Candidate Q&A: Curry County Commission District 2

There are two candidates in the June 2 Republican primary for the District 2 slot on the Curry County Commission.

The winner faces no opposition in the November general election. James D. Ridling and J. Albin Smith are running for the seat currently held by Ben McDaniel, who is term-limited.

The position pays $24,599.46 annually, plus benefits.

James D. Ridling

Occupation: Most recently retired from farming and the U.S. Postal Service.

Prior or current elected offices: First time running for public office. However, I have been president and secretary treasurer of the Melrose Rotary Club. I am currently serving on the Water Advisory Board for the city of Clovis.

What experience do you have that will prepare you for the upcoming four years?

I have farmed most of my life. At age 14, I rented a quarter section of dryland wheat ground from my father. I continued to farm that land until I graduated from college. In 1977, I took over the family farm while working full time for the Soil Conservation Service and later for the Post Office. I have managed budgets while working for the government as well as my personal business interests. I have worked long hours if the need existed. I have lobbied in Santa Fe and Washington, D.C., for legislation.

What do you believe should be the role of government, and do you believe anything changes during a pandemic?

The role of county government should be to provide and maintain roads within the county, provide emergency and essential services. During this pandemic we may have less revenue from the state for capital expenditures and a reduction in gross receipt tax revenue. The county will have to prioritize our expenditures based on needs.

Commissioners are most visible during twice-monthly public meetings, but most of the legwork happens outside of those meetings. What kind of time commitments can you make to the position outside of meetings, and what do you plan to do during those hours?

I’m retired and have the time and dedication to commit working for the citizens of Curry County. I plan on representing the county at civic, other organizations and other units of government at their meetings. I estimate two to three days a week and maybe more during the legislative sessions. But I promise to work for the citizens of Curry County and always be available.

As difficult as it is to imagine Jan. 1 right now, what do you envision to be the biggest challenge of the office you’re seeking? How do you plan to address it?

The biggest issue I see is a shortfall in revenue from the state due to low oil prices and a reduction in revenues from gross receipt taxes. Money for roads may be an issue, I am hoping that our county can lobby for its fair share of funding.

For this position, the Republican primary is the only contested one and there are no nominees signed up for the Democratic and Libertarian primary races. Should you win the primary what will you do over the next six months to ensure a smooth transition?

I plan on attending, watching or listening to all commission meetings and reaching out to the current commissioners to keep abreast of what is happening in the county. I plan to be active with the NM Association of Counties to learn more about state and federal funding opportunities for our county. I look forward to a brighter future for our county.

J. Albin Smith

Occupation: Dairy farmer

Prior or current elected offices: Served as Curry County commissioner 2001-2008, served as chairman two of those years. Many years on boards of Dairy Producers of New Mexico, Dairy Farmers of America corporate level and South West Dairy Farmers.

What experience do you have that will prepare you for the upcoming four years?

Six years as a Curry County commissioner. I have 45 years of operating a business in New Mexico. Running a business in all types of economic seasons has given me experience of knowing the value of the dollar.

What do you believe should be the role of government, and do you believe anything changes during a pandemic?

On the local level the county is to create a budget, maintain the detention (jail) center, county law enforcement, and the fairgrounds for improved quality of life. During the pandemic we need a strong voice that represents our unique local communities and our needs, which are not the same as statewide. One size does not fit all.

Commissioners are most visible during twice-monthly public meetings, but most of the legwork happens outside of those meetings. What kind of time commitments can you make to the position outside of meetings, and what do you plan to do during those hours?

Because I have been a commissioner I know the time commitments. I know that more time is spent behind the scenes than in the twice monthly meetings. I will work with the county manager and staff. Each commissioner is assigned several committees. For example, county roads, detention center, commission on older adults and soil and water conservation etc. There are also many statewide meetings to attend. I will do my part to make the county better.

As difficult as it is to imagine Jan. 1 right now, what do you envision to be the biggest challenge of the office you’re seeking? How do you plan to address it?

The county is running smoothly now. We need to see the residual effect of the pandemic on the budget. I predict oil and gas revenues on the state level will be significantly less and that will affect our county. We may have to re-evaluate our numbers and expenses and be efficient stewards of the money we will have access to.

For this position, the Republican primary is the only contested one and there are no nominees signed up for the Democratic and Libertarian primary races. Should you win the primary what will you do over the next six months to ensure a smooth transition?

I will attend county meetings to get up to speed, but with having served before I will hit the ground running. I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve.

— Compiled by Editor Kevin Wilson