Governor, cabinet field questions

Give Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and her Cabinet a problem, and they will find a solution.

At least that was her message Monday at Clovis Community College as the governor and about two dozen members of her Cabinet and administrative staff appeared in a town hall meeting.

The state's top ranking Democrat fielded questions from about 100 local residents. The "Cabinet in Your Community" group was scheduled to host a similar meeting Tuesday on the Eastern New Mexico University campus in Portales.

The session began with welcoming remarks from new CCC President Jonathan Fuentes, who took office July 1, and Clovis Mayor Mike Morris.

Taking to the podium, Lujan Grisham told the audience she had spent the day in Clovis meeting with community leaders.

"This is our third 'Cabinet in the Community' session, and we want to hear from you. You shouldn't have to come to Santa Fe, we should come to you," Lujan Grisham said.

The governor said the state is "doing really well."

"There are a ton of benefits, and I don't see enough New Mexicans taking advantage of them. Speak up," Lujan Grisham said.

Curry County Adult Detention Center Administrator Mark Gallegos asked about inmates who need mental health services but are not receiving them.

"What can we do? What's on the table?" Gallegos asked.

"We're all going to have to do more. The whole country is suffering (with this problem)," Lujan Grisham said.

The governor said she is asking the matter be addressed in this month's special legislative session.

"Laws need to be changed," Lujan Grisham said.

The governor acknowledged Gallegos was "spot on" with his question.

Other topics that emerged: Making the public aware of the property tax exemption on this November's ballot, what can be done about the flood of illegal drugs into the country ("A whole lot more is going to have to happen," the governor said), and a new development in the legal battle between New Mexico and The U. S. Department of Defense over groundwater contamination from Cannon Air Force Base.

Cabinet Environment Secretary Jim Kenney reported the Biden Administration on Monday set "Superfund" parameters on the area groundwater contamination of PFAs from Cannon Air Force Base.

"We will be seeking damages and the cost of cleanup. The state of New Mexico is the first in the country to be suing the feds," Kenney said.

He also noted the Department of Defense is counter-suing the state, working to stop the cleanup.

Clovis resident Victoria Robledo queried the governor on expanding healthcare access.

"I don't want anyone to think we're done with healthcare access," Lujan Grisham said.

The governor outlined education programs for nursing, working to bring healthcare professionals to New Mexico and expanding the state's "healthcare footprint."

Asked about the governor's response to her question, Robledo told The News, "She did a great job of reminding me of the senior stuff available."

Area resident Taylor McCoy asked the governor what was being done to ease housing issues in Clovis.

"There are predatory rental practices targeting the military in Clovis," McCoy said.

"We're going to be investing in housing. We need quality new housing everywhere. We want more options for a growing workforce," Lujan Grisham said.

Asked about her allegation of "predatory rental practices," McCoy alleged area rental companies raise rents to match military "basic housing allowances."

Area lawmakers Andrea Reeb, Martin Zamora, Jack Chatfield and Pat Woods, all Republicans, attended the gathering.

"This is awesome. State government came out in the field, came to Clovis," said Ernie Kos, executive director of the Clovis-Curry County Chamber of Commerce.

The town hall was preceded by a "State Services Expo."

General Services Cabinet Secretary Robert Doucette outlined the expo.

"Our purpose is to reach out to different parts of the state and let them know what we can offer, promoting statewide services," Doucette said.