NEW MEXICO HOUSE DISTRICT 22
In addition to other duties prescribed by law, representatives enact “reasonable and appropriate laws,” represent the constituents of their district, and serve on standing or interim committees. The legislature meets each year beginning in January. In odd-numbered years, it meets for 60 days; in even-numbered years, it meets for 30 days. The Governor may call special sessions. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and must be a resident of the district from which elected. They serve a two-year term. Representatives do not receive a salary, but they do receive a pre-set per diem and mileage; there is also a pension program for legislators serving a minimum period.
1. How have your prior experience and education prepared you for this position?
I have worked in various fields and for various institutions such as: Rio Grande Casa, the NM House of Representative, Jerry & Augy’s woodyard, NM Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Political Campaigns and local Government. With this knowledge I am confident that I am aware of the necessary fields to propose and pass legislation that will benefit all New Mexicans. Lastly, my education from Estancia Municipal Schools, East Mountain High School, the University of West Alabama and UNM has prepared me for the tough job of being a New Mexico Legislator.
First of all, thank you for the great honor and privilege of being able to serve as your representative in the statehouse. I recognize I serve at the will of the people, so thank you. The regular legislative session for 2022 is over, and I’m very proud of what I achieved this year. I promised you I would fight for safer communities, fully fund law enforcement, protect our seniors and veterans, and preserve your 2nd Amendment rights. I also vowed to fight to fix our broken schools, oppose government overreach, and, most importantly, fight for your rights. And I did!
2. What three important issues would you plan to work on?
Water Sovereignty & Equity Responsible Economic Development &
Infrastructure and Roads 1. Crime is out of control in New Mexico! This is why I presented real solutions to help fix crime with the following bills:
HB 25 - Providing for no time limitation for prosecuting second-degree murder.
HB 27 - With evidence that a person is dangerous, no release conditions will be reasonable to protect the community.
HB 29 - Creates penalties to protect us and retail businesses from the recent “smash and grab” trend in stores.
HB 31 - Providing additional penalties for criminals with three violent felony convictions. HJR 4 - Amending the constitution of New Mexico to allow conditions for denying bail.
3. How can the legislature balance the needs of farmers and ranchers with the priorities of cities and towns?
The legislature can make sure that both farmers and ranchers are given a level playing field as it relates to water usage and sustainability, in unison with economic opportunity and resources.
Continuation of “What three important issues would you plan to work on?”
2. I also co-sponsored efforts to fix our broken public school system, which, as you know, is ranked last in the nation.
HJR 11/15 - Public funding to parents for home, private, or religious-based schools, including virtual schools.
HB 91 - Prohibiting language such as “Destruction of Americas by Spaniards” from the NMPED new social studies program.
3. We must fix the crime and education system to attract good-paying jobs to rebuild our economy and keep loved ones from leaving New Mexico.
4. What can be done to support the aging population, i.e., elderly housing, elder care, transportation?
A main priority of my campaign is infrastructure. This relates to the aging population as healthcare infrastructure and access in rural New Mexico is a necessity. Furthermore, access to resources such as transportation and broadband internet are cornerstones of my campaign. I live in a community that is, by majority, an aging population. As a result, it is my belief and understanding that the state of New Mexico must stand firm in extending necessary resources to our elderly and aging citizens.
I fought for tax relief for our senior citizens and our military veterans by co-sponsoring the following bills:
HB 48/49 - Exempt Social Security income from state income tax.
HB 76 - Military retirement income tax exemption.
I also supported our local food bank with $130,000 going to the East Mountain Food Pantry to help those in need, including seniors.