Sunday, September 6, 2009

Lt. Governor Candidates at Dennis Chavez Event

Three of the Democratic Party candidates for Lt. Governor spoke at an event sponsored for the Dennis Chavez Club of the Dona Ana Democratic Party at the home of former Rep. Paul Taylor on Sunday evening. Rep. Tomas Campos, from Santa Rosa, spoke about the need for economic development and infrastructure, stressing his background as current chair of the Council of Governments organization for the western states and his experience as a small businessman. He is also mayor of Santa Rosa. Brian Colon, former state Democratic Party chair, spoke about improving New Mexico educational performance, stressing the dropout rates, and reminded those in attendance he has lived for ten years in Dona Ana county. Sen. Linda Lopez, who has been in the news recently advocating a roll-back on taxes to the wealthy as a means of improving the state's financial crisis, stressed her experience as a legislator and her passion for helping youth.

Frances Williams, who blew the whistle on the Smiley Gallegos housing empire last year, leading to an indictment, asked each candidate what they would do about ethics reform in light of recent multiple scandals. Each spoke briefly to this question, stressing the need for ethics reform and pledging to address ethical issues during the campaign.

Former Rep. Paul Taylor was the host for the evening at his historic home in Mesilla, full of old New Mexico paintings, santos, and other art work, which he has bequeathed to the state of New Mexico.

Other announced candidates for Lt. Governor are Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano, Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino, and Lawrence Rael, executive director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments.

1 comment:

Brian Colon said...

Great to see and visit with you last night. Proud to have been a member of the SDC Club for the last few years. As usual, the Club put on a great event and the Hon. J. Paul Taylor was yet again a very gracious host. Saludos, Brian