I have a strong work ethic, and I listen to what my constituents have to say regardless of whatever their political affiliation may be or position on any given issue is. I have visited every corner of the state during the last eight years listening to the issues and concerns and proposed solutions of frontier, rural and urban residents regarding education, public safety, economic development, health and broadband access. More than 28 years of pre-K to higher education experience gives me a profound understanding of education issues, from cradle to college and career--financed by 50% of the state budget. My legislation reflects the input of my district constituents and statewide New Mexicans.

Education (cradle to college and career), public safety, health, broadband access and affordability, protecting the environment, and transportation continue to be my highest priorities. By conducting town halls and constituent meetings; ensuring that key topics are addressed by advocates and experts during the interim committee meetings; and researching best practices within New Mexico and in other states, I will back policies, sponsor legislation, and work to put the necessary funding in the state budget. Tracking the results and any unanticipated consequences of legislation is also important. Legislation sometimes needs to be amended based on the feedback of New Mexicans; we also need to make sure we adequately fund our initiatives.

We must address the water use realities of everyone from consumers watering their yards to the crops we grow to the industries we build and serve, and the recreation we enjoy with strategic solutions. Solutions include continued research and implementation of treating brackish water for industrial needs while we reserve fresh water for drinking and agricultural use. We must implement water re-use technology research and grants, aquifer storage and recovery projects, and the effective management of watersheds. We must fund vital agricultural technology monitoring solutions and consider alternative low-water usage crops. Finally, we must conduct the enforcement of policies and laws to protect our groundwater, not just propose solutions.

Comprehensive public vetting by elected/appointed officials open to the wider public through community meetings is the #1 requirement. Developers must communicate the parameters, needs, costs, water usage, energy source plan, and employment figures to construct and then to operate and maintain a project before it gets underway, not after the fact. Transparency by developers with robust review by environmental agencies at local, county and state levels (depending on the project) wins buy-in for the developer and assurance to the public that any taxpayer dollars involved support a development that benefits the public and meets environmental standards. Trust comes from facts and openness with recognition of challenges, not from avoidence.

Co-sponsoring and passing House Bill 99, Medical Malpractice Changes, was step one. Passing the first two of ten medical practice interstate compacts was the next step, but now we must pass the rest in the 2027 session. These compacts facilitate access to additional medical practitioners in every category. The increase in student loan repayment for health professionals and the Opportunity Scholarship plan support the financial costs of those pursuing medical careers. Finally, young medical professionals starting their practices and raising families benefit from universal free childcare—several constituents report that friends in other states are now exploring careers in New Mexico because childcare expenses are one of their main concerns.

I have over 40 years' experience leading and advising teams across multi-governmental and international services: Current Disabled Veteran Small Business Owner. I served 26 years in the United States Air Force; Leadership and advisory experience in military (all 5 branches), Department of Defense, civilian contractor, and international leadership positions. Mentor of senior managers and supervisors, and junior/future leader employees; Senior performance and safety culture advisor and analyst for both the Defense Intelligence Agency & Department of Energy, and business manager and acting director for the Behavioral (Mental) Health Division of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Authored administrative/strategic/operations policy.

New Mexico is NOT a “poor” state; but IS a “poorly run” state. Get back to the basics of restoring Common-Sence Governance: Integrity: Accountability and transparency are paramount to restoring public trust and our path forward. Do the right things in the best interest of our state and citizens. Focus on education, and support and empower our law enforcement agencies to reduce crime. Service: I will engage with my constituents and represent address their concerns. I am chosen by the people for the people. Excellence: New Mexicans are so much better than the narrative! Protect our citizens and legal immigrants and maximize our resources expertise (education, small businesses, oil and gas, and farmers).

This is not my area of expertise. BEWARE: Anyone claiming to be the “end all” or “know it all” who claims to have answers to all the issues is a fake. I do not have all the answers but do know that we have a lot of very smart people in our state who are not only familiar with this issue, but who also can provide their expertise to provide possible solutions to address said issue. I would defer to and listen to the experience and expertise of those researchers who are actively engaged in addressing this issue AND the voices of my voters (city, rural, farmers, etc.) who are willing to share their own personal experiences concerning water needs and shortages.

My constituents want to be seen and heard. They need to know their voices matter! The focus is on expanding infrastructure and learning from past experiences. Albuquerque is growing. Westside constituents have three primary concerns: Schools-There are only 2 middle schools and 1high school (Need additional schools and educators); Infrastructure– Housing/Condominiums added without consideration for increased traffic, school saturation, safety (police/fire/medical access), grocery/food access; New Mexico needs to adapt to and accommodate to growth and access.

Problematic Infrastructure: Additional expansion/growth of the westside roads, schools, and safety (police, fire, medical access) are a concern for my district. The nearest full-service medical facility is in the city of Rio Rancho. Albuquerque expansion beyond Paseo Del Norte towards the Double Eagle Ranch Airport exposes the need for an additional fire, police, and medical facility. First responder response time and access to medical facilities is crucial.