Represents a district in the New Mexico State Senate, which has 42 members. In odd-numbered years, the legislature meets for 60 days; in even-numbered years, it meets for 30 days. The Governor may call for special sessions. Senators sponsor and vote on “reasonable and appropriate laws,” represent the constituents of their districts, and serve on legislative committees. Positions are unpaid, except for per diem expenses. Elected for a four-year term.
Campaign Phone
505-900-1841
Occupation
Physician, Physician Executive, State Senator
4 year incumbent; mother was chair of League of Women voters for state of Illinois and home town multiple times; on legislature fully experienced in all aspects of healthcare and its financing and inter-relationships; 40 years as Physician Executive and CEO of health systems, hospitals, medical groups and health plans
Mental health and addiction; crisis in medical provider shortage (I started the Medicaid payment increases and will continue to pursue); economic development for better paying jobs.
Not my area of expertise but a lot of research into what is practical and doable
Build and staff rehab facilities and housing with case management while “patients” are in ambulatory programs; supplement addiction treatment with professional mental intervention.
Increase pay for police and prosecutors and judges, encourage police to finish college degree and provide scholarships.
All
Must do this as oil and gas revenues will flatten by 2032. Only way is economic development, investment via state partnership, etc which result in much better paying jobs. must also address education, crime and now lack of medical care.
Our current structure has enhanced the “Appalation” of New Mexico. We will continue to be dead in the water unless we have a full time legislature that is paid with full committee and legislator staffing. Executive has proven over decades that it is incapable of developing and executing on New Mexico’s issues. It must come from the legislature.
Campaign Phone
505-350-2243
Occupation
Mechanical Engineer
I am a small business owner with 24 years operating an engineering firm in New Mexico. I have worked in all parts of the state and understand its diverse people and cultures.
My top priorities for my role as senator is working with others in my party and across the aisle to introduce bills on housing and tax reform. The state does not have enough affordable housing for its citizens and the current tax climate in NM is detrimental to small business.
NM has a limited water supply and careful usage and re-use measures must be reviewed and moved forward. In addition, our state has many deep water aquifers but are too salty to use with out treatment. We need to utilize this water and recharge existing aquifers for continued reuse. This will need broad support from the legislature and the state engineers office.
Public safety is paramount to a free society and with the migrant crisis, homelessness and the lack of police in our state has made crime rampant. We need to elect public officials to take a tough on crime approach and pass meaningful legislation to end the revolving door.
More affordable housing is necessary as we are seeing our young families unable to afford the American dream. New Mexico has several affordable housing initiatives but with the current interest rates and lack of housing units, the legislature needs to continue to find ways to help with this need such as public private partnerships.
There are several different areas that needs to be addressed to diversify our New Mexico economy. Some of those items would be removing the gross receipts tax and encouraging reform of the licensing and reciprocity requirements for businesses and individuals entering the NM economy. Without diversity we will continue to be a state dependent on the current institutions, the federal government and the military installations.
I believe that there should be a discussion concerning what is needed for the legislature to complete the job of working for the people at the state level. I would be more open to explore solutions for paid technical and professional staff for the legislators. This would be a way to providing a professional understanding of the problems, gather information for review, and possible solutions facing New Mexicans.
