Sandoval County primary election 2020: NM Senate District 22, NM House District 23, 57, 44, 60

New Mexico’s primary election is Tuesday.

The Observer asked candidates for Sandoval County offices and New Mexico Legislature seats representing Sandoval County to complete questionnaires explaining their priorities, qualifications and views on topics in the public eye.

Candidates were held to a 450-word limit. If responses surpassed that limit, the answers were cut from the bottom until they were 450 words long. Otherwise, responses were not edited.

Candidates in this edition have no primary opposition, but may have an opponent in the general election in November. For candidates with primary opposition, check the May 24 Observer or visit rrobserver.com.

Editor’s notes: Incumbent Benny Shendo Jr. is running unopposed in the Democrat primary for New Mexico Senate District 22. He did not return a questionnaire.

Also, Republican incumbent Craig Brandt is running unopposed in the primary and general elections for the District 40 New Mexico Senate seat. He did not return a questionnaire.

 

NM Senate District 22

Republican

Susan Aguayo

Residence: Rio Rancho

Past and present occupation(s): I have worked in the following positions:

• Current: CEO & Founder of Kassy’s Kause, a non-profit focused on breaking the silence on perinatal depression.
• Owner of a Mary Kay business for 20 years.
• Administrative Assistant in the Special Services Department of Comsewogue School District, New York.
• Collections Official for Child Protective Services, Department of Social Services, Suffolk County, New York.

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or DWI charge?

No.

What will your top priorities be if elected?

When elected, my top priorities will be mental health and education. For mental health, I will focus on initiatives to help fight perinatal depression and broader maternal mental health issues, including their impact on children. On education, I want to focus on helping all students gain the tools they need to be independent individuals when they graduate. A New Mexico high school diploma should bring with it a guarantee that the student who earned it has at least one sellable skill, such as coding or welding.

Why should you be elected to this position?

I should be elected to this position because I am not a politician. I am a wife, mother and grandmother who has seen and been impacted by changes in our community since I moved here almost two decades ago. I can relate to what ordinary people in our community need and can be their voice.

What should be done to help the nation recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and on what timeline?

The national government should focus on helping businesses that have suffered lost income by extending relief to them through loans, long-term tax credits and by other means. States do not have the capacity to do this. Nationally, there should be a phased but expeditious reopening that focuses on properly balancing economic, sociological and public health concerns.

What, if anything, should the state do to prepare for the possibility of future pandemics? At the state level, we need to stay optimistic that a vaccine will be developed. Until then, we have to recognize that economic activity must be restored in order to provide taxes and fund basic needs, so an expeditious phased reopening is necessary. Simultaneously, the state needs to focus on having a widespread testing program, like Korea has done: The state needs to prioritize having the best testing machines, personnel and tests available. We need to prioritize testing, hopefully immunizing and generally caring for the elderly and those with immune disorders.

What should be done about the state’s budget shortfall?

Due to the impact of COVID-19 on both sources and uses of state funds, as well as the drop in oil-related revenue, we don’t even know how big the budget shortfall will be. We just know it will either be huge or catastrophic. Unless the federal government fills the gap, all non-essential government services, including construction projects and recent program expansions, need to be re-evaluated. All options need to be on the table.

What should be done about education in New Mexico?

Educational budgets in New Mexico and across the country are sucked up by ever-expanding administrative expenses. We need to

 

NM House District 23

Democrat

Daymon Ely

Residence: Corrales for 33 years.

Past and present occupation: Attorney.

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or DWI charge?

No.

What will your top priorities be if elected?

To ensure New Mexicans safety and economic vitality.

Why should you be elected to this position?

I have tried to work towards bi-partisan solutions.  I was the sponsor in the house of the ethics commission, conservator/guardianship reform and criminal justice reform.  All were signed into law with overwhelming support from both parties.  The solutions to our pandemic should be similarly approached.

What should be done to help the nation recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and on what timeline?

The Governor has done an excellent job on public health and we should support her in this effort.  The economy is just as important, and our focus during the session should be on working for families and small businesses — the backbone of New Mexico’s economy.

New Mexico is facing an almost unique choice:  (1) do nothing and watch our economy sink into a depression; or (2) use a modest amount of our substantial permanent funds (that few states have) and ameliorate the worst of the coming economic downtown.  New Mexico is going to be hit hard.  We rely on energy and tourism.  Both are not coming back anytime soon.  We will have to substantially cut the budget but, if we do nothing else, we are likely to see close to 20% in unemployment, a tremendous increase in homelessness and possibly another exodus from the state.  On the other hand, New Mexico is one of only 7 states with substantial resources to help with this crisis.  In the current budget we put aside 26% of our revenues into 5 temporary funds.  This amounted to almost $1.9 billion.  In addition, we have 2 permanent funds which total approximately $20 billion.  If we use even a modest amount of those funds to shore up the budget, support business (and their employees) and re-build an economy for the future, we can come out stronger than any state in the union.

What, if anything, should the state do to prepare for the possibility of future pandemics?

Let’s start with a loan to grant program created by the federal government with the payroll protection act.  Only this time, we will seek out those business by-passed by the federal government and get those businesses back on their feet.  Then we can start working on the future by obtaining reliable and comprehensive internet service for all New Mexicans, which will allow us to “lift all boats”.  This will help with education, health care services and business.  In the 1930s (during the Great Depression), the government provided electricity to rural communities.  It jump-started a recovery that lasted for decades.  The time is now — let’s provide the infrastructure for innovation and will finally move New Mexico to where is should be — in the forefront of science and technology.

What should be done about the state’s budget shortfall?

The only thing we can do — cuts to the budget.

What should be done about education in New Mexico?

Focus on science, technology and trades.

 

Republican

Audrey D. Mendonca-Trujillo

Residence: Village of Corrales

Past and present occupation(s): self employed, small business owner

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or DWI charge?

No

What will your top priorities be if elected?

I would like to rescind any unconstitutional laws including those that infringe on our second amendment rights. I would also like to eliminate the social security tax on our seniors. Another top priority of mine is to create legislation that would incentivize more businesses to our state and prioritize New Mexican employment. I would also like to pass the heartbeat act and make sure that HB51 the proposed bill that eliminates a moral clause never passes.

Why should you be elected to this position?

As a life long Stewart; activist and servant to our community, I believe along with my education and experience, I would serve my communities needs better than any other candidate.  I am passionate for our people and will stand up for their rights and liberties.  I am a Defender of our Constitution.

What should be done to help the nation recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and on what timeline?

I believe that shutting the economy down and isolating healthy people who are willing to work was the biggest mistake this country made. We should protect the most vulnerable people but the strong must continue to work and keep the economy going. Open up the country and allow the healthy to work!

What, if anything, should the state do to prepare for the possibility of future pandemics?

The state needs to first if all allow the strong to work and protect the health compromised or weak. We should never, ever isolate the healthy and deprive them of life, and liberty.

What should be done about the state’s budget shortfall?

We should fiscally be responsible and cut the budget costs that are unnecessary such as the secretary cabinet raises and focus on what is essential based on necessity. (Pun intended)

What should be done about education in New Mexico?

We need to stop throwing money at the problem and allow teachers to do their jobs and teach! Teachers are professionals and should be treated and paid as professionals. Common core should be use as a tool but should not be mandated by the state government.  The positive impact a teacher has on a child has no boundaries and each teacher should be given the opportunity to perform their duties as they have been trained to do. I would also like the money budgeted to schools be audited by an outside source and the high paid unnecessary jobs be eliminated. The money distribution should be focused in the classrooms and the needs of the teachers to do their duties. Wasted dollars on frivolous positions and rent cost for buildings that are almost empty should be cut and redirected to fund shortfalls of staffing teachers, libraries, and school districts needs.

 

NM House District 57

Democrat

Billie Ann Helean

Residence: Northern Meadows, Rio Rancho

Occupation: I am currently an elementary school teacher with 30 combined years in corporate administration, small business ownership, and teaching.

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or DWI charge?

When I was 22 I was arrested in another state for driving under the influence of alcohol. I took full responsibility for my mistake, pleaded guilty, and immediately paid the fine. I haven’t driven under the influence of any substance since, and now advocate against DUI.

What will your top priorities be if elected?

First, I will continue work already begun on education. In the next session we’ll need to address a budget shortfall because of these economically trying times, but the shortfall should not be fixed at the expense of our children. Second, I will address infrastructure needs in our community, especially the need for additional broadband access. Third, I will encourage transparency in our government so that my neighbors can be confident that they know what’s happening in state government, such as with capital outlay spending in the district.

Why should you be elected to this position?

As a teacher I see the needs of the families in our community every day in my classroom. I have also had thousands of conversations with voters. I hear what families need, and I want to work to address those needs. I will lead with compassion and a willingness to listen.

What should be done to help the nation recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and on what timeline?

At the state level I would like to help support the work the Governor and her Cabinet already started, and support the work they have planned for recovery. The virus dictates the timing to some degree, but I think we’re on the right track with a slow opening beginning in Mid-May, with gradual release based upon the virus data.

What, if anything, should the state do to prepare for the possibility of future pandemics?

We must diversify our economy so that we aren’t held captive to the oil industry’s wild swings. We must invest in infrastructure, particularly in rural communities, so that working and schooling from home are more practical.

What should be done about the state’s budget shortfall?

We must elect someone who is ready to make smart, careful choices to address the $1.2 billion shortfall expected in fiscal year 2022. We have nearly the same amount in unspent 2019 capital outlay funds that could be swept back. We are in a great position, though, with our reserves (our so-called “Rainy Day Fund”) that could be tapped to address this fiscal crisis.

What should be done about education in New Mexico?

We must invest in early childhood education so students come to school with the tools they need to succeed. Because every student is not necessarily college-bound I will work to bring vocational opportunities back into our schools, so that we are preparing students to do work that is lucrative, fits their ambition, and is important to the community. And, finally, we must keep our best and brightest teachers by paying salaries that match that of similarly degreed professionals.

 

Republican

Jason C. Harper

Residence: Rio Rancho

Past and present occupation(s): Research Engineer at Sandia National Labs, 2004-present

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or DWI charge?

No

What will your top priorities be if elected?

Jobs!  Imagine more high-quality jobs that give parents the time to help kids with homework, and have resources for enrichment activities, instead of just putting food on the table.

Roads!  For businesses to locate here, we need another major connecting road. Let’s connect to I-40 by developing Paseo Del Volcan.

Schools!  Rio Rancho Public Schools, while top-ranked in performance, is dead last in funding. I will fight for our fair share of education dollars.

Why should you be elected to this position?

I’m not a transplant—I grew up here, married my high school sweetheart, and now we’re raising our four children here.  I know firsthand how important it is to fix our roads, create good jobs, fight crime, and improve our classrooms. As a research scientist, I know how to analyze problems and find practical solutions.  And I’m not a politician—I’m a husband and a dad.

What should be done to help the nation recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and on what timeline?

As a Ph.D. research scientist, working with infectious diseases, I supported the early efforts of our Governor and President for social distancing, staying at home as much as possible, and practicing extra-good hygiene. The goal was to provide more time to prepare, both with medical supplies, and with understanding the virus. And we did it!  It’s time to carefully re-open. We can continue flattening the curve and still be fair, respecting constitutional rights.

What, if anything, should the state do to prepare for the possibility of future pandemics?

To be better prepared, we need to put our fiscal house in order. Although financial studies show that our budget can only safely grow 4% each year, the majority in control passed a 20% increase in the past two years! I sounded the alarm the last two budget cycles, proposing plans that would not increase your taxes and would not count on unreliable oil prices. But it fell on the majority’s deaf ears.

What should be done about the state’s budget shortfall?

Government should live within its means, just like every responsible family. The latest news is that the majority in control wants to pass unprecedented tax hikes and take money out of your pocket to pay for their mistakes. But many New Mexicans have endured heartbreaking losses:  lost jobs — more than 90,000 unemployment claims recently, medical expenses, and many are struggling to just keep their pantry stocked. You can’t get blood from a turnip.

What should be done about education in New Mexico?

Here’s what I’ve accomplished so far: tripled funding for early childhood programs. Kept graduation requirements from changing mid-stream.  Restored P.E. credit for marching band and JROTC. Crafted the Lottery Scholarship rescue bill to keep it afloat and self-sufficient. Kept the Lottery Authority from raiding the Lottery Scholarship, and I’m fighting efforts to take the scholarship away from hard working middle-class families. For teachers, I drove meaningful changes to the teacher evaluation system to stop penalizing them for taking sick leave.

 

NM House District 44

Democrat

Gary Tripp

Residence: Rio Rancho

Past and present occupation(s):

Teacher/Coach Administrator, Moriarty Public Schools

Assistant Principal/Principal, Rio Rancho High School

New Mexico Activities Association Executive Director

T’siya Day School (Zia Pueblo) Principal

Rio Rancho Public Schools, Chief of Staff

Cooperative Educational Services, HR Director

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or DWI charge?

No

What will your top priorities be if elected?

Education, Public Safety, the Economy, Environment

Why should you be elected to this position?

I have experience in leadership within tribal, rural, and urban communities, managing budgets, and have always considered all of my colleagues’ voices throughout the various levels of the organization.

Strengthening education is my priority. As a lifelong educator, I believe career-tech programs are critical in our middle and high schools. It is also essential to have competitive salaries for attracting and retaining high-quality teachers. I also support community-wide Early Childhood Education accessibility.

Resources for our public safety officials is pertinent to keeping our district safe. I support funding for mental health resources and professional development for our first responders to ensure their well-being.

I have been a leader during times of growth and financial stress. At the NMAA, I inherited and eliminated a large budget deficit.  I did this through fiscal responsibility and innovative new practices, leaving over a million dollars in reserves.

I will protect our District from fracking, and will promote NM as a green energy leader to create jobs and economic development.

What should be done to help the nation recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and on what timeline?

Number one: a vaccine. The economic losses are horrible, but COVID-19 is a medical issue.  We must adhere to medical expertise and move methodically. It is vital to unite as a community and support our local businesses.

What, if anything, should the state do to prepare for the possibility of future pandemics?

A bipartisan committee of experts from medicine, science, public health, education and business must collaborate on a pandemic development strategic plan. All of our communities should have clean water, electricity and broadband. The plans must be as diverse as needed for New Mexico communities.

What should be done about the state’s budget shortfall?

We need to look at the Land Grant Permanent Fund. Second, we should prudently use available reserves.  Third, identify what can be trimmed or cut, with the least harm for our most vulnerable.  Fourth, consider legalizing recreational marijuana, and explore other ideas for raising revenue fairly. Sadly, balancing the COVID-19 impacted budget will be one of the most difficult challenges our government has ever faced.

What should be done about education in New Mexico?

Education can improve with a financial literacy curriculum for adults and children, and access to early childhood education in our communities. District money must go towards students needs, higher salaries for teachers and other educational professionals.  I plan to form collaborations with businesses to strengthen career-tech programs. Additionally, we need to offer incentives to large-scale industries to recruit our graduates into good jobs as well as offer incentives to our graduates to stay and work in NM.

 

Libertarian

Jeremy Myers

Residence: Rio Rancho

Past and present occupation(s): IT Data Professional

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or DWI charge?

No

What will your top priorities be if elected?

States have the power through the 10th Amendment and Defend the Guard Legislation to protect their national guard units against service in unconstitutional (undeclared) wars.  This will help end America’s costly and counterproductive neo-empire and bring peace and prosperity and curb out of control spending.

Champion natural rights

Curb all wasteful and non-productive spending

Why should you be elected to this position?

Electing me will help the momentum of much needed libertarian insights to achieve unprecedented freedom, peace and prosperity.  Even if not elected, I will continue to promote the incredible body of fresh libertarian ideas to resolve our most vexing political problems.  I refer the reader to the Mises Institute, FEE, Cato Institute, Future of Freedom and the Libertarian Institute for further reading, viewing, or listening.

What should be done to help the nation recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and on what timeline?

Those 70 and over should voluntarily self quarantine until evidence shows that they are not at risk.  Those 50 and over with serious medical issues also.  The healthy young and middle-aged folks should voluntarily follow best practices but should immediately begin working and schooling again.

What, if anything, should the state do to prepare for the possibility of future pandemics?

Learn from the experience.  Nullify CDC and FDA restrictions (See Robert Higgs insightful book critiquing the FDA).  South Korea promoted high volume production of private sector affordable tests while the US floundered in unproductive bureaucracy.  Masks can be effective.  Don’t shut down the economy next time since it will likely cost more lives than the virus.  Senior care facilities including staff should be sequestered in place.  Staff should be paid overtime preferably from private donations.

What should be done about the state’s budget shortfall?

Reopening the economy is the first step. We must cut all unnecessary spending.  Cutting government causes society to flourish.  At the End of WWII the economy boomed when millions of government employees (soldiers and others) were happily laid off and flooded the private sector.

What should be done about education in New Mexico?

Allow as much choice and freedom as possible.  Cut out waste and superfluous spending.  Free teachers and students from onerous required testing. In the long run an entirely privatized educational system should replace public schools.  Nullify the power of the federal Department of Education in NM.  Federal regulations are counter-productive and enormously expensive to comply with.  Teachers educate —  not bureaucrats in Washington or Santa Fe.  Teaching should be competitive and lucrative.  Technology allows for incredibly economical and revolutionary educational models.  Think outside of the box of tradition and strangling government limitations.  The market would reward high performing teachers and incentivize mediocre and poor performers to improve or change professions.  I’ve learned far more online from the Mises Institute at no financial cost to me or to taxpayers than what I have learned in my formal secondary or collegiate education at great cost to taxpayers and to myself.

 

Republican

Jane E. Powdrell-Culbert

Residence:  Corrales

Past and present occupation(s): Present:  Training Consultant. Past:  Center Director, City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Dept.; Education Coordinator, Albuquerque Police Department (17 years); Account Executive, Competitive Edge Advertising Agency;   Small Business Development Trainer, SBA Contract; Director, NM Commission on the Status of Women; and NRA  Assistant Manager, Eddie Eagle Children’s Gun Safety Program.

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or DWI charge?

No.

What will your top priorities be if elected?

Top Priorities: 1. Continue to work to address infrastructure (highway and bridge issues). 2. Continue to address the concerns of education, and small business in District 44 and statewide. 3. Work with legislative members to stop intrusive legislation affecting constituents personally and businesses financially.

Why should you be elected to this position?

Serve District 44, (Rio Rancho,Town of Bernalillo and Corrales), Theme: “Focusing on What We Have In Common” for almost 18 years. Understand the needs of the District and addresses some of the important concerns. School Security; Education Funding; Pre- School to College; Presbyterian Rusk and UNM Hospitals; Municipal Investment and Bond Legislation; Courts and Law Enforcement Funding; Government Center Development and Funding; Domestic Violence Shelter Funding; Highway 550 Funding; and Improvement Senior Services to mention a few.

What should be done to help the nation recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and on what timeline?

All businesses must reopen safely and employees must return to work within the next two months. Unemployment compensation cannot address the cost of living for many families in New Mexico and the nation.

What, if anything, should the state do to prepare for the possibility of future pandemics?

Spoke to many business owners and individuals; there biggest concern is notification of business closures. They prefer a seven day notification implementation and a primary point-of-contact at these departments — Health, Senior Services, and Education.

What should be done about the state’s budget shortfall?

Prioritize and reduce all state agency budgets by 4 percent. Identify all funds that have not been re-authorized and swept back into the state’s budget.

What should be done about education in New Mexico?

New Mexico is among top states per student spending. We are finally providing good salaries for teachers. Implement accountability standards for all schools, and requireparental or guardian participation to insure student success. Our world of education has been shaken by the COVID-19 and many changes have occurred; however due to these changes, the focus must be on distance learning. All health and safety precautions must be in place to provide a quality learning environment for both students and teachers in every school district.

 

NM House District 60

Republican

Tim Lewis

Residence: Rio Rancho

Past and present occupation(s): Teacher

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or DWI charge?

No

What will your top priorities be if elected?

My #1 priority will be to fight for a balanced and responsible approach to protecting both the health of New Mexicans and the economic livelihoods of small business owners and workers.   We must get our economy moving again and not rely, as currently, on a one size fits all reopening approach for the entire state. We need to give graduating students opportunities to stay in New Mexico or we will continue to see too many of our best and brightest leave for better economic opportunities.  Finally, we should keep spending increases to sustainable levels and not raise taxes.

Why should you be elected to this position?

I believe my experience and knowledge in how the Legislature works, plus my commonsense philosophy based on traditional New Mexico values is perfectly suited for House District 60.

What should be done to help the nation recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and on what timeline?

We need to lessen the influence of government “expert” officials and let the American people use their energy and creativity in rebuilding small businesses that can provide jobs and economic opportunity.  As President Reagan once said, “government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem” and that truism still holds true today to a large extent.  We need to recommit ourselves to the free market, capitalistic principles that helped create the greatest economy the world has ever known and reject the notion that socialism and bigger government is the answer.  Restore the basic civil liberties of our people, and we will prosper as we did prior to the pandemic.

What, if anything, should the state do to prepare for the possibility of future pandemics?

We need to make certain there are sufficient medical supplies and medicines available in storage and that can quickly be given to hospitals and medical professionals in case another public health crisis occurs.

What should be done about the state’s budget shortfall?

The New Mexico Legislature increased spending by 20 percent over the past two years. This was reckless and unsustainable.  To fix the expected budget shortfall we need to select true budget priorities and utilize taxpayers’ money to improve services that New Mexicans really need and want, rather than using taxpayers’ money to curry favor with special interests.  I will also oppose raising taxes as New Mexico must encourage greater job creation and more economic opportunities for our young people. I am confident we can solve our budget problems without increasing the tax burden on hard working New Mexicans.

What should be done about education in New Mexico?

It is time to enact public education reform in New Mexico rather than throwing money at the problem. While I support strong funding for education, unless we truly focus on education outcomes and at-risk communities, those dollars will never be fully utilized. It is time we provide real financial incentives for public schools to improve student performance and encourage teachers to improve their skills throughout the summer and the school year.