Commission candidates weigh in on issues

The race for the Quay County Commission’s District 3 seat is one of the very few local contested races in next month’s general election.

The race pits Republican nominee Brian Fortner, 63, a retired teacher, coach, broadcaster and rancher who lives in rural Tucumcari, versus Democratic nominee Tommy Wallace, 62, a third-generation rancher who lives near Grady.

Fortner prevailed in a five-way race in the Republican primary election earlier this summer. Wallace was unopposed in his primary election.

The winner will replace Franklin McCasland, a Republican who is term-limited.

District 3 encompasses Logan, San Jon, Bard, Nara Visa, Norton and east Tucumcari. The position is at-large, which means every registered voter in the county can cast a ballot in that race.

Early or absentee voting in the general election begins Oct. 10 in Quay County. Hours for early voting at the Quay County Clerk’s Office is from from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday through Nov. 5. The office also will hold early voting hours on Nov. 4-5. A ballot drop box also will be placed on the north side of the courthouse in Tucumcari during early voting hours.

Election Day polling places on Nov. 8 in the county are House Community Center, Forrest fire station, San Jon Community Center, Nara Visa Community Center, Logan Civic Center and Tucumcari Convention Center.

Fortner and Wallace each were emailed a questionnaire from the Quay County Sun about their candidacy. Answers to the questions may have been edited for style or clarity.

What prompted you to run for county commission?

Fortner: “Friends started talking to me three years ago about running. The seed was planted. I visited with current and former commissioners about the position. It’s a job I feel I can handle. I’ve always enjoyed helping and working with people. Quay County has been very good to my family and I for over 38 years. I saw it as a chance to help the people of Quay County.”

Wallace: “I was raised on my family ranch which is located 28 miles southeast of Tucumcari. I am a graduate of Tucumcari High School as well. Along side of my parents, Bill and Maxine Wallace, I served on the fair board for 39 years. I am also a member of the Canadian Soil & Water Board for 28 years, a volunteer firefighter for the Lesbia Fire Department. Throughout all my years of living I have watched my of my family and friends struggle trying to make a living, whether it be in farming, ranching or business owner. I am running to ensure that the rights and wants of the hard working people in the district get voiced and heard.”

What are the most pressing issues the county faces, in your opinion?

Fortner: “Some problems will always be there for the county. So many of them are limited to funding. When three-fourths of the budget goes to roads, the sheriff office and county jail, then that limits other projects. We have to keep working to promote businesses, new business and events in Quay County. It would be great to add more sheriff deputies and county employees. Keep aiding and updating the rural fire departments and ambulances. We have to keep working on Highway 54. How many accidents have to happen before the state will improve it? The hospital facilities are outdated. Continued improvements of county roads.”

Wallace listed three items in his answer: maintaining roads/repairing of roads, hospital/healthcare and schools/education.

What goals do you hope to accomplish, if elected?

Fortner: “Work to improve Quay County. Promote the cities of Quay County. Represent Quay County to the best of my abilities. Try and promote growth of businesses in Quay County. Promote schools and Mesalands Community College. Promote the good people of Quay County.”

Wallace: “It’s hard to say which is more important when they all are. But I will fight for every issue that needs attention while I am in office. My overall goal is to better the county.”

Do you have any statement or opinion about the county building a new hospital?

Fortner: “Tucumcari needs a hospital. The old structure has infrastructure problems. The facility is outdated. The people Tucumcari and Quay County deserve a modern medical facility. Hopefully, with grants, federal and state funding will provide the cost for a new hospital.”

Wallace: “At this point I don’t have an opinion, for I am not aware of the details being put on the table to be discussed.”