ISSUES QUESTIONS
1. What are the top two things you would do to improve the economy in New Mexico?
BLANCETT: New Mexico needs to fix its internal financial controls; we are a state that can’t keep its own government in order. 1. Give all state contracts to New Mexicoowned businesses. 2. For all state projects, buildings and construction, first bid to local contractors without the Little Davis Bacon rates.
SANCHEZ: Support the Office of the State Engineer/ Interstate Stream Commission effort to help the 16 Regional Water Planning regions update their water plans. Without adequate water infrastructure, N.M. can’t address the many other water needs. We need to expand broadband infrastructure to rural areas for both education purposes and economic development.
2. What are the top two things you would propose to address the state’s high crime rate?
BLANCETT: (1) Make mental health and addiction treatment available in every community through state-operated or -contracted facilities since much crime is done by mentally ill or addicted people. (2) For the others, keep them off the streets, in jail and teach them something meaningful so they can work if and when they get out.
SANCHEZ: Prioritize funding for important public safety initiatives to improve safety and security, particularly in prevention, treatment and enforcement to end the drug cycle of the heroin and opioid issue, a massive driver for crime. We must ensure we take measures, like appropriate compensation, to attract law enforcement officers.
3. New Mexico now spends about $300 million a year for early childhood programs, such as home visiting, prekindergarten and child care assistance. Do you support or oppose a constitutional amendment that would withdraw more money from the Land Grant Permanent Fund to increase funding for early childhood services?
BLANCETT: No, I do not support more money from the severance fund! New Mexico needs to live within its means. Education is important, but too much goes to administration of the programs and there is lack of consolidation of programs within school districts, which contributes to the overall costs. Equalization needs to stay in place for all education.
SANCHEZ: Quality pre-K is one of the best investments we can make in our future by increasing distributions from our Permanent School Fund — a sensible investment to help the economy now and ensure every child has the best opportunity. This investment should include a safeguard to ensure the viability of the fund.
4. Do you support or oppose legalizing recreational marijuana use in New Mexico and taxing its sales?
BLANCETT: We can look to Colorado to see how a state can regulate a drug that has fewer social costs than liquor and cigarettes. They have a strong industry employing many people and are funding treatment centers. If we legalize, I would want to see really tough penalties for anyone who buys for or gives pot to minors.
SANCHEZ: I fully support medical use and am open to supporting recreational marijuana if the pros outweigh the cons. We can look at other states with similar demographics and their impact with recreational marijuana.
5. Do you support or oppose raising New Mexico’s minimum wage, currently $7.50 per hour? If so, by how much? BLANCETT: Support, but not sure to what level.
SANCHEZ: I support a raise for the minimum wage in New Mexico. The number determined should not have a negative impact on our small businesses. Basic economics tells us when money moves, the economy moves.
6. Do you support or oppose opening the state’s primary elections to voters who aren’t affiliated with either major political party?
BLANCETT: Support. I’m running for state representative in the worse gerrymandered district in the state of New Mexico. … All registered votes in New Mexico should be able to vote in any public election, without being a member of a party, for the candidate of their choice. Our closed primary system disenfranchises a third of all voters in New Mexico … .
SANCHEZ: They have a constitutional right to vote. Unaffiliated voters are a large voting bloc; however, they should pick one primary to vote in — they can’t vote in both. For transparency purposes, the primary they choose should become public information, to bring more clarity to the voting patterns of these non-party people. 7. Do you favor making New Mexico a sanctuary state?
BLANCETT: No, New Mexico should play by the same rules as other states, but any religious establishment that chooses to become a sanctuary area should be allowed to.
SANCHEZ: Yes.