Candidate Q&As: Magistrate Court Judge Division II

Four candidates are in the running to be the Republican nominee for Division II Magistrate Court judge in the June 7 primary elections.

There are no Democrats running in the primary election.

The Division II bench position is currently held by Shaun Burns, who is leaving the post and running for a Ninth Judicial District Court judge seat now held by Benjamin Cross.

Magistrate judges in Ninth Judicial District earn $101,587.20 a year, according to the New Mexico state government’s Sunshine Portal website.

Early voting begins Tuesday.

Donald Sawyer

Q: What is the purpose of government?

A: Government is supposed to assist their citizens in areas in which they cannot take care of themselves and to keep the checks and balances between businesses, organizations, and its citizens. Also, the government is responsible for protecting their citizens with our military and keeping them well trained and provided for financially and resourcefully.

Q: Why are you a Republican?

A: I became a Republican in February 1980 when I voted for then President Ronald Reagan. After listening to Reagan talk about taking care of the military financially and with resources, I thought this was the president for me and I wanted to become a Republican. Reagan was instrumental in getting the military an 11% raise. At that time, I had been in the service for three years and had learned that previous raises had been between 2% and 4%. I realized this president was willing to take care of those who defend our country. I am also pro-life, which is a Republican position.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for magistrate judge?

A: I would make the best candidate because of my 29 years as a mediator. I became a mediator while working as the chief of complaints and investigations for the Inspector General’s (IG) office at Cannon Air Force Base. My role was to assist service members with their complaints with departments on base (i.e. finance office, personnel office) and complaints of mistreatment and unfair treatment by supervision, and I volunteered to be trained in mediation. I was quite successful in resolving most of my complaints through mediation. I always view things from different perspectives and come up with solutions to resolve complaints.

Q: How do you feel about tougher requirements for pre-trial release?

A: As a judge my role is to look at each case with perspective and the evidence brought before me. Each case will be different. It’s not necessarily tougher requirements. It’s more about recognizing whether the individual should be released based on charges. I don’t believe someone accused of a 10th DUI should be released pre-trial. This person has shown disregard for the law by getting behind the wheel intoxicated and becoming a hazard to society and safety. I would rather they be confined until their hearing. However, I would choose this recourse after hearing all the evidence and looking at past behavior.

Stephen Whittington

Q: What is the purpose of government?

A: Our government was formed to protect the rights of our citizens: freedom of religion, right to keep and bear arms, right to fair trial, right to vote and freedom of speech. It promotes rule of law, enforces laws fairly and ensures public safety. Our magistrate court system provides a legal process for dealing with civil issues up to $10,000. Traffic violations, misdemeanors, and felony preliminary hearings are heard in magistrate court.

Q: Why are you a Republican?

A: For many years I’ve shared the beliefs of the Republican Party: lower taxes, deregulation, a strong military, law enforcement, gun rights, First Amendment rights, and all our freedoms we must safeguard to protect our American democracy. The function of magistrate court is not based on any political party or status.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for magistrate judge?

A: For over 38 years, Clovis has been our home. As a New Mexico State Police officer for 20 years, I prosecuted offenders and testified in hundreds of cases in magistrate court, interacting with judges, attorneys, and both criminal suspects and crime victims. As a landlord, I understand the challenges that come with owning and maintaining rental properties, while having good tenant-landlord relationships. I am well versed in the law, and pledge to decide each case objectively, based on facts and rule of law. My experience, skills, training, record of service, and family values have prepared me for this position.

Q: How do you feel about tougher requirements for pre-trial release?

A: While this continues to be an issue for our state, I believe I must decline to answer specifically due to the code of ethics for judges, about my feelings or philosophy. I can say that I pledge to comply with state guidelines in all cases heard in magistrate court. As a whole, our court system should evaluate all measures to increase efficiency, which will be beneficial when handling civil disputes and dealing with criminal cases.

Eleisa Loera Munoz

Q: What is the purpose of government? 

A: Within the restraints of the Constitution, the purpose of our government is to ensure and protect the liberty and freedom of the citizens and to provide justice with balance.

Q: Why are you Republican?  

A: The short response is that I am Republican because I believe the best solution for any problem is found in the people and not in bigger government.  I believe in individual freedoms.  I believe in God, and believe that including God in the things that we do are to our benefit rather than our detriment.  I also believe in individual change and responsibility and believe in creating environments where people can do this and become self sufficient rather than having a reliance on the government.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for magistrate judge?

A: A magistrate judge is a multifaceted position that serves the public.  Understanding the exact role and authority of a magistrate judge is something I know well.  With over 15 years legal and court experience, 13 years of this has been spent in court daily in observance of magistrate and district court proceedings.  As a current victim advocate, I guide victims of crime through the court process.  Much has changed over the years, and I have current knowledge of our court system and understand the dynamics, challenges, and functioning of the magistrate court.  

Q: How do you feel about tougher requirements for pre-trial release?

A: There really isn’t a simple answer or solution for this.  I believe that the safety and protection of the community is of utmost importance, and it’s unfortunate that we have become a catch-and-release state.  While I feel that tougher requirements for pre-trial release should be had, that is something that must be addressed at the legislative level, and as it relates to this a magistrate judge’s authority is limited.  Additionally, resources and funding for pre-trial release programs are not always a viable option, and while they may sound good, the practicality of it is hard.  

Jandi Stanfield

Q: What is the purpose of government?

A: The purpose of government is to provide leadership, maintain order, provide public services and provide for national and economic security. The preamble of the Constitution of the United States defines these.

Q: Why are you a Republican?

A: I have known I was a Republican since I was in 10th grade government class. Republicans come from many backgrounds, but we are all united by our desires for responsible leadership, principled but limited government, a belief to free markets, and respect for the rights of individuals. This, along with my strong Christian beliefs and morals, is why I have been a registered Republican since I was old enough to register to vote.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for magistrate judge?

A: Magistrate court is a people’s court. I vow to bring common sense, life experience and a heart to serve the people. I will also bring an unbiased opinion with no prejudice to the prosecution, defense, or law enforcement. I have over 17 years in the banking industry. As a loan officer I am familiar with following state and federal Laws as well as making fact-based decisions.

Q: How do you feel about tougher requirements for pre-trial release?

A: We are all tired of the revolving door at detention centers and courthouses, statewide and even nationally. Pre-trial release of criminal defendants is a process governed by the rules approved by the New Mexico Supreme Court, according to the state constitution. Each case and defendant present unique circumstances and situations. I will use my discretion wisely.

— Compiled by Steve Hansen, the Staff of The News