Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Public service ranked as a top priority of Roosevelt County June 5 primary candidates Tuesday evening at Eastern New Mexico University's KENW-TV studio.
Christina Calloway: Portales News-Tribune
Candidates in the Roosevelt County primary waited under KENW-TV's studio lights for the candidate forum to start Tuesday evening on Eastern New Mexico University's campus. The forum, presented by the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce, the Portales News-Tribune and KENW-TV, began with asking questions to candidates in the running for probate judge and county clerk. From left, Lori Bohm, Barbara George, Karl Terry, Don Criss, Donna Carpenter and Nancy Gentry.
Candidates of contested races faced off in a candidate forum presented by the Portales News-Tribune, the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce and KENW-TV.
The responses to written questions showed candidates played for the same team when it comes to serving the people of Roosevelt County, but see public service differently as it applies to their experience.
Candidates for the positions of, probate judge (Republican), county clerk (Republican), state representatives of District 63 (Democrat) and District 66 (Republican) participated in the forum with the exception of George Dodge Jr., incumbent and candidate for the state representative of the District 63 seat.
The forum began with ENMU's director of production, Don Criss, asking questions to the Republican candidates running for probate judge. Candidates were asked if they had enough time to devote to this part-time position.
Candidates Lori Bohm and incumbent Barbara George agreed that their availability and flexibility with their schedules will make them accessible to the public. They also have jobs and activities outside of the position that they say keeps them involved in the community.
Bohm, owner of a real estate company, says she will utilize her knowledge of law she's acquired through working in real estate if she were elected.
George said she'd use her experience as probate judge to continue to serve the public if she was elected.
Criss and the program moved swiftly to the next debate, asking questions to the Republican candidates running for county clerk.
Criss asked if candidates were familiar with public records and the state records act.
Candidate Nancy Gentry said the act allows people access to public records.
"I do believe you have to give someone the answers they want," said Gentry, a former probate judge.
Challenger Donna Carpenter has worked in the county clerk's office for eight years and said she spoke from experience when she said many of the records they keep are open to the public.
"The fun part is helping people find their roots," said Carpenter about experiences she's had with people who have requested public records.
After closing statements wrapped up for Gentry and Carpenter, those running for state representative took a seat as Criss moved the forum along.
The three candidates from districts 63 and 66 were combined in one group due to the absence of Dodge.
Candidates were asked questions about immigration reform, education, the role of government, and Gov. Susana Martinez.
Bob Wooley, incumbent and Republican candidate for District 66 state representative, said he supports the repeal of a law that allows illegal immigrants to obtain a driver's license in the state of New Mexico.
"I would hate to find out a terrorist got a license through New Mexico and bombed somewhere knowing they got their license to travel here," Wooley said.
Wooley's opponent, Dennis Kintigh, currently District 57 state representative, agreed with Wooley that he would repeal that law.
Kintigh, a former FBI agent, said he's dealt with foreign national criminals first-hand and fears what they can do with a driver's license.
"You're welcome to come here but don't break the rules," Kintigh said about foreign nationals. "Come here lawfully."
Jose Griego, Democratic candidate for District 63, strongly disagreed with Kintigh and Wooley about supporting that repeal.
"What I will do is extend my hand to help them become citizens," said Griego about immigrants. "I don't want to place obstacles in front of people who want to move to this country and make a better life."
Candidates were also asked about what the state government can do to make schools in the area better.
"What happens in the home trumps everything," said Kintigh about education. His wife, daughter and father were all educators and he says that teachers can only do so much. Development and education starts in the home, he said.
Kintigh said he introduced a bill that would allow school districts to arrest parents for truancy when their children aren't in school. He stressed children have to be present in order to learn.
Wooley thinks giving control of education back to the local educators will strengthen the school district. He also said the government needs to implement the right programs to serve these schools.
Griego said state representatives cannot legislate learning.
"It has to occur at the local level," Griego said. He added that teachers teach much more than curriculum in schools, citing skills and social development as examples.
Election day is June 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the following polling places for Roosevelt County:
Early voting is now until June 2 at two locations:
Absentee voting is now until June 2. Ballots are available at the Roosevelt County clerk's office.
