Rebpublican candidate for NM HOuse district 38 listens as House Speaker Don Tripp, District 49, speaks Tuesday evening at a private home.

By Mary Alice Murphy

The Beat was invited to attend a Republican event hosted by Rep. Don Tripp, District 49, who is supporting Rebecca Dow for state representative in District 38.

"The Republicans took the majority for the first time in 62 years," Tripp said. "We had a steep learning curve, but it was my honor to be elected Speaker of the House. We are pro-business on the House side. We also run committees on time, so that constituents who have driven for hours to attend a committee meeting know what time the meeting will begin. It's only courtesy.

"We need economic development in New Mexico," Tripp continued. "We need to get new money instead of always mitigating problems."

Dow said she opened up an early childhood care center in Truth or Consequences and often found herself in Santa Fe. "I worked with a Democratic lobbyist. I know a lot of Democratic lobbyists and legislators and have worked with them."

"We need more economic development in the rural areas," she said. "I'm optimistic enough to think I can get things done. I am listening and learning."

In her opinion, government has gone beyond where it should be and is driving costs. "It's a negative impact in rural areas. Right now health care and education are the biggest budget items."

Jim Zawacki told Dow never to lose sight of the fact that grassroots efforts are important.

Billy Billings who is running for County Commissioner District 4, said the problem in health care is a physician shortage, with no incentive to be a doctor.

Zawacki said what is needed is tort reform.

Tripp said he would prefer to harvest from the forest instead of letting "Mother Nature burn it down."

Dow agreed, saying she is a conservationist and want to manage the forest responsibly.

She also noted that Americans' Second Amendment rights are "where our rights are preserved. Power is the way we preserve our rights."

To a question about child welfare in New Mexico, she said some New Mexico parents have abdicated their role in their children's lives. "They have been so dependent on other people and government that they have given up hope. I'm optimistic that we can turn it around. We have to roll back some regulations to give families hope. I don't give up."