VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have been in law enforcement for 19 years and held a variety of positions in three different agencies. I was a patrol sergeant for a combined eight years in two agencies, and the Undersheriff at Rio Arriba County Sheriff's Office for three years. I have a master's degree in criminal justice from Boston University.

During my law enforcement career, I have completed many leadership courses and immersed myself in many specialties such as DWI Officer, field training officer, certified as a drug recognition expert and a crash reconstructionist.

I believe strong leaders lead by example, hard work, and ensuring they always place their employees above their own needs.

The administration I would create is one of shared responsibility, where each member is cross-trained to assist each other, and the knowledge that they work for the community and the deputies under their command. I want an administration that believes in creating partnerships with other agencies, groups within our community, and becoming mentors to the youth in our schools.

Becoming an administrator or part of the command staff means that we present a unified command structure that promotes positivity and the willingness to assist others regardless of rank. I want an administration that is open and honest with the community we serve, and always available to help those in need.

Currently, there is low morale in the sheriff's office and the office has gone through a lot of turmoil over the last year. Many of the deputies have communicated to me their intent to leave the department if the current administration does not change. Rio Arriba County is surrounded by many other agencies that can afford to pay their officers/deputies higher wages, and losing the deputies from this agency to others is always an issue.

There is also not enough deputies on duty to provide 24-hour coverage to the community of over 40,000 people and nearly 6,000 square miles.

Most deputies simply want to be treated with respect and made to feel as though they matter. They are not just another number that can be easily replaced. While I was the Undersheriff, I made the deputies feel as though they were part of a family and the past Sheriff made it clear that each person was a puzzle piece to our success. I would again make these employees feel as though they are needed and appreciated. The county may not be able to pay the higher wages that other surrounding agencies can, but some things are not valued monetarily. Feeling respected, appreciated, and valued costs nothing, but can often mean everything to someone.

The mental health of the deputies is of utmost importance. It is difficult for deputies to work effectively if they are not protecting their mental health. I would encourage each deputy to attend advanced training for mental health issues by bringing such training to our location and making it possible for each deputy to attend the training. I would also continue using an app we had purchased last year so that deputies and their families could reach out for assistance when needed and it would remain anonymous.

Asking for help when needed should be normalized rather than looked down upon. Consistent, frequent training for the deputies and their families would be one of my top priorities.

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