New Mexico is a fantastic place to live. We have deep culture, strong families, breath-taking landscapes, and near-perfect weather.  But crime is on the rise in many New Mexico communities and the question is what are we going to do about it?

For too long, too many politicians have reacted to rising crime by proposing tired, recycled, tough-on-crime legislation as a way to score easy points with voters.  Unfortunately, instead of making communities safer, these policies have decimated New Mexican families.  Too many of us are faced with the vicious cycle of poverty, mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness and incarceration.  It is time we demand real solutions – solutions that support and empower families with the tools they need to thrive.