bodily autonomy are regularly challenged.

You may be wondering why I focus on these “national issues” in a “local” race – well, that’s the crux of the matter – they’re not just national issues. We have state and local candidates who champion these views, some boldly, and some who, in heavily blue New Mexico, seek to downplay their beliefs. We live in a state where many sheriffs and other officials feel encouraged to declare which laws they will enforce and which they will not. These activities are not trivial. They reflect a lack of respect for the law and for accepted social norms. These grassroots efforts are extensions of organized national movements. We should all be concerned that behavior that was once considered abhorrent is becoming normalized.

So what do we do with this dangerous trend? First, it is important for us to know our candidates and reject those who refuse to answer questions or who are obfuscating. Beware of those who say their views on the presidential election or the insurgency are irrelevant to running in local elections. Of course, these are fair questions – they reveal the person’s respect for the law and decency and their propensity to cling to conspiracy theories.

Ask direct questions about their views – are our elections fair and secure? Ask them for their views on making it easier to vote – are they in favor of ballot boxes and mail-in ballots? Do they support access to abortion care?

Now – more than ever – is the time to be an active and engaged voter.