As Republicans and Democrats run the state into the ground

I assumed all I needed to succeed in the construction industry was my engineering diploma and a calculator in my hip pocket. However, I quickly discovered that no matter how technically competent I was, there would be challenges I needed help to overcome. The first time that happened, the project team watched me flounder because I did not help them when they were in need. After that, I worked to understand what was important to them and supported them when needed. Many of those working relationships have lasted for decades.

Republicans are splintered nationally down to the local level. I have seen NMGOP Leaders failing to understand what is essential to fellow Republicans. A few examples are a flyer showing a barber with darkened hands trimming the hair of a vulnerable white child. The grand opening of an Albuquerque RNC Hispanic outreach center with only white guest speakers. Events begin with prayers reminiscent of a tent revival, while Catholics, Jews, and Mormons are nowhere to be seen. Single-issue candidates are only concerned with their single issue.

A couple of months ago, I discussed with a friend that I wanted to get back on air (host On the Road with Mick Rich on radio or television). To reach those who do not wish to read an in-depth article, quickly cover the week’s news and discuss how to overcome our state challenges with guests. He suggested that I broaden my goals to include unifying New Mexico’s Republicans. Because in his eyes, I am uniquely positioned, I ran, got chewed up in the 2018 US Senate race, and I am still standing. I sat out the races in 2020 and 2022 and an independent Republican. I took the bait.

This month I hosted (not led) this quarter’s get-together with an Eclectic Group of Conservatives (not solely chosen by me). We met at Canvas Artistry; great food, a full-service no- host bar, and music at the conclusion were the catalyst for everyone building new friendships and rekindling old ones among Bernalillo County Conservatives. At the decision, I wondered if it was a success. So I asked Maya, “What do you think?” Her response was, yes, it was a success, look that
half the people are still here forty-five minutes after it ended. I went to bed that night thinking, so it was a success; now what?

I woke up the following day, worn out from churning over the question, “now what?”. After several cups of coffee, while watching the sunrise, a few ideas emerged. First, continue with To the Point with Mick Rich, providing solutions to overcome our state’s challenges and challenge the powerful while working to bring people together. Back on the air with To the Point with Mick Rich, where the focus is on solutions and how to build a coalition around those solutions. I am expanding the quarterly gatherings to include biweekly breakfasts or lunches where we can discuss what is
essential to each other and how to work together. Third, I will remain an Independent Republican, which is why I did not contribute to any campaign (even for my close friends) nor endorse any candidate in the 2022 campaign.

This week I met with Dinah Vargas and Emmanuel Hart at Manny’s Albuquerque Burrito restaurant to discuss how to build a coalition of business owners (surrounding Manny’s Albuquerque Bite location in Nob Hill). We discussed that most coalitions come together around common ground. After an hour, we identified two: the first regulatory and the second marketing, that Manny would further explore. I look forward to attending his first gathering.

Postscript
I did not publish an article the week of January 8 because I was focused on our Thursday get-together. It took a while to focus on this week’s topic because I was trying to understand how a very troubled man could walk the streets of Albuquerque, terrorize Democratic Politicians, and get so close to NMGOP leaders. I will publish an article on this subject next week.