Political Veteran Faces Newcomer For Treasurer

The Sandoval County treasurer’s race features one candidate who has spent several years as an elected official in Rio Rancho and at the county level against a newcomer who has extensive exposure to the world of politics but who has never held elected office.

Republican Dave Bency was a city councilor in Rio Rancho for two terms and subsequently elected to two terms as county commissioner for District 3, which covers part of Rio Rancho.

Bency’s Democratic opponent, Laura Montoya, was a constituent service representative for U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, served in various support capacities at the state Legislature and was a campaign manager for Lawrence Rael in his run for lieutenant governor and state Rep. Al Park. This is Montoya’s first run for elected office.

If elected, Bency says he would provide taxpayers with better information on collection and disbursement of taxes.

Montoya said she would advocate for the treasurer’s office to take advantage of using social media, and provide more information online to taxpayers.

Questions to Sandoval County Treasurer candidates

1. What do you consider the top issue for the Sandoval County Treasurer, and how would you address it?

2. What, if anything, would you suggest the county could do to improve the way information about property taxes is disseminated to members of the public?

3. What changes, if any, do you think the county should make to improve access for county residents to information about the services of the County Treasurer’s office?

4. Have you or your business, if you are or have been a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?

5. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?

6. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?