Teen successfully lobbies for Mexican Springs playground

ALBUQUERQUE, March 20, 2008

Fionna Walters, 18, a high school senior from Mexican Springs, N.M., successfully lobbied the New Mexico Legislature during its February session and got $75,000 appropriated for a new playground at Mexican Springs Chapter.

Senate Bill 471 included the $75,000 along with money for hundreds of other capital-outlay projects for communities throughout New Mexico. It was signed into law March 5 by Gov. Bill Richardson.

Walters, who attended the 2007 Summer Policy Academy at Santa Fe Indian School, decided to lobby for a new playground as a community-service project.

"After I finished the Summer Policy Academy we had to do a community-service project," she said. "I wanted to establish a playground in the Mexican Springs because it's where I'm from and something I felt passionate about."

Over time, the existing playground had lost its swings and merry-go-round, leaving just a slide, Walters explained.

Walters, who worked on the project between her studies at George School in Newtown, Penn., initially proposed the idea to her chapter last summer. The chapter passed a resolution supporting her efforts, she said, adding, "They agreed on it and are hoping to see a playground."

Whether that happens depends on the chapter's ability to secure up-front money to build the project, as the state grants come in the form of a reimbursement.

Whatever the outcome, Walters' parents, Marilyn Kelley-Leekity and Patrick Leekity, said they were very proud of her.

"She took the initiative to come this far and follow through with her project," her mother said.

"I'm proud of her ... she's doing something for the community," her father added.

Walters, who was able to lobby the Legislature while on winter break, said she has become interested in the legislative process. That's one of the goals of the Summer Policy Academy, which was designed for Native American students from throughout New Mexico.

"The Summer Policy Academy was conceived, one, for the purpose of exposing young people to all the challenges and issues in tribal communities," said Regis Pecos, chief of staff for House Speaker Ben Lujan, D-Santa Fe, sponsor of the academy. "It also focuses on federal policies and the way in which federal policies impact Indian people and tribal communities.

During the recent legislative session Walters was able to persuade Sen. John Pinto, D-Tohatchi, to raise the appropriation amount from $50,000 to $75,000 in just a few seconds during their negotiations, Pecos said.

"The senator was very much pleased with her effort as a young person, and was very happy to say 'I'll work with you,'" Pecos said.

Rep. Patricia Lundstrom, D-Gallup, sponsored an appropriation in the House for the playground.