Lieutenant Gov. Diane Denish and a number of lawmakers spoke to a group of about 30
The lunch-time meeting at a restaurant in Mesilla was one of nine monthly events for people from the business community who are part of Leadership Las Cruces, a program designed to help them become future leaders.
Denish, on a quick trip down south, spoke about how her father’s involvement in politics instilled in her a need to serve her community.
“That was his legacy to me, and I hope I leave it to my children and, now, to my two grandchildren,” she said.
During her speech, Denish, who is spending most of her time as acting governor while Bill Richardson is on the campaign trail, laid out what could become her 2010 gubernatorial platform.
She said it’s important for business leaders and others who have more time and money to become involved in their communities as a way to help create opportunities for those who have less. She said the goal should be that all people can get a good education and, upon completion, find a good job; all should have access to affordable health insurance; and all should be able to live in communities that have clean air and water and enough water to sustain them in the future.
“Business, in partnership with government and non-profits, must work toward these improvements,” Denish said.
She talked about how the state’s current financial health is dependent on oil and gas, but said in the future, oil prices will drop, and the state must begin building other bases to sustain the economy. She said Spaceport America, the growing film industry and alternative energy development will all be crucial to the state’s economy.
Denish is currently focusing much of her attention on health care. Roughly 400,000 New Mexicans don’t have health insurance, and she pointed out that half of them are eligible for government assistance but the state hasn’t set aside enough money to pay the costs, were all of them to apply.
Denish said her goal is to “try to get universal coverage to every person.” The lieutenant governor said that will require a partnership between local, state and federal governments, businesses and individuals.
“Everybody is going to have to contribute to the solution of universal health coverage,” she said.
In addition to the issues of education, economic development, environment and health care, Denish said it’s important to create a responsible tax policy.
She urged those who were in attendance to help find solutions to community problems.
“Why should any of you be involved? Is there anything I’ve mentioned that doesn’t affect you in your daily lives?” she asked. “Politics impacts you from the time you get up in the morning to the time you go to bed at night.”
Denish’s mention of her father instilling in her a need to contribute to society came after a number of lawmakers, most of them current or retired educators, spoke about the need to teach the importance of civic involvement to the next generation by setting the example.
Former Sen. Harold “Chub” Foreman spoke about his high school civics teacher, who inspired him to get involved. Others said the next generation is their primary motivation to serve.
“The No. 1 reason you should do it is for your children,” state Sen. Cynthia Nava told the group.
“They are the future,” Rep. Mary Helen Garcia said.
Rep. Andy Nuñez said public service is rewarding, while Rep. Nate Cote said it’s something about which a person has to be passionate because it’s hard work.
All encouraged those who attended to get involved, either by running for office or through other means.
While she was here, Denish spoke with me about being governor while
