Endorsements for sheriff, County Commission
When it comes to local races on June 5, the competitive races are mostly on the Democratic side, where elections will be generally decided in the primary. The winners of the race for Santa Fe County sheriff and the contested seat on the Board of County Commissioners don’t have GOP opposition in the general election, although there could be an independent candidate for one of the commission seats. (Incumbent Commissioner Henry Roybal faces no opposition now or in the fall.) Voters will be choosing the next sheriff and possibly the next county commissioner.
Santa Fe Conty Sheriff: This is a fourperson race, with strong competition to replace outgoing Sheriff Robert Garcia. All four candidates impressed us with their desire to serve and lengthy law enforcement experience. This is a solid group. We particularly liked how candidate Linda Ortiz made clear that she and the other would-be sheriffs were going to support one another, no matter who wins.
One candidate, Adan Mendoza, appears to us to have the most complete background to lead. He has worked as a deputy, has strong academic credentials and extensive leadership experience. Mendoza has a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico in criminology, worked his way up to serve as a major in the sheriff ’s office, and is clear about how he would make patrols more efficient and use personnel to serve all parts of the county.
Most importantly, he understands the need to prevent crime, not just to react when crimes occur. He wants to see the department do more to deal with drug addicts — work beyond simply jailing people. Mendoza has pledged to start a Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program in the county to allow low-level drug offenders to seek treatment instead of going to jail; such a diversion effort is working in the city and in other communities around the country. What’s more, Mendoza wants to be a more visible sheriff, someone who represents the department out and about in the community while also being a hands-on manager. Retired in 2016 after 18 years in the sheriff ’s office, Mendoza is ready to return and lead. For the job of sheriff for Santa Fe County, The New Mexican endorses Adan Mendoza.
Santa Fe County commissioner, District 3: This is a three-person race in the primary, with the candidates seeking to replace Robert Anaya, who is term limited. Voters have good choices. One candidate, rancher Donald Reece, brings a scientific and public health background that would add to the commission. We also want to give credit to current Santa Fe Public Schools board member Rudy Garcia, who is knowledgeable about county issues — he should be, as he is a longtime county employee. Garcia would bring a wealth of expertise to the seat should he win the Democratic primary (he plans to retire should he be elected).
However, general construction contractor Filandro Anaya (no relation to Robert) also has much to offer. Anaya understands how boards work to set policy from his time spent on the Moriarty-Edgewood school board. He broadens the base for the commission, coming from southern Santa Fe County instead of living closer to urban Santa Fe.
His contracting experience means he can ask solid questions about county building projects, but he also brings with him the knowledge of meeting a payroll and supervising employees.
Most recently, Anaya was clear in his opposition to the Pilot Flying J Truck Stop and voted against it as a member of the Santa Fe Planning Commission. He knows how to take a stand, in other words. For County Commissioner, District 3, the New Mexican endorses Filandro Anaya.