SANTA FE COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1 (CONT.)
1. What prior experience and education prepared you for this position?
With extensive private sector and government experience, I can hit the ground running and do not need on the job training. Experience includes constituent Services Liaison for outgoing Dist. I County Commissioner Henry Roybal working with the constituents daily throughout this diverse rural and urban district including the Cities of Santa Fe and Espanola and four tribal governments. I have the experience to make government work for the people also having served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Governor’s office, Director of the Community Development Block Grant program serving the 33-counties and 99 cities in the state; Chief of Staff for the NM Public Regulation Commission, and the State Cash Manager/Director of the NM State Treasurer’s office.
2. What is the most pressing problem in Santa Fe County?
IT STARTS AND ENDS WITH WATER and the need for sustainability. It is crucial that we work with the Cities of Santa Fe and Espanola to ensure their water needs are met, as well as the continued traditional uses of water in the rural area via acequias and wells. If elected, I would request appointment to the Buckman Direct Diversion Board that oversees drinking water for the city and parts of District I. I am knowledgeable about the water issues in the Pojoaque River Basin and the Aamondt Water Settlement
3. What are your suggestions for reducing violent crime?
Public safety and the quality of life are critical to the well-being of Santa Fe County. The southern part of District I is primarily within the city limits of Santa Fe and is under the jurisdiction of the city police. Except for tribal police, the area north of the city limits to Espanola is the responsibility of the Santa Fe County Sheriff. I support providing adequate resources for the Sheriff’s Department, to ensure the hiring of deputies at proper levels, proper trainings, as well as for state-of-the-art digital communications and other technology that will enhance coordination and cooperation among local, state, tribal and other federal law enforcement agencies.
4. Do you support creating dedicated open spaces for people experiencing homelessness? Explain.
Homelessness is a heartbreaking crisis. It is everywhere but appears concentrated in the urban areas. Having an open space in a rural area far from medical, food, and other services is not reasonable. In the metro the location of such an open space is a concern as most residents do not want the issues the homeless bring to their neighborhoods. If a suitable location can be identified, and meets with community support, I would favor that approach.