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Front Page
opinion editorials
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
State House Picks
FOR THE RECORD: This editorial incorrectly stated that the winner of the House District 22 GOP primary would face no opposition in the fall. There is a Democrat running in the general election.
HOUSE DISTRICT 13, Rep. Daniel P. Silva: Roundhouse veteran Silva has made a specialty of transportation projects during his 11 terms in the House of Representatives.
He understands the link between infrastructure and the economic health of the state and local communities and, as chairman of the Transportation and Public Works Committee, exercises leverage in the decision-making and appropriation process.
Along with basic infrastructure, Silva lists provision of educational opportunities, jobs and recreation among his top priorities.
The Journal urges Democrats in the West Side district to vote for Rep. Daniel P. Silva on June 3. Winner of the primary faces no general election opposition.
HOUSE DISTRICT 14, Rep. Miguel Garcia: After 10 years in Santa Fe, Democrat Garcia's top legislative priorities show he remains firmly rooted in his South Valley district. From road and storm-drain improvements to self governance to education and health-care reforms to help for the Atrisco Little League, his emphasis is on improving the daily lives of his constituents.
Garcia is also a strong advocate of open and accountable government, supporting open committee meetings, an independent ethics commission and penalties for officials who violate the law.
The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Clara Peña on Nov. 4. The Journal recommends voters put Rep. Miguel Garcia on that ballot.
HOUSE DISTRICT 22, Rep. Kathy McCoy: As a Republican lawmaker in the Democrat-controlled House since 2003, McCoy is no stranger to crossing party lines for the good of her Bernalillo, Sandoval and Torrance county constituents. “As a minority member, I have to count on votes from the other side of the aisle,” she says.
She's voted for medical marijuana and domestic partnerships. She's helped obtain appropriations for more than 700 acres in Cedar Crest that now make up the John A. Milne Gutierrez Canyon Open Space. And last year she got the highest mark among Republicans — 70 percent — on the Conservation Voters of New Mexico environmental scorecard.
McCoy supports open conference committees and tells lawmakers who have trouble posting financial reports online to “get the neighbor's kid to help.” Other issues high on her agenda include safeguarding water and property rights and getting “our kids educated and graduated.”
Voters should keep Rep. Kathy McCoy representing them in Santa Fe.
HOUSE DISTRICT 44, Gary Van Valin: A retired Air Force officer who has grown a defense and technical consulting business into a multimillion-dollar concern, this Democratic contender says his primary focus would be on promoting economic growth statewide. The state and local economies, he says, drive everything else. That would include, of course, the budget for state government and its ability to address other top Van Valin priorities – education, health care and the environment.
Van Valin, with a master's from Harvard's school of government, is a proponent of transparency, including establishing a state ethics commission, opening up legislative conference committees and imposing civil penalties for violations of public records law.
As someone who went head-to-head with Soviet negotiators in the '80s, he should be able to work with House colleagues of differing views. The Journal endorses Gary Van Valin to Democrats in a district that includes portions of Bernalillo, Corrales and northern Rio Rancho. Incumbent Republican Rep. Jane Powdrell-Culbert awaits the winner of the primary.
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