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Senate District 18: Kurstin Johnson Candidate Q&A
Senate District 18: Kurstin Johnson
Political Party: Republican
Family: Husband, Wayne Johnson
Education: Bachelors Degree in Journalism and minor in German
Occupation: Realtor, Owner of Vista Encantada Realtors, LLC a boutique real estate brokerage for 25 years. Licensed for 37 years.
City of Residence: Albuquerque
Relevant Experience
Albuquerque native; small business owner; served as the youngest female president of GAAR; real estate commissioner under two governors. Real estate requires bringing people together, problem solving, and integrity. I will bring these skills to the senate to solve issues of crime, homelessness and lack of access to doctors.
Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
No
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? If so, explain.
No
Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
No
New Mexico is highly reliant on the oil and natural gas industries to generate revenue to fund state programs, as evidenced by recent oil boom and bust cycles. What steps should the state take to diversify its economy and revenue base?
Revenue from oil & gas presents the state with an opportunity to diversify the state’s economy; make us competitive with surrounding states; and improve economic resilience. We must leverage our natural and intellectual resources to attract tech, biotech, aerospace and other industries by creating business friendly policies and regulations.
Would you support or oppose a paid family and medical leave program that would require most employees and employers to pay into a state-run fund?
Oppose. I observed the Colorado version, which was very similar to the last NM Bill that fortunately died. Within the first month, it bankrupted the fund. Plans like this are unsustainable and actually harm workers. They cost both employers and employees and make it almost impossible to predictably staff business.
What more, if anything, should the Legislature do to address a court ruling that found New Mexico is failing to provide a sufficient education to all students?
Money should follow the child thereby, unshackling families and children who are tied to a failing school. Allow parents to choose a school based on the child's talents or needs. We need educational accountability and shouldn’t advance children who do not meet requirements for advancement. The Yazzi decision confuses spending with successful outcomes.
What changes, if any, should New Mexico make to its gross receipts tax code?
Taxation should be broad and shallow. Create a system where tax pyramiding is reduced or eliminated to attract manufacturing to NM. With the state's $3.5 Billion unbudgeted surplus, now is the time to enact legislation to enable future economic prosperity.
What changes, if any, should New Mexico make to its election laws and primary system? Do you support or oppose opening the state's primary elections to voters who aren't affiliated with either major political party?
We need an ID to drive, fly and even go to Costco. There’s simply no reason NOT to require a valid ID to vote. We should minimize high-risk voting practices such as drop boxes, and increase post-election audits. Faith in our election process is critical to a peaceful, prosperous society.
The State Land Office isn't leasing any new land until the Legislature raises oil and gas royalty rates. Would you support or oppose raising oil and gas royalty rates?
Oppose.
Do you support or oppose the state treating brackish and produced water? The New Mexico Environment Department has proposed reuse for certain projects not related to drinking water, like generating green hydrogen or running hemp farms using produced water.
Support. Water is a precious commodity that is repeatedly used and reused. It makes sense that we would treat produced water and reuse it for other industrial purposes.
What steps should the Legislature take to address crime and improve public safety?
Support officers. Allow them to Enforce the law. Detain criminals. Increase penalties for trespassing, property crime, shoplifting, 3 strikes you are out law, address of how judges determine release through statute, bring back bail, end catch and release, protect officers through qualified immunity, legislate DOJ out of APD.
Would you support or oppose a ban on automatic weapons?
Oppose.
What steps do you believe should be taken to improve New Mexico's economic competitiveness?
Utilize the immense surplus in state money to eliminate state income tax, eliminate tax on Social Security at all income levels to attract retirees and as stated above, eliminate tax pyramid to attract industry
New Mexico is the only state that does not pay its legislators a salary, though lawmakers do receive per diem payments and can qualify for a legislative pension. Should lawmakers be paid a salary?
Oppose. New Mexico chose that the legislature would be made up of citizens, not professional politicians.
Anything else you would like to add?
As a Realtor, I noticed people are leaving Albuquerque. When asked where they’re going, the answer is too often, “anywhere but here" citing crime, homelessness, no doctors, and poor education. They’re voting with their feet. Clearly our policies and politicians are failing us. It’s time for a change.
