Candidate profile: Vickie Perea

Vickie S. Perea of Albuquerque is running unopposed in the June primary for the Republican nomination for Secretary of State. She was born and raised in Los Lunas. Married for 43 years, she has two sons. She is a former president of the Albuquerque City Council and serves on the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

Q: What is your highest priority if elected?

A: Secure and expedite elections. My top issue will be to create a voter identification measure in the election code because so many issues arise from a lack of proper identification during the voting process. I want to ensure accurate and timely election results.

Q: What are your qualifications?

A: I have more than 30 years of experience as an elected official, public servant and community leader. I am a former Albuquerque City Councilor and former director of City Capitol Improvement Program, overseeing more than $750 million in taxpayer funds.

Q: What unique tools do you bring to this job?

A: I am an experienced administrator who can build coalitions with the county clerks of New Mexico. I believe it is important to have the know-how to interact with the clerks. I would also like to strengthen the business environment in New Mexico. We need to service the business men and women by making the process of entrepreneurship easier.

Q: Do you believe government is transparent enough?

A: No, I believe honesty and integrity are paramount.

Q: What will you try to do in terms of making government more or less open to the public?

A: I plan to go back to the beginning of the voting process to ensure a clear and honest vote. The integrity of the vote is paramount. There is a lack of clear guidelines where the voting process is concerned, and there is no continuity. I want to be the point person and get everyone (voting officials) on the same page.

Q: How do you feel about the proposed redistricting of Curry County?

A: Believe me, I would do a thorough investigation to see if that would be the best option for the county.