Priority Issues – Athena Christodoulou

Public Safety

Now ! Common sense gun laws protect everyone’s rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Athena’s a Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate. In July 2024, NM had a special session trying to address the revolving door on repeat offenders, the Fentanyl crisis, and gun wielding felons. She proposed legislation for gun licensing to legislators, but it fell on deaf ears. Nothing came out of the chaos except money to help stem the damage from the Ruidoso climate fires from ensuing flashfloods.

We need people in our Senate who will go to bat for 2nd graders and our 2nd amendment. As a veteran she believes military style weapons should be in the hands of military people. Further, Athena realizes legislators must consult those involved in the criminal justice system like sheriffs, DAs, and the court system. She is already cultivating relationships and working toward safer for all.

Climate voter (Click on photo for video)

And into the 22^nd Century. But what about the future? NM laid the groundwork with the Energy Transition Act in 2019 for part of the solution. It engaged community, utilities, and others to enact a planned reduction of our greenhouse gas emissions across the state from electric generation.

But we need to MAKE it happen and MANDATE more. We have Oil and Gas industry induced methane emissions causing faster climate warming and hotter days and nights. My first action will reduce methane emissions by better regulatory practices. It will accomplish three things: More revenue to our state, improve the health of our citizens, and turn down the burner for climate warming…immediately. It includes a request for the governor to make an emergency declaration so we can have results now. Athena will bring her engineering mindset and mom’s determination to the senate floor for a safer New Mexico.

Education

My Three Sons in APS (Click on photo for video)

GOOD education. In order to obtain statehood, New Mexico established a public education system. Free and accessible education makes democracy work for all. Athena has been a local educator, student, and parent. We need teachers, parents, and students collaborating in resource-rich schools for a smarter New Mexico! We’re making progress now that since 2022 our state can better access it’s trust fund for both K-12 and early childhood care and education. It may take some time to see the results, but Athena actively advocated for the release of those funds and you, the voters, responded.

Her experience in other states and systems will bring fresh and successful ideas. When her oldest son, Anthony, was in 3^rd grade, she discovered his class was not learning math. Working with other parent volunteers, teachers, school administration, and an existing math curriculum, she led the Math Superstars program, school-wide, for 1^st-5^th grades during his last two years at the school.

Our schools need to be the best they can be and everyone needs to be a “forever learner.” We have to make sure all our students seek to attain their maximum potential AND offer that opportunity. Athena will bring educators, parents, and students together for a smarter New Mexico.

Economy

A tech entrepreneur (Click on photo for video)

Diverse and sustainable economy. Athena will take her experiences as a small business owner, start-up entrepreneur, and tech transfer expert to foster collaboration. She knows we have all the ingredients for a diverse economy: three National Labs, three top universities, and outstanding regional career technical learning centers to develop burgeoning industries.

NM has the opportunity to be the hub of “Green-shoring.” We have recently added Solar and wind manufacturing, community solar, and start-up electric vehicle charging and oil and gas clean-up. Does our eager new generation see the opportunities? Athena will keep us focused on people, planet, and profit….for ALL.