Candidates discuss Roosevelt County position

Editor's Note: Republican Fabian Munoz is running against Democrat Jake Lopez 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: I believe the County Commission can help local businesses grow and prosper by possibly helping the city look more presentable to people passing through that might want to stop at our local businesses.

Q: As a commissioner, how do you plan to work together with the city on issues that need both entities' attention?

A: As a commissioner I plan on building strong relationships with members of the City Council and city manager.

In the past, the county and city have had some disagreements and weren't able to come to a common ground on issues such as the 911 call center and detention.

Seeing as my district is mainly city, I would be more than willing to work hand in hand with the city.

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

A: The County Commission could possibly help by educating the people of the county on water conservation, which the Roosevelt Water Coop seems to be doing a great job.

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

A: As a commissioner I would need to get in there and look at the budget; we would need to work together to not only know the budget, but to understand the budget to put the money where it is needed most.

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

A: I have been in leadership positions in my previous jobs. I used to work for The Roosevelt County Road Department and have some insight in that aspect.

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

A: I've met Annette, and I hear good things about her.

What I expect from her is transparency and open communication about what's going on with departments so we can better make decisions for the county.

Q: Your opponent is on the Portales City Council. Do you see any conflicts of interest with someone serving the county and city at the same time?

A: I honestly believe that having someone on both county and city (government boards) would be great so we could have insight on both and work better together between both entities.

But I think with the issues we're having currently with the city that it might need my opponent's full attention until the term is up.

Compiled by Correspondent Landry Sena