ELECTION 2024 candidate column: Ali Ennenga, New Mexico House District 44

Are you tired of political mudslinging? You are not alone.

Today, the attacks do not stop at voting records. They have evolved into personal attacks on candidate character and integrity.

I believe you deserve more from those vying for your vote. It’s time to shift the tone of campaigns from irrelevant, far-fetched personal attacks to policy priorities so you have the information you need to make an informed decision.

No more insults, rhetoric, lies and personal attacks — let’s stick to the facts. I’ll start.

My campaign has remained unwaveringly focused on the issues that most closely impact Bernalillo and Sandoval counties such as crime, health care, education and the economy.

CrimeCrime is creeping up from Albuquerque into our neighborhoods. Many of us do not feel as safe in our homes as we did a few years ago. It is high time that we look at the crime-prevention laws already in the books and how metro areas are refusing to enforce them. Our legislature must revisit bail reform with an urgency to end our revolving door justice system and protect our citizens. We cannot afford to continue rewarding repeat offenders.

Health careAcross New Mexico, the wait time is months, sometimes over a year, to see your own doctor. I have been told it is easier to get a family pet into the veterinarian’s office than it is to see a general practitioner! We have a major problem in New Mexico, having lost more than 35% of our physicians, and for the sake of future health care access in our state, we have to get them back. It starts with the state legislature ensuring doctors can afford to live, work and raise their families here.

EducationRio Rancho is leading the way in New Mexico for education and the reinstitution of trade schools, an area where our state is sorely lacking. The opportunity to receive a good education from an early age is critical to the success of our children, workforce and state economy. We have to invest in the areas that matter — teacher support and retention, parental involvement and options to ensure our kids have a chance to thrive no matter where they live in New Mexico.

EconomyOur economy is in trouble. Often, it has become a choice between feeding your family and paying the bills. Many of us are living paycheck to paycheck. How is it that we are making more money but falling farther behind? We need to look at the big picture, reduce taxes, become more business friendly, and make sure we can provide for our families, whether it be children, parents or even grandparents and grandchildren.

I am running to be your representative because I believe our voices are being ignored. Our communities have been pleading for solutions to our crime problem, our doctor shortage, our sky-high prices, and the increasingly bleak future for our children.

You deserve representation focused on solutions and action rather than political mudslinging. I’m ready to get to work for you.