Early voting for the 2020 general election is underway through Oct. 31, and Election Day is Nov. 3. For more information, visit sandovalcountynm.gov and click on “2020 Election Information” under “Quick Links.”
The Observer asked candidates running for Sandoval County offices and state legislative seats representing southern Sandoval County to answer a list of questions. We share answers here.
Answers were not edited, and were held to a strict word limit.
John Stahlman Clark, Republican
Community of residence: Placitas
John Stahlman Clark
Education: BA, Political Science – University of Northern Colorado
Professional and political experience: Business owner and resident of Sandoval County for 27 years with 10 years prior corporate Sales and Marketing experience. Served as legislative intern for Colorado State Senator, Al Meiklejohn.
Have you ever been charged with a felony or DWI? No
How can people reach you if they have questions? Email: [email protected]
1. What restrictions or requirements should the state government be allowed to enact in public-health emergencies, and what should be the procedure for enacting them?
Bipartisan participation needs to be implemented during times of crisis. Governor’s power must be held in check and public-health orders should be regulated by the legislature. When businesses are at risk of closing during a public health order, we must have legislation in place to compensate these businesses. The state legislature should implement laws that would protect the people and the economy from government over-reach in times of crisis. There must be objective oversight and prevention plans in place that will ensure that our state is healthy, both physically and fiscally.
2. What, if any, changes should be made to funding and regulation for law enforcement in New Mexico?
We need to protect the funding of our law enforcement, which includes supporting qualified immunity. In order to improve public safety and mitigate crime, I would support increasing funding to local governments so that they can build up their police departments in order to combat rising crime. Public safety is a huge concern of New Mexicans, and we can’t afford to succumb to pressures to defund the police. Instead, we need to give our crime fighters the tools they need to keep us safe, which will lower the crime rate and encourage our people and businesses to stay here, and bring more people and businesses to our state.
3. What, if anything, should be done about the issues of racism and racial equality in New Mexico?
We live in a beautifully culturally diverse state, which is the glue that makes our state so special – aka “The Land of Enchantment”. I believe New Mexicans embrace our diversity very well, and practice repelling racial inequities. That is what makes New Mexican’s so special, and we must continue to be a cohesive people to ensure that all New Mexicans remain equal.
4. What should be done to help New Mexico’s economy recover from the pandemic?
The pandemic has caused unprecedented damage to our state on every level. It is imperative to use prudence in re-opening our state, securing our economy, and ensuring the safety of all people. It is unrealistic to foresee all angles of mitigation, however, we can safely re-open all businesses and schools 100% as soon as possible, and increase testing to ensure the safety of all. If you shut-down the economy, you’ll flatline the heartbeat of our state.
5. What are your views on universal health care?
Government run programs have a deficient track record, and I don’t believe that healthcare is a program that government can handle effectively and efficiently. If government manages our healthcare, it is likely that it will be run like the US Postal Service, and the quality will drastically be reduced. And besides, the legislature did a study on universal health care, and it was not financially feasible to implement. Healthcare costs are rising, and I believe that the quickest and most effective way to correct the situation is to introduce nationwide competition which will help lower costs while preserving the quality of health care.
6. What would be your top priorities in the upcoming legislative session?
To assist in the development of a realistic balanced budget without increasing taxes, stimulate the economy, create jobs and grow businesses, revamp and improve education, address health care/insurance concerns, improve land & water infrastructure; mitigate the crime problem, and write policies that protect and put New Mexican’s first while defending our U.S. Constitutional rights and ensuring safety and security for all New Mexicans.
Brenda Grace Agoyothé McKenna, Democrat
Community of residence: Corrales
Brenda Grace Agoyothé McKenna
Education: M.S., Organization Development, Central Washington University; B.A., Psychology, Syracuse University
Professional and political experience: Presently, I serve as a Field Representative for Congresswoman Deb Haaland and a volunteer coordinator for the Nanbé-Tewa Language Revitalization Program.
Have you ever been charged with a felony or DWI? No.
How can people reach you if they have questions? [email protected] / 505.263.7553
1. What restrictions or requirements should the state government be allowed to enact in public-health emergencies, and what should be the procedure for enacting them?
Public health emergencies necessitate rapid responses. The global pandemic we are experiencing requires we heed what medical experts and scientists advise us to do to minimize further incidents of the coronavirus. This means we use a face mask when we are in public and follow health precautions to help speed when NM businesses can open without fearing further outbreaks.
2. What, if any, changes should be made to funding and regulation for law enforcement in New Mexico?
I encourage law enforcement to examine public complaints and determine what performance gaps may exist with communications, operations, and training. Everyone needs to be accountable for their actions.
3. What, if anything, should be done about the issues of racism and racial equality in New Mexico?
The state legislature’s role in addressing racism is through effective public policy. A good model is how public schools are funded in New Mexico. Students with the highest need receive increased funding. That’s how New Mexico should make policy decisions—assisting those communities with the highest need first to reduce disparities.
4. What should be done to help New Mexico’s economy recover from the pandemic?
NM small businesses need to have resources and support because of the effects of the pandemic. NM must diversify its economy. New Mexico has so many strengths that we can turn into job and revenue drivers, such as ecotourism and outdoor recreation; local foods and agriculture (including cannabis and hemp); and clean, renewable energy.
5. What are your views on universal health care?
I strongly support universal healthcare. Positive health outcomes should not be dependent upon one’s ability to pay for essential and life-threatening procedures. We can start by recruiting more primary care physicians to our state and lowering the cost of prescription drugs.
6. What would be your top priorities in the upcoming legislative session?
I support assisting our small businesses; advocating for fully funding education (including the disability community) and healthcare; diversifying our economy by expanding renewable energy, legalizing cannabis; and supporting broadband and infrastructure projects.
