Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
In the race to fill the Curry County District 2 commissioner’s seat, a Republican candidate, Bradley Bender, and an Independent candidate, Tom Martin, are vying for the seat in the Nov. 8 election.
Martin has been representing District 2 since November 2021, appointed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham after the September 2021 death of District 2 commissioner James Ridling.
The job pays $24,599.45 annually.
Bradley Bender
Bender is the general sales manager for the car dealership Bender GM. For 17 years he’s been married to his wife Dani. They have two sons, Noah, 16, and Davis, 10.
Q: Why are you the candidate to vote for?
A: I’m a young and ambitious man with a deep love for this community, which my family has been part of since 1969.
I feel I can provide a fresh perspective.
I am a local businessman, I believe in Curry County, which is why I’ve chosen to continue to invest here and raise my family in this community.
Q: Do we need more ordinances in Curry County? For instance?
A: As a Republican I am a believer in limited government, so it’s not my first instinct to enact new ordinances. I am certain there will be several proposals for new ordinances, and I feel that each one should be heard and carefully thought out before reaching a final decision.
Q: What are your thoughts on the proposed regional mental health facility?
A: I commend the efforts of those who are addressing the growing concern for mental and behavioral health issues.
I understand this will be a large project as the feasibility study calls for a 96 bed facility.
Whether or not we end up with the size of facility proposed by the study I support finding ways to address mental and behavioral health needs of people.
Q: Should Curry County be more involved in regional water issues? If so, how?
A: Obviously water sustainability is crucial for our future so I’m for the county being involved in addressing our water issues.
Q: What is the purpose of government?
A: I’m a God-fearing Christian Republican and I am for limited government.
The power of the government is held by the people, the people give power to the leaders they elect to represent them and serve their interest.
Tom Martin
Tom Martin and his wife Gail and son Thomas own and operate the Taco Box franchise in Clovis.
Q: Why are you the candidate to vote for?
A: I am a county commissioner and would like to continue to serve in that capacity. I have lived in Clovis and Curry County for over 50 years and have been involved in many things, from local sports to economic development to education. My experience in city and county government gives me depth of experience. I am a certified municipal official and am currently taking courses to become a certified county official to increase my effectiveness. More importantly, I care about Curry County.
Q: Do we need more ordinances in Curry County? For instance?
A: School districts are facing challenges with cannabis products being packaged and marketed to youth. We need to work with the state, the school districts and law enforcement to find ways to prevent cannabis packaging from enticing children to eat the products as candy.
We also need reasonable restrictions on fireworks and open burning in the county to prevent wildfires.
Q: What are your thoughts on the proposed regional mental health facility?
A: Most definitely I support it. Many detention center detainees need mental health care. With better mental health care, we would have less crime and recidivism. I think mental health is under-addressed and needs to be taken more seriously and aggressively. We should not have to travel hours away for behavioral healthcare. A regional approach would create a win-win for our area.
Q: Should Curry County be more involved in regional water issues? If so, how?
A: Yes – and we are doing so. We have to look at all options and involve our neighboring communities. I attend meetings of the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority (ENMWUA)and have met with Ladona Clayton of the Ogallala Land and Water Conservancy to learn more about their efforts to reduce agricultural water use. The county is also closely following efforts to clean up the PFAS in the ground near Cannon Air Force Base. I support EPCOR’s efforts to secure more water and promote conservation. I fully support Clovis’ wastewater reuse, which has been a huge success.
Q: What is the purpose of government?
A: To achieve together what we can’t individually. On a local level, government should promote general welfare for our citizens, which would include protection of individual rights, maintaining order, administering justice and provide for public goods and services.
— Compiled by Grant McGee and Steve Hansen, the Staff of The News
