Editorial: Journal announces its endorsements for local contested races in Tuesday's primaries

Election Day voting centers are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Guest columns from candidates may be viewed at abqjournal.com.

Bernalillo County clerk

Democratic primary: Michelle Kavanaugh

Kavanaugh has served as deputy county clerk for the last four years under Clerk Linda Stover, who may not run for reelection due to term limits. However, Stover, who has overseen elections in Bernalillo County for eight years, is endorsing Kavanaugh, saying she “has the experience, the knowledge, and the heart to be an excellent county clerk.” “Michelle understands the complexities of our electoral system and we have stood side by side for every challenge and accomplishment,” Stover said in a May 21 Journal guest column. “She is eminently qualified to build on the progress we have started.” Stover’s endorsement is a considerable factor in our endorsement of Kavanaugh, and we hope Kavanaugh, if elected in November, will maintain the public presence and integrity Stover has brought to the office. Kavanaugh says her goals are to protect local elections and democracy, expand education partnerships with Albuquerque Public Schools, and to value transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership. “As your next Bernalillo County clerk, I plan to continue the tradition of public service and commitment that was instilled in me,” she said in her May 1 Journal guest column. “Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to have their voices heard.” Kavanaugh faces Karen Montoya in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. Republican primary: Clay Pryor

Pryor has worked for IBM, the Air Force Weapons Labs, the state of New Mexico, and Sandia National Labs, where he earned the labs’ “FY18 Top 3 Improvements Recognition Award — Team Lead.” A computer programmer by trade, Pryor has led small teams developing enterprise web database applications. “As a software developer for several decades, I know that I can write code to implement just about any algorithm you can think of,” he said in an April 14 Journal guest column. “I also know that I can make mistakes, which can lead to erroneous results. So, I have always had doubts about our voting systems.” There would be nothing wrong with a rigorous review of our local voting systems by someone with Pryor’s technical expertise in business systems. “While I believe the County Clerk’s Office is doing great work, it is always a good idea to review and improve administrative processes,” he said. “This applies to our election systems, as well as all other functions of the Clerk’s Office.” Pryor faces Robert Kwasny in Tuesday’s Republican primary.

Bernalillo County treasurer

Democratic primary: Ken Scott

Scott previously served as deputy treasurer and deputy assessor for Bernalillo County, giving him a strong understanding of both offices. “Our county deserves a treasurer who not only manages financial resources efficiently but does so with the highest standards of ethical leadership, transparency and integrity,” he wrote in a May 17 Journal guest column. “With my experience as your deputy assessor and former deputy treasurer, I am fully committed to ensuring that our county’s future is bright and prosperous.” Scott has the endorsement of Treasurer Nancy Bearse, who may not run for reelection due to term limits, as well as Sheriff John Allen and Assessor Damian Lara. Scott has the professionalism and experience to oversee the Treasurer’s Office, which does everything from managing our investments to confiscating our property taxes. “While under the current administration, we have made tremendous strides in improving not only our property tax management system, but also our merchant services and a state-of-the-art cashiering system,” he said. “Together, we can ensure a transparent, accountable, and secure financial future. A future where public resources are managed wisely, and where every dollar spent is an investment in the prosperity of our community.” Scott faces Tim Eichenberg in Tuesday’s Democratic primary.

Bernalillo County commissioner District 2

Democratic primary: Frank Baca

Baca is essentially a lifelong resident of District 2 who attended public schools in the South Valley, graduated from Rio Grande High School, Yale University and the University of New Mexico School of Law. He knows the landscape of his district and has identified three areas he feels warrant the county’s complete attention: education, infrastructure and behavioral health. “Education is the foundation for any community improvement,” he wrote in a May 14 Journal guest column. “From K-12 to college to the trades and other vocational programs, quality education must be available, supported and fully staffed.” Baca correctly believes a county commissioner can promote partnerships between educational organizations, while insisting upon good outcomes. Baca also wants to tackle roads, lighting and drainage, crime and homelessness, without throwing money down the drain. “We should never be afraid to demand accountability. However, we must keep in mind that accountability begins with policymakers establishing clearly-defined goals and measures for success,” he said. Baca faces William Walker in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. Democrat incumbent Steven Michael Quezada may not run for reelection due to term limits.

Bernalillo County commissioner District 3

Democratic primary: Robert Padilla

Padilla served 30 years at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court prior to his retirement, 10 as the court executive officer, giving him a ringside seat of our broken judicial system. “Crime is a growing concern in our community, and my extensive background equips me uniquely to address these challenges effectively,” he said in a May 14 Journal guest column. “During my tenure at the court, I gained insights into the complexities of crime and justice in our county.” As a county commissioner, Padilla wants to implement public safety changes he says he’s long envisioned. He was involved in the creation of innovative programs at the Metropolitan Court, including Courts to School, DWI Recovery Court, Domestic Violence Early Intervention Program, Behavioral Health Court, Community Veterans Court, and Animal Welfare Court, so we’re interested in other innovative ideas he has. “These programs have made significant differences in the lives of many in our county, addressing issues from addiction to domestic violence,” he said. “My leadership extends beyond the courthouse. I’ve collaborated closely with legislators in Santa Fe, securing the funding necessary to support and sustain these vital programs. This experience means I won’t be learning on the job; I will hit the ground running, making informed, impactful decisions from day one.” Padilla faces incumbent Adriann Barboa and Laura Nasaria Chavez in Tuesday’s Democratic primary.

New Mexico Senate

District 9 Democratic primary Cindy Nava Republican primary Audrey Trujillo District 11 Democratic primary Richard Carrion District 12 Republican primary Candace Thompson Gould District 13 Democratic primary Bill O’Neill District 15 Democratic primary Daniel Ivey-Soto District 21 Democratic primary Philip Snedeker Republican primary Nicole Tobiassen District 23 Republican primary Manuel “Manny” Gonzalez District 26 Democratic primary Antonio “Moe” Maestas

New Mexico House of Representatives

District 12 Democratic primary Art de la Cruz District 13 Democratic primary Patricia Roybal Caballero District 16 Democratic primary Marsella Duarte District 18 Democratic primary Gloria Sue Doherty District 27 Democratic primary Marian Matthews District 30 Republican primary Victoria Doré District 31 Republican primary Nicole Chavez District 68 Republican primary Nathan Brooks District 57 Republican primary Catherine Cullen