Voters sunday, february 4, 2018

Roswell Daily Record

The city race is on for 16 candidates

By Alison Penn Roswell Daily Record

O

ne woman and three men are contending for the office of mayor and every City Council seat is contested, with the exception of one.

The election process started when mayoral candidates began announcing their intentions to file for candidacy. The terms are for four years for the mayor and City Council. The elections are nonpartisan, and there are no term limits City Councilor Natasha Mackey, 40, announced her candidacy for mayor instead of running for re-election to her Ward 1 seat. Mackey has served one term on City Council. First elected in 2014, she unseated Ward 1 City Council incumbent Dusty Huckabee and became the first African-American elected to the Roswell City Council. Mackey is one of the city’s first female and African-American mayoral candidates.

Sergio Gonzalez, an Eastern New Mexico Uni-

versity-Roswell student, set to graduate this semester and a former Marine, announced his candidacy for mayor. Gonzalez, 41, is a 2016 Leadership Roswell graduate and ran for City Council and Chaves County Commissioner.

Incumbent Mayor Dennis Kintigh, 65, will be running for another term as mayor.

Known for the Clean and Safe Program and his passion for decreasing crime, Kintigh oversaw the creation of the Recreation and Aquatic Center set to open within the year. During his tenure, the Yucca Center and Cahoon Park Pool were closed by a vote of the City Council.

Former Mayor Del Jurney, who served from March 2010 to March 2014, is running again after being defeated by Kintigh, gaining 69 percent of the votes cast in the two-way mayoral race in March 2014. Jurney, 60, also served on City Council from 2000 to 2004.

In Ward 1, Mackey is vacating her seat and newcomers Jacob Roebuck, 42,

MAYORAL RACE

and Jeffrey Cabana, 39, announced their intentions to run in early December.

Alfredo Dominguez III, 54, and Catarino Munoz, 29, announced when they filed their candidacies on Jan. 9.

The only unopposed race is for Ward 2. Mayor pro-tem and City Councilor Caleb Grant announced his bid for re-election in early November. Grant, 32, needs a single vote to win another four-year term on City Council.

For Ward 3, incumbent Art Sandoval, 44, stepped down after filing day. The three challengers for Sandoval’s seat are Richard Garcia, Judy Stubbs, and Tarra Morgan. Garcia, 71, ran for state representative and lost to Greg Nibert in 2016. Stubbs, 72, has served on council for four terms. Morgan, 40, is attempting her first campaign for public office.

The Ward 4 race is contested between newcomer Whitney Hamill, 32, and former city worker and school board member George Peterson, 47. City

Councilor Jason Perry, 43, stepped down Jan. 11 due to moving to a new home outside of his ward, and he is not running in this municipal election.

For Ward 5, Angela Moore, 53, filed for candidacy and is set to interview the first week of February.

Incumbent Tabitha Denny, 45, announced her intentions for another term in mid-December.

Mayoral and City Council candidates will answer questions submitted by the public at the Candidate Forum on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Pueblo Auditorium.

Tuesday is the last day to register to vote. Absentee voting began Jan. 30 and ends Feb. 14. Early voting begins Feb. 14, and city residents can vote until March 2.

Election day is March 6.

City residents may vote at any of the six voting convenience centers from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

City reporter Alison Penn can be reached at 575-6227710, ext. 205, or at reporter04@rdrnews.com.

2018 Candidates

• Mayor Natasha Mackey Sergio Gonzalez Dennis Kintigh - incumbent Del Jurney • City Council, Ward 1 Catarino Munoz Jacob Roebuck Alfredo Dominguez III Jeffrey Cabana

• City Council, Ward 2 Caleb Grant - incumbent • City Council, Ward 3 Judy Stubbs Tarra Morgan Richard Garcia • City Council, Ward 4 Whitney Hamill George Peterson • City Council, Ward 5 Angela Moore Tabitha Denny - incumbent

Voting Convenience Centers

Absentee/early voting

Absentee voting began Jan. 31. Early voting begins Feb. 14 and will continue from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through March 2, with the exception of Presidents’ Day on Feb. 19.

Election Day

City residents may vote from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, at any of six Voting Convenience Centers listed to the right.

Public transportation

Pecos Valley Transit will be offering free bus rides to the closest stop near Voting Convenience Centers on Election Day.

Roswell Museum and Art Center 100 W. 11th Street St. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 2911 N. Main St. West Country Club Church of Christ 700 W. Country Club Waymaker Church 202 S. Sunset Chaves County Clerk’s Office 1 St. Mary’s Place

ENMU-Roswell campus Union building 48 University Blvd.

Candidates respond to questions

Race includes 4 up for mayor with only 1 uncontested City Council seat

Natasha Mackey • Office seeking: Mayor, (challenger; current City Councilor for Ward 1) • Age: 40 • Party registration: Republican • Occupation: GRADS Teacher/ Childcare Center Director • Family members employed by the city? No • Any contractual business ties with the city of Roswell? No

Rapid-Fire Questions

• What do you believe the new recreation center should be named?

The citizens of Roswell should be involved in the naming process. As a community, we can come up with an appropriate name after considering input from interested citizens.

• Should the city maintain and operate a homeless shelter?

Due to current budgetary constraints, the city would do better creating a public-private partnership to address the housing need for the homeless citizens.

By partnering with local community leaders and organizations that specialize in this area more options can be created that include housing, back-to-work programs, and mental health needs when required. We not only have to house but provide programs that encourage individuals to re-enter society long-term.

• Do you support medical marijuana economic development?

Personally, I have yet to come to a definitive position on a viable reasoning to supporting/or denying my support for medicinal marijuana but could support possibly due to the income produced in taxes. However, there is still a lot of conflicting data as to the long-term benefits of use. As of

today, I am still researching the industry and medical studies.

•What is your opinion on the city’s concealed-carry policy for employees?

I voted YES on this issue.

• Do you support at-large districts for city councilors?

I believe that all areas of the City of Roswell need to be equally represented.

• Do you support term limits for mayor and/or city councilors?

The current structure is sufficient as long as individuals have to run for their positions and be elected by the people. Continual campaigns keep leaders in touch with the citizens and current issues while removing opportunities to become complacent.

• What do you think about renaming city streets after Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Cesar Chavez?

Before we can adequately address the naming of streets, the city must focus on prevailing issues that are more significant to our community. I can list a myriad of other topics that weigh heavier on the hearts of our citizens: jobs, wage increases, worklife balances, and/or taxes.

• What are your thoughts on the development of Spring River Park & Zoo? The zoo master plan needs to be revised so that it can be an even greater asset to the community.

General Questions

• What is your position on raising taxes to pay for improved or expanded city services?

As a city government, our goal is to be fiscally conservative so that we can provide the quality of life citizens want or better.

Unfortunately, citizens tend to want better quality services without any increase in prices. The stark reality is that nice amenities can be expensive and the city budget cannot always incur the expenses without incremental increase or one-time assessment. Our goal is to look at other options that would avoid raising taxes as much as possible; however, in some cases tax increases are inevitable.

• How can the city better pro-

tect citizens from violent and property crimes?

Revitalizing the Neighborhood Watch program is going to be an essential first step in protecting the citizens of Roswell. Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes, we are! We need to be vigilant in knowing our neighbors and looking out for one another. People should feel free to anonymously report any activity that could potentially be criminal activity in our community. “See something, say something” should be our motto in this effort.

• Do you support the reopening of Cahoon pool?

City Council tried to re-open the Cahoon pool with support from Roswell citizens. However, the potential estimates for re-opening the pool were in the amount of $150,000+. The city was willing to attempt to re-open the pool, yet with so many unknowns especially in regards to cost, the Council voted not to move forward in re-opening the pool.

• If not, how would you propose to develop the now-decommissioned pool?

Cahoon Pool is a definite asset for our community. In an ideal situation, it would be wonderful to rebuild the entire pool if possible with new showers and indoor/outdoor event space with proper maintenance to remain a viable asset for the community.

• Please summarize why you are running for this position?

Citizens are asking for change, fresh vision, and a unified Roswell. I am the best candidate to make this happen because I am a natural-born leader. We have made progress as a city over the last four years, as evidenced by new construction projects, new businesses in the community, and a cleaner, aesthetically pleasing city. In addition, the airport task force is making progress in establishing an authority so that we can maximize the potential of that transportation avenue. With my leadership skills, my passion for advocacy and relational skills, we can join together as a community and move forward with the vision so that Roswell will be known as the jewel of the Southwest.

Yes, it is important to have different styles of leadership.

• What do you think about renaming city streets after Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Cesar Chavez?

As the city grows its infrastructure, I support new streets being named after them.

• What are your thoughts on the development of Spring River Park & Zoo? Improvements are way overdue.

Let’s replace and retire some animals.

Sergio Gonzalez

• Office seeking: Mayor (challenger) • Age: 41 • Party registration: Independent • Occupation: Part-time at ENMU-R and semi-retired from the Marines • Family members employed by the city? No • Have you had any contractual business ties with the city of Roswell? No

Rapid-Fire Questions

• What do you believe the new recreation center should be named?

“Colonel Jose Francisco Chaves Recreation Center” after Chaves County military leader, politician, and rancher.

• Should the city maintain and operate a homeless shelter?

Yes. There are smaller cities across America who have shelters. Why don’t we?

• Do you support medical marijuana economic development?

Yes, under tight security. It will create jobs and boost the local economy.

• What is your opinion on the city’s concealed-carry policy for employees?

We should take some kind of precautionary measures for safety.

• Do you support at-large districts for city councilors?

Yes, I support having five rather than 10, which would increase responsibility, better representation and pay.

• Do you support term limits for mayor and/or city councilors?

General Questions

• What is your position on raising taxes to pay for improved or expanded city services?

I do not believe in raising taxes unless the citizens and the City Council think it is necessary in order to keep up with the city growth, demands for maintaining infrastructure, transportation, and assist in boosting the quality of life for our city’s future.

We need to have a plan in place, present it, promote it and invite the public’s input to gain support for all future expected tax-jump increases in the coming decades.

Hopefully, by the 2020 Census, we can receive federal funding if we hit above 50,000 in city population.

• How can the city better protect citizens from violent and property crimes?

The city can continue enhancement of new recruiting techniques and incentives. Another idea is to work with police departments across the U.S. to create a recruit boot-camp exchange program that will allow recruits from various states to come to our boot camp in Santa Fe, then get stationed in Roswell for at least two years. For now, the city can temporarily utilize all Roswell Police Department officers, including the ones in the schools, to police our neighborhoods instead where the big crimes are taking place. After this, the city can have private security companies come in and take over the school police. If this cannot happen, then I recommend schoolyear rotation of RPD officers due

See MAYORAL, Page E2

E2 Sunday, February 4, 2018 Mayoral Continued from Page E1

to complacency.

• Do you support the reopening of Cahoon pool?

If the public thinks it is feasible, a private company wants to come in and maintain it, and the city can lease it, we can have some really remarkable things come to life there. However, because of past concerns for safety that were addressed before, hard evidence of safety and sustainability need to be shared with the public. Cahoon Park overall is a beautiful place in Roswell.

Anything opening there, without increasing property taxes, should be up to the people who live in the immediate area because they should have the first say-so, but let us think innovation.

• If not, how would you propose to develop the now-decommissioned pool?

It can be opened as a skateboard park and laser tag arena if it is enclosed with a metal building and include a restaurant similar to Peter Piper’s. I think it even has potential to become a small go-cart raceway, something like California’s Mulligans. We need something new in Roswell for the youth to enjoy, aside from a new recreational center in 2018 that will keep the kids busy. “The Cahoon Park Fun Center” sounds pretty cool. Perhaps we need private investors and, of course, the public’s input.

• Please summarize why you are running for this position?

I want to serve as your mayor to the best of my ability and will vow to reduce crime, homelessness, school bullying, and keep drugs off of our streets and schools. I will represent our youth. I will listen to the needs of the veterans and elderly of our community. I will help in creating new jobs, better pay for our RPD and improve our quality of life as I work with all local leadership to ensure continuous city expansion in all directions. I will support the efforts and ideas that will boost local tourism for a better city economy.

Voters Guide General Questions

• What is your position on raising taxes to pay for improved or expanded city services?

There should be no tax increase for operations. In some situations, a tax increase with a sunset clause to pay for specific infrastructure improvements is appropriate. We must have the project clearly defined, and there must be a clearly stated ending date for the tax.

• How can the city better protect citizens from violent and property crimes?

The city must recognize we have a domestic violence problem, continue efforts to remove or have removed derelict structures, and ensure that RPD is properly staffed, equipped and trained.

• Do you support the reopening of Cahoon pool?

No. Anyone who says they support the reopening of the pool needs to identify the maximum amount of money they would spend on “re-opening” and where the money will come from.

• If not, how would you propose to develop the now-decommissioned pool?

I would propose to start having community meetings and solicit ideas. After this, we task the Infrastructure Committee and General Services Committee to work with staff to present options to the council. This process needs to be done in a thoughtful and unhurried manner.

• Please summarize why you are running for this position?

Roswell is moving forward.

There is a new spirit of growth and optimism. Derelict structures have been cleaned out, and we have put a new focus on crime. Impressive building projects are underway including the new aquatic/recreation center, the Convention Center expansion and the widening of North Union.

Downtown Roswell is being revitalized. An amazing team of professionals is in place at City Hall.

It is critical that we continue this forward progress to build a better Roswell.

Del Jurney Dennis Kintigh • Office seeking: Mayor (incumbent) • Age: 65 • Party registration: Republican • Occupation: Retired FBI agent • Family members employed by the city? S-I-L, who is a Roswell police officer • Have you had any contractual business ties with the city of Roswell? No

Rapid-Fire Questions

• What do you believe the new recreation center should be named?

Roswell Recreation and Aquatic Center • Should the city maintain and operate a homeless shelter?

Homeless shelters are ministries. The city only assists.

• Do you support medical marijuana economic development?

The state controls this. The city has no input.

• What is your opinion on the city’s concealed-carry policy for employees?

I’m good with this policy.

• Do you support at-large districts for city councilors?

No. • Do you support term limits for mayor and/or city councilors?

Yes. I support more than one and less than four terms.

• What do you think about renaming city streets after Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Cesar Chavez?

The city passed a resolution asking that the relief-route be renamed.

• What are your thoughts on the development of Spring River Park & Zoo? We need more input on what the community wants and will support.

• Office seeking: Mayor (challenger) • Age: 60 • Party registration: Republican • Occupation: Executive Director for Family Resource and Referral Inc. • Family members employed by the city? None • Have you had any contractual business ties with the city of Roswell? Family Resource and Referral Inc., of which I am the executive director, has a lease agreement with the city for the property at 500 E. Bland. Working Mothers’ Day Nursery operates a child development center at the site.

Rapid-Fire Questions

• What do you believe the new recreation center should be named?

I’m undecided; I like the idea of a local honoree.

• Should the city maintain and operate a homeless shelter?

The city should provide a shelter; nonprofits should operate it.

• Do you support medical marijuana economic development?

Medical marijuana is a legal treatment; I support its development.

• What is your opinion on the city’s concealed-carry policy for employees?

I’m concerned about the potential liability associated with the decision.

• Do you support at-large districts for city councilors?

No. Representation must be equally distributed throughout the voting public.

• Do you support term limits for mayor and/or city councilors?

Yes. It’s a tremendous privilege that should be passed forward.

• What do you think about renaming city streets after Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Cesar Chavez?

I support the idea; it must be done with forethought.

• What are your thoughts on the development of Spring River Park & Zoo? I’m excited for proposed capital improvements that are being planned.

General Questions

• What is your position on raising taxes to pay for improved or expanded city services?

If taxes are to be raised, it would be at the approval of the voters. Until we can assess the damage to our finances, it is difficult to know how best to put things back together; however, if necessary, I would consider asking the voters to approve a tax increase to support the salaries, vehicle needs and equipment needs of our police and firefighters. With the recent reallocation of the funds designated for public safety, it is realistic to believe that significant efforts will need to be made to restore these two departments back to a strong position.

• How can the city better protect citizens from violent and property crimes?

Citizens can best be protected when criminals are caught and incarcerated. As elected officials, our duty is to support the manning, equipping and training of the men and women who will take on those responsibilities.

We must encourage our officers, reward their efforts with proper financial consideration, and we must honor the terms and conditions of all collective bargaining mandates. I believe that when you treat a police officer with dignity and respect, their level of performance is energized and their desire to serve our citizens will outweigh thoughts of leaving for a different community. That’s how you better protect our citizens.

• Do you support the reopening of Cahoon pool?

I support the reopening of Cahoon pool because it should never have been closed in the first place. The information given to our citizens was not accurate, and it was presented in a manner that created a sense of uncertainty with the public, in order to justify a new aquatic center. Cahoon has served the needs of this community for decades, and with the proper attention, it would have served for many years to come.

New is nice, and it‘s very exciting, but the cost of restoring Cahoon Park Pool would have saved this community a multimillion-dollar payment over the next 20 years.

• Please summarize why you are running for this position?

I am running because this is our home and our home is in disrepair. We are upside down with our finances. In the past three years, we have outspent our revenues by $8 million, and we are taking money from other essential services in an effort to balance our budget. We have ignored our responsibilities to our police, our firefighters and our blue-collar workers, and the consequences are severe. We have mounted long-term debt on our children, and we have forgotten how to treat our neighbors. I am running because Roswell is looking for leadership that they can trust.

CITY COUNCIL WARD 1

Catarino Munoz (No Photo Provided) • Office seeking: City councilor Ward 1 (challenger) • Age: 29 • Party registration: Republican • Occupation: Risk Management for NMDOT • Family members employed by the city? Yes, Stephanie Garay • Have you had any contractual business ties with the city of Roswell? No

Rapid-Fire Questions

• What do you believe the new recreation center should be named?

Cielo Grande Aquatic Center • Should the city maintain and operate a homeless shelter?

As a community, we must be caring, proactive and responsible.

• Do you support medical marijuana economic development?

Any development opportunities for our city should be researched.

• What is your opinion on the city’s concealed-carry policy for employees?

We must not hinder people’s ability to defend themselves.

• Do you support at-large districts for city councilors?

Our city is growing, and with growth, we must adjust.

• Do you support term limits

Roswell Daily Record

for mayor and/or city councilors?

I believe people elect the best candidate to lead them.

• What do you think about renaming city streets after Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Cesar Chavez?

Those are wonderful suggestions that merit researching the available possibilities.

• What are your thoughts on the development of Spring River Park & Zoo? Any development of our city and its services deserves attention.

General Questions

• What is your position on raising taxes to pay for improved or expanded city services?

I believe there are areas that deserve our attention and pose many possibilities that make the suggestion of raising taxes null and void. We must be financially responsible and proactive.

I believe we have the resources and people in place to accomplish this. We must use what is already available to the city wisely as well as investing in the future of our city and aim to be financially flexible and responsible.

• How can the city better protect citizens from violent and property crimes?

The city can better protect by implementing stricter penalties, education and training as well as developing our programs already in place.

• Do you support the reopening of Cahoon pool?

As mentioned above with being financially responsible, I believe as of this moment, it is not an avenue, but by being able to become wiser and create an infrastructure that becomes profitable, then can we address so many other issues.

• If not, how would you propose to develop the now-decommissioned pool?

At this moment it may or may not be financially feasible to address, but, if it is, I’m sure there are many possibilities that we can explore that can not only be fun for the community but also educational for our youth and even profitable for the city.

Just googling possible alternative with decommissioned pools reveals endless possibilities and I’m sure many of our city’s citizens have many wonderful ideas.

• Please summarize why you are running for this position?

Simply put, I want to be in the position and where I can help people and my community.

Jacob Roebuck • Office seeking: City Council, Ward 1 (challenger) • Age: 43 • Party registration: Republican • Occupation: Producer at Roebuck Media • Family members employed by the city? No • Have you had any contractual business ties with the city of Roswell? Yes, Christmas Railway.

Rapid-Fire Questions

• What do you believe the new recreation center should be named?

Something easy to say and spell.

• Should the city maintain and operate a homeless shelter?

The faith community should be first to care for homeless.

• Do you support medical marijuana economic development?

It is not a good long-term solution or community fit.

• What is your opinion on the city’s concealed-carry policy for employees?

I trust city employees to use firearms safely and appropriately.

• Do you support at-large districts for city councilors?

Yes, city councilors serve the entire city, not just a single ward.

• Do you support term limits for mayor and/or city councilors?

I trust the electorate to remove bad officials from office.

• What do you think about renaming city streets after Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Cesar

Chavez?

There are better ways to honor their legacies.

• What are your thoughts on the development of Spring River Park & Zoo? Improve the zoo or close it down. Change must happen.

General Questions

• What is your position on raising taxes to pay for improved or expanded city services?

Taxes hurt businesses and families bottom line. The council has a responsibility to make sure the people’s money is being invested properly. We need to look at ways to improve city efficiency and ask hard questions about the city budget. Sometimes tax hikes are a necessary evil, however, they should be avoided. The city government needs to earn the trust of people. If the people trust the city to invest their money well, then we can rely on good, common sense to decide if taxes should be raised or not.

• How can the city better protect citizens from violent and property crimes?

I believe the police department needs the full support of the city government and the people to be effective at protecting our city.

Crime is a symptom of poverty and broken families. Economic development and strengthening families will, in the long run, reduce crime in our city. We need to promote fatherhood and find ways to provide mentorship for kids who find themselves without dads.

• Do you support the reopening of Cahoon pool?

The real tragedy is the pool was closed before being able to properly celebrate its legacy. The community should have known years in advance. There could have been a proper goodbye to a place that has brought so much fun and joy to our community for nearly a century.

It does not make sense to bring Cahoon Pool back. The modern aquatics facility being built will meet the needs of the community better than re-opening the outdated pool. In addition, bringing the old pool up to modern safety standards is not cost-effective.

• If not, how would you propose to develop the now-decommissioned pool?

The area where the pool is now should be turned into a pavilion with an upgraded playground and splash pad nearby. The pavilion and the vacated parks office with a kitchen can be made available to rent for civic events and private parties, offering a low-cost alternative to the Convention Center, which recently had to raise its prices.

• Please summarize why you are running for this position?

Roswell believes in strong families, taking care of our neighbors and leaving the world a little better than we found it.

I have three wonderful children — Penelope, 6, Maverick, 4 and Lewis, 2. I want to build a Roswell they will be proud to call home. My father and stepmother, both immigrants from Mexico, recently retired to Roswell as well.

I want Roswell to be a community that embraces them and a city that can provide the services they need and want.

I am seeking a City Council seat to help Roswell realize its full potential as a world-class city.

Alfredo Dominguez III (No Photo Provided) • Office seeking: City Council, Ward 1 (challenger) • Age: 54 • Party registration: Democrat • Occupation: employed by Dean Baldwin Painting • Family members employed by the city? Yes • Have you had any contractual business ties with the city of Roswell? Yes

Rapid-Fire Questions

• What do you believe the new recreation center should be named?

Sgt. Moses D. Rocha • Should the city maintain and operate a homeless shelter?

Yes. • Do you support medical marijuana economic development?

Yes. • What is your opinion on the city’s concealed-carry policy for employees?

There is no such ordinance.

• Do you support at-large districts for city councilors?

No. • Do you support term limits

See WARD 1, Page E3

Voters Guide

Roswell Daily Record

Ward 1 Continued from Page E2

for mayor and/or city councilors?

No. • What do you think about renaming city streets after Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Cesar Chavez?

The people should make that decision.

• What are your thoughts on the development of Spring River Park & Zoo? The people need to decide to improve the zoo or not have the large animals.

General Questions

• What is your position on raising taxes to pay for improved or expanded city services?

The people should decide on it.

• How can the city better protect citizens from violent and property crimes?

• Do you support the reopening of Cahoon pool? Yes. • If not, how would you propose to develop the now-decommissioned pool? Not applicable • Please summarize why you are running for this position?

Running is the only way to get elected.

bors safe as well.

• Do you support the reopening of Cahoon pool? If not, how would you propose to develop the now-decommissioned pool?

I feel that we can find a sensible solution to the re-opening of Cahoon Pool that doesn’t require raising taxes. Building and opening a new facility would cost a great deal more, and it’s something our city (and our citizens) can’t afford.

• Please summarize why you are running for this position.

I am running for the office of City Council, Ward 1 so that I can make a positive difference in the growth and success of Roswell. Our great city is a worldwide household name, and through tourism, we can develop the growth needed to create new jobs, better infrastructure and improved city services.

CITY COUNCIL WARD 2

A plan was developed from that information and is now being executed and will be complete at the end of 2018. At this time I think input from the parks and rec board and the community should be used to develop a plan for the future, a plan that helps the neighborhood and is within the city budget.

• Please summarize why you are running for this position?

I am running for Ward 2 City Council again to continue to work on making this a community that our children will want to live in someday. My wife and I’s families have been in Roswell for generations, and we all gain in making Roswell a better place. I feel that continuing to address our aging infrastructure will help with economic development and can also help with crime. In my day job, I interact with families in all walks of life in our community and feel that it gives me a well-rounded perspective on needs and issues that everyday citizens are experiencing.

CITY COUNCIL WARD 3

Caleb Grant

Jeffrey Cabana • Office seeking: City Councilor, Ward 1 (challenger) • Age: 39 • Party registration: Libertarian • Occupation: Audio engineer and producer for Live & Amplified • Family members employed by the city? None • Have you had any contractual business ties with the city of Roswell? No

Rapid-Fire Questions

• What do you believe the new recreation center should be named?

Roswell Recreation Center.

• Should the city maintain and operate a homeless shelter?

No, it should be run by a 501c3.

• Do you support medical marijuana economic development?

Yes, I do.

• What is your opinion on the city’s concealed-carry policy for employees?

I am fine with it, as long as they obey all laws in accordance.

• Do you support at-large districts for city councilors?

Yes, it can be a good balance.

• Do you support term limits for mayor and/or city councilors?

I support term limits for all electable offices.

• What do you think about renaming city streets after Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Cesar Chavez?

I’m ok with naming new streets after both/either.

• What are your thoughts on the development of Spring River Park & Zoo? It’s long overdue. Happy to see it happening.

General Questions

• What is your position on raising taxes to pay for improved or expanded city services?

I am against raising taxes for many reasons. Far too many citizens live on a fixed income or rely on lower-paying jobs to support their families. I believe that by keeping the taxes low and finding innovative ways to encourage new business and new residential growth, as well as finding ways to increase the ever-growing tourist trade, we can certainly make up the difference needed to expand and improve city services.

• How can the city better protect citizens from violent and property crimes?

We need to expand neighborhood awareness, by using social media, as well as traditional media, and keeping Roswell’s citizens informed of what is going on around them. We should encourage more cooperative work between neighborhood watch groups and the RPD. The police can’t do it alone; It is up to us, as citizens, to help keep our neigh-

• Office seeking: City Councilor, Ward 2 (incumbent, unopposed) • Age: 32 • Party registration: Republican • Occupation: Insurance Agent Farm Bureau Financial Services • Family members employed by the city? No • Have you had any contractual business ties with the city of Roswell? No

Rapid-Fire Questions

• What do you believe the new recreation center should be named?

At this time, I believe the name is Roswell Recreation Center. I am more concerned about how it functions and operates to meet the needs of the community.

• Should the city maintain and operate a homeless shelter?

No. • Do you support medical marijuana economic development?

At this time, it is a state and federal issue.

• What is your opinion on the city’s concealed-carry policy for employees?

There is an employee policy that allows concealed-carry that I fully support.

• Do you support at-large districts for city councilors?

Yes. • Do you support term limits for mayor and/or city councilors?

Yes. • What do you think about renaming city streets after Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Cesar Chavez?

There is a policy in place for renaming.

• What are your thoughts on the development of Spring River Park & Zoo? I think this will be an issue that will need to be addressed with the next council with the community.

General Questions

• What is your position on raising taxes to pay for improved or expanded city services?

That is a broad question. At this time I have supported a tax increase for an infrastructure project which has a sunset clause once the project is complete. I think for general fund services which are mainly supported by gross receipts tax that we need to live within those means for operation costs.

• How can the city better protect citizens from violent and property crimes?

With our high level of domestic crime and property crime, we have to have citizens willing to help and come forward to prosecute the offenders. If citizens see something, they have to not hesitate to report it to the police or even through the neighborhood watch in their area.

• Do you support the reopening of Cahoon pool? If not, how would you propose to develop the now-decommissioned pool?

I do not. At this time the community has spent the last two years gathering input and ideas on needs of the community.

Judy Stubbs • Office seeking: City Council Ward 3 (challenger) • Age: 72 • Party registration: Democrat • Occupation: Economic Developer with the New Mexico Economic Development Department • Family members employed by the city? None • Have you had any contractual business ties with the city of Roswell? None

Rapid-Fire Questions

• What do you believe the new recreation center should be named?

“Roswell Recreation and Aquatic Center” a place for all Roswell • Should the city maintain and operate a homeless shelter?

The city should support organizations that can do better than government.

• Do you support medical marijuana economic development?

It should not be considered until the U.S. Attorney General determines legalization marijuana.

• What is your opinion on the city’s concealed-carry policy for employees?

I support employees exercising Constitutional rights who have passed concealed-carry regulations.

• Do you support at-large districts for city councilors?

State Statute 3-12-1.1 requires municipalities over 10,000 populations to district.

• Do you support term limits for mayor and/or city councilors?

NM Court of Appeals ruled term limits for councilors unconstitutional • What do you think about renaming city streets after Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Cesar Chavez?

Renaming streets are costly and not necessary. Leave it for new development.

• What are your thoughts on the development of Spring River Park & Zoo? The zoo needs an upgrade, which should wait until the current study is complete.

General Questions

• What is your position on raising taxes to pay for improved or expanded city services?

I believe in conservative fiscal accountability and favor supporting growth in the economy leaving raising taxes as a last resort.

The NM Legislature gives authority to municipalities to fund services through taxation and specifies what these funds must pay for. According to the NM Taxation and Revenue Department, Roswell has the following seven tax increments left to impose: two at .0625 percent for Municipal Infrastructure Gross Receipts Tax, four increments at the same rate for Capital Outlay, and the last increment of .50 percent must go toward Municipal Envi-

Sunday, February 4, 2018 ronmental Services. Therefore, we must grow Roswell with new jobs and economic expansion instead.

• How can the city better protect citizens from violent and property crimes?

Supporting our police and a belief in early crime prevention drive my concerns for safety issues in all our neighborhoods.

I believe that attacking reform from all sides by supporting programs such as early intervention, literacy, localizing programs to specific neighborhoods, and better planning (situational prevention) could positively affect individual high-risk neighborhoods.

We should also support programs that grow character in our youth and provide amenities that deliver more opportunity to enjoy our city. We need to address economic inequality, which I believe is central to reducing crime and violence.

• Do you support the reopening of Cahoon Pool?

Cahoon Pool has served Roswell well for over 80 years. But as I recall, in 1998 and again in 2007, the city foresaw the need for updated facilities, therefore adopted expansion plans to include a multi-purpose and aquatic center in the 160 acres set aside for Cielo Grande. College Avenue was also extended from Montana to Sycamore to accommodate this growth. For these reasons, I cannot support reopening Cahoon Pool as an aquatic facility.

• If not, how would you propose to develop the now-decommissioned pool?

I cannot change the fact that the pool was decommissioned nor that the new recreation and aquatic center is now under construction, but what I can do is ensure that my decisions going forward are made on true and factual information. I do believe that this Cahoon Park area is critical and we have a great opportunity to take what we have and create something for our whole City to enjoy maybe, for example, a family pavilion including a gathering place for those using our hike and bike trails.

• Please summarize why you are running for this position?

Many people have missed my work on the council and have encouraged me to serve again, and now is the right time. I enjoy contributing where I have had many opportunities. I like doing things that matter and have the unique background, giving me an understanding of disconnect between citizens and council. I think critically and am data driven. I have proven commitment and dedication, and my true passion is public policy and working collaboratively to find solutions. I am not a politician. I am a public servant and a person you all know and will again be a councilor you can trust.

E3

No, I would rather the districts be kept small. It keeps it personal.

• Do you support term limits for mayor and/or city councilors?

Yes, because times change. It is time for new directions and new visions.

• What do you think about renaming city streets after Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Cesar Chavez?

City streets should be named after our city, county, and local area heroes.

• What are your thoughts on the development of Spring River Park & Zoo? It is important to keep the integrity of our parks for the beautification of our city.

General Questions

• What is your position on raising taxes to pay for improved or expanded city services?

Plain and simple, things cost money — period. So if we want improvement and expansion, it is going to cost money, someway somehow, and maybe tightening the budget and getting grants etc. I know one thing we need to do is to have better pay for our city’s workers, teachers and first responders. In looking into what other cities pay, we are nowhere near close to giving these individuals what they deserve. We need to look into how and where we can get the funds.

• How can the city better protect citizens from violent and property crimes?

We could utilize our neighborhood watch programs more. We could also reinitiate the Violent Crimes Reduction unit for more presence in our city.

• Do you support the reopening of Cahoon pool?

Yes, but it is not that cut and dry. If a pool is in a condemned state, then we cannot reopen it. It would have to be rebuilt. I thing we could develop the land and build an even better city pool with a recreational area, which I believe is already in the works.

Any city that is our size should have a city pool or aquatic center.

It is so sad to see that we don’t at the moment. I remember when I was growing up in Roswell and I could not wait for Memorial Day weekend for the pool to open. It gave us youth something to do, keep us off the streets, and out of trouble.

• Please summarize why you are running for this position?

City Council matters to our city’s quality of life and its future.

I am running because I believe with my skills, knowledge and community experience, I can promote progression into Roswell’s quality of life. I can help the council become more effective in doing its job to benefit the city of Roswell. I want to help bridge the gap between City Hall and parts of the city that feel disenfranchised while also helping the people of my ward by taking an active role in the city’s priorities.

I can help ensure that our plans for the future will benefit Roswell’s citizens from every walk of life.

Tarra Morgan • Office seeking: City Councilor, Ward 3 (challenger) • Age: 41 • Party registration: Democrat • Occupation: Director of Olympian Academy • Family members employed by the city? None • Have you had any contractual business ties with the city of Roswell? No

Rapid-Fire Questions

• What do you believe the new recreation center should be named?

Roswell Community Recreational Center (RCRC).

• Should the city maintain and operate a homeless shelter?

Yes, everyone deserves a place for shelter and food.

• Do you support medical marijuana economic development?

Yes. This can create jobs and decrease government spending.

• What is your opinion on the city’s concealed-carry policy for employees?

I think this is great with training and a permit.

• Do you support at-large districts for city councilors?

Richard Garcia • Office seeking: City Council, Ward 3 (challenger) • Age: 72 • Party registration: Democrat • Occupation: • Family members employed by the city? No • Have you had any contractual business ties with the city of Roswell? Never

Rapid-Fire Questions

• What do you believe the new recreation center should be named?

The Roswell Community Recreation Center in honor of the people paying for it.

• Should the city maintain and operate a homeless shelter?

No, such shelters should be operated by nonprofits formed for that purpose.

See WARD 3, Page E4

E4 Sunday, February 4, 2018 Ward 3 Continued from Page E3

• Do you support medical marijuana economic development?

Yes, but the issue needs to be resolved by the state and federal governments.

• What is your opinion on the city’s concealed-carry ordinance for employees?

It reflects poorly on Roswell that employees think they need to be armed to perform their jobs.

• Do you support at-large districts for city councilors?

No, it would concentrate power in certain neighborhoods to the detriment of the rest.

• Do you support term limits for mayor and/or city councilors?

Yes, one possibly two terms per position per lifetime.

• What do you think about renaming city streets after Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Cesar Chavez?

Possibly new streets might be named after them as renaming streets is an expensive proposition.

• What are your thoughts on the development of Spring River Park & Zoo? Over 50,000 people per year use these facilities. The city needs to properly develop and maintain them.

General Questions

• What is your position on raising taxes to pay for improved or expanded city services?

Raising taxes needs to be approved by the voters of the city, not the City Council. The administration needs to develop and put forth a compelling case for the voters when it thinks it needs to raise a specific tax.

• How can the city better protect citizens from violent and property crimes?

First, the police department needs to be allowed to do its job without micromanagement by others. Second, the police department needs to be maintained at full staff, well trained, and properly equipped. Third, the number of officers probably needs to be significantly increased for at least the next five to 10 years to mitigate current issues. Fourth, officers need to be assigned to neighborhoods and become trusted fixtures, which includes getting out of their cars, walking around, and meeting the people that live and work in them. Fifth, we need more officers on duty in the evening and at night. Sixth, we need to consider hiring consultants to help improve the safety of our community. Lastly, we need to work with the schools to improve graduation rates and give students the skills they need to successfully negotiate life. For example, we need to implement appropriate vocational and internship programs.

• Do you support the reopening of Cahoon pool?

Unless someone puts forth a compelling plan, probably not. We need to support the new recreation center. The gross mismanagement of the Cahoon Park Pool issue and the resulting effects on our kids and seniors is an unfortunate example of how not to do a project and we all need to learn from it.

• If not, how would you propose to develop the now-decommissioned pool?

Fill it in, make it a skating facility, or make it a shallow water radio-controlled model boating park are possibilities. However, nothing should be done until the new recreation and aquatic facilities are fully completed. If for some reason they are not, we would be left with nothing.

• Please summarize why you are running for this position?

I am seeking the responsibilities and obligations to represent Ward 3 because, while I under-

Voters Guide stand actions may impact the entire community, we have not been advantageously represented in City Council deliberations regarding crime, infrastructure, governance and taxes.

CITY COUNCIL WARD 4

Whitney Hamill · Office seeking: City Councilor Ward 4 (challenger) · Age: 32 · Party registration: Republican · Occupation: Finance Manager at Guy Chevrolet · Family members employed by the city? No · Have you had any contractual business ties with the city of Roswell? No

Rapid-Fire Questions

• What do you believe the new recreation center should be named?

Roswell Community Recreation Center • Should the city maintain and operate a homeless shelter?

Yes, we should.

• Do you support medical marijuana economic development?

Yes, but within limits.

• What is your opinion on the city’s concealed-carry ordinance for employees?

I support it.

• Do you support at-large districts for city councilors?

No, let councilors focus on their own areas.

• Do you support term limits for mayor and/or city councilors?

Yes! • What do you think about renaming city streets after Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Cesar Chavez?

I don’t support that.

• What are your thoughts on the development of Spring River Park & Zoo? The zoo is a great city asset.

General Questions

• What is your position on raising taxes to pay for improved or expanded city services?

It should be within limits and the population should be shown the benefit of raising taxes.

• How can the city better protect citizens from violent and property crimes?

The city needs more neighborhood watch programs and more community policing. If you see something, say something.

• Do you support the reopening of Cahoon pool? Yes, as a skate park.

• If not, how would you propose to develop the now-decommissioned pool?

I would like to see it become another skate park. More positive activities for the youth of Roswell are a good thing.

• Please summarize why you are running for this position?

I believe in Roswell! I want to see us thrive and grow. I want Roswell to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family. It is up to our current and future generations to support this. We need to recruit and retain business, recruit and retain people, and invest in those that have invested in Roswell. It is up to us to keep Roswell great and be even better for years to come.

• Have you had any contractual business ties with the city of Roswell? No

Rapid-Fire Questions

• What do you believe the new recreation center should be named?

I don’t believe a public building should be named for anyone. It will divide the community.

• Should the city maintain and operate a homeless shelter?

We need one. Maybe a non-profit should run it.

• Do you support medical marijuana economic development?

Medical marijuana is legal in the state of New Mexico. So yes, I am for jobs.

• What is your opinion on the city’s concealed-carry policy for employees?

I worked for the city for almost 10 years. I have seen employees have guns pulled on them by employees.

• Do you support at-large districts for city councilors?

Absolutely not, Ward 2 would have all the representation on the council.

• Do you support term limits for mayor and/or city councilors?

I support term limits, two terms you’re out, cannot run again for that position.

• What do you think about renaming city streets after Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Cesar Chavez?

• I think a new street would be fine.

• What are your thoughts on the development of Spring River Park & Zoo? It’s looking good, however, private citizens should not be able to make money on it.

General Questions

• What is your position on raising taxes to pay for improved or expanded city services?

I believe the voters need to vote on these issues. The city wastes a lot of money now. We have city manager fiascos, privatizing of the garages, water meters that we don’t need. I worked for the city for almost 10 years, as a water operator for water department, I have seen the waste. We need someone with common sense to stop it. I would be for a tax to pay our police and fire more money, however, the public would have to vote and support it. The citizens want accountability on how our taxes are spent.

• How can the city better protect citizens from violent and property crimes?

We need to expand the police department. I believe we need at least 140 total. This would give the current officers a break. They are running at full speed and cannot be more involved with the community. We also need more lighting on our streets. You drive up north and there are lights everywhere, not so much south. We also need to be involved with the youth. We must break the circle of crime and violence the gangs have on the youth.

• Do you support the reopening of Cahoon pool? If not, how would you propose to develop the now-decommissioned pool?

Yes, we should reopen Cahoon pool. It should have never been shut down. It is an asset for the city. The problems some councilors say it has can be fixed very easily.

• Please summarize why you are running for this position?

I am running for this position, in order to make Roswell a better place, to live and work. We need someone with common sense and who is not afraid to say no. I am not a politician. If I was, I would tell you a bunch of nonsense to get elected. You can see the nonsense these politicians are already putting out. We can do better. Roswell can be a great place for everyone.

I have been married for 27 years and have two daughters and three grandchildren. I want Roswell to be great for the future.

CITY COUNCIL WARD 5

Did you know?

The City Council consists of 10 City Councilors and one Mayor, who chairs the meetings. The Mayor is elected at-large and two of the 10 City Councilors represent one neighborhood ward within the City. Thus, each resident of Roswell is represented by the Mayor and by two City Councilors. The Mayor and City Council serve staggered 4-year terms.

The City of Roswell is a municipal corporation following the council-manager form of government. The City Council, the city’s legislative body, enacts laws known as ordinances, sets policies known as resolutions and adopts an annual budget. The city manager serves as the city’s chief administrative officer and sees to it that the council’s programs are implemented.

- Source: roswell-nm.gov

George Peterson • Office seeking: City Councilor Ward 4 (challenger) • Age: 47 • Party registration: Nonpartisan • Occupation: Wastewater operator • Family members employed by the city? None

Roswell Daily Record • Family members employed by the city? None • Have you had any contractual business ties with the city of Roswell? No

Rapid-Fire Questions

• What do you believe the new recreation center should be named?

Roswell Recreation and Aquatic Center, perhaps it should be put out for the city to vote on.

• Should the city maintain and operate a homeless shelter?

The city should support this effort in collaboration with other organizations.

• Do you support medical marijuana economic development?

I can see the possible benefits it could have on a city, but I am not sure of my stance at this time.

• What is your opinion on the city’s concealed-carry policy for employees?

I approve of the policy and need for protection.

• Do you support at-large districts for city councilors?

No, it can weaken the representation of particular groups.

• Do you support term limits for mayor and/or city councilors?

Term limits are not necessary because they must be regularly re-elected. If they are not doing a good job in office, we can simply vote for someone else.

• What do you think about renaming city streets after Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Cesar Chavez?

It is not a bad idea if it is done equitably.

• What are your thoughts on the development of Spring River Park & Zoo? The zoo needs to be seriously updated.

General Questions

• What is your position on raising taxes to pay for improved or expanded city services?

Raising taxes is a fact of life. In order for the city to make needed changes to the services and the quality of services, taxes may have to be raised. Most people do not like that part of change.

• How can the city better protect citizens from violent and property crimes?

Higher numbers of police officers in cities would reduce crime in general. In order to get and keep qualified officers, we will need to offer competitive salaries. Supporting and utilizing community-based mentoring programs like the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America and afterschool recreation programs like Boys and Girls Club offers could reduce juvenile crime. We have to give the youth something positive to do. In addition, revamping some type of community policing like the neighborhood watch will get the community back to taking care of each other and watching each others’ backs.

• Do you support the reopening of Cahoon pool?

Yes, the city needs more than one public pool. It had been a principal public asset to the city. With this closure and the closure of the Boys and Girls club pool, it limits the choices for the people on the south side of Roswell. Since I was not involved all the budgeting and cost of reopening, I can only state that I feel the city needs this asset.

• Please summarize why you are running for this position?

I chose to run for city council because I found myself grumbling and complain about some of the things going on in Roswell. I realized that in order to be able to make changes you have to be involved. I am running for office because I am concerned that some local decisions, particularly decisions to pursue economic development initiatives and raising taxes, are being made without real public discussion.

I am running because I think Roswell is an extraordinary city.

I want it to stay that way and improve. I believe that many of the everyday people share this perspective, and I think we deserve more of a voice in city affairs. I want to serve on City Council in order to be that voice.

I believe I have the educational background in administration and management and passion to be an effective council member. I would bring council an independent perspective that has not been well represented. I want to bring a fresh, positive and creative mindset to the city and help Roswell move forward in a positive way.

Angela Moore • Office seeking: City Councilor, Ward 5 (challenger) • Age: 53 • Party registration: Democrat • Occupation: Special Education Teacher for 19 years

Tabitha Denny

Tabitha Denny

• Office seeking: City Councilor Ward 5 (incumbent) • Age: 45 • Party registration: Republican • Occupation: • Family members employed by the city? None • Have you had any contractual business ties with the city of Roswell? No

Rapid-Fire Questions

• What do you believe the new recreation center should be named?

Roswell Community Recreation Center or something similar • Should the city maintain and operate a homeless shelter?

No. However, the city should continue to, and further support the organization that does.

• Do you support medical marijuana economic development?

Yes, for medical use only.

• What is your opinion on the city’s concealed-carry policy for employees?

I believe everyone has a right to protect themselves, and with the proper training and certifications, they should be able to carry.

• Do you support at-large districts for city councilors?

Absolutely. I believe there should be one elected councilor for each ward and five elected at large.

• Do you support term limits for mayor and/or city councilors? Yes. • What do you think about renaming city streets after Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Cesar Chavez?

I do not believe it is necessary to have streets named after anyone.

If so, should be someone from our local community.

• What are your thoughts on the development of Spring River Park & Zoo? I believe we should continue the improvements and continue the development of our zoo.

General Questions

• What is your position on raising taxes to pay for improved or expanded city services?

While I am not an advocate for raising taxes, I believe it is an unpleasant necessity to pay for some services. Some of the purposes of local taxes are to help pay for our parks and recreation programs, along with our facilities and community centers. I think the raising of taxes should be done on a gradual basis so there is a reasonable knowledge it is coming. If there was a way to provide services to our residents without having to raise fees, that would be wonderful. Unfortunately, it is not a reasonable expectation.

• How can the city better protect citizens from violent and property crimes?

It starts with our kids! We need to learn to be proactive instead of reactive. Utilizing individuals within our community as mentors can make an incredible difference. The city can also better protect our citizens with the assistance of our citizens. It is important to realize our officers cannot be everywhere at all times.

The protection of our community is a team effort; this is why it is so important for our citizens to report anything they see which appears to be concerning and to cooperate with our investigators.

That includes building relationships between our citizens and our law enforcement.

• Do you support the reopening of Cahoon pool? No. • If not, how would you propose to develop the now-decommissioned pool?

I would love to see the area developed into a location our community would be able to enjoy for various occasions. For example, family reunions, weddings, birthday parties or just a place for people to enjoy one another’s company, as well as, some sensory playground equipment. I would really like to see input from our citizens on their ideas. I feel it is an opportunity for our community to work together.

• Please summarize why you are running for this position?

I want to continue to work with our residents to make Roswell a better place to live for themselves and their families. I have done my best to be open-minded and have made an authentic effort to hear all sides, even those opposite of mine. I hope all of us can work together to make our city better and not make it about political status, where we live, the color of our skin, our last name, what we do for a living, what we did or didn’t do in the past, but how we are going to work together going forward. I think the quote by Alex Elle explains it best and she said, “When we learn how to work together, versus against each other, things might start getting better.”