VOTER'S GUIDE

• If elected, what specific policies will you pursue in 2023 to begin rapidly transitioning our economy to achieve carbon neutrality in the timeframe set by the world’s leading scientists?

Look for policy and strategies that can be passed and adopted in Government, which can direct NM toward a realistic timeframe that can achieve a carbon neutral environment.

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• Do you agree with climate scientists that the brunt of the impacts we face due to climate change will be put on those who contributed the least emissions? (The global South, Indigenous, and low-income communities)

No

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• Do you agree with climate scientists that greenhouse gas emissions must be reversed within 8 years in order to achieve carbon neutrality in time to keep global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees and to avoid catastrophic runaway climate disruption?

Yes

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• In your opinion, why do political leaders set benchmarks and timeframes for emissions reductions that do not comport with climate science mandates?

Politics gets in the way of science.

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• If elected, what will you do differently than current leadership?

Work on alternative policy and strategies that lead NM to a sustainable future.

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• What measures will you propose and advance to ensure that economic recovery and the transition to a green economy fosters equity and economic & racial justice?

Work to pass Legislation which ensures equality for all communities in the State, including the Tribes.

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• If elected, will you support the creation of a Just Transition Study & Fund to identify alternative revenue sources for our state budget and allocate funds from oil and gas directly into community-driven climate mitigation and adaptation strategies? Explain.

I would consider this Legislation, however, I would be interested in how the Bill is written.

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• If elected, how will you include Indigenous and traditional land-based knowledge in the development of a sustainable economy for all of NM?

Everyone should be at the table, including the Tribes. I would meet and listen to all perspectives of what people consider sustainable, and use my best judgement to propose sustainable and healthy Legislation.

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• Who will you talk to about climate issues? Who advises you? What is your plan for community consultation on climate issues?

I would consult with the State Environment Department, the LFC Staff and the community.

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• Define environmental racism in your own words and provide an example in NM

Environmental racism is when communities of color are discriminated against due to developmental policy which affects their daily lives. A clear example is in the San Jose Neighborhood, South Broadway, where I helped to work on establishing a Superfund Site, in Albuquerque.

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• What is the responsibility of your generation to the youth and future generations while in office? Explain.

The decisions made by Elected Officials and Community Leaders today, directly impacts the lives of those younger generations for years to come. The responsibility to respect and care for future generations is inherent in our decision making.

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• A) Do you support placing a moratorium on new gas development in the state of New Mexico? Why or Why Not?

No, gas prices in NM are currently to high. I propose that we work with the Oil and Gas Industry, and the community to find solutions/alternatives to our problems. The Oil and Gas Industry also funds our Education System, and until we have alternative funding solutions, this is not a viable idea.

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• B) Do you support placing a moratorium on new gas plant investment for utilities in New Mexico? Why or Why Not?

See above

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• Do you support nuclear energy? Why or Why Not?

I am not opposed to Nuclear Energy, however I am opposed to Nuclear Storage in NM.

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• Do you support the development of Hydrogen Production Hubs here in New Mexico? Why or Why Not?

I am not sure the idea of NM being a HUB is the answer. However, I would consider Hydrogen Production as an alternative energy source.

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• Do you support community ownership of energy where Cities/Counties/Indigenous Nations are able to own, produce, and sell electricity to residents and keep energy dollars local?

Yes.

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• What do you believe is the fossil fuel industry/utility’s responsibility for cleanup and how as an elected official in the public office for which you are running do you plan to hold industry accountable for pollution and cleanup?

Yes.

• Do you support utility bill forgiveness for low-income New Mexicans who have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis?

Yes

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• Some are saying that COVID-19 is the dress rehearsal for the climate crisis. In fact, in many places throughout the world, the two are compounding crises. What do you think we can learn from the COVID-19 crisis when addressing the climate crisis?

Emergency Management is a key component to handling a crisis. There are many lessons from the COVID Pandemic, including respect for all communities, and their resources, and the ability to survive, and assist those vulnerable communities.

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• Describe your previous experience working on social/health/environmental issues, do you have experience working with impacted communities to co-develop solutions? How will you use this experience to tackle the climate crisis?

Yes, I was a City Planner working for years in Inner-City neighborhoods and communities. I believe that the most vulnerable communities require policy and funding to help protect them in times of need. As an elected City Councilor, during the Pandemic, getting Policy passed quickly followed by critical funding was key. I would use my experience to ensure effectiveness and efficiency are factors in meeting the needs of the community.

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• What are your ideas to loosen the grip of industry on the state legislature and strengthen our democracy?

Make voting easier.

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• Name specific alternative sources for state revenue that you'd pursue and propose if elected

Green Investments

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• Have you accepted any donations from fossil fuel companies or utilities? Yes/No

No

Will you take the #fossilfree pledge? http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/politician-signup/

No