Description:
A political memoir about one woman's quirky but determined drive toward change. It tracks wins, losses & lessons of an unlikely New Mexico Senator at turn of century.
Brief description: Dede Feldman was not born a progressive reformer, but her crooked path to the New Mexico Senate, through door-to-door politics, early women's campaigns, and alternative newspapers took her there. Dede grew up outside of Philadelphia and moved to Albuquerque's North Valley in 1976 where she and her husband built a pioneering solar adobe home. She was elected to the Senate in 1996, one of the first women to represent the largely Hispanic area. During her 16 years in Santa Fe, she became a champion of healthcare and democracy reforms, environmental and consumer protection, causes she still fights for outside of the legislature. A former teacher and journalist, she is the author of two award- winning books, Inside the New Mexico Senate: Boots Suits and Citizens and Another Way Forward: Grassroots Solutions from New Mexico. With a BA and MA from the University of Pennsylvania, Dede is currently a political commentator and non-profit consultant in Albuquerque.
Review Quotes:
"Ten More Doors shows us politics not just for politicians but is for grassroots citizens who show up...Anyone who wants to know about New Mexico's unique politics, and how to make change in this diverse state, should follow this talented public servant on the path she's outlined here." Former US Senator Tom Udall
"This memoir will seal Dede Feldman's legacy on the list of New Mexico progressive reformers and spur a younger generation of activists to see the value in perseverance and good old fashioned stubbornness." New Mexico State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard
"High-level politics is like championship sports: defeats are as crushing; victories as joyous. You make a game plan but have to be ready to change it...Ten More Doorswill lift your appreciation not just of the game, but of the difference a top player like Dede Feldman can make." Bill DeBuys, author and conservationist
"These are the classic stories of the outsider moving into a community of people with tight-knit connections and the funny, quirky interactions that ensue. They're honest and told with humor and humility. I really enjoyed them." Debbie O'Malley, Bernalillo County Commissioner and long-time North Valley resident.