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Occupation
Commissioner
Filing County
Dona Ana
I was appointed to the District 3 County Commission seat by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in February of 2026 to fill the remainder of the term of the previous Commissioner who resigned. I was not on the Commission when the vote was made to approve Project Jupiter, but I have been actively involved in working to hold Oracle and Project Jupiter companies accountable in any way I possibly can.
I listen to constituents so that I understand their position on issues affecting Dona Ana County. I have worked with Community Development to bring dilapidated property issues to the table, resulting in successful remediation of properties that have been neglected for far too long. I will continue to meet with residents to hear their concerns.
Currently, the most discussed issue is Project Jupiter. Many residents are enraged by the lack of information shared with residents about the project, and the speed at which it was approved. There are many questions still to be answered about the project.
Other challenges in the County include flood damage (actual and potential), codes enforcement, and animal control activities among others.
Open and honest dialog is needed with county residents about what is expected in the development of Project Jupiter; questions need to be asked and answered of the companies involved. The County needs to ensure that all commitments made by the developers are in writing, are measured, and are upheld. If the commitments made are not upheld, the County needs to step up and utilize legal, financial and regulatory avenues to enforce compliance, or to stop the project.
The other challenges are ongoing in a County of our size; departments need to be given the support and resources they need to serve the residents and provide a safe place to live and work.
I will host community meetings in my district to connect with residents and business owners about issues coming to the Commission. In reality, the public generally brings information to me about issues. I learn more about an issue by listening to those who are most affected by it.
I respond to calls, emails and texts from residents as quickly as I can, even if I don't have the answers they are looking for. I will continue to work to find information when I am asked for it; and I will continue to listen to ideas, concerns and questions brought to my attention.
I have been reading and hearing so much about water scarcity, not just in Dona Ana County, or just New Mexico, but all over the Country.
I would like to know more about desalination programs: I see examples of where the plants work efficiently, then I hear that they are not scalable for general use. I understand the cost to develop a plant is very high, and the water to be treated is not without limits. Energy costs to treat the water can also be very high.
All technologies for improving access to water need to be explored and evaluated to find the most cost-effective way to provide the water needed to serve communities; residents should not have to sacrifice their water for the wants of corporate interests,
mailingstate
New Mexico
Campaign Endorsements
Rep. Joanne Ferrary, Congressman Gabe Vasquez, Senator William Soules
Occupation
Community & Economic Development
Filing County
Dona Ana
My education, work and life experiences are major assets for the Commission, and make me the most qualified candidate. My education includes law, public administration & public policy. Worked at all levels of government-city, county, state, federal and served in the Military. Former Doña Ana County Manager, Sunland Park City Manager, and Regional Rep for State of NM Economic Development Dept. Other expertise includes Legal Aid Attorney; Community organizer; Advocate for community and grassroots empowerment; forming non-profit entities; served on non-profit boards, and obtained funding & technical assistance for non-profits and small businesses. Overall, I'm skilled at finding collaborative & creative solutions to solve difficult problems!
Some of the challenges facing the County include complaints of lack of transparency. Other challenges include funding infrastructure projects, water issues, number of Colonias, the May 2026 state special audit report highlighting operational and financial oversight flaws, resulting in the State curtailing the County's ability to manage certain fiscal affairs and stating the requirement for a Fiscal Agent to manage grants. This action will have enormous financial implications for the County for an uncertain length of time into the future. Additionally, the issue of affordability is a major challenge, incorporating such sub issues as food deserts, fuel and grocery costs plus unemployment (22 of 33 counties have lower unemployment).
I’ve said many times, transparency and accountability in government is critical. We need to work with appropriate State agencies, community, business and institutional partners to find solutions on affordability, infrastructure, business growth and job creation. Interaction and cooperation among Commissioners, other elected officials, County Management and staff are key as we go beyond ‘lip service’ and really dig into the necessary change in organizational culture and practice that elevates fiscal responsibility to the level where it should be. We can’t operate with a “business as usual” approach, look the other way or ignore compliance standards and the law. The citizens of this County deserve steadfast, ethical and committed leadership!
I believe transparency in government is critical. I will have an on line presence to post information about BOCC actions, county and District Three (3) events, programs, initiatives, etc. Additionally, I will host regularly scheduled outreach meetings throughout the District to provide information and updates and to visit with residents, businesses and institutions to obtain input and feedback. I plan to attend events, meetings and other gatherings in the district or other venues which concern the district or might otherwise impact it. I expect to establish relationships with media and other communication vehicles to aid in getting information to constituents. I will stay aware of resources for constituents, businesses, institutions, etc.
As climate trend points toward increasing aridity, the way is clear: new thinking and innovative solutions are needed to sustain water supplies, support agriculture, and protect ecosystems. With agriculture consuming the lion’s share, long-term solutions are needed that continue effective use of water for agriculture while increasing efficiency, allocating water for competing uses, and reducing depletion of water supplies.
I support an expanded role of research to aid understanding and map new approaches to reach the critical balance between supporting water uses and sustaining supplies for the long term. Dona Ana County is utilizing designated funds from Project Jupiter to explore the potential of desalination; I urge expanded exploration.
