The 2014 General Mid-Term Election is already underway with early and absentee voting, and Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Socorro County Commission, District III
Chieftain: What are some of the issues facing Socorro County you would address as a commissioner?
Anthony Baca (Republican): “The priorities of the allocation of resources need attention. I have been hearing from citizens of the county that they feel the money is not fairly allocated across the county. I would examine budgets and make suggestions to more fairly distribute the resources to the best of my ability. Because of my business, I travel extensively throughout the county and have many opportunities to interact and see in person what some of the issues that need to be addressed. I would do my best to see those needs met.”
Manuel E. Anaya (Democrat): “One of the main issues is completing the detention center. Having to transport and house our inmates in other counties is an expense we don’t need. Instead we should have a facility large enough that other counties are able to pay us to help with their overcrowding issues. This in turn will create better paying jobs in Socorro County. The county commission should also do all that is in their power to support our Sheriff’s department in their fight against drugs. We can do this by giving them enough available resources to send a clear message to drug offenders, we don’t want them in our county. Drug abuse affects everyone, you may know someone with a drug problem or you may know someone who has been robbed by a drug offender. We need to let the dealers know that we are serious and they need to take their business elsewhere.”
Chieftain: How does your understanding of Socorro County make you the best candidate?
Anaya: I understand that Socorro County is made up of different types of people, not just Democrats and not just Republicans, which is why once the elections are over the politics should stop. I was elected vice-chairman then elected chairman of the Miners Colfax Medical Center board of trustees with the majority of this board being Republican. It’s not because I lean one way over the other it’s because I understand that to get things done everyone must work together in the best interest of the people. If I am fortunate enough to win the commissioner seat for Socorro County District 3, I know that I will be the only democrat on the commission and that will be fine. I know all the other commissioners and I know we will work together to do what’s best for Socorro County, not only what is best for ourselves or our party. Thank you.
Baca : “Through my business experience I have good listening skills and appropriate financial management skills. A big part of my business is interacting with customers and taking their ideas and making it a reality. As someone who would serve the public, it is a similar skill. I have been a resident of Socorro County my entire life and I know both the families who have been here for generations and the newer residents of Socorro. This is my second time running and feel I have learned a lot about both the constituency and the process of how Socorro County works. I have a lot of business expertise and strong people skills which I feel makes me the best candidate.”
Socorro County Sheriff
Chieftain: What are your best attributes in enforcing the law within Socorro County?
Edmond Barton Sweeney (R): “I bring to the Sheriff’s Department over 37 years of combined federal and local law enforcement and U.S. Marine Corps experience and knowledge. Along with the leadership experience and knowledge of the law gained along the way, I have the educational background necessary to administer programs, both large and small that is a large part of the sheriff’s job. As part of my job duties in past law enforcement assignments, I have served as a supervisor and manager of large numbers of individuals, always leading by example. I could not have served so successfully without also placing high ethical, moral and professional standards above all else. My work history is one of service and not one of personal gain, so I can assure the citizens of the county of my utmost commitment to the continued improvement of our Socorro County Sheriff’s Department and its service to the community.”
William Carl Armijo (D): “I grew up in this community and understand the many different cultures within Socorro County. I have a great love for god which overflows into my interactions with the people I come in contact with on a daily basis. I believe the most effective law enforcement professionals are those that are able to resolve issues and enforce the laws without resorting to physical confrontation. I am fair and understanding. I never forget the reason I started my law enforcement career. I truly believe that there is something I can do every day to improve quality of life.”
Chieftain: As leader of the Sheriff’s Office, how would you best use the resources you have at your disposal to enforce the law?
Armijo: “Our sheriff’s department works on a limited budget like all departments within Socorro County. As sheriff of Socorro County I would research and take full advantage of any and all resources available to enhance the effectiveness of our law enforcement. There are incredible resources such as the misdemeanor compliance office which I will continue to work with ensuring the safety of our community. I will utilize the law enforcement protection fund to assist with the purchase of new patrol units. I plan to utilize military surplus programs to acquire low cost or no cost law enforcement equipment for our deputies. Many state and federal grants are available to law enforcement. I will work closely with our county manager and commissioners to ensure all resources are utilized effectively and efficiently. Everything we do to provide better law enforcement creates a safer environment for Socorro County.”
Sweeney: “I plan to tap into every resource available to the Sheriff’s Department in an effort to improve the safety and well being of the officers and to improve service to the community. I will continue to seek to identify areas of concern and concentrate our limited resources to reduce crime in that area. We have successfully employed this tactic in the recent past to reduce crime in targeted areas. I plan to write policy that will streamline routine duties and procedures, asking each employee to take on more responsibilities. Additional training and oversight does not have to include spending more of the Tax Payers dollars, so I will lead by example and actively help others to learn and work more efficiently. As a leader I will routinely meet with other law enforcement entities asking assistance when needed for the resolution of significant cases and other issues important to the citizens of Socorro County.”
Seventh Judicial District Judge, First Division
Chieftain: What are qualities that make you a fair judge in a capacity that requires attention to multiple facets of law?
Jerry Anthony Armijo (D): “The community requires a judge who is patient, consistent and attentive, which results in fair and equitable decisions. To be a fair judge requires extensive legal experience in a wide variety of areas. An attorney’s reputation for fairness in the community will be the same reputation which is carried into the judgeship. In my case, I have practiced law for 30 years, representing Socorro individuals, businesses, farmers, ranchers and government entities. I have practiced in state, federal, appellate and bankruptcy courts. My experience has allowed me to fully develop my knowledge of substantive law in many areas and trial practice skills. A fair judge must also have strong people skills, an even temperament and a deep desire to make the court truly accessible to all. I have tried my best to show these same qualities to my clients whom I have had the privilege of representing.”
Mercedes C. Murphy (R): “The qualities that make me a fair are that as a prosecutor, I was entrusted with protecting the rights of others and to seek justice. My prior daily courtroom experience taught me to look at all of the circumstances surrounding a case before rendering a decision. As a result, that has prepared me to treat all individuals who appear before me fairly, regardless of the type of case. Additionally, my experience in dealing with victims of crime has prepared me to deal fairly and compassionately with parties involved in cases such as probates and wrongful death. Finally, the fact that I am a woman is also a quality that I think makes me a fair judge. I think that men and women have different perspectives on how to deal with situations, and just as the law evolves over time, so should the perspectives of the Court in rendering decisions.”
Chieftain: What strengths do you have in the legal process that make you an exceptional judge?
Murphy: “The strengths that I have in the legal process that make me an exceptional judge are that I have 12 years of daily experience in a courtroom, including the skills and the knowledge to prepare diligently for any case that may come before me. Yet another strength is my work ethic. As a practicing attorney, I have had to work multiple cases at one time, and have continued to do so as a judge. As a prosecutor, I have made myself available to others, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and continue to do as a judge, as required. Finally, another strength is that I have always been dedicated to the service of the citizens of the Seventh Judicial District; first as a prosecutor, and now as a district judge. That service has given me an unparalleled perspective on the different issues that each county in the district faces.”
Armijo: “The vast majority of cases, both civil and criminal, are settled before trial, therefore an effective judge will require seasoned facilitation and case management skills or else risk a backlog of cases which results in delayed justice. Delayed justice is unacceptable. Both civil and criminal cases must be decided in a timely fashion to allow the litigants to get on with their lives. To that end, I have handled numerous negotiations and mediations on matters involving probate, real estate, contracts, domestic relations, personal injury and employment matters. These are skills which are developed only after many years of representing clients who are experiencing very difficult and emotional circumstances. A judge must know and appreciate firsthand the hardships, trauma and stress facing the litigants, so that the judge is motivated to move cases along without delay.”
New Mexico House Representative, District 49
Chieftain: In the legislature, New Mexico is inundated with a lot of bills and not much time to get them passed. What bills would you vie for getting passed and how would you convince your constituents to pass them?
Don Tripp (R): “Many of the negative aspects that face New Mexico are the result of the limited economic opportunities available in our state, low educational achievement, child abuse, drug abuse and foreclosures can all be tied to our poverty rate. We need jobs, jobs, jobs, and I totally support ramping up the efforts to bring in more economic based jobs, meaning jobs that are funded from outside of New Mexico. I am a member of the jobs council and we are asking the Legislature to set aside 70 million dollars to compete with other states for jobs. At this time we’re just not competitive in this area. After all, what better way to help our kids than to raise the standard of living in New Mexico?”
Erik Gale Hawkes (D): “Let’s talk substance, not process. My name is Erik Gale Hawkes. I am running for State Representative, Democrat, District 49, because public-private partnerships are being used to build a Fascist for-profit Police State, and all of the politicians and media are hiding the truth from the public. I want to be in the information loop so that I can help protect my constituents and to defend the America I believe in. Send me to Santa Fe and I will bring back the truth and report it to you. PPPs are government granted local monopolies; supported by taxes, fines and fees. Your participation is mandatory. Everything happening in New Mexico is about PPPs. And yet, not once has Governor Martinez said the name public-private partnership in any of her State of the State Addresses. You won’t hear it from Don Tripp, the Legislature, or the media either.”
Chieftain: What are some of our districts most dire needs in terms of legislative funding and representation?
Hawkes: “Individually and collectively, our most dire need is for the Truth. And the Truth is the opposite of everything they (the media and the politicians) tell you. Both parties are in on it. Governor Martinez (R) is following the New Centry Jobs Agenda. It is nothing but public-private partnerships. It also recommends creating a Technology transfer position. Next session, Senator Udall (D) is going to introduce a bill to create that position. A Democrat pushing a Republican agenda item. Yes, it is the economy; and the economy is far worse than what the media and the politicians are telling us. What we need is mega scale debt relief and mega scale works projects. I envision a billion solar panel array. WPA-Solar NM.”
Tripp: “For Socorro I will work closely with the City and County on their priorities. The new Rodeo Arena and Soccer Complex is the jewel of New Mexico and I will continue to support it. The County just broke ground on the new jail facility funded by a County Bond and they will need extra funding for that project. The City and County are also working on a much needed Dialysis Center in Socorro which I will support in any way I can. I also have requests to help finish the New Clinic in Veguita that has been in the works for several years and we are close to starting that construction.”
Socorro County Magistrate Judge
Chieftain: The Socorro County Magistrate Court sees dozens of cases a week, possibly hundreds in a month. What experiences do you have the law at this level that would make you a judge who is able to handle that kind of workload while still making fair and thorough judgments?
Felix William Saavedra (D): “With over 25 years in law enforcement, including four terms as Socorro County Sheriff, I have the experience to fairly and efficiently handle the magistrate court caseload. Starting my law enforcement career in 1983 as a detention officer, I moved up to a deputy sheriff and attended the New Mexico law enforcement academy to be a certified law enforcement officer. In 1989, I ran and won the election for Socorro County Sheriff and was re-elected for three additional terms. While most of my law enforcement work has been primarily handling a full range of criminal cases, I have also handled a variety of civil cases such as landlord-tenant disputes. Throughout my career I have provided instruction for deputy sheriffs and detention officers on how to apply the law to the facts. I have always stayed current on legal developments. Finally, I have had the opportunity for the past year to observe over 300 hours of the Magistrate Court’s operation here in Socorro County.”
Richard J. Sanchez (R): “I have worked in law enforcement for over 25 years, most recently, 16 years in Court Security, Bailiff, and Jury Oversight for the New Mexico Seventh Judicial District Court in Socorro, Catron, Torrance and Sierra Counties; prior work experience is Jail Administrator at the Socorro County Detention Center; Socorro City Police Department Dispatch and Security Patrol at White Sands Missile Range. I have the strength, stability, knowledge and experience require by this important position. I feel that I could serve the people of our community and the surrounding areas well. I am very fair minded and have a deep concern for the issues faced by the public coming before this honorable court. I am fluent in English and Spanish.”
Chieftain: From a judicial standpoint, what is your best asset in decision making?
Saavedra: “My best asset in decision-making would be my character and ethics. I have always been honest and truthful when dealing with the public during my law enforcement career. Many decisions in the magistrate court require applying good judgment and common sense. I have developed this skill throughout my years in law enforcement. With nearly a decade and a half serving as an elected official I know and understand the needs of our community that I have proudly served. As your magistrate judge I will impartially apply the law in each and every case that comes before me, I will fairly judge on the evidence presented to me. I will be fair, firm and consistent. I will do my best to keep and uphold the integrity of your magistrate court in Socorro County. I am asking for your support and vote. I would be honored to serve you as the magistrate court judge for Socorro County.”
Sanchez: “I have the experience, knowledge, impartiality and stability that are so important in making decisions regarding cases before magistrate court. I have worked on a daily basis, closely with the deputy district attorneys and staff at all four counties covered by the Seventh Judicial District. I have also developed a good working relationship with public defenders, and attorneys in private practice that would be important to this position. My wife and I have been married for over 37 years and raised our three children in Socorro. We have three grown children, JJ, Larry, and Tersila and eight grandchildren. We have been licensed treatment foster parents for over 14 years and adopted our youngest son, Luke, 10 years ago. I want to emphasize that I am fair minded, have a good knowledge of the law and have seen firsthand the serious issues facing people in everyday life. In a position as important as this, fairness, experience and knowledge count.”
Socorro County Probate Judge
Chieftain: In assessing a fair disbursement of an estate (post-mortem), what are the best methods you would use?
Richard T. Ritter (R): “State law limits probate court jurisdiction to uncontested proceedings in the settlement of a person who has died (decedent) estate. The court appoints legally qualified representatives authorized to act on behalf of the decedent’s estate to manage and settle the affairs of the decedent as needed, pay valid debts, notify and keep persons interested in the estate (heirs and those named in the will) of ongoing activities in the estate. The representative is responsible to disburse the decedent’s assets and settle other matters in accordance with the terms of a valid will (testate). If there is not a valid will a person is said to have died intestate and the assets of the decedent’s estate are distributed and settled in accordance with New Mexico’s laws of intestate succession.”
Darryl D. Cases (D): “The Uniform Probate Code governs probates as allowed under the New Mexico State Law (NMSA 1978). When someone dies, their property, also known as that person’s estate, needs to be disposed of according to the wishes outlined in their will. A probate judge presides over a probate court. This court appoints a legal representative who has legal authority to act on behalf of an estate in passing the decedent’s (deceased person) real property/personal property to the decedent’s heirs or devisee’s (individuals or organizations listed in a will to receive property) in accordance to the decedent’s wishes as outlined in their will. The Will is a legal document that clearly explains how all of the decedent’s property is to be distributed. If elected as Probate Judge, I will abide by New Mexico State Laws when settling an estate.”
Chieftain: What experiences make you an adequate probate judge?
Cases: “I was born and raised in the Socorro Community. I graduated from Socorro High School and received my Electrical Trades Diploma from Technical Vocational Institute (currently CNM). While enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, I was deployed and fought in the first Gulf War. I was employed by, and retired after 25 years from New Mexico Tech. I have been married to Dawn Weaver for 20 years and have 5 children. I now have the time to dedicate to the position of probate judge. These experiences will help me to excel when I serve as probate judge. If elected, I will be fair and impartial.”
Ritter: “I am a self-employed practicing certified public accountant licensed by the State of New Mexico since 1976. On a regular basis I assist individuals, small business owners and proprietors with federal and state income taxation as well as estate planning and tax issues applicable to their circumstances. These experiences will allow me to conduct the duties of probate judge in rational and equitable manner for Socorro county residents.”