Valencia County Commission District I

Republican

Gerard Saiz (I)

Gerard Saiz (I)

Age: 63

Occupation: Retired

Education: High school and college

Previous elected political offices: Councilor, village of Los Lunas

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

  1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified to represent this Valencia County Commission district?

“I served 19 years as a councilor with the village of Los Lunas. I am serving my fourth year as a Valencia County commissioner and second year as chairman.”

  1. What are the most important issues facing Valencia County, and how will you address them?

“I will seek additional funding for public safety, roads and senior services.  Hospital: The commission has worked diligently to develop an RFP that reflects a fair and open process, with intent to enhance health care, utilize the $50 million legislative appropriation and mill levy money for Valencia County residents.”

  1. Would you support Valencia County being the lead agency in a flood control authority? Explain why or why not.

“Yes. This is a county-wide issue that will require the support of surrounding municipalities in order to develop a long term solution.”


Valencia County Commission District 3

Republican

Morris R. Sparkman

Morris Sparkman

Age: 28

Occupation: Engineering manager

Education: Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering

Previous elected political offices: None

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

  1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified to represent this Valencia County Commission district?

“After spending the last few years learning and working with the commission, I’m in the unique position to be able to hit the ground running. By leveraging my professional experience and using the knowledge and experience gained from the commission, I’m ready to tackle the important work before the commission.”

  1. What are the most important issues facing Valencia County, and how will you address them?

“There are many important issues facing Valencia County right now but the most pressing issue is managing community growth. Whether that be building a hospital, the Jarales bridge or developing new neighborhoods. Valencia is busy. As commissioner, I’ll address this issue by continuously being involved with stakeholders and community members.”

  1. Would you support Valencia County being the lead agency in a flood control authority? Explain why or why not.

“While Valencia County can help when it comes to flooding, the county should not be the lead flood authority. Belen is already leading the charge when it comes to flood management therefore it wouldn’t be productive for the county to take this on and redo the great work already happening.”

Democrat

Sabrina Marie Sweeney

Sabrina Sweeney

Age: 36

Occupation: Mom, cosmetologist, small business manager

Education: Belen High School, UNM, DeWolf Beauty College

Previous elected political offices: None

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

  1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified to represent this Valencia County Commission district?

“I lead an education-focused nonprofit; volunteered for organizations, including H2 Academic Solutions, St. Mary’s School, MLK Jr. Commission and St. Vincent de Paul; help my parents manage our family business, Hair Innovations; and developed and contributed to community events. These experiences taught me to solve challenges and network effectively.”

  1. What are the most important issues facing Valencia County, and how will you address them?

“Public safety is the most important issue. I will work to ensure (1) the sheriff’s department has adequate resources to protect our citizens, (2) we prioritize access to mental health, and (3) we invest in programs for youth. These will provide long-term solutions to many of our county’s challenges.”

  1. Would you support Valencia County being the lead agency in a flood control authority? Explain why or why not.

“A county-wide flood control authority is absolutely needed. Valencia County should be an equal partner with all municipalities and water control and distribution entities, with focused goals to protect residents and properties. This will allow flexibility for each entity to secure and prioritize funding, and collaboration to achieve collective objectives.”

VOTER INFORMATION

Early in-person voting

8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Oct. 11-21

Valencia County Administration Offices

444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas


Early voting at alternate sites

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, Oct. 22-Nov. 5

  • Belen Community Center

305 Eagle Lane, Belen

  • Bosque Farms Public Library

1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms

  • Valencia County Administration Offices

444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas


Absentee ballots

Absentee ballots will begin going out on Tuesday, Oct. 11. The last day to request an absentee ballot from the Valencia County clerk’s office is Thursday, Nov. 3. Absentee ballots must be returned to the clerk’s office by 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Absentee ballot  drop boxes

  • Valencia County Administration Office

444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas

  • Belen Community Center

305 Eagle Ln., Belen

  • Bosque Farms Public Library

1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms

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The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.