Busy Wednesday October 8, 2014

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

At 1:00 p.m., I went with Linda Barker to the home of Donna and Jeff Swanson for a "Meet and Greet" for Mariaelena Johnson running for New Mexico State Representative of District 53. I am not in her district, but went to give her moral support for her campaign. She is an amazing woman and very passionate about giving great service and representation to her constituents.

A number of people were in attendance and enjoyed delicious food provided by the hosts. Afterward, we took a short walk to visit their animals. They have horses, donkeys, goats, a cow and a bull (T-Bone is the bull's name) who is about to visit the butcher. He looked extremely healthy! They also have guinea hens and chickens and huge tomato vines covered in blossoms. I hated that I forgot my camera because I especially love taking pictures of critters!

At 4:00 p.m., upon arriving home from the "Meet and Greet", my husband, Doug, and I drove to our local fire station for their open house. It is Alamogordo Fire Station #4 and a young fireman named Andy took us on a tour of the station and explained all the parts of the fire truck. It was evident that he was quite knowledgeable and proud to be a fireman.

Alamogordo Fire Station #4 with a truck from #6 in the driveway driven by a fireman who came to assist with the open house

Andy had been doing inventory of all the equipment

A mother was there with her two children exploring the fire truck

Carla with Andy in front of the fire truck

As we were leaving we happened to look up to see a sailplane (glider) being towed

At 5:00 p.m. Carla went to the National Education Association (NEA) meeting at Pepper's Restaurant where Mariaelena Johnson and Senator William P. Soules gave speeches regarding their thoughts on the upcoming election and the state of the education system in New Mexico. There was an excellent attendance by educators as well as other politicos.

Senator Soules talked about various remarks by Governor Martinez and refuted a number of declarations she has made about her achievements in the state education system and saving the tax payers money. It is always interesting to get the whole story and not just the one part they want you to believe. Senator Soules is an excellent speaker and, being an educator as well, is quite serious about the situation in the state government concerning education and teachers.

Mariaelena Johnson running for representative of District 53 also spoke about education and what is happening in the schools from a Hispanic point of view. She too is an eloquent speaker and feels strongly about the education snafu with Ms. Skandera at the helm although her appointment as such has not been recognized in the Round House.

Mariaelena Johnson

Unidentified gentleman in conversation with Nadia Sikes, DPOC Chair

Stephanie DuBois who seems to be everywhere

I was so engrossed in Senator Soules' speech I forgot to take a picture. When I asked him to pose, he asked someone to take a picture of the two of us.

By the time this day was over, I was ready for the couch. But, my participation was well worthwhile on all counts.

This is all I have to say for now.