Maestas is the clear choice for auditor

THERE ARE two candidates running for state auditor in the Democratic primary. The difference between them is stark. Joseph Maestas has been elected by the voters four times. He has served on the city council of Española, as mayor of Española, on the city council of Santa Fe, and is now chairman of the Public Regulation Commission, where he represents some 400,000 New Mexicans in his district.

Joseph has proven he connects with voters and earns their trust.

As an elected official, Joseph has more than 15 years holding a fiduciary responsibility, and has done so with honesty and integrity.

His opponent, who has never held public office, ran unsuccessfully for Albuquerque City Council, despite claiming falsely he was responsible for keeping Meow Wolf in Santa Fe. This opponent has never carried a fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers and has shown a penchant for stretching the truth. This is not a quality we want in our elected officials.

In contrast, Joseph brings more than 30 years of experience in the workplace. He has a strong record of delivering for the people of New Mexico, whether helping Española city employees organize collective bargaining units or protecting renters through support of a Residents’ Bill of Rights resolution in Santa Fe.

Also, Joseph joined his PRC colleagues in a unanimous vote against the PNM-Avangrid merger because it simply wasn’t in the best interests of the people of New Mexico. This vote is a prime example of Joseph’s ability to operate independently and speak truth to power.

Joseph’s opponent has limited experience … that includes less than six months as a coordinator in the Governor’s Office and then some additional 10 months as ombudsman. This is not a sufficient work record for the rigors of the office. I perceive little evidence of leadership experience from Quintero, despite his constant claims of professional grandeur.

In my opinion, the only candidate currently running for state auditor who has the experience and integrity to hold that office is Joseph Maestas. BILL TALLMAN

Albuquerque