HOUSE DISTRICT 43 CANDIDATES

ISSUES QUESTIONS

1. What are the top two things you would do to improve the economy in New Mexico?

CHANDLER: Businesses look to the quality of the workforce and infrastructure when considering locating in a state. We need a coordinated framework that supports occupational/trade training, certification, and four- and two-year colleges. We must invest in infrastructure, such as roads, utilities and broadband, in order to recruit and retain businesses.

SHIN: Prioritize vocational education and technical-career training. There is a serious gap when it comes to “middle skills” in New Mexico. Ease the regulatory and tax burden on small businesses. New Mexico currently ranks at the bottom for “business friendliness”; we have to change that.

2. What are the top two things you would propose to address the state’s high crime rate?

CHANDLER: The certainty of being caught deters crime, but increasing the level of penalties does not. We must improve the effectiveness of the police and courts. We must support triage: imprison serious and violent offenders; divert low-level offenders to treatment and education; and provide effective rehabilitation for the incarcerated.

SHIN: Support three strikes laws, such as House Bill 18 and House Bill 28, which addressed the high rates of violent and property crime in New Mexico. Provide the resources and support to first responders at a crime scene. Mayor Keller’s plan to use new technology in the fight against gun-related violence is promising.

3. New Mexico now spends about $300 million a year for early childhood programs, such as home visiting, pre-kindergarten 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?

CHANDLER: Despite New Mexico’s current level of funding, early childhood programs remain underfunded. Because investment in these programs has been shown to reap long-term educational and behavioral benefits, I support a constitutional amendment that would allow an additional, reasonable increase to support these important programs.

SHIN: I oppose such an amendment. Studies show that distributions greater than 5 percent risk the Fund’s longterm solvency.

4. Do you support or oppose legalizing recreational marijuana use in New Mexico and taxing its sales?

CHANDLER: Yes, with appropriate regulations and applicable taxes.

SHIN: I oppose state-wide legalization of recreational marijuana. I support the use of medical marijuana for treatment of diseases where it has been proven to be a successful homeopathic alternative to pharmaceuticals.

5. Do you support or oppose raising New Mexico’s minimum wage, currently $7.50 per hour? If so, by how much?

CHANDLER: Yes, ultimately to $12.00/hour, phased in over a reasonably short period of time. Workers must be able to earn a living wage to support themselves and their families.

SHIN: I support a minimum wage increase to no more than $9.00/hour in 2019, with modest incremental changes over time. Our Mom-and-Pop businesses simply cannot survive a $12/hour minimum wage law.

6, Do you support or oppose opening the state’s primary elections to voters who aren’t affiliated with either major political party?

CHANDLER: Yes, I support opening primaries to allow Independents to participate.

SHIN: My opponent has a record of stopping local elections, as well as ignoring their outcomes. I support each individual’s right to have a vote in any election, which gives the citizens a voice in our government.

7. Do you favor making New Mexico a sanctuary state?

CHANDLER: The term sanctuary state means different things to different people depending on perspective. State officials must and should follow applicable federal law; however, it has been held by the federal courts that the federal government cannot require state officials to enforce federal laws.

SHIN: No, I do not support such a policy

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?

CHANDLER: No. SHIN: No.

2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?

CHANDLER: No. SHIN: No.

3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain.

CHANDLER: No. SHIN: No.