Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Q & A
Republican candidates Keith Gardner of Roswell and Rep. Earlene Roberts of Lovington will face off in the June 1 primary for the District 66 House seat. The candidates took time to answer questions about issues involving eastern New Mexico.
Q:What do you think eastern New Mexico’s most pressing issue will be if you are elected to office and how would you address it?
Roberts: I believe the most pressing issue in eastern New Mexico is water. The Ute Project has already been started to help in our domestic consumption. However, in order to retain water for agriculture and further expansion of economic development, there is a need to find other sources, such as cleaning up water that is now being injected into the Earth as waste water. Conservation measures can be taken to make our water go farther. For the past two years, Congress has increased monies available for conservation efforts and New Mexico has been awarded approximately $51.6 million to be used for this. I have carried and supported necessary state legislation in order to obtain these dollars. Cloud seeding is another program that has proven to be successful.
Gardner: In the upcoming session I think the most pressing issue will be water. Since continued economic development will be contingent on having water available, this is an issue that will continue to be of utmost importance. We have started to work on these issues with Salt Cedar eradication as well as the statewide water plan. Eastern New Mexico needs legislative leaders who are willing to defend our area and ensure that our water is protected. Funding for alternative water sources, such as reclaimed water, should be continued as these sources become financially more viable.
Q:What do you think should happen financially to ensure that Cannon Air Base doesn’t fold during the upcoming BRAC process?
Roberts: It is critical that all citizens recognize the safety and economic consequences of losing Cannon Air Force Base. Every leader in our communities; both in private organization and public entities (city, schools, county, state legislation and congressional delegation) must form a cohesive group to keep Cannon Air Force Base. This base plays an important part in the safety of our nation because of the unique training area, as well as being a huge part of the economy of all of New Mexico and most of all the east side of the state. We have to have a cooperative effort to insure we have sufficient lobbying finances to take our story to Washington in order to educate committee members and department heads we must not leave a stone unturned.
Gardner: The state should continue to financially support the efforts in keeping all our bases, including Cannon Air (Force) Base. Also, in the long term, we have to continually improve our educational system and improve economic development. These efforts will continue to show the military the area is positive and supporting. Pursuing foreign military divisions, like other bases in the state, will also help to ensure that Cannon Air Base not only survives this time but in future reviews as well.
Q:What should be done about the county and state’s ongoing jail funding problem? Do you have a solution that hasn’t been pitched previously?
Roberts: With funds getting tighter, the state has shifted and will probably continue to shift some of the burden for transportation of prisoners to the local governments. We as a society need to address criminal behavior and crime in our own back yards. The basic foundation of principles for a society to live by, and get along with their neighbors, was set up thousands of years ago and it became the basis of laws in America. Society in general understands those principles and we need to start applying them to each other. We need to grow a society that will live by those principles. Perhaps it would be advantageous to consider out-of-facility programs for non-violent offenders to decrease some of the expense and help instill those values and principles.
Gardner: One of the first things we can do is look in to setting up “tent cities” for the non-violent offenders. These facilities could be constructed at a much lower cost and would be cheaper to run as well. Individuals would be transported into town for their work and/or community service. It is unfortunate that currently some violent offenders’ sentences are being reduced in order to create room for non-violent offenders. This reduction of sentencing is not in the best interest of our communities. Again, economic development will help reduce crime rates as people who are gainfully employed are less likely to commit crimes.
Q:How do you see eastern New Mexico changing in the coming years and what will you do if elected to see that happens?
Roberts: When all of us understand that the money we spend on any project, whether it be local, state or federal, comes from taxpayers, then we can become more aware of the importance of co-operation. We have a unique chance to re-evaluate how we spend funds and what we spend those funds on. What would be wrong with us all working together on necessary projects to make our monies go further? Stretching across county lines even? I would be willing to work with all communities involved to make a cooperative effort happen. Just as we share the same legislators, we could share resources.
Gardner: I see continued population growth throughout the area, which is one of the reasons I believe water will continue to be an important issue. To sustain our growth and essential industries, such as agriculture, oil and gas, we must provide long-term plans for water. Also, we must develop a true plan for economic development, not just at the city level but regionally as well. By working together, the communities in eastern New Mexico will be much more effective than working independently. We must continue to work to protect our Agricultural industries such as the dairies and farming from foreign imports so they can continue to produce at a reasonable price and provide continued jobs in our area.
Q:Do you view the Ute Water Project being the answer to the area’s water needs and if not, what is the solution?
Roberts: The Ute Water Project is an answer to domestic use of water, however, we still need to insure other economic development has the necessary water for continued growth. We need to explore other sources for water.
Gardner: From what I’ve read and understand, I think it is a viable solution. I do understand that there is federal money, as well as state money, that should be able to help bring the project to pass. However, there will still be significant cost to the communities and the citizens involved. I believe they should have the right to vote and agree to take on the financial burden that the project will impose.
Q:Why should citizens vote for you?
Roberts: House District 66 is conservative, both fiscally and morally. So am I. I have been a part of southeast New Mexico for 54 years and am familiar with all areas of the district. Experience is necessary to achieve the best results. Knowledge of “how things work” and “where to go” has always, and will continue, to have its advantages. Knowledge and understanding of the area, both economics and population, help (me) understand needs of the district. I am willing, able and happy to continue serving my friends and neighbors.
Gardner: First, I think that it is time District 66 had a representative who will spend time in all the communities in the district and listen to the constituents throughout the year, not just during election time. I will commit to having regular meetings in each county to ensure that all areas of the District are represented. Being a small businessman, I have learned to listen objectively and make informed decisions. I will work and fight for my constituents. It’s time District 66 had a citizen in New Mexico’s citizen’s legislature and not a career politician.
Issue Topics:
The state’s DWI fight and legislation:
Roberts: We have tightened the DWI laws in order to get this problem under control. So far we have not seen much improvement and have so many fatalities that affect families who are grieving for loved ones. We need to make sure those laws we now have on the books get enforced and needed enforcement money is directed there for that purpose.
Gardner: I do not believe in forcing all New Mexicans to put ignition interlocks on their vehicles because we have some who continue to drink and drive after multiple convictions. We have to enforce the laws already on the books and provide the DA offices, police, and probation offices with the funds they need to enforce the laws.
What should be done about Medicaid during the next session?
Roberts: Medicaid is growing every year at an alarming rate. We have studied this problem and have come up with a few solutions. Among them are: • Lower the rate from 235 percent of poverty to 185 percent of poverty or lower even. • Ask everyone to pay a portion of every visit made.
Gardner: Medicaid is intended to help the poor but has become more and more for the middle class. I think we need to look at a sliding scale for co-pays based on income so that recipients assume some responsibility for their health care. There must be some incentive for them to receive care at their physician’s office rather than the ER. Improving reimbursement to physicians will help this issue as well.
What should be done with the Lottery Scholarship?
Roberts: The lottery scholarship should be left in place as is. This was a very well thought-out plan when put into place. It provides working families help with college educations for their children. They would not receive help otherwise.
Gardner: It should be 100 percent scholarship and not need-based. It should be used to provide an education for all our youth who want to study in New Mexico.
What do you think about redistricting the state?
Roberts: We have just gone through redistricting in New Mexico in 2001. It is a long controversial process and always causes confusion and dissatisfaction. I believe a more simple plan would better serve our citizens and cause less confusion. However, with pockets of population growth in New Mexico being as it is, and the current laws being as they are; we, in the rural areas, have to spread larger in area to take in the necessary population to make up the districts. We can take advantage of the change to use in our favor because we have more representatives with mutual areas to create a stronger voice for the southeastern part of the state.
Gardner: Redistricting has been completed and should not be addressed until the next census.
Should the Legislature handle gay marriage and if so, what should they do?
Roberts: A chosen lifestyle should not be entitled to have special rights. The marriage laws have always been considered between a man and a woman. Everything else should be banned. Our children are confused enough. I will carry and/or support all legislation to ban gay marriages in the state of New Mexico.
Gardner: I support a Constitutional Amendment defining marriage as being between a man and a woman.
Compiled by CNJ Correspondent David Arkin.
