The post focuses on tributes to Mitch Buszek who in passing on June 24 left some large shoes to fill. He was a trooper in the march to justice, someone who always showed up. And now his presence will be missed by all who are active in local and state efforts to achieve justice. The post also provides information about the methane plume hearings next week and other events.

Events & Actions

• Retake Our Democracy on KSFR 101.1 FM, Saturday, July 27, 8:30 am – 9 am.  I will be interviewing Cristy Holden and Jay Levine, two long-time Taos activists who have been important parts of the Retake effort in Taos.  On the 20th, I interviewed Darien Fernandez, Taos Town Council Member, Chair of Taos County Democratic Party and challenger of Sen. Cisco Cisneros in Senate District 6. 
• Tuesday, August 6, 6:30-8:30pm at 1420 Cerrillos the Center for Progress and Justice.  Retake Our Democracy Organizing Meeting. 
• July 29, July 3 and August 7.  Three Methane Rule Public Meetings Conducted by the Environment Department and the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.
• Saturday, August 24, 1-4pm. August 24, 1-4pm, Community Solar Now, Central/Unser Library (Just 10 minutes from downtown), 8081 Central Avenue NW, Albuquerque, NM.

For more details on these events, click here. 

In Tribute to Mitch Buszek March 15, 1944-June 24, 2019

• Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 5, 2019 at 10:30 am at the Rivera Family Funeral Home located at 417 Rodeo Road in Santa Fe.

• A potluck luncheon in celebration of Mitch’s life will be hosted by the Santa Fe County Democratic Party on August 5, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Center for Progress and Justice located at 1420 Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe

• Mitch’s family is kindly asking for donations to help defray funeral costs. Donations can be made at the following Go-Fund-Me page: https://www.gofundme.com/funeral-services-for-mitch-buszek

From Brigit Coffey Barre, Mitch’s daughter in a Facebook post just after he passed:

“My dad, Mitch Buszek passed away on Monday. He died peacefully at home. I am so glad he got to meet his grandson Brooks before he left us. I know that is what he was waiting for.❤️❤️❤️”

From the Democratic Party of Santa Fe

As many of you may know, Mitch Buszek passed away on June 24, 2019 due to natural causes. Mitch was very personable and active in our community, county party, and in many political campaigns. He always spoke his mind and devoted himself to many progressive causes and candidates for political office.

He is survived by his daughter Brigit Barre, newborn grandson Brooks Barre, and three siblings. .  If you plan to attend, please bring a dish to share and contact either me at (505) 929-0955 or David Thompson at (505) 984-8496. Also, Mitch’s family is kindly asking for donations to help defray funeral costs. Donations can be made at the following Go-Fund-Me page: https://www.gofundme.com/funeral-services-for-mitch-buszek.  I know that I speak for every Democrat in Santa Fe County when I sadly say that Mitch will be missed.

From Nate Downey, who worked with Mitch Who Knew Mitch for 27 Years

Mitch Buszek was a brilliant and dedicated organizer of people in support of progressive causes, organizations, and candidates. Last week, the City Different, the Land of Enchantment, this nation, and Gaia herself lost a huge asset for positive change. I was lucky to get to know Mitch 27 years ago during Cris Moore’s successful city council campaign. His data-driven system of getting the vote out was a major part of that victory which brought so many good things to Santa Fe and beyond. From that first fun-filled campaign, we stayed connected and ended up working together on over 20 exciting races.

We won a lot, and we lost some, too, but we never really worried about defeat because we always knew we were fighting the good fight, doing the right thing, and making the most out of challenging situations. He was a guy who liked to win, but he relished in working for underdogs and those who would speak truth to power. He also loved the numbers involved in political campaign strategy and often provided the kind of mathematical analysis that successful campaigns need.

I’m really glad he was able to witness the Democratic Party getting back to its roots in 2015 and 2016. Looking back at old emails, I discovered that he was the person who officially invited me to be a Bernie Sanders delegate at the state convention. More recently, he was a big part of my campaign for city council. We lost those races, but it was great reconnecting with him. It was just like old times except it was even better in many ways because the Democratic Party had finally made some palpable changes, and Mitch had become a powerful player in the shaping of the party’s platform.

He left us too soon. He would have loved to have been part of the next presidential cycle with so many candidates espousing so many progressive ideas. But he really would have loved being a granddad. I know he loved his daughter, Brigit, infinitely—always scheduling his work around the times that he could be with her. “Sorry, no. I can’t make it. I get to see my kid,” he’d say before scheduling another time to get the job done. May his memory motivate us all to care more, work harder, and aim higher—and always to have plenty of laughter along the way.

From Ward 4C Chair and Retake Our Leadership member David Thompson.

Last month our ward lost a truly committed fighter for social and economic justice. Mitch Buszek, one of the most active members of our ward, passed away at the age of 75.  For those of you who knew him, and also for those who didn’t but want to share in remembrance of one of our local party’s most committed members, the Democratic Party of Santa Fe County will be hosting a potluck luncheon celebration of Mitch’s life on Monday, August 5 at 2pm, at 1420 Cerrillos Rd. (for those who haven’t been there, that’s across from the Indian School and next door to the movie workers union HQ). For more details, see below.

From the Santa Fe New Mexican

Mitchell Francis Buszek Jr. passed away on Monday June 24, 2019 from natural causes. He was born on March 15, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan. Mitch lived in Santa Fe, NM for over 30 years. He is survived by his daughter Brigit Barre, newborn grandson Brooks Barre, and 3 younger siblings. He was a social butterfly, and made new friends wherever he went. Mitch was very politically active on the city, state and national level, and worked dozens of progressive campaigns. He was also an MSIA minister. His presence, passion and friendliness will truly be missed. Funeral services will be held August 5, 2019, 10:30am, at the Rivera Family Funeral home, 417 Rodeo Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505.

In solidarity,

Paul & Roxanne

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