Commission hopefuls cover varied issues

Staff Writer

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Curry County Commission candidates took center stage and broached a wide array of issues during Thursday’s High Plains Patriots Candidates Forum at the Master’s Centre in Clovis.

Seven candidates vying for three seats were present during the two hour session — with District 2 incumbent Ben McDaniel being joined by challenger Stephen Whittington while District 4 candidates Steve Gershon, Benjamin Smith and Donald Harrell were also present. District 4 candidates are vying for the seat currently held by Commission Chair Wendell Bostwick, whose term is set to expire. District 5 incumbent Tim Ashley was also in attendance, as was his opponent, Robert Thornton.

Water, jobs, crime and gaming were among the topics discussed.

“You have the Ute pipeline, which is a long term goal, with hopes that it will be accomplished,” McDaniel said with regard to finding sustainable water sources. “But in the interim we have to reach out to local land owners and discuss whether they are willing to lease water. We can’t just depend upon the Ute option. There have to be alternatives.”

As it relates to the economy, Ashley said it’s incumbent upon county leaders to continually pave the way for fiscal growth.

“I believe we have to use what we have,” he said. “I’ve supported infrastructure projects for Southwest Cheese and BNSF for expansion of the railroad. That’s not small business, but in a sense it is because those are large employers that allow people to spend money in the local economy.”

A difference of opinion surfaced regarding the county jail and Curry County crime.

“I think we need to pick our battles when it comes to incarcerating people for an extended period of time,” Smith said. “We have to consider the minor stuff versus the major stuff. Perhaps consider placing bands or bracelets on minor offenders to allow them to continue to work and go to school or whatever it is they’re doing instead of keeping them behind bars.”

Meanwhile, Harrell expressed a diametrically opposed view.

“We are known on this side of New Mexico for housing more dope than all of the rest of the state,” he said. “And that is true. I know where a bunch of it is. There are business owners here who are major handlers of dope. It’s a big problem.”

Gershon said gaming would be of economic benefit to the county.

“I spent 20 years in the military fighting for America,” said Gershon. “America is for free enterprise and free speech. If you don’t like a business, like gambling, then don’t go to it. It’s going to bring in people and revenue and it’s free enterprise.”

But Whittington said gaming would not be worth the effort.

“I just cannot imagine how we would put Cannon Air Force Base at risk over a few people making a lot of money,” he said. “And be in jeopardy of losing that job losing that job-driving entity.”

Curry County Commission Vice Chairman Chet Spear, a member of the audience, asked Gershon about his recent appearance in municipal court for a battery charge and about an unrelated case on a charge of bringing a firearm into a place that sells alcohol. Gershon said those issues were taken care of, and Spear replied the matter was debatable.

Thornton said transparency is key in assessing the needs of county constituents.

“I think we need to respect the will of the voters,” he said. “Part of the problem is communication. When decisions are made, you have to get input and get people on board to help them understand the issues at hand. If people understand you are there working on their behalf, it makes it easier for everyone to come together and get matters addressed.”

The primary election is June 7.