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Montaño y Romero Announce
Campaign News November 18, 2007
By Bill Whaley
National
In what promises to be the “Mother of All Election Years,” Los Americanos across the nation, in the state, and aqui en Taos will be choosing among a variety of pols at the polls in 2008.
Aspiring presidents from both parties appear to be chasing one woman’s skirts (or pantsuits). Hill is laughing all the way to the corporate bank and trust fund for presidential candidates in the new plutocracy. She’s Gulliver running against a gang of Lilliputians. But expect a 2008 surprise if Bush II’s minder has his way. Cheney, the President of “Vice,” may find President Musharraf of Pakistan’s campaign strategy too good to pass up: jail the lawyers, call out the cops, cancel elections.
Tim Russert: “Mr. Vice President, some people say that the Bush Administration plans to create a crisis during next year’s presidential elections. Can you tell us if you will bomb Iran next fall?”
Dick Cheney: “Tim, I can’t reveal national security details. But let me say that we can’t afford regime change here at home during a time of crisis. Congress, the courts, and the government have proved equally inept at providing security for the American people. Let me say, I’m very concerned.”
State
Here in New Mexico, one candidate has announced her intentions of running for Governor (but not until 2010): Lt. Gov. Diane Denish. At press time, the U.S. Senate and U. S. Representative races in New Mexico continued to grab headlines. Republican Congressional Representatives Stephen Pearce and Heather Wilson appear ready to get it on in what promises to be a vicious senate primary on the right. On the left, U.S. Rep. Tom Udall has challenged Mayor Marty Chavez of Albuquerque. Expect a flood of wannabe congressmen to throw their names into the 3rd Congressional District race. (Favorite local sons: Commissioners Charlie Gonzales and Gabe Romero.)
As for the state legislature, so far Representative Roberto “Bobby” Gonzales has no announced opposition (except as Superintendent of Schools). Senator Carlos Cisneros says there’s only a whisper about a runner in the Santa Fe or Rio Arriba portion of his district down south. Seniority and incumbency count at the Roundhouse.
The Town
Only the redoubtable Gene Sanchez has officially announced that he will throw in against the powerful Bob Duran cabal at Town Hall. Sanchez’s opposition includes incumbents Erlinda “Our Lady” Gonzales and the Quiet Man, Meliton Struck—two big-time vote-getters. Issues involve non-existent public bathrooms on the Plaza (30 years?) and the overdue homeless shelter (2 years). A poorly funded and poorly coordinated marketing campaign has affected local businesses negatively. The planning department is perceived as serving the few instead of the many. The Town’s resistance to preserving and protecting water resources at large has irritated the community. The town manager has hired a record number of new employees, according to our sources; but he keeps high-priced “do-nothing” executives on the payroll. Supporters say electing Sanchez is a step toward moving the town forward.
The 8th Judicial District
D.A. Donald Gallegos has surrounded himself with a new coterie of characters and appointees in an attempt to reach out and shore up a splintered political base. See the sidebar (p. 9) for a list of former employees, suggesting how tough it is to find lawyers and investigators to labor on behalf of the D.A.—especially if you aren’t one of the “Good People.”
Irish Jeff Shannon, former public defender and defender of the poor, and Carlos Gutierrez, former deputy D.A. and contract attorney with the Town of Taos, say they will oppose Team Donald in the 2008 June primary.
Insiders say the Donald rarely shows up for work in the Taos office. Reportedly, he wasn’t even in court when Judge John Paternoster cited the D.A. for contempt—due to poor administrative organization, regarding deputies, who miss docket calls. Critics argue that the D.A. is a one-stop shop for DWI cases but frequently passes on fraud and embezzlement, while minimizing vehicular homicide, rape, domestic violence, and child abuse cases. As has been well documented, the D.A. makes decisions about prosecutions, according to a peculiar “Good People” policy. A number of cold cases remain unsolved or unprosecuted, involving, among others, the deaths of Earl and Clarissa Gonzales, Arnie Cisneros, and the “disappeared” Harvey Fernandez. Informed observers note The Donald’s peculiar popularity among voters and say he could win by splitting the difference between the two challengers.
Taos County
Turmoil at the schools and Town of Taos, and dissatisfaction with the D.A., contrasts starkly with the perception of slow steady progress at Taos County. The passage of the GRT for a new justice and administration center earned the county county-wide respect. That doesn’t mean the roads have been fixed. In County Commission races, Anselmo “Chemo” Valerio has announced his intention of running for Gabe Romero’s seat—the latter is term limited. Chemo says he’s had to fix roads in his district with his own equipment. Incumbent Nick “The Nitpicker” Jaramillo says he will run again from the El Prado-Arroyo Hondo district. Below, Horse Fly publishes announcements from two incumbents, Treasurer Evangeline Romero and Clerk Elaine Montaño, both of whom seek re-election.
Taos County Clerk, Elaine S. Montaño, Democrat: “I would like to thank all Taos County residents for their continued support and extend my promise to serve you in the future. The leadership that I have provided in the Clerk’s Office since my election has proven to be professional, efficient, and respectful of all citizens in Taos County.
“In my tenure as County Clerk, all the elections have run efficiently including the change to Paper Ballots from Electronic Voting Machines. Public Records and Survey Plats are being digitized for easier accessibility. County Commission Meeting Minutes are current and available to the public.
“I have the experience and knowledge necessary for this position and have taken all NMSU County College Classes necessary to be one of the few County Clerks in the state to receive my certification from the New Mexico Association of County Clerks’ Affiliate. I am an active member of the NALEAO (National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials), International Hispanic Network, NMAC Better Informed Public Officials, and various others. I am also certified for ES&S Model 100 Precinct Tabulator and Auto Mark Voter Assist Terminal, our current voting system.
“I will continue working with and supporting the youth of our community in an effort to educate them on the election process, from registration to actually voting.
“I would like to continue serving as your County Clerk for another term with your support.”—Elaine Montaño
Evangeline Romero, Democrat, Taos County Treasurer: “I would like to extend a very heart-felt ‘Thank You’ to all Taos County residents, for allowing me to serve you as your Taos County Treasurer for the last three years. My experience in serving the community as your County Treasurer has been of great pride and honor. My priorities have always been and will continue to be, to keep you, the constituents, the Board of Commission, and the Department of Finance & Administration (DFA) informed on the County’s financial status.
“I am very proud of all that we have accomplished and I wish to continue to serve Taos County as your Treasurer for another term with your support. I will continue to work diligently, making this office accessible and helpful to you, my friends and neighbors of Taos County. I have seen wonderful things happen within my tenure—reporting to the Citizens of Taos that the County is in good financial condition, and getting the support needed for the Judicial-Administrative & Detention Complex.
“In the last ten years, the property tax assessment from the Taos County Assessor’s office has more than doubled from $7 million in 1997, to the current 2007 assessment of $16 million. The growth in the county has been tremendous, increasing revenue not only for the county but for the schools, municipalities, and special districts within Taos County.
“While in office, I have been an active member of New Mexico Association of Counties Proposed Legislative Committee, NALEO-National Association of Latino Elected & Appointed Officials, New Mexico Public Procurement Association, International Hispanic Network, NMAC Treasurer Affiliate, N.M. CPA Foundation-GASB, NMAC Better Informed Public Official, NMSU County College, and various others.
“We will continue the goals that we have undertaken in the Treasurer’s Office, which include acquiring the latest state-of-the-art technology, retaining a well-qualified and educated staff, and maintaining an aggressive, cost-efficient collection agency approach. Our highest goal is to provide a high customer service through our open-door policy.
As a public servant, I believe accountability, professionalism, experience, integrity, and credibility are crucial to all public offices.”—Evangeline Romero
Donald’s Former Associates
Donna Dagnall—(Chief Deputy)—resigned
Larry Fowler —(Chief Deputy)—resigned
Mark Lovato —(Sr. Trial Prosecutor)—resigned
Lee Boothby—(Assistant D.A.)—resigned
Tim Hasson—(Deputy D.A.)—fired
Carlos Gutierrez—(Sr. Trial Prosecutor)—fired
Ernest Ortega —(Program Mgr.)—resigned
Barbara Martinez—(Deputy D.A.)—resigned
Harley Mortensen – (Deputy D.A.)—fired (but hired in Las Vegas for more money.)
Len Walker - (Clayton, Deputy D.A.)—resigned
Bill Richardson —(Sr. Investigator)—resigned
Dominic Martinez —(Sr. Investigator)—resigned
Bill Hubbard —(Chief Investigator)—resigned
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