El Defensor Chieftain sent candidate questionnaires to Socorro and Magdalena candidates in upcoming local elections, so they could share their platforms in their own words. Candidate answers were limited to 75 words. Answers past 75 words were cut off.

 

Socorro Councilor, Ward 1

 

Damien Ocampo

Age: 41

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Financial advisor, insurance agent, educator/ coach, business owner

Highest level of education: MA degree in educational administration

Previously held public office: yes, I was appointed to City council in *** of 2020

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No

What qualifications/experience do you feel you possess that will enable you to fulfill the responsibilities of the elected office you are seeking?

First and foremost, I deeply care about what goes on in my community.  It’s nice to have an opportunity to represent people from different walks of life and help their voices be heard. In my different roles in the community, I have a unique opportunity to have access to several different people, from school- aged children to older, more seasoned adults. I strive to make them feel welcome, understood and heard.

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

I would like to continue representing our youth/seniors and ensuring they are remembered in everything we do. From beautification of our city to getting more activities in which families can be involved, to making sure resources are preserved so that they are sustainable.

What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?

I feel that one thing that can trickle down and positively affect many areas is cross-communication between agencies/existing resources. Socorro is blessed with different groups that individually improve our community, but at times it seems these agencies duplicate their efforts and possibly aren’t coordinating with each other. If we all work together to communicate/coordinate what’s best for the greater good of the community, it would allow agencies to more efficiently serve Socorro.

 

Socorro Councilor, Ward 2

 

James N. Chavez

Age: 38

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Proud Native Socorrian born and raised.

Highest level of education:

Previously held public office:

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. In my early 20s, I was arrested for driving under the influence. I own my mistake and will make sure I share my important life lesson with others

What qualifications/experience do you feel you possess that will enable you to fulfill the responsibilities of the elected office you are seeking?

I’m a 4th Generation Socorroan, and aside from my intimate knowledge of this community, I bring a work ethic that my hometown needs to bring our amazing town back to the heights it can reach

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

I seek an open dialogue with constituents who care about this town but are afraid to speak their mind at a city council meeting. I aim to be accessible to citizens and their input to help make our town better..

What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?

Let’s not sugar coat it, our town has been impacted by illicit drugs, which in turn impacts businesses and impacts revenue to those business. I am to be more proactive with conversations about ending this scourge in our town.

 

Mary Ann Chavez-Lopez

Age: 65

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): I am the Executive Director of the El Camino Real Housing Authority

Highest level of education: High School Diploma with some College

Previously held public office: Socorro City Councilor

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. NO

What qualifications/experience do you feel you possess that will enable you to fulfill the responsibilities of the elected office you are seeking?

Being a current city council woman I want to continue to be your voice.  I have been a councilor for 10 years and have had the pleasure of serving as the Chair of the Recreation committee and a member of Budget and Utility committee. I have attended the Municipal Officials Leadership Institute.  In my tenure I was instrumental in assisting with the development the Police Oversite Committee.  My 25 years in Housing has also provided…

What do you hope to accomplish if elected? To find ways to bring a successful Economic Development to the City of Socorro. A successful economic development effort requires agile planning a comprehensive approach to implement solutions that make our community a more attractive place to live, work and play. I feel working together with business owners, New Mexico Tech, Socorro County, not to mention the community, is a way to build a strong Economic Development Solution. I would like to assist in building…

What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?

The most important challenges facing our community is Economic Development, Drugs, Mental Health and Homelessness.

I feel we need to provide incentives to business owners coming to our community and continue assisting our current business owners.

Drugs, Mental Health and Homelessness in our community is a huge problem that we as a community must continue to work together to fix the problems.  There is no quick fix to any of these problems that our community…

 

Socorro Councilor, Ward 3

 

Michael Olguin Jr

Age: 40

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Michael Olguin Insurance Associates, LLC/Socorro Lady Warrior Soccer Team Head Coach

Highest level of education: BBA, Business Management, UNM Anderson School of Business

Previously held public office: Socorro City Council 2008-Present

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. NO

What qualifications/experience do you feel you possess that will enable you to fulfill the responsibilities of the elected office you are seeking?

Lifelong resident of Socorro.  I have been intimately involved in several aspects of the community for about 17 years.  My experience within the community includes, coach, teacher, mentor, business owner, NMT employee, board member on several different boards and community volunteer.  I believe these experiences provide myself with some insight into the innerworkings of the community and will continue to bring these experiences to the Socorro City Council.

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

Continue to work the Council and Administration to mitigate the current pandemic we are facing. Continue to work on economic development initiatives. Most importantly, providing better high-speed broadband for the community. Continue to develop and implement new and improved youth and adult recreation programs.

What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?

Currently the biggest challenge I see within the community is a lack of high wage jobs and careers. Collaborating with, and supporting the Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association, Department of Workforce Solutions, Socorro County, NMT, Socorro Schools, as well as local businesses to come up with ways to recruit and sustain high wage opportunities and companies. Also, the economic recovery from the pandemic is an ever-evolving challenge.

 

Socorro Councilor, Ward 4

 

Stephanie Saavedra

Age: 47

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Retired (City of Socorro City Clerk and City of Socorro Payroll/Human Resources Administrator)

Highest level of education: High School Diploma, Currently Full-Time College Student with the University of Phoenix.  Associate Degree in Business Fundamentals expected in January 2022.Previously held public office: None

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No.

What qualifications/experience do you feel you possess that will enable you to fulfill the responsibilities of the elected office you are seeking?

I have 29 years’ experience working as an employee of the City of Socorro.  In addition to the experience I have as an employee, I have attended hundreds of City Council meetings, prepared hundreds of city council packets and created hundreds of sets of minutes from the city council meetings.  I worked with both the public and the city employees from all departments.  I am familiar with the proper procedures and processes within the city.

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

My goal is to work with the public and city employees and address their concerns. I no longer wish to see Socorro in a position of “status quo” and would like to work with other individuals who want to see Socorro grow.  It is important to me that public issues regarding our city are transparent.  I want Socorro to be the best city it can be for our residents, children and visitors.

What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?

Everyone has driven through Socorro and observed empty storefronts and vacant lots.  One challenge for Socorro is growth.  I would like to see the city encourage new businesses to locate in Socorro.  One possibility would be creating a small business office to assist business owners with the guidance they need to start and/or maintain their business.  Strong relationships with Socorro County, NM Tech and Socorro Schools are also needed.  Together, more can be accomplished.

 

Peter Daniel Romero

Incumbent Socorro Councilor for Ward 4, Peter Romero declined to respond to the candidate questionnaire.

 

Socorro Municipal Judge

 

Valentin Anaya

Age: 57

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Stay at home dad

Highest level of education: Associates Degree (Electronics)

Previously held public office: Assessor 2 terms

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No.

What qualifications/experience do you feel you possess that will enable you to fulfill the responsibilities of the elected office you are seeking?

As a lifelong resident of Socorro, I know the community, the people, and the concerns of our town. I serve on some important boards and organizations, including, the El Camino Real Housing Authority, MWNMCAP FEMA Board, Kiwanis Club of Socorro County, The Governors Developmental Disabilities Council and I’m a founding member of Elevate the Spectrum, a statewide autism support and awareness group. Me and my wife Gloria also teach Confirmation at San Miguel Church.

How do you anticipate your personal philosophy would translate to your service as municipal court judge?

Because I do serve and volunteer with different organizations, just like the current judge and past judges before her, I feel I have a better knowledge of the issues of our community. This, I think gives me the wisdom to make better decisions on cases that might come up before me.

How would you handle cases of friends, relatives or business associates if they come before your court?

Any cases that might be influenced or even perceived to be influenced by these relationships will be deferred to another court.

 

Joseph M. Gonzales

Age: 57

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): I am presently a server/cook at the El Camino Restaurant. While working as a server, I am able to communicate efficiently and with the gratuities(tips) I earn I donate them to charities like The Wounded Warriors Project, Komen Foundation,  every women we loose to this dreaded disease is one to many. I give also to homeless shelters to help feed and clothe the less fortunate and the San Miguel Church in which I am an…

Highest level of education: Majored in Chemistry at NM Tech and at UNM

Previously held public office: Never held office but served on many charitable boards.

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. Never been arrested, NEVER been charged, or convicted of drunk driving any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state.

What qualifications/experience do you feel you possess that will enable you to fulfill the responsibilities of the elected office you are seeking?

While serving in the US Army, I was in communications in which I had to talk with high-ranking non-commission officers and high-ranking commissioned officers. I was able to communicate efficiently to my fellow personnel in the military. That is one key in being an efficient Municipal Judge. When you can communicate you are able to be honest, caring, understanding, and compassionate in your rulings. We live in tough times now due to Covid-19, and…

How do you anticipate your personal philosophy would translate to your service as municipal court judge?

I was raised by great parents (the late Max “Rata” Gonzales former Albuquerque Dukes pitcher and Emena Armijo Gonzales a 47-year veteran of the City of Socorro), where they taught me to treat others like how you want to be treated. I will never pass judgement on anyone until all procedures of the court have taken place. Like I have been saying during this campaign HONESTY, CARING, AND COMPASIONATE. I believe I have done my…

How would you handle cases of friends, relatives or business associates if they come before your court?

If my family or friends enter the courtroom, I will treat them just like everyone else. NO SPECIAL treatment. To be an honest judge is to treat everyone the same and fairly.

 

Joseph E. Gutierrez

Municipal judge candidate Joseph E. Gutierrez did not respond to the candidate questionnaire.