Bread New Mexico Blog: Interfaith Hunger Coalition Holds Conversation with Eight Candidates for New Mexico House of Representatives

Eight people who are seeking election to the State House of Representatives on Nov. 4 took time from their busy schedules to learn about the Interfaith Hunger Coalition and to chat about their views about addressing hunger and poverty in New Mexico. The advocacy committee of the Interfaith Hunger Coalition, which organized the conversations, invited all House candidates (incumbents and challengers) from the Albuquerque area who are seeking to serve in Santa Fe. (There are no Senate elections this year, and that is why only House candidates were invited). The committee wanted to make sure the meetings were manageable and intimate, so that is why they were divided into three separate conversations. These were not debates or candidate forums, but informal conversations.

Danny Whatley, Rev. Donna McNiel

First Presbyterian Church (Aug. 21). Rev. Karen Hill hosted the first meeting, which included invitations to candidates whose district is located south of I-40. Many incumbent House members who would have likely joined us were in Minnesota that day for a gathering of state legislators from around the country. Robert Schiller and Andrés Romero, two candidates seeking the open seat in District 10 (vacated by the retirement of Rep. Kiki Saavedra) joined us for the conversation. Danny Whately, director of Noon Day Ministries, was also on hand to tell us about his organization's programs for homeless families and individuals.

Rev. Phil Wangberg hosted meeting

All Saints Lutheran Church,(Aug. 26). Rev. Phil Wangberg hosted the meetings for candidates whose district is located north of I-40 and west of I-25. Rep. Emily Kane (District 15), Rep. Monica Youngblood (District 68), Rep.-elect Debbie Armstrong (District 17), and candidate Catherine Begaye (District 23) joined us for the conversation. Jim Taylor from Casa San Miguel (affiliated with St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church)also joined us to tell us about the organization's food pantry and other services.

Cindy Griebler

Congregation Albert, (Aug. 28). Mary Beth Nelson (on behalf of Rabbi Harry Rosenfeld) hosted the meeting, which was intended for candidates whose district is north of I-40 and east of I-25. Rep. Liz Thomson (District 24) and candidate Robert Coffey (District 30) joined us. Alissa Barnes--a member of the advocacy committee and director of community initiatives at Roadrunner Food Bank--told us about the food bank's statewide operations. Other members of Congregation Albert joined us at the meeting, including Cindy Griebler.

Below are pictures of all eight of the candidates as they listen and converse with us.

At First Presbyterian Church