Our endorsements for the November General

In Taos for this general election, there are no contested local races. This is a shame because contested races force candidates to educate voters about their platforms and to debate issues. The state Republican Party has an obligation to field candidates in every race, a move that would help tell the electorate about the values and priorities of local Republicans. The following endorsements are for contested races only.

Governor

Through debates and advertisements in the race for governor between Michelle Lujan Grisham and Mark Ronchetti, the differences have become clear.

Lujan Grisham steered the state, with an inadequate rural healthcare system and many fragile residents, through the coronavirus pandemic. Today, her priorities include women’s rights, public education and gun safety — all vital issues to New Mexicans. Her prior government experience helped her to work well with our state’s Legislature.

Ronchetti is running on a platform of fighting crime, securing our border against undocumented immigrants and illegal drugs, and improving education, including by giving top roles in the state to charter school experts.

Because of her experience and ability to work with the Legislature, the Taos News endorses Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham for governor. Her running mate is Howie Morales.

House of Representatives, District 3

Teresa Leger Fernandez is New Mexico’s incumbent member of the U.S. House of Representatives for District 3. As a freshman in Washington, she has supported legislation — some passed into law and some not — to improve the lives of rural New Mexicans. She voted for successful measures that fund water, broadband and road infrastructure. She promises to work for improved rural healthcare, including mental health and treatment for addiction. She also successfully championed $2.5 billion from the federal government for residents affected by the Calf Canyon-Hermits Peak Fire, a significant achievement for a freshman legislator. A Northern New Mexican herself, Democrat Teresa Leger Fernandez will capably and enthusiastically represent Taoseños, Peñasqueros, Questeños and residents of neighboring villages. We urge you to vote for her.

Secretary of State

The contrast in candidates for Secretary of State is great. Incumbent Maggie Toulouse Oliver has 15 years in election administration. That is important for someone who oversees a complicated and important system of counting the people’s vote. She wants to increase confidence in democracy and in our voting system. Her opponent is on record as doubting the results of the most recent presidential election. Enough said — vote for Democrat Maggie Toulouse Oliver.

Attorney General

Raúl Torrez is Bernalillo County’s current district attorney running for the position of attorney general. The city of Albuquerque, in his district, is notorious for high crime. Opponents say this is his fault, but there are many factors contributing to our largest city’s crime rate: poverty, the intersection of two interstate highways where drugs are transported, underfunded schools in poor neighborhoods… Being DA in Bernalillo County means Torrez has experience fighting crime. His opponent, Jeremy Michael Gay, comes to New Mexico after serving as a judge advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is a no-nonsense, organized and energetic candidate, but would do well to first run for district attorney from his adopted home in Gallup. He would make a competent DA, gaining experience to run in future statewide races. We endorse Democrat Raúl Torrez for attorney general

State Auditor

Democrat Joseph Maestas is running for state auditor. He has no Republican opponent. The Libertarian party has put forward a candidate, as it has in several statewide races. Maestas has served as Española city councilor and mayor and Santa Fe city councilor, as well as chairman of the Public Regulation Commission. We recommend a vote for Joseph Maestas.

State Treasurer

Democratic candidate for state treasurer Laura Montoya has more experience than her Republican rival Harry Montoya. She served two terms as treasurer of Sandoval County, where Rio Rancho is located. She wants to improve communications between the treasurer’s office and other state agencies, as well as complete an internal audit. Vote for Laura Montoya for state treasurer.

Commissioner of Public Lands

Incumbent New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard is proud of her record on enforcing environmental regulations. She touts her success in holding the oil and gas industry accountable for degradation of public lands. As much of New Mexico’s revenue comes from oil and gas production on state lands, she is anxious to diversify the economy by encouraging alternative energy, border commerce and economic development. Her Republican opponent, cattleman, geologist and environmental engineer Jefferson Byrd, brings oil and gas business experience to the race. He believes in creating a balance between fossil fuel revenue and protecting the environment. We endorse Democrat Stephanie Garcia Richard because of her environmental record.

State Legislature, District 40

Joseph Sanchez, born in Alcalde, is running to regain his seat in the legislature for District 40, an unwieldy district that stretches from the Río Grande Valley to the Great Plains. He is an engineer at Los Alamos, holding an MBA from New Mexico State University. Taoseños will recognize him as the saxophonist in his family band, Los Blue Ventures. Cast your vote for Joseph Sanchez.

Supreme Court

There are two contested seats on the New Mexico Supreme Court. For position one, incumbent Julie Vargas is opposed by Republican Thomas Montoya, an Albuquerque attorney who has practiced in all the state’s trial and appellate courts. Both are qualified to serve on New Mexico’s highest court. For Supreme Court Position 1, vote for Julie Vargas if you are concerned about the nationwide track record of GOP judges. Vote for Thomas Montoya if you are concerned that the Democratic Party has a stranglehold on New Mexico’s top courts.

Democrat Briana Zamora should be elected to Position 2.

Court of Appeals

The New Mexico Court of Appeals also has two contested spots.

Both Democrats running to keep their seats on the court are well-qualified and should continue on the bench. Vote for Gerald Edward Baca and Katherine Anne Wray to remain on the Court of Appeals.

Vote to retain Michael Vigil as state Supreme Court justice and Jane Yohalem as Court of Appeals judge.

Amendments

Three constitutional amendments are up for a vote.

After much discussion, a move to fund early childhood education by removing more money from the state’s Permanent School Fund has made it to the ballot. The constitutional amendment would also make funds available for teachers’ raises, extending the school year and extra instruction for students most at risk for failure. Vote Yes on Amendment 1.

Amendment 2 expands the use of public investment money to pay for water, wastewater, internet and energy services. Vote Yes for Amendment 2.

The third constitutional amendment would require judges to serve at least a year before they are up for election to retain their seats. At times when an office becomes vacant, judges, senators and representatives are appointed soon before an election, giving voters only a short track record to study. This amendment would give judges a pass on having to run for election within a year of being appointed. We urge a No vote on Amendment 3. Sometimes lawmakers must run soon after being appointed; judges do not merit special treatment.

Bonds

We urge a Yes vote on all bond questions, which will not raise taxes.

Question 1 would allow the state to issue some $24 million in bonds to construct, improve and buy equipment for senior citizens’ centers across the state, including in Taos Pueblo, Amalia and Questa.

Bonds for some $19 million for capital expenditures benefiting libraries could be issued if Question 2 passes.

A little over $215 million would go to higher education, special and tribal schools if Bond Question 3 is approved. Vote Yes for our state’s students, including those at the University of New Mexico and its satellite campuses, the School for the Deaf in Santa Fe, Highlands University in Las Vegas and Northern New Mexico College in El Rito and Española.

Gross Receipts Tax

While there are no contested races in this year’s General Election in Taos, voters will see a question about whether to raise the county’s gross receipts tax rate by 0.25 percent to fund county EMS and fire services. Taos Volunteer Fire Department would receive 25 percent of the increase, and 10 percent would go toward fire departments in Questa, Taos Ski Valley and Red River.

While local businesses might flinch at the idea of the increase, we view this as a worthwhile expense to ensure our communities are better protected from the increasing threat of wildfire and able to respond effectively to public health crises, like COVID-19.

How to vote

Election day is Nov. 8 and you may register to vote through Nov. 5. Absentee ballots may be requested by Nov. 3 and are due by mail or in person by election day.

Early voting began Oct. 11 and is available through Nov. 4, 8 a.m.5 p.m. Votes can also be cast early on Nov. 5 between the same hours.

For a list of official voting precincts in Taos County or alternate voting locations, visit taoscounty. org/175/Bureau-of-Elections. The Taos County Clerk’s Office is located at 105 Albright Street, Suite D, in Taos.