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I read with interest the op-ed by Julie Rochman suggesting that HD27
should elect a new Democratic Representative. Rochman does not live in
HD27 – she lives in HD31 where a Republican holds the seat. But beyond
my curiosity about why she isn’t working to elect a Democrat in her own
district rather than trying to defeat a solid Democratic incumbent like
Matthews, her op-ed deserves a response that sets the record straight.
For the record, I don’t live in HD27 either. However, unlike Rochman I
actually know Rep. Matthews and her long time record of supporting
Democrats and good policy. Unfortunately, Rochman has adopted the all
too popular strategy of lying about someone’s record or at best twisting
information to help her candidate Abby Foster.
So here are the facts:
1. Rochman’s claims that Matthews missed votes. Rochman and Foster
don’t want you to know the reason. When, in fact, Matthews has
missed votes it is because Speaker Javier Martinez trusted her to
negotiate the medical licensure compacts representing the House
Caucus and present the bill before committees. He excused her from
the floor sessions. Like the candidate she is endorsing, Rochman
doesn’t know how the Legislature works – legislators get excused
from floor sessions to do some of the most important work and
present bills in committee, as well as for illness, emergencies, travel
hiccups, and other reasons. If there is a critical vote on the floor, the
Majority Whip will make sure representatives get back to the floor to
cast a vote.
And the footnote? Because of her hard work and success in passing the
medical licensure compact, her work on affordable housing and safety
issues like human trafficking, and his confidence in her, Speaker
Martinez has endorsed Rep. Matthews for re-election. .
2. Matthews did indeed vote against a poorly written and poorly
thought-out Paid Family medical leave bill – along with other
Democrats and Republicans. While paid family medical leave is an
aspiration – the bill that failed would have hurt people with
disabilities and put them at risk for losing services. It would hurt
mom and pop businesses.
But let’s be frank. Rochman’s assertion that Matthews or any legislator did
something single handedly reflects inexperience and understanding of the
legislature. Matthews, along with other Democrats, expressed their
concerns about the impact of the original PFM on individuals with
disabilities and small business. When those concerns were not addressed,
they voted in the interest of their constituents.
3. “She regularly votes with Republicans.” So does every other
member of the Democratic Caucus. 80% of all bills pass with bi-
partisan votes. And the medical licensure bill (also known as the
doctor compacts) which provide more access to doctors for New
Mexicans and which Matthews helped to negotiate? – passed the
House unanimously.
HB99 Medical Malpractice reform also passed by a whopping 66-3 margin.
The passage of this bill by both chambers will help recruit and retain
doctors for NM. Democrats and Republicans working together.
In the most recent campaign financial disclosures we learn that Foster has
been bankrolled by the Trial Lawyers explaining why she has flipped her
interests from supporting doctors to supporting medical malpractice
lawyers who have fought against any changes to New Mexico’s egregious
malpractice laws.
Over the years, Marian Matthews has worked hard for Democrats – at
every level. As a representative, she has worked tirelessly to stay in touch
with her constituents. In addition to working to address concerns about
access to doctors and medical care, she meets regularly with constituents
in The Meadows to talk about rising rent prices and the danger of private
equity investment. She works with other legislators to fund facilities in
Bernalillo County that benefit HD 27. Examples of these are: Domingo
Baca Community Center and funding, APD technology that has been
proven to identify and deter crimes in all of Albuquerque including HD27,
and fire station funding for adequate protection in the area. She votes
every time for reproductive freedoms as indicated by her continued
endorsement by Planned Parenthood of The Rocky Mountains. Rep.
Matthews has a record of strong engagement on the issues from small
business to healthcare. She listens and makes decisions in the best interests
of her constituents. She flipped the seat for Democrats after it was held
for years by a Republican.
Perhaps it is Rochman who should “move along” or maybe focus on her own district. While Rochman’s candidate has spent her time and money
criticizing Matthews, spouting old, tired platitudes, she has given HD27
no reason to vote for her. Matthews, on the other hand, continues to spend
her time and energy engaging with constituents to solve problems that
impact everyday lives.
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HD27 deserves someone who understands the district, who knows and
engages with her constituents year-round, who isn’t afraid of making
tough decisions, and whose first priorities are the people she represents in
HD27. That’s Marian Matthews.
She not only deserves but has earned re-election.
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