NEW MEXICO JUDGE OF THE COURT OF APPEALS POSITION 2 (CONT.)
1. Have you been endorsed by the Judicial Nominating Commission?
No, I have not. I have been endorsed by the Albuquerque Police Officers’ Association. When I ran for Court of Appeals in 2020 I was endorsed by the Albuquerque Journal.
2. What qualifies you for this position?
My experience as a manager and trial attorney has prepared me to serve on the Court of Appeals. For twelve years I have worked as a trial attorney and prosecutor. In Gallup, I represented the State in numerous jury and bench trials in the Magistrate and District Courts. I also filed several appeals on behalf of the State. I continue my work as a prosecutor in Farmington. I also served as the Chief Prosecutor of the Navajo Nation where I managed ten prosecutor offices and several dozen staff across the reservation in addition to practicing in the tribal courts.
3. What policies are needed to keep the judiciary independent from political influence?
It is absolutely essential for a judge to be impartial and to maintain the rule of law. This means judges should be open minded, unbiased, remain impartial and non-partisan when rendering decisions.
4. What improvements, if any, are needed in the Supreme Court?
I believe bringing balance to the Court would be an improvement. The Court could use an addition who has significant experience practicing in rural New Mexico and tribal courts. My addition to the bench would add a completely different voice to the Court of Appeals. I was born in Shiprock and grew up outside Farmington. I am a member of the Navajo Nation (my clan is Near to Water born for Big Water). I have practiced law in rural New Mexico my entire career and I have experience in tribal court. Because of my work in public safety, I also appreciate the criminal law issues New Mexicans face.