08/05/2024 10:45:26 AMGovernor Michelle Lujan Grisham made her third stop on the Public Safety Tour at Northern New Mexico College on July 30, 2024, where she addressed public safety concerns and gathered feedback from Rio Arriba County residents. The town hall meeting, attended by numerous elected officials and leaders from local Pueblos, underscored the community's urgent concerns about crime and safety. NNMC President Hector Balderas, a former New Mexico Attorney General, introduced Governor Lujan Grisham to the packed auditorium. He emphasized the importance of community safety as a foundation for prosperity, expressing the college's honor in hosting the event and providing a platform for local voices. Residents voiced their concerns passionately, reflecting the depth of the issues at hand. Tirzio Lopez of Cebolla shared his decision to carry a firearm for his family's protection amidst a surge in violent crime. He called for increased funding for dispatchers, police officers, and first responders, highlighting the pervasive presence of criminal organizations.Milam Shahmilam.shah@nnmc.edu