Former Republican U.S. Senate candidate Louie Sanchez is urging Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to reopen small businesses. | Facebook
Former Republican U.S. Senate candidate Louie Sanchez is urging Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to reopen small businesses. | Facebook
Former Republican U.S. Senate candidate Louie Sanchez is calling for small businesses in New Mexico to reopen after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham made the decision to let large, chain businesses to open.
"Congratulations, [Grisham]. Big box stores’ parking lots are full, while over 90% of all small businesses – which are the backbone of New Mexico’s economy – remain closed, with little chance of reopening," Sanchez said on Facebook. "Will we, as small business owners, stand idly by as our hard work, families and economic futures (as well as the futures of our employees and their families) are determined by a governor who has never run a business, never taken a risk and never relied on a community to support a company in which she has personally invested?"
Sanchez said that smaller businesses are better at enforcing social distancing rules, which shows that health and safety aren't the problem.
Many New Mexican residents don't understand Grisham's thinking behind allowing chains to open and expressed their thoughts on Facebook.
"Is the ultimate goal to get everyone to go to the big stores all huddled together so we do get the virus? What game is she playing? Seems if she allowed businesses to stay open with social distancing plans in place, everyone wins," New Mexican Bev Farley said on Facebook. "Most places would be glad to impose those regulations so they could stay in business."
Other New Mexico residents said they are small business owners and will do everything necessary to safely open.
Dennis Brandt has been a barber for 59 years in New Mexico and said if small businesses are allowed to reopen, he will go back to work and comply with every safety precaution.
"I'll wear gloves, masks and even protective clothing if necessary. It's impossible to do hair from six feet away so get real, governor," Brandt said on Facebook. "I'll reopen by appointment only initially and require the client to submit to a fever check with a forehead thermometer before entering the waiting area of the shop."
Sanchez is urging to governor to open small business and the entire state of New Mexico.
"[Grisham] is literally playing with the lives of tens of thousands of hard-working New Mexicans," Sanchez said on Facebook. "Let's reopen New Mexico!"
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