Submitted by Beth Dowling, Rio Rancho
Who is Cindy Nava, Candidate for Senate District 9?
As a constituent of Senate District 9, I have been doing research before Early Voting begins on October 8th. I looked into this race after attending the candidate forum, sponsored by the Rio Rancho Observer and Sandoval County Regional Chamber. This is the first time I listened to Cindy Nava speak about herself.
Senate District 9 includes Corrales, Placitas, Town of Bernalillo and the eastern area of Rio Rancho, including Rivers Edge I, II and III. Cindy Nava is the Democrat candidate. From my research, I am convinced that Nava is not the candidate who can adequately represent Senate District 9.
For the past 4 to 5 years, Nava has been working in Washington, DC. She is focused on making connections to further her political career. From her work history, it appears the longest span she has had working the same job is less than 18 months. And, Nava has had at least 19 different jobs since completing her Bachelor’s Degree in 2014. Realistically, could she, or would she commit to a four-year term as New Mexico Senator?
Nava claims to have experience in education, but that constitutes employment for 11 months with Transform Education, NM.
Nava claims to have experience in housing, but admits that her job with US Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was a politically appointed job that she held for about 9 months.
Earlier this year, Nava returned to live in New Mexico and run for Senate District 9. Nava has only lived at her residence, in Bernalillo, NM, off and on for years. When she filed required paperwork for her candidacy, Nava listed Bernalillo County, not Sandoval County, as her county of residence. An error she duplicated on all 27 pages of her paperwork submitted to the NM Secretary of State. So, either she is out of touch with this district, or she doesn’t have the attention to detail for the job. In either case, it brings up a concern about her ability to effectively represent Senate District 9.
Nava is endorsed by NM Senator Brenda McKenna, who is retiring from Senate District 9 at the end of the year. In 2023, Senator McKenna sponsored Senate Bill 13, a bill that protects providers of reproductive care or gender-affirming care from civil or criminal liability. What this means is parents cannot take action against a healthcare provider who performs procedures without their consent. We can surmise that, if elected, Nava will support or sponsor similar bills. This is not the kind of legislation that is in the best interest of the constituents in our district.
The duties of NM Senator should not be taken lightly. The same goes for voting for the best candidate. One who is committed to the constituents she serves. One who will serve with confidence and competence. One who won’t abandon New Mexico Senate District 9 for another political appointment in Washington, DC.
Audrey Trujillo is the best candidate to serve her district. Having lived in her district 25 years, and actively contributing to serving at all levels, she has my vote! Audrey clearly knows the issues and is genuine.