(updated 10/30/2008)
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 Range: $18,559 - $21,235
Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Commissioner. (65 words)
There is really no preparation in any field of work. It all basically comes from work experience. All my training has been hands on. My ability is to work with the people in solving issues and succeeding together as a community. 25 years working experience: manager for three restaurants and State of New Mexico - currently with District Attorney of Valencia County.
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)
It is imperative that the County work in unison with the county municipalities to coordinate projects in every aspect of all issues such as transportation, roads and waste management. The county must explore the implementation of impact fees upon new devetopment to fund the needs in these areas, with the understanding that public safety is the primary duty of the County Commission.
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)
Any community to succeed and continue to exist must grow. How the county manages that growth is the measure that will judge how successful we will be in the future. Economic development is extremely important to Valencia County to create jobs that pay a living wage because of its growth. It is important that all entities cooperate and work together to achieve common priorities.
Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Commissioner. (65 words)
The experience I relied on in running for Office is my 30 years of experience in the Land Title business, the last 24 being owner of my own title companies in Valencia and Cibola Counties. I am the current County Commissioner. The first term has taken me through all phases of the workings of County government. I have seen what is efficient and what isn't.
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)
Growth occurs. Period. You try to manage it by adhering to established zoning and land use criteria set forth in County regulations. These criteria should have environmental and resource protective considerations already built in. The increase in services for growth never keeps up because funding is always behind the growth curve. You try and recognize the most needy and direct the limited funding in that . . . . .
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)
The incorporated areas of the County require developers to provide resources such as water for development approval. As new growth fills in the County and Municipality's open areas, joint planning and coordination will have to occur to consolidate the needed services and resources. There should be several Albuquerque/Bernalillo County models of such coordination available to be relied on when the time comes.
Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Commissioner. (65 words)
I believe that a hands on experience dealing with government administration is the best tool that an elected official can utilize. I spent 4 years serving first as a city councilman in my district, learning and dealing with the problems a municipality faces. I served this district 14 years as a state legislator, and 4 years as county commissioner.
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)
Serving as a State Legislator, which much was in the area of public financing and transportation issues, learning the process and how to assist County government. I currently am finishing my 4th year as County Commissioner in the same district. This experience gives me the well rounded hands on experience dealing with the issues of the County Commission.
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)
Long term planning to protect the green belt and provide adequate transportation, and requiring developers to provide water rights and infrastructure on new developments. The city and county must work to ensure common services, such as land fills, water and sewer projects county wide.
Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Commissioner. (65 words)
I have served the General public for over 20 years and did so as both a soldier and civilian. I believe that I was created for this particular task. I can bring order to the chaos which currently exist.
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)
Cooperation. Our leaders need to stop fighting among themselves. It's time for teamwork. It's time that our leaders begin treating the voting public as clients not as subjects.
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 believe that an agreement between the governing bodies that all new commercial and residential projects be enviromentaly safe and only those companies who have established this be used.
Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Commissioner. (65 words)
I am a self-employed business owner for the last 23 years in Valencia County. I feel that my knowledge and experience in this area will enable me to be a good, well rounded county commissioner.
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)
Guidelines must be implemented for the current needs before allowing more large scale development in an already stressed and thinly stretched infrastructure.
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)
Water is a very precious resource as we all are well aware. Therefore, Valencia County needs to follow the master plan and ensure our water is being monitored and protected Coordination between the governments should be a given when it comes to our precious resources.
Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Commissioner. (65 words)
Village of Bosque Farms Councilor, 4 years; Attended Albuquerque Business College; Certified Municipal Official; Los Lunas High School Graduate; Business Co-Owner; Seminars Attended: Governor Richardson's Task Force on Ethics Reform; Municipal Law; Open Meetings Act; Municipal Financing; Lobbying; Media Relations; Leading by Values; Land use Law; Governance and Governing; Human Resources; Risk Management; Promoting Civility at Public Meetings; Parliamentary Procedure; Public Records
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)
A site plan should be in place for each development and a Master Plan in place for entire growing area. These plans should include possible population growth, traffic studies, emergency evacuation, water/sewer, utilities, road network, adequate road construction handling waste management and public transportation. With this study in place the Commission would have the knowledge to provide adequate infrastructure, services and public safety.
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)
Environmentally sound, safe economic development is a must! Non-water polluting, low water usage businesses would be attractive for our County. Economic development does provide services our citizens deserve, such as roads, police, fire, animal control, etc., but balance must exist. Along with public input, I'll make informed / educated decisions. Partnership with municipalities in planning economic/ population growth, and resource preservation, especially water, is positive.
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: $46,550 a year.
UNOPPOSED
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: $46,550 a year.
Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Treasurer. (65 words)
I am currently the Chief Deputy Treasurer (10 years). I have never run for office, but I have worked on campaigns for six County Treasurer's. I have participated in the annual budget conference and principles of governmental accounting, spring budget workshop, Department of Finance and Administration, (Local Government Division).
If elected, what are your two highest priorities? What specific actions will you take to accomplish them? (65 words
The county's population growth. The explosion in new and current real/personal property assessments. There will be a tremendous demand on county services. Under my leadership, my staff will need to collect all taxes in a timely fashion so that the county maintains a realistic budget and time effective disbursements.
Are improvements needed at the County Treasurer's office? If so, how would you address these needs if elected Treasurer? (65 words)
By expanding the delinquent mobile home collection division. I would also create staffing specifically for the purpose of researching the delinquent taxes. With our ongoing and cooperative efforts from the state, we would positively impact our current delinquencies. This group will be committed to full time delinquent collections. I would like to get our office set up so that the taxpayers can make payments online.
Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you for the office of County Treasurer. (65 words)
I was a Comptroller for over 10 years, managing the accounting, human resources and data processing departments. I was also responsible for administering insurance, 401(k) plans, and government contract bidding… all of which require the strict adherence of details, as does the Treasurers position
If elected, what are your two highest priorities? What specific actions will you take to accomplish them? (65 words
My two highest priorities are providing the best service to our citizens and providing the best possible cash flow for the county. In addition to the good customer service we currently have, I will work to bring citizens access via the internet. I will address cash flow issues by vigorously addressing issues affecting tax collection and insuring county money is invested wisely, ethically and profitably.
Are improvements needed at the County Treasurer's office? If so, how would you address these needs if elected Treasurer? (65 words)
Any office can be improved. I will bring fresh eyes to the Treasurer's office, not simply accepting procedures because "that is the way we always did it". That said, I will not change for the sake of change. I will look at the office objectively and make changes where they will improve service, efficiency or reduce costs to the county.