WHY I'M RUNNINGAs a single mom of two, I am blessed to live in the home I grew up in, raised my kids in, and that my parents built on working class wages. My father was a welder and my mother worked in a local factory. Though sometimes we struggled, we always had what we needed. In 1986 a clothing factory near our house closed down. My father used the scrap metal to make wrought iron for our house and adorned it with an anchor. Living in that same house now, I am anchored in our communities and ready to serve!
I currently serve as the Field Director at Forward Together, a national non-profit agency that put down roots in New Mexico as Strong Families New Mexico, leading work that builds rights, recognition, and resources for all families. I am privileged to work alongside our communities every day to create meaningful change. As a county commissioner, I look forward to work with our communities to address our challenges and opportunities regarding public safety and healthcare. Public Safety Our communities are hurting. Families don’t feel safe; we see crime and violence in our neighborhoods every single day. I believe in community driven solutions. Everyday families are doing the best they can to get by, and often people are desperate, looking for food or their next fix. Choosing a life of service impacts the whole family of those that serve. Our first responders must have the equipment, pay and respite time needed to re-energize for their next shifts and be present for their families. Our first responders, firefighters, frontline workers and public safety officers risk the health and safety of themselves and their families, we can make sure they are well equipped and supported wholly; body, mind, spirit and their families. Together, we must address crime and public safety from all angles, including the voices and expertise of community members, crime victims, businesses and service providers throughout the county. Our county can grow the resources needed to make sure we all can live in safety and dignity. |
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Veterans
My grandfather, stepdad, and many family members have served in our armed forces. I've seen the impact of our loved ones that came back from deployment in war time and out. Veteran support services, treatment and care when they need it, and recognition for their service, will always be front and center.
I grew up honoring our servicemen and women on Memorial Day, hearing stories from family and loved ones about their experiences. Living right next to the Kirtland Air Force Base, many of my friends were kids in military families. Those relationships expanded my knowledge of the world and what it meant to take on a life committed to protecting and defending our country.
The Veterans Hospital and so many of the veterans support services are located directly in District 3. When our veterans and their families are happy and say they have what they need, is when I will be content with our efforts to give back to them.
My grandfather, stepdad, and many family members have served in our armed forces. I've seen the impact of our loved ones that came back from deployment in war time and out. Veteran support services, treatment and care when they need it, and recognition for their service, will always be front and center.
I grew up honoring our servicemen and women on Memorial Day, hearing stories from family and loved ones about their experiences. Living right next to the Kirtland Air Force Base, many of my friends were kids in military families. Those relationships expanded my knowledge of the world and what it meant to take on a life committed to protecting and defending our country.
The Veterans Hospital and so many of the veterans support services are located directly in District 3. When our veterans and their families are happy and say they have what they need, is when I will be content with our efforts to give back to them.
Healthcare
Healthcare is a human right. Bernalillo county is responsible for upholding a healthcare safety net to provide care for our most vulnerable families. We must continue to improve access to care upfront; better meeting the needs of patients from the onset leads to cost-savings for our whole system and increased wellness for people across the county.
Our district is home to UNM hospital, New Mexico’s premier healthcare facility and research institution. District 3 also houses most of the behavioral health and recovery services offered to residents, which are often funded and managed by the County. It is critical to the health and well-being of all our communities that our County systems and resources work effectively, efficiently and collaboratively with state, city, and federal governments.
Working on state legislative policies that support our workforce and families, like paid family medical leave, pregnant worker accommodation and Medicaid Buy-In for all New Mexicans, I know how to connect human healthcare needs to policy-making processes to include the voices of all stakeholders and benefit our communities in the whole, small businesses, working families, mothers with children, folks experiencing houselessness, immigrant and refugee families--all of us.
Healthcare is a human right. Bernalillo county is responsible for upholding a healthcare safety net to provide care for our most vulnerable families. We must continue to improve access to care upfront; better meeting the needs of patients from the onset leads to cost-savings for our whole system and increased wellness for people across the county.
Our district is home to UNM hospital, New Mexico’s premier healthcare facility and research institution. District 3 also houses most of the behavioral health and recovery services offered to residents, which are often funded and managed by the County. It is critical to the health and well-being of all our communities that our County systems and resources work effectively, efficiently and collaboratively with state, city, and federal governments.
Working on state legislative policies that support our workforce and families, like paid family medical leave, pregnant worker accommodation and Medicaid Buy-In for all New Mexicans, I know how to connect human healthcare needs to policy-making processes to include the voices of all stakeholders and benefit our communities in the whole, small businesses, working families, mothers with children, folks experiencing houselessness, immigrant and refugee families--all of us.
Environment
I live in the same home I grew up in, and where I raised my children, right next to Kirtland Air Force Base. It’s critical that the County continues to invest in cleaning up the jet fuel leak that has been seeping into our soil and water for decades. Right now the jet fuel plume compromises the health and safety of our communities. The County must prioritize clean drinking water for our families and collaborate with state and federal government entities to make it happen. I want my kids, their kids, and all future generations to be able to call this district home--without worrying about toxicity in their drinking water.
My life's work has been in Reproductive Justice, the condition in which all people have the social, economic and political power to make decisions about their body and their lives. The environment has a direct impact on our health, our reproductive health, our children and the sustainability of our communities. It is my cultural tradition to respect, defend and protect our land, energy, air and water.
For many generations my family has had their hands in this very soil and utilized the land and water to sustain our families. It is in my upbringing and cultural traditions to respect, defend and protect New Mexico’s air, land and water, which, in relation to the impact on our health and well being, has not always been done at the level at which I will fight for environmental justice. When done right we can respect our natural environment and create opportunities for jobs that don't sacrifice our workers' health and do increase public safety with beautiful, clean, safer neighborhoods. As Bernalillo County Commissioner I will be a steward of our environment who shapes policies and budgets that not only protect, but also advance our environmental protections now and for generations to come
My goal is to bring an intersectional lens and traditional and cultural values approach to decisions on the environment and its impact on our health and well-being.
For more information on the Kirtland Bulk Fuels Facility Leak read this 3-part series from the Alibi: https://alibi.com/news/59012/Fuel-Spill-Committee-Part-I.html
Growing our Economies--Jobs
The County can support our communities by creating environments where jobs and local economies grow.
Healthcare is a sustainable field, creating new jobs and care for our families every day. I currently serve as the Governing Board Chair of Health Leadership High School, building education pipelines that give students real opportunities in healthcare, construction and technology. We are growing a workforce that wants to and can stay in their home communities, not forced out because of lack of job opportunities or the skills to actually meet the needs of the growing economies.
Generations of families in our district have served our country, but too many have come home without access to steady and meaningful work. I will prioritize job creation for our veterans so no vet young or old lacks for opportunities.
Our county is building an economic development center for businesses to get startup funds, equipment, advice, and other resources. Businesses can also access capital outlay dollars for improvements. I will work to make sure businesses know about these opportunities and offer practical support in applying to receive dollars.
