I am a pro-union, life-long New Mexican Democrat. I have lived in the University Heights, South San Pedro, and like many District 6 neighbors, including my little brother, the Cinnamon Tree Apartments. I am a transgender LGBTQ activist. I am writing this with a signed and sealed ballot for my friend Jeff Hoehn in the absentee voting box. If you live between I-25, Gibson, Lomas, and Eubank, or in the Mesa Del Sol development, I urge you to vote in the 12/12 Runoff. Voter apathy is not the answer. Voter apathy is the status quo.
Our District is 7% Republicans, 26% Independents, and the remainder is Democrats. Jeff Hoehn is one of those Democrats. He was asked to run by friends and neighbors, battle-tested by his work at the Carrie Tingley Foundation and Cuidando Los Niños, and now he's ready to be a progressive voice for all of us in District 6.
It amazes me how much attention our small City Council race has garnered. Some that worry me are Congressional Representatives, who I would hope would have more vital calls to make to more important people, to highly connected Democratic Party political consultants. The Democratic Party mobilized for Abel Otero, before ethics issues forced him out of the race. Then they quietly switched their support to Nichole Rogers, only to find her mired in far less harmless controversies. This is not accountability.
I am very concerned by anyone who would attempt to define or divide our District, or anyone who thinks they “get to select who the winner will be”, rather than electing by the will of the voters. I do not underestimate District 6. As one of Jeff Hoehn's first volunteers, I have knocked 500 doors on his behalf and I have heard often that voters will do the research on the candidates. When they do so, I have faith that they will see one candidate with a strong work ethic, with honesty, integrity, and empathy, one proven leader who we can trust to fight for one District 6.
Vote for Jeff Hoehn on December 12th for the change we need, now most of all.
Adeo Rose Bennett Herrick (they/she) is a self-described leftist activist and organizer who currently serves as the Treasurer for Idalia Lechuga-Tena and Jeff Hoehn's Campaigns. Her opinions belong to her alone.