In the halls of the New Mexico State Legislature, a scene unfolded this Wednesday that starkly illustrated the widening gulf between the citizens and those selected to represent them. Senate Bill 218, a contentious piece of legislation with broad implications for our communities, was on the agenda in the Senate Rules Committee (SRC). Despite the critical importance of this bill and the presence of numerous concerned citizens and dignitaries, the democratic process seemed to falter under the heavy hand of procedural gatekeeping.
The committee hearing, chaired by Senator Katy Duhigg—an EMERGE alum and one of the bill's sponsors—became a theater of exclusion rather than a forum for open discussion. Notably, Mayor Greg Hull of Rio Rancho, Mayor Jack Torres of Bernalillo, and Mayor John Ramon Vigil of Española, all prepared to voice the concerns of their constituents, were silenced. They were barred from speaking because they did not adhere to a rule requiring speakers to sign up an hour before the meeting—a rule that seems designed to stifle dissent.
Senator Duhigg's decision to prioritize procedural technicality over substantive dialogue, especially when involving elected officials who had traveled for hours, is not just a breach of decorum; it is a troubling sign of disrespect and disenfranchisement. Senator Jay Block rightly argued that it is both respectful and customary to allow elected officials a platform in such settings. Yet, this customary respect was denied.
The treatment of these community leaders is emblematic of a larger issue at play—a culture of elitism and exclusion pervasive within certain factions of our state's government. Both Senator Duhigg and Senator Heather Berghmans, the co-sponsors of SB 218, are associated with EMERGE, an organization that has repeatedly been spotlighted for its deep connections within our political framework. The Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, named EMERGE Woman of the Year in 2023, and Lyndsay Bachman, another EMERGE alum, were present as experts. This lineup underscores a troubling pattern of exclusivity and mutual reinforcement that sidelines alternative voices and perspectives.
Furthermore, changes to the SRC's procedural rules were made under the cover of darkness, less than 24 hours before the hearing. Originally, organized opposition was allotted 15 minutes to speak—a meager window that was further reduced to 10 minutes in the updated rules. This last- minute alteration made it nearly impossible for any structured opposition to present a coherent challenge or critique, effectively muffling dissent before it could even take the floor.
The Clerks Affiliate, representing numerous clerks from across the state, also found themselves gagged by these haphazardly applied rules. Opposed to SB 218, they were prepared to bring their expert perspectives to the table but were denied the opportunity due to the arcane and suddenly altered procedural requirements.
As our republic's foundational principle dictates, the government exists to serve the people, not to lord over them with an iron fist of procedural technicality and elitist gatekeeping. The events that transpired in the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday are a stark reminder of this principle being flouted, as legislative leaders manipulate the process to their advantage, disregarding the voices of both the public and their elected representatives.
Transparency, fairness, and respect in our legislative processes must be demanded. Only then can the trust that has been eroded between the people of New Mexico and those selected to represent them be repaired. The tyranny of the few must end, and the voice of the many must be heard— loud, clear, and unfiltered.
Ramona Goolsby is a retired medical professional, veteran, and citizen of New Mexico concerned about transparency and accountability in Government.
