A number of serious concerns have been raised regarding the state’s most recent public health order. One aspect of the order prohibits anyone from attending the state fair without a vaccine. This means that young people across the state who have been raising livestock to participate in the fair may not be able to do so – and they wouldn’t even have time to obtain a vaccine if they desire to do so.
Perhaps the greatest concern is over the new requirement that all members of the medical community be vaccinated, with a limited number of exceptions. We support vaccinations as a way to reduce the risks of COVID-19 and have done so for a long time. However, the latest mandate creates a new serious risk to the safety of New Mexicans. Hospitals across New Mexico are already stretched to the limit – during a time when they are needed the most. Hundreds of nurses and other health care workers who have yet to receive their vaccine may be suspended very soon if this mandate goes into effect. Nurses are always in high demand. There are also some instances where it may be impossible to fill a specific critical vacancy.
While we hope more of our health care workers will obtain their COVID-19 vaccine, this mandate may lead to many more problems than it might resolve.
Most Carlsbad residents were pleased by news this week that the Department of Interior announced that leasing for oil and gas permits on public land has resumed.
In January, a temporary halt was placed on federal oil and gas leasing. In June, federal Judge Terry Doughty ruled that the halt caused undue economic harm to oil-producing states and was beyond the Interior’s authority and placed an injunction on the halt. The injunction has been appealed, and legal proceedings are continuing.
Prohibitions related to federal lands is not the way forward when it comes to developing energy policy. It punishes states like New Mexico and leads to an increased reliance on foreign oil. We hope this injunction will stay in place.
We offer our condolences to the families of long-time educator Jackie Vaughn and Judge Nancy Beard, who both passed away earlier this week. Vaughn was a history and government teacher at Carlsbad High School, who was very well regarded by his students. He also taught for several years at the College of the Southwest. Nancy spent a decade as a Magistrate Judge for Eddy County. She later served as Probate Judge and she was also active with the Carlsbad Community Foundation. Thank you to Nancy and to Jackie for their outstanding service to this community.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway