District 13
Robert “Bobby” Atencio — Democrat
Robert “Bobby” Atencio, a retired Albuquerque Police Department officer and current director of stadium operations at Isotopes park, is running to represent this Southwest Mesa district. He has the first-hand experience and background to bring “the community and law enforcement together” to fight the crime epidemic in the Metro area.
And he believes “improving our economy in New Mexico starts with ensuring our students, schools and teachers have the resources they need to learn and succeed so we have a solid foundation for the future. Secondly, I would work with schools, universities, technical institutions and the business community to create work placement opportunities.”
Atencio would seek other sources of revenue for expanding home visiting, pre-kindergarten and child care assistance before tapping the Land Grant Permanent Fund. He is one of the few candidates who support opening the state’s primary elections, “allowing voters to vote who are not affiliated with either political or major political party. Everyone should have a voting opportunity.” And he is measured on any increase to the state’s minimum wage, saying it should be at “a rate that would make New Mexico competitive with our surrounding states and allow our residents to be able to provide for their families.”
The Journal’s editorial board disagrees with Atencio’s stances on some issues — he opposes teacher evaluations linked to student progress, teacher merit pay and right to work. But the board agrees with his recognition that “all law-abiding residents of New Mexico should not live in fear because of their immigration status.” It also agrees with his positions that New Mexico should tax internet sales, and that it is essential for police reports and videos to be public.
There is no opposition for the seat in the November general election, so the winner of the primary will join the legislative class of 2019.
The Journal endorses Robert “Bobby” Atencio for House District 13 in the Democratic primary.