County Commission District 5 Democratic candidates
Eric Olivas POLITICAL PARTY:
Democratic OCCUPATION: Landscaping and plumbing small-business owner
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Albuquerque
AGE: 31
CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: olivasforbernco.com
Charlene Pyskoty POLITICAL PARTY:
Democratic
OCCUPATION: Mental health therapist
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Tijeras EDUCATION: Master’s degrees in sociology, public health, clinical counseling
AGE: 61
CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: Charlene4BernCo.com
What is the top priority in your district and how would you address it as a county commissioner?
OLIVAS: Crime is the biggest issue in District 5 and the county. The behavioral health crisis and the crime we see are related. In addition to the need for more police and sheriff’s deputies, we need increased crisis triage beds, shelter capacity and substance abuse treatment. PYSKOTY: The top priority across the district is safety. In the East Mountains, that means clean, accessible drinking water, wastewater disposal and fire safety. In Albuquerque, crime prevention, safe housing and behavioral health resources are key. I am working with federal, state and local agencies to fund all of these initiatives.
What specific strategies do you have for reducing homelessness?
OLIVAS: 1. Follow the Gap Study the county has already done! 2. Create a Behavioral Health Authority. 3. Support a 24/7 Crisis and Provider Coordinating Center. 4. Increase incentives for development of affordable housing. 5. Partner with the city on Albuquerque Community Safety. 6. Listen to the needs of the community, hold people accountable.
PYSKOTY: I support affordable housing and programs for Albuquerque Public Schools students/families who are homeless, small neighborhood shelters for women, housing for veterans, immigrants, and supportive aftercare for people struggling with addiction and other behavioral health issues. Wraparound services offer mental and physical health care, job training and opportunities to afford sustainable housing.