Carla Sonntag, president of the New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC), expressed concerns about crime in New Mexico, highlighting its impact on residents leaving the state. She pointed to issues such as repeat offenders being released without bail. Sonntag made these remarks on February 28.
"We look at crime because people are wanting to leave the state because crime is so high," said Carla Sontag, according to YouTube. "So the judges will often tell you, Hey, you know, I'm subject to these rules that I have to follow and that's the reason I let them out. Repeat offenders who are charged with violent crimes should be held without bail until trial."
According to Sonntag, "94% of people believe repeat offenders should be held without bail until trial." She raised concerns about individuals committing violent crimes shortly after their release, with judges often citing existing rules as reasons for releasing such offenders. Sonntag emphasized the need to address these issues to improve public safety and retain residents and businesses in New Mexico.
As reported by Koat, New Mexico's House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee tabled House Bill 134, effectively halting its progress. This bipartisan bill aimed to expand the definition of "serious youthful offender" to include additional crimes beyond first-degree murder, such as second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter. It would allow for adult sentencing of juveniles aged 14 and older. The decision to table the bill has been met with frustration from law enforcement officials and some legislators.
The New York Times reports that New Mexico's violent crime rate remains nearly double the national average. This situation has prompted Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to push for tougher crime policies despite resistance from members of her party. Her approach focuses on the intersection of addiction, mental illness, and violence, particularly in cities like Albuquerque, which has been a focal point of crime concerns.
Sonntag has been president and CEO of NMBC since its founding in 2009 and is an advocate for New Mexico businesses. During the COVID-19 shutdowns, she worked to establish a reopening plan and drafted legislation aimed at preventing increases in unemployment insurance costs, according to ABQ Connect.
