VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have dedicated nearly 16 years working in the Assessor’s Office. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience in the day‑to‑day operations of the office. I am responsible for certifying the net taxable values to the New Mexico Property Tax Division. Accuracy is key in this process because these values are used by the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration to set property tax rates. Budgeting is another important part of my role. I help prepare and oversee all three of our office budgets—the main Assessor’s budget, the GIS budget, and the Property Valuation Fund. I am also a State Certified Appraiser through the New Mexico Property Tax Division.

One of my top priorities is to host public outreach programs that help our community better understand the importance of reviewing their Notice of Value and knowing what steps to take if they disagree with their valuation. I want people to feel informed, empowered, and confident in the process. I also want to make sure the public is aware of the different exemptions our office offers and how they may qualify. Another one of my priorities would be to continue working with upper management on switching over to a new appraisal software program. I will continue pushing for an updated system that can keep up with current appraisal trends and help us provide faster, more efficient service to the public.

The Assessor’s Office is guided by New Mexico state statutes, and it is our responsibility to determine and maintain current and correct property values in a way that is fair and equitable to everyone. If I am elected, I will ensure that our office continues to follow and uphold all New Mexico state laws with accuracy and consistency. I am committed to leading an office defined by transparency, integrity, and equality—an office where the public feels informed, respected, and treated fairly. My goal is to make sure every property owner contributes their fair share of the tax burden, and that the process is clear and accessible to the entire community.

The training I will continue to offer my staff include the appraisal courses provided by the International Association of Assessing Officers. Completing and passing these courses allows our appraisal staff to earn their New Mexico State Certified Appraiser designation through the New Mexico Property Tax Division, which strengthens both their professional development and the quality of service we provide. In addition, I believe every member of our team should have access to training that strengthens customer service. Our office interacts with the public every day, and investing in these skills ensures that every resident is treated with respect, patience, and professionalism.

I was a successful realtor for 20 yrs in one of the most competitive markets in the US. During the real estate crash of 2007-2010 I thrived while other left the profession or took on second jobs because of my accurate property valuations. I performed valuations for HUD, Freddie Mac,Fannie May and many national and local banks. My experience in the small business world world will serve me well as I seek to reform bureaucracy.

I plan to make forms and procedures available at the tax office to assist seniors,vets and disabled people access the exemptions they are eligible for. I also want to change the customer atmosphere of the assessors office. Since property taxes are constitutionally questionable at best I want the Assessors office to treat taxpayers with respect and empathy and a smile. After all the assessor has hands in the taxpayers pocket. I also want to save taxpayer money whenever possible so I plan to review expenditures and explore avenues to cut spending.

Since one party rule doesn't encourage oversight I plan to review some valuations of familial and political connected properties. I also want to make public knowledge of the methods used for valuation and to place the method of valuation on the tax form that's sent out so the taxpayer knows what method was used for their property so in the event there is a protest the taxpayer can respond using the same method.

The state provides training for all aspects of the tax assessor's office. I will require everyone including myself to be up to date with the latest training available.