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.

 

Magdalena Mayor

Update: Staff erroneously missed Rumpf’s questionnaire, which he did return on time. Rumpf is the incumbent and the only candidate for mayor. 

Richard Rumpf

Age: old

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Blacksmith / Metal artist

Highest level of education: some collage and numerous training seminars ,Certified Municipal Officer New Mexico

Previously held public office: Village trustee

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?

Six years as Mayor

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

To continue helping prepare Magdalena for the future. More water storage and replace some water lines, upgrades on town buildings.

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

Ageing infrastructure and Continue to seek grant funding.

 

Trustee Position 2

Harvan Karen Conrad

Incumbent Harvan Conrad is the only candidate for Magdalena Trustee Position 2. Conrad did not respond to the candidate questionnaire.

 

Trustee Position 3

James C. Nelson

Age: 70

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Scientific editor, small business owner, retired plant geneticist.

Highest level of education: Postdoctoral

Previously held public office: Trustee, Magdalena village council

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?

Concern for community welfare, ability to absorb and communicate information, experience working with governing boards, NM Municipal League training in municipal governance

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

Support and monitor the continuing efforts by the Mayor to improve Village services, property, and appearance for the benefit of the community

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

Insufficient employment opportunities and the poverty, crime, drug abuse, and property degradation associated with them. No convenient means of waste recycling by residents and consequent high tipping costs for landfilling. These challenges are not quickly soluble by a village council member or even a mayor. Village government is focused on improving streets and utility services (water, sewer, airport) by bringing in state grant money, and encouraging cultural activities that attract outside visitors.

 

Trustee Position 4

Clark D. Brown

Age: 65

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Retired-Hardware store.

Highest level of education: High school

Previously held public office: Trustee

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 in business for 42 years.

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

Complete water system, paved streets.

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

Continue working on existing projects and work with the other trustees and mayor.

 

Magdalena Municipal School District, Board Position 1

Kelby Heath Stephens  

Age: 50

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Owner and Operator of Socorro Physical Therapy

Highest level of education: Masters Degree in Physical Therapy, Bachelors in Biology, Associates Degree in Sports Medicine and Physical Education

Previously held public office: I have Served Two Terms on the School Board in the Magdalena School District. I therefore have eight years of experience.

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. I have never been arrested, charged for, or convicted of any crime in any State or Country.

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 experience on the School Board. I have been trained as to what a Board Member can and can’t do. I run a personal business locally. I understand the importance of a good administration and a good staff to make a school run efficiently and productively. I also understand and know the chain of command and how to navigate it. I also have had children graduate from Magdalena schools and have other children currently…

How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process of the board?

I have and will continue to have an open door policy when it comes to concerns from the community. People reach out to me on my personal phone, email, Facebook, at work or just approach me in the community. I feel I am a good listener and work to understand the concerns of everyone. I also know how to utilize the Magdalena School Policy and System and can help people with their concerns and the…

Help us understand the type of leader you will be by describing your two highest priorities for change in the school district – short term and long term.

Currently I believe we have set up a great team to lead this school. We as a Board and Administration have kept your students safe while still ensuring that they get the education they need and deserve during this difficult time. We plan on continuing that. However, we also know that there is room for improvement. We plan on using the latest technology and data to drive our curriculum. We want to continue to strive…

 

Magdalena Municipal School District, Board Position 2

Mary “Lynn” Major

Age: 53

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Director of Practice Operations for Socorro Presbyterian Medical Group

Highest level of education: Registered Nurse; Associates

Previously held public office: President of Magdalena Municipal School Board.

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 served 4 years as a school board member through Covid-19.  I have also been the Magdalena School nurse, the Magdalena Girls Varsity Basketball coach, and have worked at the Alamo Clinic.  I have been a nurse and an Administrator in Health Care in Socorro County for over 20 years and continue to serve in this role. I believe this gives me an insight that no other Board Member has.

How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process of the board? Continue to listen to the needs brought forward by parents, teachers, and community members and have an honest, open conversation about the issue and what would ultimately be the best for our students.

Help us understand the type of leader you will be by describing your two highest priorities for change in the school district – short term and long term.

Short Term:  Offer options to every student to receive an education, regardless of the barrier.  Staff will individually work with each student to achieve this. We do this now and I am proud to be a part of a dedicated team.

Long Term:  Show improvement in our student scores.  Make New Mexico a desirable place for people to want to bring children and enroll in our schools.  Whatever it takes to improve this.  Work together…