By Hallie Richwine

The candidate forum for the NM House of Representatives seat in District 38 occurred October 10, 2018 at the Western New Mexico University Global Resource Center. The event was sponsored by the Silver City Daily Press and Independent with SCDP Publisher Nick Seibel acting as moderator. The Democratic Party candidate is Karen Whitlock and the Republican Party candidate is incumbent Rebecca Dow.

During Whitlock’s opening statement she indicated concern regarding the condition of District 38. “We’re last in so many areas. Education, where there has to be transformational change. Access to healthcare, specifically help with prescriptions. Jobs, in the mining district. I love mining, but the mine life is ending, and we need to come up with new ideas for jobs. Manufacturing solar panels, tourism, and outdoor recreation. This is the most beautiful state in the country, we need to promote that. I want everyone to know I have worked with legislators for the last four years and I advocate for families, children, and those without a voice.”

Dow followed and thanked WNMU and SCDP for the forum. She grew up in Oklahoma but moved to Truth or Consequences, NM when she was in fifth grade. After college and growing up she returned to New Mexico to visit her parents and realized there was work to be done. She moved back and opened a non-profit to help at-risk children and act as an advocate for juvenile justice. “Children don’t choose their circumstances.”

The first question from the crowd was asked by Seibel, “New Mexico ranks last in education, what do you propose to improve education?”

“Parents are the number one indicator of success. We know children are only active learners when basic needs are met. We can’t rely on teachers for everything. We need to support families and address the issues of poverty and substance abuse, while realizing that each district has different needs,” Dow said.

Whitlock also believes in parental support starting from conception. “We need to look at a different phase, early childhood development, and put a strong focus on that. That’s where we’re going to get healthy kids. We need to bring people into homes to educate about how to parent.”

“Do you support charter school funding and school choice?” Seibel asked.

Whitlock does. “I also support public school funding. What we are doing now does not work. Aldo Leopold is an excellent charter school, but not all are at that level. We need to bring them all up. Albuquerque schools had to close. With equal dollars per student we need to meet standards and handle teaching, then support charter schools.”

Dow also supports charter schools. “When you’re fiftieth in the nation, everything is on the table. Charters count as public schools. With technology and the way students learn today, we need to look for charter schools. I also support choice within the districts. Parents are their children’s experts and they should be able to make that choice.”

Seibel asked another question of the candidates, “With so many parents absent, children raised by grandparents, and parents that are overwhelmed, how do you address the disconnect where potentially gifted students don’t have an advocate?”

“It’s complicated,” Dow said. She wants to connect children in need with the services that are required. She seeks to remove the barriers that keep children from receiving services, even if it means improving the foster system.

“I do believe it is very important that we make a point of saying that many parents are not able to make the best education decisions for their children,” Whitlock said. She wants to identify services in the 0-5 age range to address special needs and get children on track. She agrees with Howie Morales’ proposal to combine the services of the education department, CYFD, and the department of health into an early childhood development office.

The topic turned to Fort Bayard. “Despite the efforts of Santa Clara, Fort Bayard continues to deteriorate. Would you support Santa Clara?”

“I think the village of Santa Clara has worked extremely hard to take over, but as a state we need to help. It is a historic area and we need to provide services to restore it and make it a historic area. They’ve done great work, but they do need help,” Whitlock said.

“I love historic facilities and properties like Fort Bayard,” Dow said, “Right away I was eager to meet with the mayor. The state is letting it fall apart and it preceded the statehood of New Mexico. It can be a viable path forward.” Dow believes Fort Bayard is a resource for Grant County and feels it is a priority to look into annexation.

Seibel brought the focus back to education and asked how the candidates would solve funding issues.

“An estimated 2 million dollars in new revenue comes from oil and gas. I’m not saying education is adequately funded. We need a better strategy, not just more money.” Dow said. She wants to make sure dollars are spent efficiently and said she is glad oil and gas are thriving, so the state can save.

Whitlock believes there are a lot of different funding sources. “We do well when oil and gas are doing well, but two years ago they were not.” Whitlock encourages finding other sources for funding like the manufacturing of industrial hemp.

“How would you work with legislature to ensure adequate funding for WNMU?” Seibel asked.

“Higher education has been cut and cut and we’re relying so much on tuition to fund higher education. We need to add more state money to that. We need to put a higher priority on higher education. We need these people to be educated. We need to put a higher priority on New Mexicans being workforce ready and to stay in this state. When companies come here, they look for people that are workforce ready,” Whitlock said.

“WNMU is one of the beneficiaries of the land grant fund. We need new revenue, new industry, new sources other than taxing. When funding is available, I will work across the aisle,” Dow said.

The topic turned away from education again. “There are lots of issues that can be divisive. What do you think you could do on a state level to address divisions between the two major parties?”

“I was a freshman in the minority,” Dow said, “We agree on the goals and outcomes. We agree more than we disagree, and what we disagree on is how to get there. In the end we have to work together, and we cannot be emotionally driven.

“As I mentioned earlier, I’ve worked in the legislature for four years, and I’ve worked across the aisle,” Whitlock said. She mentioned how hard both parties work together only to have bills vetoed.

Seibel turned to candidates toward the issue of the hospital. “Should the county maintain ownership of GRMC?”

“There are still significant financial hurdles that need to be met in this county so we can find a way to give the hospital what it needs for capital improvements,” Whitlock said.

“One thing I’ve learned about Grant County is we like to do things differently. I would look at the commission and board and what they are requesting to protect a rural hospital,” said Dow.

Seibel relayed another question from the crowd, “Medicaid does not cover inpatient substance abuse. Do you support this?”

Dow said Centennial 2.0 proposes coverage for inpatient treatment. “It is important. There’s a 16-bed limit but it could close gaps. A lot needs to be done with substance abuse. Don’t let jails be triage.”

Whitlock agrees that Centennial 2.0 will bring positive change for inpatient services. “There will be a limit on the amount of time, and not everyone gets 28 days. It takes more time for some people. The average is four times, because people get sent home into the same environment.”

“Discuss the step you will take to bring back behavioral health in New Mexico,” Seibel said.

“Behavioral health needs to be given a higher priority,” Whitlock said, “People live in poverty and need to be able to continue treatment, so they can get to a level where they can support themselves.”

“I always like to look at early and immediate prevention. Are children in healthy homes? As people progress, are they getting accommodations?” Dow said.

A crowd member asked if the red flag proposals for gun control could be explained.

Dow said in New Mexico the bill contains language that says that if someone was to threaten harm to themselves or others, such a situation could be reported to the courts. If a judge determines the threat to be valid the firearms would be removed from the home. “Of course, I want to improve safety in New Mexico. My concerns are with the amount of law enforcement vacancies and due process.”

Whitlock said she supports the bill. “My concern is that they can get them back if they can prove the home is safe,” she said.

The next question from the crowd was about county reimbursement for housing state inmates.

“That needs to be looked at,” Whitlock said, “State and County need to agree on cost and payment for services.” Whitlock also believes the area should look at who is being incarcerated and possible alternatives to jail.

“The simple solution is that the state pays. Hold harmless has failed and it is not working. It’s not just the cost of detaining, it’s the cost of transporting, too. We need a bigger fix. We need overall tax reform to restore what is lost from municipalities. Counties have been shortchanged for years,” Dow said.

Seibel moved on to the next question, “How do you feel about cannabis legalization in New Mexico?”

Dow said she supports medical marijuana. “I consider it a medicine. I also support the hemp industry. I’m not ready for recreational use because of the state vs. federal law.”

“I’m a strong supporter of the legalization for recreational use. I understand the issues with the law, but let’s look to the states that have dealt with it. Massachusetts found a credit union that will take on the federal scheduling problem so it’s not just a cash industry. Colorado is looking into the same thing. Washington state is not far behind,” Whitlock said, “We have the perfect soil here. We need to look at those expanded revenue opportunities.”

“What are your plans for improving internet service in rural New Mexico?” Seibel asked.

Whitlock said that was a passion of hers. “We need to get broadband and fiber optics in this state, and for everyone. There are rural development grants available to offset the costs of lines. We still have to have companies willing to take on rural areas.”

Dow said knowing where partnerships are will be key to building up the rural areas, whether it is with improving internet or investing in alternative energy.

Seibel moved on. “Do you support making New Mexico a right to work state, why or why not?”

“We’re fiftieth in the nation in employment. One of the other things is the overall business portfolio. We’re not business friendly,” Dow said. She doesn’t believe right to work will hurt unions.

“I’m strongly against right to work. I see it as ‘right to work for less.’ The federal government cannot take union dues out of your paycheck. The union has to collectively bargain. It’s important to note that with right to work, these people are taking advantage of collective bargaining. It’s union busting, not a better workplace. Union people are better trained and are better at budgeting,” Whitlock said.

“Do you support diversifying the oil and gas economy in New Mexico, and how?” Seibel asked.

“It’s a cyclical industry,” Whitlock said, “When times are good, they’re good. When they are bad, they’re really bad. Usually the things that are cut are in education. We have got to come up with better funding sources like industrial hemp. There’s also solar and wind energy. It would be great to create some manufacturing facilities here.”

“I’d like to diversify the overall state economy, and one way is to increase our renewable energy. We should expand as much as possible, we could make money selling energy. I also love the idea of hemp,” Dow said.

“How do you propose to assist in job growth in Grant County?” Seibel asked.

Whitlock said there are so many things that make this area great. She wants to foster job growth in the state and in the area, especially with the National Forest. “We can take the opportunity to bolster tourism and retirement.”

“One thing is being at the table and knowing what is going on. And, more importantly, listening to people,” Dow said.

“What is your position on solar credits?” Seibel asked.

“Residential I have voted for, but I haven’t seen business. Every time we incentivize, I want to encourage that because they are interrelated and have benefits. We also need to balance what we mandate so we don’t hurt the communities,” Dow said.

Whitlock said she is a strong supporter of a solar tax credit for both businesses and individuals.

Seibel moved on. “Do you take the threat of climate change seriously? How can we transform energy systems?”

“I take it seriously. It’s scientifically based. The temperatures are rising, but it’s not just the change in temperature. It’s the change in storm systems and other things, too,” Whitlock said, “As a state we are looking to get dependency on alternative energies.”

Dow agreed. “We all need to look at what we can do to decrease our carbon footprint. We can do our part.”

Another question came from the SCDP, “There has been an issue of oversight of the state contractor Novaclean, including at Bill Evans Lake. What is your response to the public outcry about the lack of completion?”

Dow said you have to relentlessly bother the state about issues like this and know when applications are available so the same companies aren’t taking advantage of the system.

“I have a different take,” Whitlock said, “Right now there are 5,000 state jobs open. Because of budget cuts we have relied on vacancies to fund agencies. Novaclean is not doing its job. People working for the state are so overwhelmed that they can’t make sure things are taking place.”

The next question was on a completely different topic. “Are you in support of late term abortion?”

“I’m pro-choice, but I have no idea what it would be like to be a woman in that position. Late term abortions are usually done as a result of the mother’s life being at stake. It’s not a common practice. That decision is between the patient and the doctor,” Whitlock said.

“I would support a ban on late term abortion unless the life of the mother was at stake,” Dow said.

“What about stronger security in schools?” Seibel asked,

“$43 million last session went to local school districts to improve school security. I support giving to local school districts, but I don’t know what is enough. Some shootings have been at places with the best planning,” Dow said.

Whitlock looks at security from a behavioral health standpoint and encourages school administrations to remove the stigma of reporting potential problems. “These kids need help and they are not getting it.”

Seibel then asked the candidates about their stance on the Gila River diversion.

“I’m against the diversion and I want to quit wasting money on it. We need to protect our last free-flowing wild river,” Whitlock said, “That also protects revenues and outdoor recreation opportunities.”

Dow supports the federal process. “That money was appropriated. The federal government set up the CAP entity. Their job is to determine what needs to be done. I’m not in support of intervening in the process.”

A follow-up question was posed, asking whether the candidates would use diversion funds for other water projects in the area.

Dow said she doesn’t always agree with the process, but she respects the CAP entity and their role. She is currently working on an initiative to help federal and state volunteers to increase the watershed.

“I support local funding for regional water projects. It would cost less because the infrastructure is there, and we need to ensure the future. We need to find ways to ensure our rivers stay free flowing,” Whitlock said.

The next question came from the SCDP, “District 38 is a large district geographically that encompasses two communities that are different. How will you balance the needs of those two communities and how will you stay in contact?”

“I spend two days a week in either Truth or Consequences or Elephant Butte. The communities are alike in more ways. Both are active. There is incredible poverty in both areas. People want to see their communities grow and thrive,” Whitlock said.

Dow also spends a lot of time travelling between the two major centers of the district. She said she is considering buying a home in Silver City.

Seibel then asked the SCDP “time machine” question wherein the candidates explained what they were most proud of accomplishing, if it were two years from now and they were looking back.

“Comprehensive tax reform,” Dow said, “Increasing revenue and lowering overall cost to individuals and businesses.”

“Education is up at least 10 places by instituting comprehensive reform in schools. It’s so important. That’s the only way to bring the state out of poverty,” Whitlock said.

“It’s an honor to serve. We can do better and I’m your voice,” Dow said.

Whitlock started her closing statement by saying it was time for change. “Eight years of Martinez was too much. We need to make serious changes in this state.”

Content on the Beat

WARNING: All articles and photos with a byline or photo credit are copyrighted to the author or photographer. You may not use any information found within the articles without asking permission AND giving attribution to the source. Photos can be requested and may incur a nominal fee for use personally or commercially.

Disclaimer: If you find errors in articles not written by the Beat team but sent to us from other content providers, please contact the writer, not the Beat. For example, obituaries are always provided by the funeral home or a family member. We can fix errors, but please give details on where the error is so we can find it. News releases from government and non-profit entities are posted generally without change, except for legal notices, which incur a small charge.

NOTE: If an article does not have a byline, it was written by someone not affiliated with the Beat and then sent to the Beat for posting.

Images: We have received complaints about large images blocking parts of other articles. If you encounter this problem, click on the title of the article you want to read and it will take you to that article's page, which shows only that article without any intruders. 

New Columnists: The Beat continues to bring you new columnists. And check out the old faithfuls who continue to provide content.

Newsletter: If you opt in to the Join GCB Three Times Weekly Updates option above this to the right, you will be subscribed to email notifications with links to recently posted articles.

Submitting to the Beat

Those new to providing news releases to the Beat are asked to please check out submission guidelines at https://www.grantcountybeat.com/about/submissions. They are for your information to make life easier on the readers, as well as for the editor.

Advertising: Don't forget to tell advertisers that you saw their ads on the Beat.

Classifieds: We have changed Classifieds to a simpler option. Check periodically to see if any new ones have popped up. Send your information to editor@grantcountybeat.com and we will post it as soon as we can. Instructions and prices are on the page.

Editor's Notes

It has come to this editor's attention that people are sending information to the Grant County Beat Facebook page. Please be aware that the editor does not regularly monitor the page. If you have items you want to send to the editor, please send them to editor@grantcountybeat.com. Thanks!

Here for YOU: Consider the Beat your DAILY newspaper for up-to-date information about Grant County. It's at your fingertips! One Click to Local News. Thanks for your support for and your readership of Grant County's online news source—www.grantcountybeat.com

Feel free to notify editor@grantcountybeat.com if you notice any technical problems on the site. Your convenience is my desire for the Beat.  The Beat totally appreciates its readers and subscribers!  

Compliance: Because you are an esteemed member of The Grant County Beat readership, be assured that we at the Beat continue to do everything we can to be in full compliance with GDPR and pertinent US law, so that the information you have chosen to give to us cannot be compromised.