Top of Mind: With a lawsuit against the state's congressional map preceding, should the state start over?

Jul. 16—Top of Mind is a weekly question about an issue affecting New Mexicans. LAST WEEK'S QUESTION What, if anything, would persuade you to buy an electric vehicle? "Bought a PHEV in 2019 and love it! Installed a home charge station and hardly ever buy gas except to go out of town. Was very fortunate with capital gains — on a second home — so benefited from the tax credit. Also installed a solar array for house electric." — Diane Lafrance, Silver City "I could be persuaded to buy an electric vehicle when I can get a car with a 500-mile range for $20,000." — Phillip Radcliff, Albuquerque "I would buy an electric vehicle if the price is close to other choices because no oil changes, less maintenance, and not having to worry about fluctuating gas prices." — Antoinette Reyes, Las Cruces "In order to even consider the government needs to have a plan in place for disposal of the toxic batteries from EVs. Seems like a deal with devil has been made — clean air because of reduced carbon emissions; toxic aquifers from the EV batteries that will be dumped." — Adrienne Carrica, Corrales "My family will replace all of our out-of-date gas-fuel cars as our current ones need replacing. The cost savings will be tremendous — and oh yes — there will also be a future for our children and the next generations." — Charles Goodmacher, Rio Rancho "I would buy a second electric car if there was a New Mexico state tax credit in addition to the federal one." — Stefi Weisburd, Tijeras "Price." — Ona Porter, Albuquerque "The ability to bypass a gas station and pay less for transportation clinch the purchase for me. Also, there is virtually no maintenance — a relief in terms of tasks to take care of and less expense to run a car overall." — Ann McCartney, Los Lunas "My next car will be electric. No doubt about it. Smaller, faster-charging, batteries will do the trick. If my need was urgent, I'd likely go hybrid. I'm 81 and not an "early adopter." — Robert Carleton, Albuquerque "There's no persuading necessary. Soon MLG will leave us no choice." — Greg Natzke, Albuquerque "Electric car mileage has increased but not so with the availability of charging stations. No one wants to worry about finding a charging station on a long road trip." — Sharon S-Gitzlaff, Corrales "As of now, if I buy an EV for myself, Biden will only make someone else pay $7,500 of the cost. I'm holding out for complete car loan forgiveness." — Ken Terry, Albuquerque "I bought my EV mid-February and I'm very happy with it. I've driven 4,000 miles, charging at home for a total cost of $24. A 216-mile trip to Durango, recharged in 20 minutes for $19. A previous trip cost more than $100 in gas. No oil changes, no pollution." — Pat Bartels, Albuquerque "1. MLG buys me 2 EVs, one to drive and one to recharge. 2. MLG installs 10 bay recharge stations on every corner. 3. MLG provides free recharges." — Bob Conway, Albuquerque "No persuasion is necessary. This is the definition of the term no-brainer. The real question is just how quickly, and responsibly, can we, at the global scale, find and extract the necessary mineral resources to make the required green revolution happen before it is too late." — Dr. John Geissman, Albuquerque "This question prompted me to go see what these latest electric vehicles had to offer. I found a dealership near I-25 that actually had some in stock. Anyhow I just wanted to drive one. I wasn't ready to be so thoroughly impressed. Now it's on the charger in my garage." — Kenneth Cooper, Albuquerque