Candidates discuss Roosevelt County position

Editor's Note: Democrat Jake Lopez is running against Republican Fabian Munoz for the Roosevelt County Commission District 1 seat in the Nov. 5 election. The position is currently held by Dennis Lopez, who is term-limited. Dennis Lopez is Jake Lopez's son.

Q: How can the County Commission help local business grow and prosper?

A: The County Commission and Portales City Council have to work together.

We're the same people, we need to work together.

We've always tried to work together.

Q: What can the County Commission do to help preserve water?

A: When I was on the County Commission before, we gave the county's water rights to the city.

It was in the late 1990s.

We did that for the city.

Q: The county has had financial challenges over the past decade. Ideas to get healthier?

A: When I was on the commission before, we had problems with the courthouse such as plumbing and such.

Some elected officials were threatening to sue the County Commission.

So me and the county manager went to Santa Fe to borrow some money and get it fixed.

We were successful.

If something comes up in the future, it comes down to working together.

You have to get along, no matter how you look at it.

Q: How would you say your past experiences have prepared you for this role?

A: We've gone through so much stuff in the county and the city. You know there's some good times and bad times but we always manage to work together.

The county is in good shape now.

Q: You have a new Roosevelt County manager in Annette Kirk. What will you expect from her if you're elected?

A: I will always try to get along, try to help as much as we can with our new county manager.

She's from around here, you know.

I'm the person who tries to get along with anybody. I like to get things done. I don't like controversy.

When Bill Richardson was governor he appointed me to represent a seven-county area including Roosevelt, Curry and DeBaca counties on the Community Development Block Grant Board.

And when Susana Martinez came in (as governor) after Richardson she reappointed me to continue on the board. She's a Republican and I'm a Democrat.

Q: You are a member of the Portales City Council. Do you see any conflicts of interest with someone serving the county and city at the same time?

A: If I win, I will resign my position on Portales City Council.

I did that once before.

I was a Roosevelt County commissioner and was elected to Portales City Council and I resigned from the County Commission when I was elected.

Compiled by Grant McGee of The News