Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Voters in Quay County can make a decision in the coming weeks on two contested seats for county commission for the June 2 primary election, and those candidates have weighed in with their stances about issues facing the county.
In District 1, Daniel Garcia, 78, a retiree, is competing against Robert Lopez, 56, a farmer and business owner, for the Democratic nomination for the seat. No Republican filed for candidacy in for that slot.
The winner would replace current county commissioner Sue Dowell, who is term-limited, if an independent doesn’t file for candidacy later this summer. District 1 comprises northeast Quay County.
In District 2, Jerri Rush, 49, a rancher, farmer and substitute teacher, is squaring off against Todd Duplantis, 52, a business owner and current Tucumcari city commissioner, for the Republican nomination. No Democrat filed for candidacy for that seat.
The winner would replace current county commissioner Mike Cherry, who is term-limited, if an independent doesn’t file for candidacy later this summer. District 2 comprises southwest Quay County.
Early voting began Tuesday at the Quay County Courthouse and runs through May 30. The county clerk recommends voters request an absentee ballot so they can vote safely during their homes during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Polls will open for in-person voting June 2 at the usual places in the county.
The Quay County Sun sent questionnaires to each of the county-commission candidates with four questions each. The answers below are verbatim, with light editing for clarity.
District 1
What prompted you to run?
Garcia: “Interest in public service. Change needed. Vacant seat. 100% disabled veteran, can devote full time to the issues facing the county.”
Lopez: “With two county commission positions opening up this year, I felt it was a good time to run as I have two terms of experience as a commissioner in Quay County government. I served as county commissioner for District 1 and have a good working relationship with county personnel as well as the elected officials in our county. I’ve attended training during my previous terms with the New Mexico Association of Counties, which was important in understanding the relationship between counties and the state and the issues they face. This experience will help in the upcoming years as budgets tighten because of rising costs.”
What are the big issues facing the county?
Garcia: “1. Coronavirus pandemic. 2. Stop the constant rollout of resolutions, apparently without thought or the impact of them, leaving the county in a legal peril.”
Lopez: “There are many, but in particular the budgets will be tighter going forward and the lack of state and federal money coming to the county. The minimum wage is due to increase to $15 per hour in two years. The increase alone will affect present minimum-wage county employees and new employees that may be hired. The county depends on allocations from the state to improve our county roads, and those funds are not always reliable. The entire country has an infrastructure problem, and it is very evident in our county.”
Why should voters cast a ballot for you?
Garcia: “1. Lifelong resident of Quay County. 2. Lifelong Democrat. 3. Background in farming and ranching; 22 1/2 years in law enforcement. 4. Honorable discharge, New Mexico National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps.”
Lopez: “Voters should vote for me because I have the experience to step into the position and be able to start working right away. Besides my experience in county government, I am a third-generation farmer in Quay County and a business owner in Tucumcari. As a farmer, I know the demands placed on area farmers and ranchers and am able to address the issues which face our agricultural community. As a business owner, I will be able to assist the citizens and business community in Tucumcari with issues that come up.”
What would you like to see the county accomplish during your term, if elected?
Garcia: “Go back to voting in district. Voting at large is not representative of the voters. Hope to be the face and voice of the Hispanic community, in particular.”
Lopez: “I have no specific agenda. I am willing to work hard toward positive outcomes for any problems that may come before the commission.”
District 2
What prompted you to run?
Duplantis: “Unfortunately, we have two commissioners that are terming out, and in my district, it is Commissioner Mike Cherry. I have a tremendous love for our county and would like to see it continue taking steps forward. I have thought for some time that I would like to run for the County Commission for several years, so when this opportunity presented itself, I decided to throw my hat in the ring.”
Rush: “When it came to my attention that Mike Cherry had completed his term, I started considering the possibility of a candidacy. When I learned that the Governor would appoint an unelected person to the position if there were no candidates, I felt a responsibility to make sure that the people of Quay County had the opportunity to vote on their commissioners. After considering my experiences and qualifications, I decided to take on the challenge, and run for commissioner myself.”
What are the big issues facing the county?
Duplantis: “The big issues that face the county currently is the COVID-19 and what it is doing to the safety of our citizens, as well as the economy. The rural roads have been an issue for some time; however, if we cannot get the economy up and running soon, a domino effect can cause budget concerns for future services.”
Rush: “While researching this commission seat, I have driven from House to Nara Visa, asking people what’s important to them. I have learned that the question most asked by the rural populace is, ‘When are you going to fix my road?’ The questions from people who live in Tucumcari are about taxes, commerce, industry and other economic-type questions. After speaking with the Road Commissioner and the Sheriff, it seems that the biggest issue facing our Road Department and Sheriff’s Department is a lack of personnel. Despite such a broad array of concerns, I think we all agree that the big issue of today is ‘When and how are we going to get our small businesses open again?’”
Why should voters cast a ballot for you?
Duplantis: “This is not my favorite question to answer. I have experience as a City Commissioner/Mayor Pro Tem over the last few years. I understand what the position entails. I understand budgets and how they work. I understand that the commission needs to work as one unit in order to be successful. Now the question is ‘Why should voters cast a ballot for me?’ I would like to say because I am the best qualified, but that should not be why a vote is cast. I think the voters should cast a vote for the candidate they feel best capable to do the job of representing the citizens of their community as well as their county. The result should be a win for the county, whether it is a vote for me or my opponent.”
Rush: “People should vote for me because I love Quay County and the people who live here. When I moved to Quay County 27 years ago, I became a member of the Forrest Community Church, where I still serve. I quickly became a member of the Fire Department, where I have served as I am able, including being a certified first responder for over 20 years. At that time, I also joined Quay County Extension Club and still enjoy that community. When my kids were old enough, I became involved in Quay County 4-H and am still a 4-H leader. Because of these connections, I understand the people of Quay County. I believe they trust me to listen to their concerns and to bring those concerns to the commission. I know that I can represent the constituents of our county well.”
What would you like to see the county accomplish during your term, if elected?
Duplantis: “I would like to see the county continue with a debt-free status. However, the future wage increases over the next few years will be something that has to be taken into consideration and planned for. I hope that myself and the other commissioners will be able to be proactive in working toward a solution before it becomes a problem. I would also like to see the commission take an aggressive stance on utilizing our valuable resources to entice economic growth. Something this past situation has shown is that the people of Quay County is resilient and are fighters; we are our own superheroes.”
Rush: “My main goal is to keep our County Departments functioning to their best capacity. Although Quay County is quite large, our population is somewhat sparse, and our resources are limited. It is my goal to be a responsible steward of these resources. I plan to prioritize programs and departments that keep the residents of Quay County connected, protected and productive while being vigilant about other opportunities that may present themselves. I believe that things that are good and worthwhile have taken time to build. Our community relationships are what make Quay County a great place to live.”