New Mexico

2024 Primary Election Guide: N.M. House of Representatives – Valencia County News-Bulletin

Published

2 months ago

May 16, 2024

Press Room

2024 Primary Election Guide: N.M. House of Representatives – Valencia County News-Bulletin

Tanya Mirabal Moya

Tanya Mirabal Moya (I)

Age: 49

Occupation: Physics teacher at Belen High School

Education: Bachelors of Science in health and wellness from Kaplan University (Purdue Global); Master of Science in sports management; athletic administration and coaching from Liberty University

Previous elected political offices: Current state representative for District 7

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a felony or DWI in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“It’s been too long for people who have never worked in a classroom to make decisions about how we educate our students. As a current teacher, I am that greatly needed voice in our state roundhouse for our students, educators, and our education system throughout the state of New Mexico.

What do you hope to work on, or see passed, at the Legislature to address safety issues in our community?

“Going after criminals and not law-abiding citizens who are trying to protect themselves. By mandating tougher penalties for convicted felons who commit a crime with a gun, along with bail reform that would help keep violent criminals behind bars instead of on our streets.”

Every municipality and county struggles with paying the high cost of infrastructure projects. How should the state address growing and costly infrastructure needs?

“The state should address the rising cost of infrastructure projects by making it easier to do business in New Mexico. This includes reducing or eliminating the state’s GRT (I have put forward a bill to do so for small businesses), as these costs are ultimately passed on to consumers.”

What can the Legislature do to help address the teacher shortage in New Mexico?

“Create a licensure program that allows experienced individuals to teach higher level classes part-time, so they don’t have to leave their high paying jobs. Create a fourth tier in the teacher license that is for a master teacher, who manages several classrooms and teachers in their department.”

Brian G. Baca

Brian Baca (I)

Age: 53

Occupation: Educator

Education: BA, MA University of New Mexico

Previous elected political offices: N.M. House of Representatives

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a felony or DWI in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“I have served three sessions in the N.M. House of Representatives. I serve on the education committee, which sets policy for our pre-k through higher education institutions. I serve on the House appropriations committee which sets the budget and funding for the entire state of New Mexico.”

What do you hope to work on, or see passed, at the Legislature to address safety issues in our community?

“We need to make tougher laws for violent and repeat offenders. We need to end the catch and release practice that puts criminals back on the streets. Finally, we need to adequately fund our first responders in our communities to recruit and retain personnel.”

Every municipality and county struggles with paying the high cost of infrastructure projects. How should the state address growing and costly infrastructure needs?

“As a member of the House appropriations we have worked to address this serious need. We need to invest a larger portion of our budget surplus to infrastructure and needs of our community (roads, health care, police and fire departments). This investment will bring a higher return on our investment and impact the lives of all citizens.”

What can the Legislature do to help address the teacher shortage in New Mexico?

“As an educator and a member of the education committee, I am on the front lines of funding our schools and improving education. As a member of the House appropriations committee, I advocated to put back the funding that had been cut to support the educator fellows and teacher residency programs that were created specifically to address our teacher shortage.”

Michelle Paulene Abeyta

Michelle Paulene Abeyta

Age: 40

Occupation: Lawyer

Education: B.A. in Native American Studies and Geography from University of New Mexico, J.D. with certificate in Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy from University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law

Previous elected political offices: To’hajiilee Community School Board of Education

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a felony or DWI in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“As a lifelong resident of District 69, I know what it’s like to drive 100 miles for basic needs. My public service includes the To’hajiilee Community School Board of Education, National Native American Bar Association Board, and more I hold a J.D. with a certificate in Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy.”

What do you hope to work on, or see passed, at the Legislature to address safety issues in our community?

“I want to see paid family and medical leave pass through the Legislature. I will support legislation that will provide critical improvements to District 69’s infrastructure, help with projects like uranium cleanup efforts, and bolster educational opportunities for children and adults alike.

Every municipality and county struggles with paying the high cost of infrastructure projects. How should the state address growing and costly infrastructure needs?

“Children on school buses shouldn’t have to drive on roads with potholes so big I can sit in them. Community members have been advocating to fix these roads for years. District 69 needs a voice that will prioritize critical infrastructural improvements to positively and tangibly change our quality of life.”

What can the Legislature do to help address the teacher shortage in New Mexico?

“We need to provide top-notch benefits, competitive pay, safe working environments, and additional support in the classroom for teachers wherever needed. As a member of my local school board, I helped secure millions in funding to improve our community school. I’ll bring that same level of advocacy to the Legislature.”

Stanley E. Michael

Stanley E. Michael

Age: 55

Occupation: Coal miner

Education: High school graduate

Previous elected political offices: None

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a felony or DWI in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“I am a strong advocate of the community. I have served 10 years in corrections, three years as director of Adult Community Corrections program, one summer at CYFD, three summers at the state highway department, 11 years in 4-H, and 15 years coaching youth, middle school, and high school baseball, basketball and football.”

What do you hope to work on, or see passed, at the Legislature to address safety issues in our community?

“Above all, a three strikes law to reduce crime, followed by a way to keep criminals off the streets as they await trial. We need to do better at screening immigrants to keep criminals out of New Mexico and we need to improve rehabilitation efforts.”

Every municipality and county struggles with paying the high cost of infrastructure projects. How should the state address growing and costly infrastructure needs?

“Two federal laws have already passed to help with infrastructure. They are the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act, which support communities by entering contracts and agreements on projects that would help to support our communities. Since New Mexico has a surplus, we should be able to provide matching funds to get more done.”

What can the Legislature do to help address the teacher shortage in New Mexico?

“Talk to and listen to our educators. Really listen. They will be the best experts on what can be done and what is needed in our classrooms. They should be able to provide ideas on how to attract and retain educators to our state.”

Editor’s note: Incumbents N.M. Reps. Gail Armstrong (R-District 49) and Harry Garcia (D-District 69) are both running for reelection but did not return their answers to the Valencia County News-Bulletin’s questionnaire.

VOTING INFORMATION

Absentee by mail

The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the June primary election is Tuesday, May 21. Absentee ballots can be requested by visiting nmvote.org

If they are not returned by mail, absentee ballots can be returned in person at the following locations by 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 4:

Valencia County Clerk’s Office, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas
Any of the early in-person or alternate early voting locations.
Any of the 15 Voting Convenience Centers open on Election Day throughout the county.
Any of the three secure absentee ballot drop boxes
Belen Community Center, 305 Eagle Lane, Belen
Bosque Farms Public Library, 1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms
Valencia County Administration Building, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas

Early, in-person voting

8 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Friday, May 17, Monday through Saturday

Valencia County Administration Building, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas

Alternate, early voting

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 18, through Saturday, June 1, Monday through Saturday

Belen Community Center, 305 Eagle Lane, Belen,
Bosque Farms Public Library, 1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms
Pueblo of Isleta Veterans Center, 4001 N.M. 314, Isleta
Valencia County Administration Building, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas

Voting Convenience Centers

7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 4

Ann Parish Elementary, 112 Meadow Lake Road, Meadow Lake
Belen Community Center, 305 Eagle Lane, Belen
Belen Public Library, 333 Becker Ave. Belen
Bosque Farms Public Library, 1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms
Century High School, 32 Sun Valley Road, Los Lunas
Del Rio Senior Center, 351 Rio Communities Blvd., Rio Communities
Don Jose Dolores Cordova Cultural Center, 426 Jarales Road Jarales
El Cerro Mission Community Center, 309 El Cerro Mission Road, El Cerro
Logsdon Hall, 19676 N.M. 314, Los Chavez
Los Lunas Schools Administration, 119 Luna Ave., Los Lunas
Meadow Lake Community Center, 100 Cuerro Lane, Meadow Lake
Pueblo of lsleta Veterans Center, 4001 N.M. 314, Isleta
Tomé Adelino Fire Department Valley Station, 2755 N.M. 47, Tomé
Town of Peralta Town Hall , 90A Molina Road, Peralta
UNM-Valencia Workforce Training Center, 1020 Huning Ranch, Los Lunas

The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.

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New Mexico

Tanques Wildfire Update

Published

2 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Press Room

Friday, July 26, 2024

Location: Northwest corner of the Santa Fe National Forest in the Cuba Ranger District, approximately 27 miles north of Cuba, NM.

Start Date: July 18, 2024

Size: 2,745 acres with a planned perimeter of 7,000 acres

Percent completed: 35 %

Cause: Lightning

Vegetation: The wildfire is burning in ponderosa pine, pinyon-juniper, and oak.

Resources: 36 personnel including aerial resources

Overview: Santa Fe National Forest will manage the fire as a Type 3 incident with a confine and contain strategy. This means crews will manage the fire within a predetermined area (confine) and use points to stop the fire’s spread (contain). To accomplish this strategy, crews will conduct firing operations using aerial and hand ignitions within a 7000-acre planned perimeter as early as July 25 and use roads, hand lines, and natural barriers as containment lines.

The fire is burning in the Moya National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) project area and a landscape that has been thinned and treated with prescribed fire in the past. The primary objectives for the Tanques Wildfire are to provide for firefighter and public safety and improve wildlife habitat.

Highlights: Fire held within the fire perimeter overnight. Today, aerial ignitions, conducted by a helicopter, continue within the project area. Crews are managing fire activity and preparing for thunderstorms later this evening.

Weather: After a relatively calm night Thursday night, an uptick in afternoon thunderstorm activity in the fire area is forecast Friday through the weekend.

Closure Order: A temporary area and road closure is in effect to protect the public’s health and safety during firefighting operations for the Tanques Wildfire. The closure order is available on the Santa Fe National Forest’s website – Closure Order 03-10-02-24-11 .

Safety: The health and safety of firefighter and the public are always the highest priority. Please avoid the area while crews manage the Tanques Wildfire. Drones and firefighting aircraft are a dangerous mix and could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire operations. If you fly, we can’t.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from communities along Highway 112 including El Vado and Llaves, NM and from the Jicarilla Apache Nation Indian Reservation. View an interactive smoke map on AirNow Fire and Smoke Map. To learn more about smoke impacts visit Wildfire and Prescribed Fire Smoke Resources (nm.gov).

Fire Information:

Contact Claudia Brookshire, Public Affairs Officer, Santa Fe National Forest

Phone: 505-607-0879 (available from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm)

Email: claudia.brookshire@usda.gov

Links: Santa Fe National Forest website, New Mexico Fire Info, Inciweb, and Santa Fe National Forest social media (Facebook and X).

Tanques Wildfire updates will be provided weekly.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

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New Mexico

Cruisin' with New Mexico social media star Johnny James

Published

10 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Press Room

Cruisin' with New Mexico social media star Johnny James

Johnny James has become popular for showing off the quirks of New Mexico’s culture but who is he? We took a cruise and got to know him more.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — There’s a local man who’s been skyrocketing to stardom, simply by making videos about New Mexico’s unique culture.

Phrases and things only New Mexicans know. Johnny James is sharing with the world:

“Down here in New Mexico, we got our own way of doing things. And we DEFINITELY got our own way of saying things.”
“You wanna go check out that new chicken place that just opened up real quick, errr what?”
“The classic New Mexican phrase…ombers.”

Johnny James is an unintended influencer, having some fun with his own culture. He started making videos on social media during the pandemic. There’s a certain unfiltered authenticity that has garnered him hundreds of thousands of followers.

“I started making videos from a real point of view, from us down here, for us down here. And it just cracked off,” he said.

Johnny’s life hasn’t always been something you’d want to share online.

“Totally fair to say. Straight up, I’ll be all the way honest… from like 13 to when it was done, I grew up in the streets selling dope,” he said. “I got kicked out of school in the 11th grade. Had my ‘jito when I was 16. I always kinda credit him for shifting my trajectory.”

Now, at 39 years old, Johnny has four boys and has a career in music, podcasting, cannabis and, one that he hates to admit, influencing.

He knows having an influence can be a good thing.

“If I can be like, look… we have similar backgrounds but if you take a different route, look where we are now,” he said.

Johnny is using it good. Recently, he started a GoFundMe to raise money for people affected by the Ruidoso fires and flooding. As expected, New Mexicans have turned out, raising more than $70,000.

People know Johnny. When we cruised Central with him in his ’64 Impala lowrider, many people spotted him from a mile away so we had to stop a few times.

See the full cruise and story in the video above.

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New Mexico

PRC approves NM Gas Co. rate increase agreement – NM Political Report

Published

17 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Press Room

PRC approves NM Gas Co. rate increase agreement – NM Political Report

The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission approved a stipulated agreement which is expected to result in a rate increase for customers. The stipulated agreement is between New Mexico Gas Company and various consumer and environmental advocates. The gas utility initially asked for the ability to collect nearly $49 million in additional revenue from customers. The […]

The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission approved a stipulated agreement which is expected to result in a rate increase for customers.

The stipulated agreement is between New Mexico Gas Company and various consumer and environmental advocates. The gas utility initially asked for the ability to collect nearly $49 million in additional revenue from customers. The stipulated agreement reduced that to $30 million.

The rate increase will go into effect in October.

Commissioner James Ellison said he supports the stipulated agreement. He also expressed concerns that this is at least the fourth time in eight years that a rate case involving NM Gas Co. has been resolved through a stipulated agreement.

“I do think it’s also reasonable to ask how many stipulations in a row would we like to see before we’d like to have a litigated case,” he said.

He said the advantages of a stipulation is that it provides a mutually acceptable resolution, especially in cases where there are multiple intervening parties. That makes it unlikely that any party will appeal the ruling.

“But I do think with the litigated case, there is more scrutiny,” he said.

Commission Chairman Patrick O’Connell said he believes there’s value in both litigated cases and in stipulated agreements.

“If you just settle, settle, settle, who knows what’s buried in the trajectory there,” he said.

He said the best way to learn all the details is to have the transparency that a litigated process brings.

“Having said that, I think probably, if we have concerns about that, I think we’ll want to somehow signal that ahead of when they file their next case,” O’Connell said.

Ellison said that NM Gas Co. has indicated that the lower increase in revenue will mean that some of the projects it is undertaking, such as replacing meters, will be done more slowly. However, he said, the utility is not canceling any projects required for pipeline safety or compliance with federal regulations.

“I do take the company at its word here that they’re going to replace the 90-year-old uncoated steel pipeline first, and if they need to delay something, they’re going to delay projects that are more discretionary like the meter replacements,” he said.

Commissioner Gabriel Aguilera said that there is not 100 percent visibility about which projects will be performed using the $30 million additional revenue and which ones are going to be delayed because of the reduced amount in the stipulated agreement.

“But I received some assurance from the explanation that the projects that are needed for reliability and safety will be the ones that will be pursued here,” he said.

At the same time, Aguilera said that he does not anticipate that the projects NM Gas Co. initially requested money for will go away. He said those projects will now be delayed due to the smaller revenue increase.

“I anticipate that they will be back before us with similar if not the same projects,” he said.

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