NEW MEXICO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Serves as Acting Governor when the Governor is out of the state, provides constituent services, presides over the New Mexico Senate and can vote in the event of a tie. In a general election the Lieutenant Governor is elected jointly with the Governor. Must be at least 30 years old, a United States citizen, and have resided continuously in New Mexico for the five years preceding his/her election. Four-year term with no more than two terms in succession.
1. What qualifies you to be Lieutenant Governor?
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Two of the constitutional roles of the Lt Governor is to serve as the President of the Senate and as the state Ombudsman. In 2021, I served as a Senate Analyst for the 60 day state legislative session. I know how legislation is made. The key role is to work across the aisle and to trap bad legislation from ever reaching the floor. The second role is to serve as the Ombudsman for the State. The Ombuds serves as a liaison between the public and state agencies. I am a certified member of the IOA (International Ombudsman Association) trained in alternative dispute resolution since 2016.
I was born and raised in NM dedicating my life to public service. A mother of 3, teacher, VP of APS Board, I’ve been a forceful advocate for children, families and taxpayers. As APS Board Finance Committee Chair I’ve seen the crafting of billion dollar budgets, the sale of hundreds of millions of dollars of bonds, and initiated new investment strategies which resulted in millions of dollars of new revenue without raising taxes. I’ve fought for open meetings, fiscal responsibility, parental rights, school choice, quality curriculum and for reopening schools to in-person learning.
2. What issues would you like to work on to im- prove the lives of New Mexicans?
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As Lt. Governor, I will focus on four things: EDUCATION - focus on universal school choice & vouchers for parents
ENFORCING THE BORDER - support building the wall and National Guard supplementing federal border control agents ELECTION INTEGRITY - prototype Block Chain voting in local elections
SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT - regain Qualified Immunity for law enforcement and advocate for bail reform to stop repeat offenders
Education is an economic driver. Successful students become successful employees, job creators & contributors to a flourishing economy. A failed education system affects public safety, stifles economic growth & keeps business from locating to NM. I’ll use my education expertise to work with the Gov. & the Legislature to ensure money follows the child & guarantees our children have the quality education they need to succeed. We must mitigate the damages school closures had on our children, using every initiative we can to address both unfinished learning & our student’s social emotional health.
3. How do you see your role as president of the Senate?
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The key role is to monitor and trap bad legislation before the legislators convene by working in the sub-committees to improve the language to ensure legislation is Constitutional and doesn’t violate individual rights. In addition, I have managed complex, multi-million dollar programs over the course of my career in aerospace engineering at Sandia National Laboratories and Lockheed Martin. I will be the “Go To” person for the Governor to hand off initiatives. If I can handle the development of complex nuclear weapon testing and aircraft systems, I can handle the New Mexico state bureaucracy.
The role of any presiding officer is to be fair and impartial. I will work with the Caucus Leaders to ensure openness and transparency in the legislative process. The President of the Senate should adhere to established procedures, but most importantly, maintain the respect, dignity, and decorum of the body.