Candidate for New Mexico Governor in 2018 New Mexico 2018 General Election.
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Get StartedI will also seek to bring the citizens of the state to the point of agreement that the unborn should be protected under the Constitution the same as all lives are protected. Learn more
In all the discussions about life, the people who are experiencing their last years should receive equal respect and protection under the law. Learn more
Support our Police and uniformed law enforcement Learn more
My administration will also tackle the recidivism problem. Learn more
Judges will have the flexibility to sentence certain first-time non-violent offenders to these programs. Learn more
I also want to restore the lives of first-time offenders when possible. Learn more
We start by getting the violent, hardened criminals off the street and into prison where they belong. Our New Mexico families must feel safe in their homes. Learn more
New Mexico must get serious about tackling our crime problem. Every day we hear another horrific story about violent crime running rampant. Learn more
My administration will use our beautiful state and resources to our advantage by granting free fishing and hunting licenses and a guaranteed deer tag to any honorably discharged New Mexico resident veteran who served a minimum of 90 days consecutive active duty. Learn more
Who knows the problems that a veteran faces better than a fellow vet? I stand steadfast in my belief that developing a program throughout the state that links Veterans together will foster better communications and relief for Veterans who are facing challenges they do not know how to overcome. Learn more
My administration will make it our mission to end Veteran homelessness. Learn more
Combat Veterans returning from war and transitioning into the civilian sector face hurdles for which I am intimately familiar. Learn more
Veterans come to the table with a set of job skills second to none. Not only do service members possess trade skills, but they also hold transferable skills employers desperately seek such as leadership, attention to detail, poise and discipline. Learn more
My administration will suspend all licensure fees for Veterans and their spouses, which are often expensive and place an undue burden on Veterans trying to enter the workforce. Learn more
My administration will develop a program granting reciprocity for licenses in the fields that these service members have trained. Learn more
My administration will work with the State Small Business Administration to identify and create small business opportunities for our Veterans. Learn more
My administration will lead from the front when it comes to supporting our Women Veterans. Our women Veterans face daunting challenges when they leave the military. Learn more
As a state, we should be cultivating our Veterans’ experience and brainpower to help grow our economy. Learn more
I will focus on building up the number of VA accredited representatives and integrating them into local communities throughout the state. Learn more
I will formalize a statewide process that facilitates a transition for Veterans from military life to civilian life. Learn more
If a person cannot pass a drug screen to get a job, they will be encouraged to enter a treatment program to cure their drug habits to pave the way for them to lead productive lives. Learn more
Drug Prevention and Treatment Learn more
Mental Illness & Drug Abuse Programs to deal with these problems have become decentralized and are rarely able to adequately address the problem. We should find the latest, most innovative and effective ways to help rescue people. Learn more
Methamphetamines and opioids are stealing the soul of our people and our state. But families alone cannot solve the opioid crisis. We must address these problems head-on with the resources of the state helping restore lives and families. Learn more
It is my commitment as Governor I will concentrate on providing hope to those who have lost it, courage to those who need, and training where it is required for anyone who wants to reenter the work force. Learn more
Private sector companies have built a contractor base around our national labs and military research facilities that is unique in the United States. As national budgets decrease, there is an excellent opportunity for New Mexico’s companies to provide the most professional and cost-effective services in the world to the US Government. Learn more
Beginning about 2010, companies that had been offshoring for decades began to look at returning to the US as costs escalated in the international marketplace. New Mexico should position itself to be where the companies relocate when they return to this country. Learn more
The key to building a sustainable private sector-oriented economy will be innovation and entrepreneurship. Encouraging an innovation ecosystem will be essential for enhancing prosperity and reducing poverty in our state. Learn more
New Mexico has some of the most scenic vistas in the country that are natural attractors to the film industry. The state should actively pursue these high-quality jobs. Learn more
Offer in-state tuition to international STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and Business students at New Mexico’s public universities. Statistically, these students are most likely to start new companies and create jobs for New Mexicans. Learn more
New Mexico could become an ideal location for global businesses to establish operations that allow them to maintain their competitive advantage during extreme weather events or other natural disasters. Learn more
New Mexico should concentrate on creating value-added production to use all of our precious resources rather than exporting them to create jobs in other states. Learn more
Growing and diversifying the economy is a primary focus of my plan. Learn more
A strong economy benefits everyone. It means families can be reunited as young people return home to a quality economy that provides not just jobs but careers and hope for the future. Learn more
Many companies complain that our state treats them like adversaries. A high priority of mine is to establish business-friendly attitudes and policies in our government agencies. Learn more
Therefore, we will concentrate on regulations that protect the environment and workers without killing jobs or destroying jobs in the state. Learn more
Today’s modern economy demands that we redesign our government. We need a government that is next-generation, fresh and innovative. Our government should be local, personal and fair. It should guarantee equal opportunity for all. Learn more
The global attention that will be harvested by the initial launch of Richard Branson into sub-orbit could be the most anticipated and watched event in the history of humanity. Learn more
We have to recognize the role that our state’s anchor higher education and research & development institutions play in creating economic vitality. Learn more
New Mexico needs a closing fund that allows us to attract business and compete with other states. Learn more
The SIC can provide providing financing for facilities or invest directly in companies themselves. Learn more
SPORTS TOURISM: Our great weather and existing tourism attractions in New Mexico make us a natural destination for families looking to participate in youth sports activities. Learn more
TOURISM New Mexico can facilitate the growth of this important industry. Learn more
But we need more than the natural attractors. We need to adopt proven, successful economic principles such as embracing the free market, creating more effective and efficient agencies and making a business-friendly environment that will foster job creation. Learn more
Not every student will attend college, nor should they. But their educational needs are just as important as the college-bound student. Learn more
Choices for Parents and Students Learn more
Apprenticeship Programs in High Schools Learn more
Diversify funding sources to ensure stable funding streams to school districts and charter schools. Learn more
Conduct independent operational audits of every department in every district to ensure state and federal dollars are directed where intended. If we are to deal with chronic shortages of funding and why teacher pay is low, we must get to the root cause of funding issues. Learn more
Aging school facilities must be evaluated and prioritized on need. Construction should be funded on a need basis since some districts have much older buildings than others. Learn more
Provide teachers with the resources and classroom supplies needed to do their job effectively and students have the materials they need for learning. Learn more
Give teachers voice by creating opportunities to provide genuine feedback to inform state policies and practices. Learn more
Deliver focused training to our new and alternatively licensed teachers so they can begin successfully teaching when they enter the classroom. Provide ongoing coaching to support them as they develop and hone their craft. Learn more
We need to remove barriers and let our teachers do what they are trained for and we will see immediate results. Learn more
Fund operations equitably on a per pupil unit basis so that funding is adequate in all districts. We need to stop the practice of district superintendents jumping through hoops to get “below the line money.” Learn more
Decentralize operations by returning control of day to day management decisions to the local school districts and/or charter schools. Learn more
State initiatives, policies and practices must reflect authentic input of the people working in the field. Learn more
I am committed to ensuring that every child in New Mexico receives a quality public education with schools that are safe, where qualified teachers are recruited, supported and retained and parents are welcomed as an integral part of the school system. Learn more
Immediately suspend and redevelop the teacher evaluation system. We will bring teacher, parents, administrators, and other education advocates to the table to design an evaluation system that treats teachers fairly and respectfully, while creating accountability and measurable results. Learn more
Establish & Restore Trust with the Public Education Department Learn more
Attacking poverty starts with education. Learn more
We will immediately suspend the current Teacher Evaluation System. Learn more
In many areas of the state, we have abundant water, it is just not clean water. New Mexico should become a world leader in the cleanup and reuse of water. Learn more
New Mexico can lead the way in resource management, especially as it relates to water and energy. Learn more
We should immediately rebuild that once thriving economy, restoring our healthy forests while renewing hope in some of the most economically distressed, rural counties of our state. Learn more
We should invest in forest management to protect our forests and watersheds from the impact of extreme fire and drought. These lands are the lifeblood of our rural economy including tourism, forest products, and agriculture. Learn more
Restoring the health of our forests will allow the natural recharging of our streams and aquifers, providing much-needed water that an arid state usually captures. Learn more
As an avid hiker and backpacker, I value the majesty of our national forests, the solitude of our wilderness and the limitless horizon of the eastern side of the state. Learn more
The human is the first and most important part of the environment. We should do everything we can to make life easier for our citizens. Learn more
Other states have become aggressive in trying to take water from whatever source they can find. Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Nevada have made attempts to secure water in New Mexico and pipeline it to their cities. If we allow our water to be shipped out of state we forfeit forever our future. Learn more
As governor, I will establish a new approach to reclaiming and reusing water. Learn more
New Mexico can be a national leader in every form of energy. Learn more
We will establish Restoration Programs – restoring forests and restoring lives. Learn more
In 2014, New Mexico implemented a one-stop business portal in order to reduce administrative burdens on businesses and business creation. We should continue to perfect that process. Learn more
Crony Capitalism and Corruption: Both are tremendous impediments to any government and need to be rooted out at all levels in New Mexico. Learn more
As your Governor, my commitment is to ensure our state modernizes the way it provides services to you, our people. Learn more
Adults with children who are not taking financial responsibility for their children will have a work requirement. Learn more
Any effort to combat poverty must acknowledge the devastating effects of behavior and mental health and the long-term homelessness that affects New Mexicans. Budgets must reflect an increased commitment to addressing these difficult problems. Learn more
Encourage employers to provide health insurance by allowing a tax credit for employees who work less than 20 hours per week. Learn more
My pledge for the new beginning is to meet these challenges head on to improve access to health care in every corner of the state and to provide competitive markets where insurance is available and affordable. Learn more
Medicaid. Many times, people who really need the support have trouble getting it because the system is overwhelmed. My commitment is to see that every case is reviewed for accuracy. Learn more
Affordable, Accessible Healthcare Learn more
Our policy of taxing out of state pensions and social security benefits and military pensions (one of eight states that does this) is usually a deciding factor in retirees not locating here. These practices need to end immediately. Learn more
Crumbling Communities: In many areas, our communities, our families and our children have dropped to the bottom in well-being and struggle just to get by. Learn more
Let’s work to build strong families. When problems begin to manifest themselves in our young, let’s work to train and support parents. Let’s work to help our children understand the ‘why’ of societal absolutes. Learn more
Replace all welfare programs with a simple supplement to wages and earned income tax credits. (tax credits to encourage hiring do not work) Learn more
Unemployment benefits were meant to be short term relief for those who are laid off or face other interruptions. The program is useful but is being abused by some who want to avoid work. Learn more
View your personalized ballot, check your voter registration, make a plan to vote, and research every name and measure on the ballot with BallotReady.