LWVCNM Voters’ Guide
Sandoval County Candidates

(updated 10/29/2008)

 

Use the quick links in the Table of Contents to the left or just scroll down the page, to see Candidate Responses.

County Commissioner

Four-year term. Must be at least 18 years old and must be a resident of the district from which elected. The person in this office, together with other members of the County Commission, represents the County and its interests in all cases not otherwise provided for by law, and appoints elections officials to fill vacancies. The commission is responsible for County government budget, county ordinances and resolutions, and zoning and business regulation in unincorporated areas, and sets policy for the operations of County government. Salary Maximum: $22,832.

District 2

Donald Donnie E. Leonard     (Democrat)

Donald Donnie E. Leonard, Democratic Candidate for Sandoval County Commissioner, District 2
  1. Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Commissioner. (65 words)

    Elected 11-4-04 and presently your County Commissioner. The last four years served on many commissions and boards, Charing most-including Sandoval Commission, Juvenile Justice Committee, Mid Region Council of Governments, Economic Development Transition Teams for Governor Richardson and Mayor Martin Chavez, Transportation Task Force for Lt. Governor Denish. These Commissions and Boards have prepared me with even more knowledge that I had before.

  2. What measures are most useful in managing development in the county so that adequate infrastructure and services, including public safety, roads, transportation systems and waste management are available in areas where growth is occurring? (65 words)

    Sandoval County operates on a fiscal year budget, based on projected tax revenues, which address items asked in these questions. Measures other than the budget are grants, legislative funding, federal funding, and partnerships with both public and private entities. These sources of funding as listed help the county to deliver services and projects to the residents of Sandoval County.

  3. How would you, as County Commissioner, balance the demands for economic development and growth with the concern for the environment and our limited resources, particularly water? Please address what, if any, planning and coordination should occur between county and municipal governments. (65 words)

    I will continue to work with county managers, staff, State, Federal and other Governments. Developing economic needs for good paying jobs west of the river while still addressing concerns is high on all agendas. Sandoval County is working on a water desalination project to provide water for the future at a reasonable price. Quality, quantity and price of water is required to spur economic growth.

Kim Rytter     (Republican)

Kim Rytter, Republican Candidate for Sandoval County Commissioner, District 2
  1. Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Commissioner. (65 words)

    A non-profit group known as Close-Up began my political journey with issues and debates while in Washington D.C.; My Property Management experience relates to our county infrastructure plans which consists of a working document for 2010-2014; Chevron Gas Station on Southern and 528 was removed due to hazards within the city upon my request in 2/08; Grant Researcher, Legal representative, Senior Health Care . . . . .

  2. What measures are most useful in managing development in the county so that adequate infrastructure and services, including public safety, roads, transportation systems and waste management are available in areas where growth is occurring? (65 words)

    Our County Planning would agree that Consensus planning is the key to join community and developer ideas onto one page. Next, the County Commissioner must weigh in on the pros and cons to protect their precincts. Our Commission will manage development with resident input on the county infrastructure plans of a 2010-2014 working document. Economically, Rytter will suggest funding alternatives to county bond debt

  3. How would you, as County Commissioner, balance the demands for economic development and growth with the concern for the environment and our limited resources, particularly water? Please address what, if any, planning and coordination should occur between county and municipal governments. (65 words)

    Rytter will place environmental impact on the top of the list. Why? Sandoval County aligned with Mid Region Council of Governments who streamlines county and municipal government planning to benefit state government. As a result, my commission has been controlled by people on boards outside our voting precincts. Meanwhile the water Desalination Plant began in 2/07 this water project will be finished under my commission.

District 4

Juanita S. Martinez     (Democrat)

Juanita S. Martinez, Democratic Candidate for Sandoval County Commissioner, District 4
  1. Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Commissioner. (65 words)

    32 years of experience on the administrative side of education and volunteering in many community and school activities has allowed me to develop skills in areas such as budget, grants and needs of a community.

  2. What measures are most useful in managing development in the county so that adequate infrastructure and services, including public safety, roads, transportation systems and waste management are available in areas where growth is occurring? (65 words)

    The biggest measure is managing the budget that includes both expenditures and revenues. Other needs based on growth require funding from other sources such as grants, private and public partnerships.

  3. How would you, as County Commissioner, balance the demands for economic development and growth with the concern for the environment and our limited resources, particularly water? Please address what, if any, planning and coordination should occur between county and municipal governments. (65 words)

    As a county commissioner I would work closely with other commissioners, county manager, staff and other government entities. It is crucial that we continue to explore ways to develop our environment. Economic development is needed to provide good paying jobs supplied by good clean industry.

Glenn Walters     (Republican)

Glenn Walters, Republican Candidate for Sandoval County Commissioner, District 4
  1. Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Commissioner. (65 words)

    Over 30 years public sector experience in creating efficient and effective government organizations and systems, including 10 years Inspector General oversight capacity experience and 8 years in law enforcement. Served on the Rio Rancho Mayor's Administrative Transition Team and as a Senior Analyst, New Mexico House of Representatives, Education Committee, the last four years. Above all, I can and will, listen to and engage constituents.

  2. What measures are most useful in managing development in the county so that adequate infrastructure and services, including public safety, roads, transportation systems and waste management are available in areas where growth is occurring? (65 words)

    First, a baseline assessment of current basic infrastructure needs such as roadways, drainage systems and waste management must be in place and actions prioritized. Next, it is essential to create smart partnerships with federal, state, municipal governments, county residents and private enterprises to collectively and innovatively manage and solve our growing needs. Measures would include cost factors, project timeliness and gap closure for prioritized actions.

  3. How would you, as County Commissioner, balance the demands for economic development and growth with the concern for the environment and our limited resources, particularly water? Please address what, if any, planning and coordination should occur between county and municipal governments. (65 words)

    I would directly seek and listen to the voice of the community as to their needs, wants and desires. I would also seek input from the County Development Office and the Planning and Zoning Commission. I would continue testing efforts of the viability of the aquifer in the Rio Puerco basin and review how economic development expands the Gross Receipts Tax base from retail sources.

District 5

Darryl F. Madalena     (Democrat)

NO REPLY RECEIVED

Leonard Armijo     (Republican)

Leonard Armijo, Republican Candidate for Sandoval County Commissioner, District 5
  1. Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Commissioner. (65 words)

    Tribal Officer and Law enforcement, three terms Governor which involved gaming issues, policy maker with 4 Businesses entities. Knowledge and experience in over 20 years in government.

  2. What measures are most useful in managing development in the county so that adequate infrastructure and services, including public safety, roads, transportation systems and waste management are available in areas where growth is occurring? (65 words)

    Instrumental in developing Soccer fields and Santa Ana Center as Govenor. Public Safety as New Fire Station developed with Sandoval County agreement, have helped and furnishing transportation as safe ride to disabled persons.

  3. How would you, as County Commissioner, balance the demands for economic development and growth with the concern for the environment and our limited resources, particularly water? Please address what, if any, planning and coordination should occur between county and municipal governments. (65 words)

    Make policies on water issues to promote any and all water in pueblos and surrounding communities.

County Clerk

Four year term. Must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the county from which elected. The Clerk is the ex-officio recorder of Sandoval County and may legally record any document that is certified. The office also issues marriage and occupational licenses. The County Clerk's Bureau of Elections administers all elections in the county. Salary: Approximately $43,000 a year.

Sally G. Padilla     (Democrat)

Sally J. Padilla, Democratic Candidate for Sandoval County Clerk
  1. Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Clerk. (65 words)

    Elected 1982 and 1986-1990 served 30 years as County Clerk. Elected again in 2004. I am up for Re-Election November 2008. 34 years expierence and Knowledge.

  2. What specific actions would you take to ensure that voter registration is efficient and accurate and that the voter rolls are current and correct? (65 words)

    Train all Registrars to correctly help the voter fill thier Registration forms. On line registration not filled out correctly by Voters, Voter should Voter should correct thier address to insure the are registered.

  3. What specific actions would you take to improve voter confidence in the integrity of the election process? (65 words)

    A11 elections are based on State Statues, we comply fully. Registers on line reporting not sufficient information.

Mary O. Kwapich     (Republican)

Mary O. Kwapich, Republican Candidate for Sandoval County Clerk
  1. Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Clerk. (65 words)

    I served from 1999 through 2006 as Probate Judge for Sandoval County. During that time I proved that I have the managerial and people skills necessary to run a service oriented office. When I took over the probate court approximately 60 probates were being filed per year. Due to my abilities when I left office eight years later, approximately 300 probates were being filed.

  2. What specific actions would you take to ensure that voter registration is efficient and accurate and that the voter rolls are current and correct? (65 words)

    I would encourage those organizations registering county voters to turn in their registrations immediately after being filled out, possible on a daily or at the latest weekly basis. Also I do believe that proper training for those registering voters be imposed by the legislature. I really question organizations paying, per name, for registrations. This is another practice that should be looked at by the legislature.

  3. What specific actions would you take to improve voter confidence in the integrity of the election process? (65 words)

    One way to help improve voter confidence is encouraging all political candidates/parties to have trained poll watchers and challengers at all polling places from early, absentee in person and election day voting. Openness of the process will build confidence in our elections. The political parties should encourage high school seniors, 18, and college age voters to sign up as poll workers to learn the . . . . .

County Treasurer

Four year term. Must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the county from which elected. The Treasurer is responsible for collecting property taxes in Bernalillo County and for the supervision and investment of funds. The Treasurer's office collects and distributes property taxes to different government agencies. Salary Maximum: $57,265

Lorraine Dominguez     (Democrat)

Lorraine Dominguez, Democratic Candidate for SAndoval County Treasurer
  1. Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Treasurer. (65 words)

    I have 4 years experience as your Sandoval County Treasurer, 20 years in financial and budgetary supervision, and 30 years in management and leadership. I effectively manage an investment portfolio of over $21,500,000 and collections of approximately $73M annually. I established the first County Investment Committee to oversee and improve banking relationships, investment activity, office procedures, and collections.

  2. If elected, what are your two highest priorities? What specific actions will you take to accomplish them? (65 words)

    I will continue to protect your investments and banking funds so they are secure and accessible through frequent monitoring and oversight by the newly established County Investment Committee. I will continue to collect and distribute property taxes to all government agencies and special districts in a timely manner by complying with State Statutes that govern the administration of the Treasurer's Office and your tax money.

  3. Are improvements needed at the County Treasurer's office? If so, how would you address these needs if elected Treasurer? (65 words)

    In 2006, Internet thieves tried to steal approximately $242,000 of taxpayer money, but newly implemented procedures prevented the loss of these funds. Internal computer security controls will continue to be monitored and updated and standard operating procedures will continue to be enforced and revised as needed. The staff will continue to receive computer, financial, and customer service training to maintain quality taxpayer services and accountability.

Charles D. Mellon     (Republican)

Charles D. Mellon, Republican Candidate for SAndoval County Treasurer
  1. Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Treasurer. (65 words)

    An individual seeking the office of County Treasurer should have a history that demonstrates public trust. I am a licensed physician, a former university professor, and a former assistant medical director for the Department of Corrections - all vetted positions of public trust. I have financial and managerial skills honed from operating a medical practice, running small busineses, and managing Federal and private research grants.

  2. If elected, what are your two highest priorities? What specific actions will you take to accomplish them? (65 words)

    My highest priority is to bring transparency to the County Treasurer's office. The goal is to post online the item by item expenditures of the county government so that any interested citizen could review them. The second goal is to bring a "proactive" attitude to the office with the goal of informing the County Commission and public about pending financial issues before they become problems.

  3. Are improvements needed at the County Treasurer's office? If so, how would you address these needs if elected Treasurer? (65 words)

    Yes. There needs to be an attitude of frugality. The treasurer should serve as a safeguard of the taxpayer's money. My first three acts in office would set the tone. I would refuse the use of a county vehicle. I would not travel at taxpayers expense and I would freeze the number of employee positions in the Treasurer's office for the duration of my term.


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