Candidate profiles: Probate judge

Kevin Duncan

Republican candidate for probate judge

What’s your background?

I am 32 years old. My wife is Jodi Duncan. I am the proud parent of two boys, Jared and Tanner. I have been employed with Muffley Funeral Home for 14 years. I am a former city commissioner, serving for 8 1/2 years. Two of those years I served as mayor pro-tem. I am a 1992 graduate of the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. I am a licensed funeral director and have been since 1994.

Why are you running for probate judge?

I wanted to stay active in the community. Probate judge somewhat falls in line with my job but it is not beneficial or a conflict of interest in any way. I had intended to run for this position once my term as commissioner was up and this is a way to stay in politics.

Why do you believe you are the best candidate?

I have good morals. I stand fast in my beliefs. I can bring assets to the position such as my good character.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy bird hunting and computers. Graphic art was my major in college.

Michael R. Wells

Republican candidate for probate judge

What’s your background?

I was born and raised in Clovis. I graduated Clovis High School and Eastern New Mexico University. I received my law degree from Western State University and attended College of Law-San Diego. I have worked in the Clovis legal community for 26 years. I served as probate judge from 1987 to 1999. I taught wills and estates at Clovis Community College. I have dealt with probate litigation, probate appeals and participated in drafting over 2000 wills.

Why are you running for probate judge?

I miss it. I enjoyed being probate judge for 12 years. I rendered a valuable service to the public and I am knowledgeable in probate. I miss doing weddings. I really enjoyed them.

Why do you believe you are the best candidate?

In a nutshell, I have a law degree and I am a native of the area with 26 years of actual hands-on experience in wills, probates, estates and property transfers. I have overwhelming prior experience.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I have dedicated my life to the Lord Jesus. God has blessed me overwhelmingly.

Gloria Wicker

Democratic candidate for probate judge

What’s your background?

I was born and raised in Curry County. I began working for the city of Sante Fe at 18 years old. I also worked in the civil service at what was then Clovis Air Force Base and was in charge of securing parts from all over the United States. I returned to work for the railroad and was elected chairman of the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks. I lobbied in Washington, D.C., with Sens. Pete Domenici, Dennis Chavez and Rep. Harold Runnels.

Why are you running for probate judge?

I am retired so I can spend as much time as necessary to settle probate matters. I will be available to perform dignified marriage ceremonies on short notice that will be cherished by the bride and groom.

Why do you believe you are the best candidate?

My experience in representing people and negotiations will serve me in making fair and honest opinions.

The probate judge needs to be involved with the affairs of the community and not be an entity all their own. We have a serious problem with an overabundance of prisoners. I am going to seek legislature to have probate judges start handling small claims. This will free the magistrate court tremendously, so they can handle district court cases, which will get the prisoners out of our jails in a timely fashion.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m active and I attend water aerobics. I owned and farmed 82 acres of land, breaking ground, laying rows, planting and raising pinto beans.

I have owned quarterhorses, Tennessee walking horses, registered Angus cattle, and my own milk cow. I had a separator and I made my own butter. I am a graduate of the Clovis Civilian Police Academy. I am proud to say I still have a target I use at the practice range with various weapons.

All of the above reflects how I am familiar with a great number of walks of life and types of people. I can communicate with the public with ease and confidence.