County sheriff, tax assessor only local contested races in today’s election

Two local races will be decided in today’s general election.

Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The county sheriff’s race features three candidates, with independent Diego Lucero, Republican Malin Parker and Democrat Charles Perez vying for the spot.

The county assessor’s race pits Republican George Beggs against Democrat Royene Tivis.

At the federal level, the U.S. representative positions in District 2 and 3 will be decided, with Republican incumbent Steve Pearce being challenged in District 2 by Roxanne Lara and Democrat incumbent Ben Ray Lujan facing Republican Jeff Byrd and write-in Tommy Hook in District 3.

In the state senator’s race, Democrat incumbent Tom Udall is being challenged by Republican Allen Weh.

Three bond questions that include local funding will also be decided.

• If Bond A is approved, Portales Public Library will receive $30,381.66.

• If Bond B is approved, Portales senior centers will receive $125,000.

• If Bond C is approved, Eastern New Mexico University will receive $11 million for the first phase of the renovation of Golden Library into the Golden Student Success Center.

The passage of the three bonds would cost taxpayers $7.65 a year on $100,000 of property evaluation.

The owner of a $100,000 home would see about a $6 annual reduction if the measures fail.

Here’s a look at positions in Roosevelt County up for election and the salaries associated with them:

• County Commission, Republican Lewis Shane Lee, running unopposed in District 3 — $22,832.

• County Commission, Republican Gene Creighton, running unopposed in District 4 — $22,832.

• County Commission, Republican Kendall Buzard , running unopposed in District 5 — $22,832.

• County clerk, Republican DeAun Searl, running unopposed — $57,265

• County assessor, Republican George Beggs against Democrat Royene Tivis — $49,031.

• County sheriff, Independent Diego Lucero, Republican Malin Parker and Democrat Charles Perez are running for position — $51,277.

Voters can use any of the county’s five Voter Convenience Centers located at:

• Dora School, 401 Ave. B

• Elida Community Center, 704 State St.

• Floyd Community Center, 1572 N.M. 267

• Jake Lopez Community Center, 705 E. Lime

• Memorial Building, 200 E. Seventh St.