The start of a New Year is always a good time to stop and reflect on goals, values, and new beginnings. And this year, it seems an especially good time to take a fresh look at the New Mexico Green Party's statement of values - our Key Values. Over the next many months, we will feature each of the values, as considered by a guest writer.*  For January, Marion Seymour looks at:

GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY

All people deserve a say in the decisions that effect their lives.  Greens around the country work to increase public participation at every level of government and to ensure that our public representatives are fully accountable to the people who elect them.

Green Party presidential Candidate David Cobb made us proud when he spoke out to power and asked that every vote be counted.  Greens and Libertarians went to court in Ohio and New Mexico demanding a recount. The bias of the Secretaries of State and the courts was exposed for all to see.
  
Santa Fe Greens are reaching out to progressives in our community and the response has been exciting. We co-sponsored the Inauguration Different organized by the Academics for a Democratic Society. The actors spoke to the hopes and dreams of ordinary people.
  
The upcoming Legislative session gives us the opportunity to make our voices heard. You will be receiving legislative alerts - your chance to take action. To learn the name and number of your representative call the State Election Bureau, 827-3600.

February 1st marks the date of the School Board Election. Those of us who have heard and spoken with the candidates understand the importance of this election. The next public forum is January 25th at 610 Alta Vista St. Call the Board of Education 467-2000 to learn if there is an election in your district.

* If you would like to be a guest writer, please contact the editor at the e-mail address at the end of this newsletter

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