Historic all-female city council leads Las Cruces
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - For the first time in the history of Las Cruces, six women are representing all six districts in the city council.
"We have so many single mommas raising children in our community," said Councilwoman Kasandra Gandara, who represents district one. "I think having an all-women-council can give women hope."
"I'm honestly really excited to be part of frankly, a historic moment," said Councilwoman Johana Bencomo, who represents district four. "For so many of us, we haven't seen ourselves represented."
Not only are the councilors all female, but the majority are women of color. Councilwoman Becky Corran, who represents district five, also identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community.
"Women haven't always been necessarily included in the spaces we see," said Councilwoman Corran. "In my case, I'm a queer woman. I think it really brings a different perspective."
She joins Councilwoman Becki Graham, who represents district three, as the newest members of the council.
"It's amazing that I get to come in as a new councilor with a complete slate of colleagues who are women," Councilwoman Graham said. She joked that she was "the only third grader campaigning for Geraldine Ferraro," the former U.S. congresswoman.
All the female lawmakers said they hope to inspire the next generation to run for public office.
"Oftentimes, we get asked, 'Who were your heroes growing up?'" recalled Councilwoman Tessa Abeyta-Stuve, who represents district two. "In my case, I didn't have a lot of people that looked like me."
Probably all Socialist-Democrats.
Agreed.
Not ONE WORD of how they plan to tackle homelessness, crime and lack of opportunities for the youth. Only “yay we’re all women”. I like how there’s gotta be that extra… not only an i woman iam a queeeer woman so I’m even more ground breaking than these other women. I expect heavy fines for dumb ordinances coming up, hope I’m wrong
I suspect a mandate in Las Cruces in the near future to require the use of those stupid he/she/it pronouns.
You see what happened when a woman took over Chicago. Pay attention ladies and don’t follow suit.
Chicago’s failures have nothing to do with the Mayors gender and everything to do with her political affiliation.
I am surprised we haven’t heard from alberta/turner and he/she/it’s multiple personalities on this. After all, sometimes it identifies as female.
Alberto is a proud member of the LGBTQP community. The P is for pervert.
These are women with nothing better to do with their lives except making babies.