FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2018
SANTA FE, N.M. – Animal Protection Voters, via its political action committee APV-PAC, announced today its endorsement of Representative Stephanie Garcia Richard for State Land Commissioner in 2018.
As the authority who controls the use and care of 9 million surface acres of state trust land in order to fund childhood education and other public institutions, the State Land Commissioner is in a powerful position to protect New Mexico’s wildlife residing on those lands.
Stephanie Garcia Richard’s tenure in the state legislature reflects a deep commitment to caring not only for the health of New Mexico’s land, communities, and animals, but also for the education and wellbeing of New Mexico’s children.
“Representative Stephanie Garcia Richard is the only candidate in the Land Commissioner race who has a proven record on many important animal protection and wildlife habitat conservation issues,” noted Jessica Johnson, Chief Legislative Officer for Animal Protection Voters. “As an educator, experienced public servant, and steadfast voice for conservation and wildlife protection, Stephanie Garcia Richard is the best choice for sustainable land management that will maximize New Mexico’s future—for children and our environment alike.”
As a state legislator, Rep. Garcia Richard has earned a 100% lifetime score in the Animal Protection Voters scorecard. She sponsored legislation in 2017 that would have prevented black bears and other wildlife from being unnecessarily killed by state agencies. She also voted in 2013 to ban cruel coyote killing contests across the state.
If elected as State Land Commissioner, Rep. Garcia Richard is the only candidate that has committed to unequivocally banning dangerous leg-hold traps and lethal poisons on state trust lands. She is also the only candidate who will ensure wild horses have a sustainable place on public lands. Garcia Richard also brings with her a strong vision for transforming the State Land Office into a modern agency that forges new partnerships and adopts up-to-date technologies to make data-based decisions regarding land use that may impact wildlife, habitat, outdoor enthusiasts, and other land users in order to guarantee both sustainability and optimal funding for education.
“The proven relationship between the protection of animals and the health of our communities makes clear that our state desperately needs more humane-minded leadership in New Mexico,” said Johnson. “New Mexicans believe humane stewardship of New Mexico’s wildlife and habitat is a crucial part of sustainability—and Representative Garcia Richard has always been a champion of those values. With Representative Stephanie Garcia Richard at the helm of the State Land Office, New Mexicans can trust that our land and wildlife will be well taken care of.”
Animal Protection Voters/APV-PAC issues endorsements based on candidates’ records and positions on animal protection issues and not based on party affiliation.
###
About Animal Protection Voters
Founded in 2002, Animal Protection Voters is the leading legislative and political advocacy organization for animal protection in New Mexico. Powered by grassroots supporters, its mission is to:
- Actively promote and support animal-friendly legislation at the state, federal, and local levels;
- Build an effective political voice for animal advocacy in New Mexico; and
- Hold New Mexico’s elected officials accountable on animal issues.
For more information about Animal Protection Voters’ accomplishments, current priority issues, and annual scorecards, please visit www.apvnm.org, and be sure to follow Animal Protection Voters on Facebook and Twitter.
About Animal Protection Voters-Political Action Committee (APV-PAC)
APV-PAC is the only political action committee in New Mexico dedicated solely to electing humane state lawmakers that support animal protection. Follow APV-PAC on Facebook to stay updated on its election work throughout the state.
