|
|
|
General eligibility requirements for all state, district, and county candidates: A candidate must be a registered voter in New Mexico affiliated with the political party for which he/she is seeking office. A candidate for district office must reside in the district of voter registration.
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Candidates for Governor
Four-year term with no more than two terms in succession. Must be at least 30 years old, a United States citizen, and have resided continuously in New Mexico for five years preceding his/her election. The Governor shares the responsibility of administering the state with other elected officials, represents the state nationally and internationally, signs or vetoes statutes enacted by the Legislature, and appoints members of boards and commissions. Annual salary: $110,000.
Diane Denish (Democrat)
- If elected, what are your two highest priorities? What specific actions will you take to accomplish them?
I am focusing my attention on issues that directly impact working families—specifically, creating jobs and expanding educational opportunities. I have put forward specific plans to invest in small businesses, expand our high-tech and clean-energy sector, and create a workforce that can compete for the high-demand jobs of the future. Read my plan at www.dianedenish.com/jobs.
- How will you handle projected budget deficits for the State of New Mexico? What will your top priorities be?
I have put forward a reform plan to save taxpayers $450 million over five years—not by cutting education, health care or public safety—but through consolidations, use of technology, reducing the number of political appointees and slashing the state car fleet. We must also close loopholes that give breaks to powerful out-of-state companies at the expense of working families.
- In light of the new federal health care law, what will you do to ensure that New Mexicans have quality health care?
As former Chair of Insure NM, I've been a longtime advocate for expanding access to affordable health care. I proudly cast the tie-breaking vote against a bill to allow insurance companies to spend less on patient care. As Governor, I will implement the new federal law so more New Mexicans have insurance and our workforce is prepared for the health care industry jobs of tomorrow.
- What should be done at the state level to help reduce our use of fossil fuels and encourage the use of clean energy? What actions will you propose?
The clean energy sector will not only help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, but create the jobs of the future for New Mexico. I've been a strong supporter of a do everything energy strategy that includes traditional wind, solar, bio-fuels and geothermal technology. I have proposed a detailed plan to develop the high-tech clean energy jobs of the future, which can be read at www.dianedenish.com.
Susana Martinez (Republican)
- If elected, what are your two highest priorities? What specific actions will you take to accomplish them?
We must create a positive environment for businesses to create jobs and reform our education system. My detailed plan to create jobs calls for ending corruption, cutting wasteful spending, and phasing-out job killing taxes. To reform our school system, we must get money out of bureaucracy and into the classroom, end social promotion of students, reward outstanding teachers with merit pay, and expand educational opportunities.
- How will you handle projected budget deficits for the State of New Mexico? What will your top priorities be?
The budget grew by over 54% during the Richardson/Denish Administration. I will implement zero-growth budgets in most agencies and audit each department to root-out waste, such as eliminating the number of political appointees that has exploded over the last 8 years and selling the state jet. By eliminating waste and enacting zero-growth budgets, we can protect critical government functions like education and children's health care.
- In light of the new federal health care law, what will you do to ensure that New Mexicans have quality health care?
While I support insurance reforms and coverage for those with pre-existing conditions, the federal legislation poses a direct threat to quality health care while doing nothing to control costs for middle class Americans. Our priority in New Mexico must be to control costs, including expanding the range of affordable health care plans and tax credits to help businesses provide coverage. We also need legal reform.
- What should be done at the state level to help reduce our use of fossil fuels and encourage the use of clean energy? What actions will you propose?
America is too dependent on other nations to meet our energy needs. To reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy, we must expand our domestic energy production. New Mexico can lead the way with our abundance of clean energy potential, including wind, solar, and natural gas. We can continue to provide incentives for these industries to develop and reduce barriers that hinder development.
Return to top of page
Candidates for Lieutenant Governor
Four-year term with no more than two years in succession. Must be at least 30 years old, a United States citizen, and have resided continuously in New Mexico for five years preceding his/her election. In the general election, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are voted on as a slate. The Lieutenant Governor acts as Governor when the Governor is absent from the state and if, for any reason, the Governor is unable to perform his or her duties. Among other duties are serving as the liaison between the people and state agencies, referring citizen complaints and problems to appropriate agencies, and reporting to the Governor. The Lieutenant Governor presides over the Senate and can vote in the event of a tie. Annual salary: $85,000.
Brian S. Colon (Democrat)
- What qualifications and attributes do you have that make you uniquely qualified to be Lieutenant Governor?
I'm a product of Democratic values. As a child, we needed governmental programs to help secure the basics, and even though we worked hard, we needed a helping hand. There are many people who feel that way today and they need an advocate in the Roundhouse. I'm running to rebuild our economy and invest in public education to prepare our children for jobs of tomorrow.
- The governor usually assigns specific tasks to the Lieutenant Governor. To which areas of government would you like to be assigned and why?
This race is about jobs, the economy and education. As the first in my family to go to college, improving education is my top priority. I believe a good education is the key to a good job and will invest in public education while holding schools accountable for student performance. In addition to stronger licensing requirements for educators and staff, I will work to find a way to increase teacher pay, reduce class sizes and strengthen science and technology programs.
John Sanchez (Republican)
- What qualifications and attributes do you have that make you uniquely qualified to be Lieutenant Governor?
My core values of integrity, service, family and faith, joined with my extensive small business experience, and my seasoned political background have prepared me for this leadership role. I will be a reliable partner with Susana Martinez, to meet the challenges that New Mexico faces, and I will be a steady voice of reason and an advocate for practical solutions.
- The governor usually assigns specific tasks to the Lieutenant Governor. To which areas of government would you like to be assigned and why?
Beyond the Constitutional duties of the office, I will offer my support and focus, whenever possible, to everyday New Mexicans, as they try to deal with the vast network of state agencies. An appropriate and properly directed phone call or inquiry can be helpful in getting a citizen's problem resolved, or a simple request for assistance met, and moved through the bureaucratic process. I will also participate on Boards and Commissions that require executive branch oversight.
Return to top of page
Candidates for Secretary of State
Four-year term with no more than two terms in succession. Must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the United States, and have resided continuously in New Mexico for five years preceding his/her election. The Secretary of State is second in line of succession behind the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor. The Secretary of State attests and affixes the Great Seal of the State of New Mexico to official documents, maintains the state repository of signed legislation and required filings, is the chief election officer, and generally supervises statewide elections. The Secretary of State is responsible for the registration of lobbyists, trade names, trademarks, and notary public commissions. Annual salary: $85,000.
Mary Herrera (Democrat)
- What improvements will you make in the operations of the office of the Secretary of State?
I will continue to identify improvements and cost-saving measures, and implement election standards and reform recommended by the Federal Election Commission, to make elections fair, efficient and universally respected. Mapping information and voter demographics will be consolidated to provide resources for the 2011 Legislature for redistricting. The website will be expanded and enhanced to provide the public with more electronic documents, reports and educational information.
- As Secretary of State, what role will you play in increasing voter turnout? Will you support same day registration? Why or why not?
I will expand the current outreach with a customer service-oriented program to encourage voter registration, participation and turnout through the media, and with creative, cost-efficient programs, student mock elections, visits to high schools, college campuses and civic organizations. Booths will be set up at special events and festivals. I will support same-day registration to enfranchise more voters, only if safeguards are included to prevent fraud.
- How will you ensure the accuracy and efficiency of the electoral process and conduct the post-election audit?
I will continue promulgating rules to assure uniformity of elections, implement election reform and establish procedures for the random audits tasked by the legislature. I will continue to participate in post-election audits and studies as those I have participated in with Bernalillo County and University of New Mexico. I will expand collaborative opportunities for county clerks to receive training and discuss and resolve election issues.
- What changes, if any, will you support in campaign finance reporting?
In 2010, I launched a new user-friendly campaign finance reporting system. I will continue to expand the system to include a component for lobbyist filing. Additional features will be added to the system to allow multiple data sorting and retrieval features, as funds become available. I will support legislation to require additional candidate filing dates. These initiatives will improve transparency and accountability to the taxpayers.
Dianna J. Duran (Republican)
- What improvements will you make in the operations of the office of the Secretary of State?
First of all, the Secretary of State (SOS) is the leader. She must ensure fairness for all, treating EVERYONE with equal respect—regardless of party. I'll work to restore efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and transparency. We'll assist county clerks in conducting elections, while working with the legislature to pass much-needed election reform, including the requirement to show an ID when a person goes to vote.
- As Secretary of State, what role will you play in increasing voter turnout? Will you support same day registration? Why or why not?
The SOS must ensure integrity in the elections process. Voter ID is critical to restoring confidence in the NM voting system. Same day registration has the opposite effect. "Increasing turnout" is the job of candidates, parties, and causes. If the SOS ensures fairness, an honest count of votes, and a sense of confidence in the system—for all New Mexicans—voter turnout will increase.
- How will you ensure the accuracy and efficiency of the electoral process and conduct the post-election audit?
From the voter registration process to the final counting of votes, I will work to reform our outdated and internally inconsistent election code, including those sections concerning the post-election audit. We must have new, state-of-the-art software. Importantly, we have to ensure every company is given a chance to produce and provide the creative technology we need—not just favored groups or contributors.
- What changes, if any, will you support in campaign finance reporting?
The campaign reporting act—like the election code itself—is both lengthy and internally contradictory. Both need revision. I'll work with concerned citizens, all parties and public interest groups, and with legislators to make the code and system consistent, understandable and useful. A top priority will be to make the entire system, especially the on-line interface, user-friendly. The system has to work and work well.
Return to top of page
Candidates for Attorney General
Four-year term with no more than two terms in succession. Must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the United States, and have resided continuously in New Mexico for five years preceding his/her election. Also must be a licensed attorney of the Supreme Court of New Mexico in good standing. The Attorney General is the stateÕs legal officer, legal counsel to state government, consumer advocate, and guardian of the public interest. This includes representing the state before courts or agencies when required by the public interest or requested by the Governor, and providing legal opinions upon request of the Legislature, any state official, or any district attorney on a pending subject. Annual salary: $95,000.
Gary K. King (Democrat)
- What are your highest priorities for this office, and how do you intend to accomplish them?
My highest priority continues to be the protection of New Mexico families. My focus has been and will continue to be prevention of fraud against all citizens, particularly our seniors; education of our young people to make wise choices; apprehension and prosecution of public corruption and fighting trafficking in drugs, arms and humans across our Southern border.
- With the increasing exposure of unethical behavior in government, what will you do to make public officials more accountable to the general public?
I created and continue to support the AG's Government Accountability Division to investigate and prosecute public officials who violate the public trust. I will also continue to advocate for ethics reform in the Legislature. I will assure that we continue our program of training local officials throughout the state to comply with our Sunshine Laws. Transparency in government is our greatest tool to prevent corruption.
- What will you do to protect New Mexicans from consumer fraud? What, if any, additional legislation is needed?
I will continue to operate an active Consumer Protection Division to advocate for consumers who have been victims of fraud. We will continue to educate consumers through live presentations, internet and video presentations of new scams. I will continue to fight predatory lending practices through litigation and improvements to our laws. We should limit interest rates, rollovers and unfair tactics by predatory lenders.
Matthew E. Chandler (Republican)
- What are your highest priorities for this office, and how do you intend to accomplish them?
My highest priorities as Attorney General include putting people above politics, and truly holding public officials accountable when they engage in public corruption. For too long the AG's Office has been used to push a political agenda, while turning a blind eye to corruption. This year we can change the focus of the AG's Office by replacing a career politician with a focused prosecutor.
- With the increasing exposure of unethical behavior in government, what will you do to make public officials more accountable to the general public?
The AG must protect our tax dollars and retirement funds from corrupt public officials, and stop relying on federal prosecutors and other states attorneys general to do the job. As a prosecutor, I have a proven track record of removing unethical government officials from their offices and into a prison cell. Justice must be swift and stern to end this era of corruption.
- What will you do to protect New Mexicans from consumer fraud? What, if any, additional legislation is needed?
I believe we must enforce the laws on the books before trying to multiply them. Consumer education will be a vital part of my mission as AG. I believe the best consumer protection is a meaningful, statewide public awareness campaign of consumer rights and common scams. I will ensure that consumer complaints are answered timely, investigated aggressively, and prosecuted diligently to protect all New Mexicans.
Return to top of page
Candidates for Commissioner for Public Lands
Four-year term with no more than two terms in succession. Must be at least 30 years of age, a United States citizen, and have resided continuously in New Mexico for five years preceding his/her election. The Commissioner of Public Lands takes control, has jurisdiction, care, and custody of all trust lands. He/she administers state trust land to generate the highest possible level of sustainable revenue for New MexicoÕs public schools, public institutions of higher learning, and other public institutions. Income from these lands supports state institutions. Annual salary: $90,000.
Ray Powell (Democrat)
- The State Land Office manages approximately 9 million acres of land and the mineral rights on 13 million acres in support of public schools, universities, hospitals, charitable purposes, and penitentiaries. What will you do to be a responsible steward of these resources?
The Land Commissioner can sell, lease, or trade the land. Who we pick is critical to our future well-being. As a former Land Commissioner, botanist, and veterinarian, I will: work to create good jobs, particularly to build a new energy economy; protect and responsibly manage our public lands; generate more money to improve our children's schools; provide ethical and honest leadership.
- How will you evaluate possible land swaps that involve trust lands?
I will guarantee that proposals for land exchanges, long-term leases or sales are discussed in widely announced public meetings held in all counties where land would be involved. I will initiate joint planning agreements with every municipality and county where there is state land. This will ensure that local city and county governments help determine the most appropriate uses of trust land in their communities.
- What will you do to develop renewable energy resources that could generate additional sources of revenue for the land trustÕs beneficiaries?
I am committed to developing a strong renewable energy economy. Using New Mexico's trust lands we can foster public-private partnerships that create good jobs producing renewable energy and the technologies associated with a restoration economy. With our state's intellectual capital we can lead the world. In my previous tenure as Land Commissioner, I worked with utilities to establish the first wind farms in New Mexico.
Matthew Rush (Republican)
- The State Land Office manages approximately 9 million acres of land and the mineral rights on 13 million acres in support of public schools, universities, hospitals, charitable purposes, and penitentiaries. What will you do to be a responsible steward of these resources?
As an agriculturalist I know first hand how to be a responsible steward of our land. Taking care of our land is a passion of mine. As Commissioner I want to expand the "Don't Trash the Trust Program". I will also ensure all groups who lease or have any dealing with our lands are doing what is right to protect and preserve our land.
- How will you evaluate possible land swaps that involve trust lands?
I understand the importance of land trades and swaps to benefit local communities as well as our state trust. All land swaps will be done by bringing everyone involved in the trade to the table, including local communities impacted by a swap. Land swaps will be of greatest benefit to the people of New Mexico, not just for the benefits of private interests or corporations.
- What will you do to develop renewable energy resources that could generate additional sources of revenue for the land trustÕs beneficiaries?
Bringing renewable energy to our state is a must. I currently serve on the New Mexico Plan for Bio Fuels Development Committee. We can bring renewable energy to our state and be a leader in alternative energy production. 95% of the funding to the office comes from the oil and gas industries; we must diversify this funding and alternative energy can be the key.
Return to top of page
Candidates for State Treasurer
Four-year term, with no more than two terms in succession. Must be at least 30 years old, a United States citizen, and have resided continuously in New Mexico for five years preceding his/her election. The Treasurer receives, pays out, and accounts for receipts and expenditures of all state monies, and invests the balances. Among other duties are providing reports to the State Auditor, the Legislature, and the State Board of Finances. Annual salary: $85,000.
James B. Lewis (Democrat)
- The New Mexico State Treasurer is entrusted with approximately four billion dollars of the state's short-term funds. What specific experience do you have that qualifies you to perform and control this function?
Being elected twice as Bernalillo County Treasurer and twice as State Treasurer uniquely qualifies me for the office. I efficiently and effectively manage the State's approximately $17 billion portfolio, including general, bond, LGIP and federal funds. I have proven leadership and management skills. My education includes an MPA, BBA, BS in Education, investment training at Kellogg and Wharton business schools.
- What are your highest priorities for this office, and how do you intend to accomplish them?
My highest priority is to restore and maintain honesty and integrity to the Office. My priorities for accomplishing this are: enhance communication, collaboration and cooperation with external and internal customers; enhance the safety, liquidity, and yield of investments; enhance the cash management system by streamlining the banking process, SHARE, and revising business practices; enforce the Code of Conduct for all employees.
Jim D. Schoonover (Republican)
- The New Mexico State Treasurer is entrusted with approximately four billion dollars of the state's short-term funds. What specific experience do you have that qualifies you to perform and control this function?
As DAC Treasurer I was able to earn millions of dollars from investments while being completely sure our money invested was secure. Due to my success with investments, NMSU County College asked me to design a class on investments for other county treasurers. After completing this, I was asked to be the keynote speaker and presenter at the training conference for all 33 county treasurers.
- What are your highest priorities for this office, and how do you intend to accomplish them?
My priority as State Treasurer is to Secure our Financial Future. My vision includes: full disclosure for all financial records to be open for public review; secure and protect taxpayers' dollars; maximize rate of return on all state investments; conservative fiscal responsibility; work for and be accountable to the People of New Mexico; improve communication with excellent customer service and an open door policy.
Return to top of page
Candidates for State Auditor
Four-year term with no more than two terms in succession. Must be at least 30 years old, a United States citizen, and have resided continuously in New Mexico for five years preceding his/her election. The Auditor conducts and oversees audits of the activities of state government officials and entities receiving money from state tax revenue. Annual salary: $85,000.
Hector Balderas (Democrat)
- What experience and education does the State Auditor need? What are your qualifications in these areas?
As a former prosecutor with a B.A. from Highlands University and a J.D. from UNM Law School, I was elected State Auditor in 2006. I have aggressively fought government waste, fraud and abuse uncovering the largest embezzlement case in state history—the Jemez Mountain Public Schools corruption case. I work closely with law enforcement and oversight agencies to ensure justice is served.
- What are the most important responsibilities of the State Auditor? What will you accomplish in your term of office?
As State Auditor, my primary responsibility is to hold government agencies accountable to taxpayers. My duty is to monitor public schools and other agencies that mismanage public resources and fail to submit audits. I instituted a program that labels these agencies "at-risk" for fraud and demands compliance with state law. I will continue to scrutinize government's operations to achieve stronger oversight of public dollars.
- What existing policies will you keep and which will you change?
It's critical to keep policies that increase accountability and save taxpayer dollars. During my administration, I crafted reforms that will cut costs for rural governments struggling to pay high audit fees and launched a statewide hotline that any person can call to report fraud, waste or abuse of public resources. I will change policies that fail to hold government responsible for untimely audits. Visit: www.balderas2010.com.
Errol J. Chavez (Republican)
- What experience and education does the State Auditor need? What are your qualifications in these areas?
An experienced decision maker in a large organization qualifies a candidate for the position of State Auditor. Understanding how organizations function is the key to being a successful Auditor. I trained at the National War College to be an executive with the Drug Enforcement Administration. I served nine years in the Senior Executive Service. I was responsible for the operations of three different Field Divisions . . . . . .
- What are the most important responsibilities of the State Auditor? What will you accomplish in your term of office?
Preventing waste, fraud and abuse of State funds is the most important responsibility. I will stop corrupt government officials from ignoring their fiduciary responsibilities.
- What existing policies will you keep and which will you change?
I will document new policies that are understandable to all employees. I will allow investigators to coordinate with auditors within the State Auditor's Office and I will coordinate with prosecutors from various levels of government (Local, State and Federal).
Return to top of page
JUDICIAL BRANCH
Vacancies for courts in New Mexico are filled through appointment by the governor from a slate of potential nominees submitted by a judicial nominating committee. The newly appointed judge must then run in a contested, partisan election at the next general election. Thereafter, the judge runs in nonpartisan retention elections for set terms. In a partisan election, the candidate receiving the most votes will be elected. In a retention election, the justice or judge must receive a 57% "yes" vote out of all the votes cast on the question of whether the justice or judge should remain in office.
Candidate for Justice of the Supreme Court
The five justices on the Supreme Court are elected by all voters in the state and serve eight-year terms. To be eligible to hold the office of Justice of the Supreme Court, a person must be 35 years old, have practiced law for at least 10 years, and have resided in New Mexico for the last 3 years. The Supreme Court serves as the administrative head of the New Mexico judicial branch of government. It is the "court of last resort" for state appellate actions, regulates attorneys and judges, and has superintending control over all lower state courts. It has jurisdiction over civil cases where jurisdiction is not specifically vested in the state Court of Appeals, appeals from criminal cases imposing the death penalty or life imprisonment, appeals from decisions of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, certiorari review of state Court of Appeals decisions, and cases certified to it by the state Court of Appeals or any federal court. Annual salaries: Chief Justice, $125,691; Justice, $123,691.
Charles W. Daniels (for retention)
- What attributes and experience do you bring to your service as a current New Mexico Supreme Court Justice?
I have had 38 years of a broad range of experience as a trial lawyer, a law professor, a teacher of judges and lawyers, and an author of legal publications. In life, I have had equally diverse experiences, including military service, employment in a number of jobs since I was 13, including manual labor, and I am a husband, a father, and a grandfather.
- Given your experience as a current Justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court, what programs or changes will you implement to improve the Supreme Court system?
I want to bring our courts into the 21st century with electronically created and accessed records. I am also forming a task force to study bail procedures, to better protect the community, to assure the presence of the accused, and to honor constitutional rights. We must do better in accomplishing these goals, and it is time for a fresh look at how we can do so.
- From your perspective as a current Justice, what ethical practices are critical in keeping the judiciary independent from political influence?
Our courts must always be independent of improper political and personal influences. Judges must be strong to resist efforts of those who would try to exercise those influences. Judges should be careful to avoid involvement in partisan political activities and should make sure that neither their words nor deeds will create the impression that they are politically biased. True justice has no political party label.
Petra Jimenez Maes (for retention)
- What attributes and experience do you bring to your service as a current New Mexico Supreme Court Justice?
My 37 years of legal experience includes: eight years as a trial attorney; seventeen years as a district court judge serving in the Criminal, Civil, Family and Children's Court divisions; and twelve years as a justice. I have served in leadership positions in both courts as: Chief Judge and Chief Justice. I raised four children as a single parent after my husband's death. I am a grandmother.
- Given your experience as a current Justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court, what programs or changes will you implement to improve the Supreme Court system?
Overseeing automation for the entire judiciary to improve our courts ability to access records and data and as response to budget cuts. Continue as co-chair of the New Mexico Commission on Access to Justice, which is a comprehensive effort to improve access to the Courts for low income New Mexicans, making equal access to justice more than a slogan but a core function of courts.
- From your perspective as a current Justice, what ethical practices are critical in keeping the judiciary independent from political influence?
To preserve the integrity and independence of the judiciary, judges must be able to explain their decisions on the basis of the law and the application of the facts to the law. To maintain public confidence, judges shall not allow family, social, political or other relationships to influence the judge's judicial conduct or judgment. The judge's only constituency is the law.
Return to top of page
Candidates for Judge of the Court of Appeals
The ten judges on the Court of Appeals are elected by all voters in the state and serve eight-year terms. To be eligible to hold the office of Judge of the Court of Appeals, a person must be 35 years old, have practiced law for at least 10 years, and have resided in New Mexico for the last 3 years. As the intermediate appellate court between the district courts and the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals currently reviews appeals in all cases, except criminal cases involving sentences of death or life imprisonment, appeals from the Public Regulation Commission, and cases involving habeas corpus. The judges sit in panels of three judges to decide cases. Annual salaries: Chief Judge, $119,406; Judge, $117,506.
Candidates for Position 1
Robert E. Robles (Democrat)
- How have your training, professional experience, and interests prepared you to serve on the New Mexico Court of Appeals?
Thirteen years as a lawyer and over seventeen years as a district judge has given me the opportunity to try and hear hundreds of jury and non-jury trials involving civil, criminal, divorce, child custody, juvenile, contract and negligence matters, in addition to appeals from administrative agencies. Appeals from these cases come to the Court of Appeals where I have served since January 2009. www.votejudgerobles.com
- What improvements are needed in the Court of Appeals and how could those improvements be implemented?
The Court of Appeals receives approximately 1000 cases per year that must be processed quickly and efficiently to ensure prompt resolution for litigants. Therefore, it is essential to appoint and elect experienced, highly qualified judges who do not require on-the-job training and who can expeditiously write thoughtful and effective opinions based on the rule of law.
- What ethical practices are critical in keeping the judiciary independent from political influence?
Strict compliance with the Code of Judicial Conduct; abstaining from expressing personal or political viewpoints critical of the law/legal system; being unaware of individual contributors to judicial campaign fund; abstaining from making statements regarding issues that may come before the Court, which would require recusal for prejudgment; and serving all New Mexicans fairly and honorably without regard to political affiliation.
Ned Fuller (Republican)
- How have your training, professional experience, and interests prepared you to serve on the New Mexico Court of Appeals?
I have been an attorney for 17 years. I have been an administrative law judge. I have been married for 22 years and, with my wife, raised 4 wonderful daughters. I volunteer at church, with youth and for the Boy Scouts of America. I understand how the law affects the average person. We need judges who will apply the law equally to all parties. www.nedfuller.com
- What improvements are needed in the Court of Appeals and how could those improvements be implemented?
Government in general needs to get back to the basics. The Constitution is what limits government. Thus, the Courts should uphold the Constitution and enforce the rule of law. Judges should use common sense to dismiss frivolous claims and defenses. Once a person is lawfully convicted of a crime, judges should hold the person accountable. Government should serve the people. www.nedfuller.com
- What ethical practices are critical in keeping the judiciary independent from political influence?
What injects politics into the Courts is when judges rewrite the law instead of apply the law. We need judges who will uphold the Constitution and enforce the rule of law. A judge's role is similar to that of a baseball umpire. The umpire applies the rules fairly to both sides. Likewise, a judge must apply the law fairly to all parties. www.nedfuller.com
Return to top of page
Candidate for Position 2
Linda M. Vanzi (Democrat)
- How have your training, professional experience, and interests prepared you to serve on the New Mexico Court of Appeals?
Prior to being appointed to the Court of Appeals in 2008, I served with distinction as a district court judge. That experience combined with my broad legal background as a lawyer, working for large corporations, owning my own business, and being actively involved as a volunteer have all prepared me to continue the tradition of fairness, equality and intellectual rigor on the appellate court.
- What improvements are needed in the Court of Appeals and how could those improvements be implemented?
As the only intermediate appellate court serving the entire state, the Court of Appeals reviews appeals in almost all cases. The court effectively manages a caseload of over 900 cases a year. However, as with most government agencies in New Mexico, the current budget crisis has impacted the court's ability to fill vacant positions. Cases could be decided more expeditiously with a fully staffed court.
- What ethical practices are critical in keeping the judiciary independent from political influence?
Judicial independence is critical to our system of democracy and necessary to provide balance in our government. Judicial candidates must promote public confidence by demonstrating that they are free from political influence. This is done by scrupulously following the code of judicial conduct, by having a campaign committee to handle finances, and by never compromising ethics or integrity for the sake of a vote.
Candidate for Position 3
Timothy L. Garcia (Democrat)
- How have your training, professional experience, and interests prepared you to serve on the New Mexico Court of Appeals?
During my years in private practice, I represented clients in nearly every area of law (including civil, criminal, domestic, administrative and governmental) and practiced before most of the courts in our region (State, Municipal, Metro, Magistrate, District and Appellate; Federal District and 10th Circuit). This experience was extremely valuable during my seven years as a District Court judge and now on the Court of Appeals.
- What improvements are needed in the Court of Appeals and how could those improvements be implemented?
Resources are very limited and the appellate docket is very demanding. Nearly all of our appellate court budget is allocated to the resource staffing needs for the court. Without additional monies, it will be very difficult to add the needed personnel to improve the services of the court. The budget crunch has had a significant effect on the courts, and other areas of government as well.
- What ethical practices are critical in keeping the judiciary independent from political influence?
Public financing of appellate court elections has been implemented to maintain judicial independence. The existing law for public financing needs to be amended to enable candidates to effectively run for these judicial positions. Present restrictions do not allow candidates to have necessary resources to run their campaign until a few months before the election. This should be changed to make public financing universally chosen by judicial candidates.
Return to top of page
Michael D. Bustamante (for retention)
- What attributes and experience do you bring to your service as a current Judge of the Court of Appeals?
I have 36 years of professional experience: 20 years in a broad private practice and 16 years on the Court of Appeals deciding all manner of civil and criminal matters. My personal attributes include intellectual curiosity, industry (I have worked since age 10), good writing skills and good humor. I retain and nurture my 400-year-old roots in New Mexico.
- Given your experience as a Judge of the Court of Appeals, what improvements are needed in the Court of Appeals and how could those improvements be implemented?
An intermediate appellate court's primary task involves review for error. Our decisions must be made quickly while giving cases the attention they merit. We are streamlining our administrative processes for processing case records, legal research, and writing using electronic technologies as much as possible. As chair of the judiciary's information technology committee, I am working to install e-filing technology at all court levels.
- What ethical practices are critical in keeping the judiciary independent from political influences?
Without entirely ceding their First Amendment Rights, judges must be careful to avoid involvement in partisan politics, including publicly speaking for or against candidates for political office and contributing more than nominal amounts for campaigns. Even the perception of political bias is potential poison to the faith and trust of the citizenry in the judiciary's ability to render fair and impartial justice.
Celia Foy Castillo (for retention)
- What attributes and experience do you bring to your service as a current Judge of the Court of Appeals?
I have 29 years of legal experience, almost 10 years on the Court of Appeals and 19 years primarily in private practice. I serve on several court committees and am chair of the budget committee. Before law, I worked in education and was a teacher. I am bilingual, am a hard worker, look at both sides of an issue, and believe in equal justice for all.
- Given your experience as a Judge of the Court of Appeals, what improvements are needed in the Court of Appeals and how could those improvements be implemented?
The court of Appeals considers cases from all over New Mexico. We are working on increasing the use of technology to make the appellate system more understandable to the public and more accessible to the litigants. We are also dealing with budget challenges and are focusing on ways to continue providing quality work and service despite a severe cut in funding.
- What ethical practices are critical in keeping the judiciary independent from political influences?
The Code of Judicial Conduct limits political participation by judges. Code provisions must be followed and enforced. Even the appearance of improper political influence can affect confidence in the judiciary, and thus participation in partisan politics may be even more limited than set forth in the Code. Judges must conduct themselves at all times in an unbiased and impartial manner.
Return to top of page
|
