By Mary Alice Murphy

Two Republican Candidates vying for the New Mexico House District 38 representative position answered questions from the Silver City Daily Press moderator, Nickolas Seibel, editor and publisher of the newspaper. Other sponsors for the event were Grant County and Community Access Television of Silver City and KOOT FM 88.1.

Daniel Galindo of Silver City gave the first opening statement. "I have been a resident of Grant County for 29 years. We raised our family here. I got into this race after I learned that Rep. Dianne Hamilton was retiring."

Rebecca Dow of Truth or Consequences spoke next. "I've lived in T or C since I was in fifth grade. "I am the founder and CEO of AppleTree Educational Center, which includes after-school programs, Manzano Christian School, and a home visiting program from birth to age 3 years."

"For the past 17 years I've been advocating in Santa Fe for our district," Dow said. "I love the Gila and have visited often."

The first question asked, since the district encompasses parts of three counties, the candidates' ideas for ensuring they represent the constituents in the counties where they don't live.

Dow said she can communicate with people on Facebook, Zoom, Skype, and "I'll be just a phone call away. I am able to participate by email, text messages, and I am proficient in technology. I can be your voice. I will set up public times here and in Hidalgo County at least monthly, if not more often."

Galinda said he is a quick learner. "I bought a phone, which I hadn't had before. I discovered the Cloud and will have to pick up on it. I will focus on getting to know all the communities. I'm more of a one-on-one person and will focus on that for sure. I will spend time in the other counties."

The next question asked the candidates to describe the role of municipal governments in Santa Fe.

"Everything starts locally," Galindo said. "Before we can make a decision we need to ask for local solutions before we go to Santa Fe."

"I agree with my counterpart that it is critical to get the pulse of the local community," Dow said. "We both have county-owned hospitals. We can't think only of municipalities, but also extension services and the soil and water conservation districts."

Seibel tried to clarify the question by asking about Santa Fe passing legislation that limits communities.

"I believe in the Constitution, states' rights and individual rights," Dow said. "I would take it case by case. I would look at each piece of legislation and make sure it is right for our local governments."

Galindo said he would have to look at the issue.

Ben Fisher, Daily Press reporter, asked: "Across the country, there are several controversial social issues that are passed at the state level and then are denied at the Supreme Court. How do they affect the state and are they a good use of time?"

"I don't think they are a waste of time," Galindo said. "They express the opinion of a strong state government. And a strong local government will create its own initiatives."

"People can advocate for these issues," Dow said, "but we have to balance them. Sometimes, they are an overreach on the state and federal levels. I prefer less intrusions from the overreach of the state or federal governments."

Fisher followed it up with: "Local governments have bemoaned the unfunded mandates that come down from the state. How would you work with county governments?"

"Yes, I think unfunded mandates should be stopped," Dow said. "It is my responsibility to hear your voice. We better talk to local governments. If an issue impacts the county or parents, I will talk to experts on the issue. For instance, the gas tax is 20 cents a gallon, with 18 cents going to the state and only 2 cents to local governments."

"If there are unfunded mandates from the federal government, the Legislature has the power to deal with them," Galindo said. "It's not right or fair. It's not right to have to increase taxes and impose them on the locals."

A question from the audience asked if the candidates were in favor or not of using the Permanent Fund for education.

"I think the Permanent Fund is available to be used for schools," Galindo said. "I think it's a good source to tap into, when without oil and gas money we need to access it."

Seibel clarified with: "Should the state spend more of the Permanent Fund?"

"Yes, but not to the point of wiping out our rainy day fund," Galindo said.

"The land grant permanent fund is already appropriated for education," Dow said. "I think we're taking out less than the interest coming in, but I would not want to see it depleted."

The next question asked for the candidates' views on the state tax system.

"I was asked if I would promise never to raise taxes," Dow said. "I can't promise that, but I want to reform the tax code. I want to find a solution, because the current tax system impacts rural areas."

"I hear talk about the flat tax, but I like the credits given for green use," Galindo said. "I like the initiatives that give teachers tax credits for getting into the field and staying longer. Property taxes are too high."

The next question asked: "Although Fort Bayard is not in your district, how will you support a lease of the facility between the state and Santa Clara?"

Galindo said: "Santa Clara would be the best to have it. The village would have a real commitment to it. It doesn't have to be an exchange of money, but Santa Clara's responsibility. Fort Bayard is a great asset."

Seibel asked if either candidate had a concern about Santa Clara having enough resources to manage it.

Galindo said Fort Bayard is a great resource. "It is not an easy fix, but I think Santa Clara would be the best to take care of it along with the county and state."

"I have a soft place in my heart for historic buildings," Dow said. "I'm not sure who should manage it. It is not just historic, but it has a lot of economic opportunities. It is a fabulous property. It would make sense to lease facilities and get money coming in."

Fisher asked: "Politics don't stop at election's end. The top spots in the Legislature go to large municipalities. How do you plan to move our rural area up the ladder?"

"I don't have to chair a committee, if I come with truth and bipartisan support," Dow replied. "We have to come with a strong voice from the rural areas. I will continue to do that."

Galindo went back to his preference for one-on-one communication. "I would be representing my constituents. We will have to get to know the people. Chairing a committee sometimes takes years. There is a lot you can do by getting to know the person next to you."

Seibel clarified by saying for many years, Grant County had the most senior representative and most senior senator. "Would moving up be a priority?"

"Those are big shoes to fill," Galindo said. "We can't fool ourselves that we can step right into the spots. Ideally, it would be great to climb the ladder and head the Finance Committee. I work at ByPass Storage as a laborer. My boss there is a great friend of Rep. Don Tripp and I got to meet him. My reputation will speak for itself."

"I am stubborn and tenacious," Dow said. "I will do whatever I can. If to chair a committee, I come upon roadblocks, I will do whatever I can if it's not illegal or immoral."

A question asked if either candidate had taken funding from the Republican Leadership PAC.

"In my years of advocating in Santa Fe, I've gotten to know a lot of people," Dow said. "I have received donations from Democrats and Republicans, as well as some PACs.I don't recall the names of the PACs. I haven't signed any pledge to vote for any particular person."

Galindo said he had not received any PAC money, nor had he signed any pledges.

A question asked the candidates if they would vote for Trump, as he is the presumptive Republican presidential candidate.

"I am representing myself and the party," Galindo said. "Trump said some things I don't agree with. I haven't made my decision and I don't fully support him."

"I'm not running a campaign for or against Trump," Dow said. "I think it's a good thing somebody is shaking things up in both parties."

Seibel asked if they like what they hear from Trump.

"I like what he said about border security," Dow said. " I'm not clear on his policy, but border issues are something we need to deal with. We need to deal with the economy. We need to made education affordable. It can be a rich conversation."

"Border security is important to us," Galindo said. "Trump wants to make us great again. I'd like that and the economy is certainly an issue. I hope he comes and visits. He could help us."

A question asked the difference between a democracy and a republic.

"Folks picking representatives is a democracy," Galindo said. "A republic is more dictated to. I believe in democracy. We have a great republic and it takes democracy to make that republic."

"A democracy may not work for us," Dow said. "Bernalillo County has more people and it gets to decide for us. A democracy is not necessarily best for rural New Mexico. We have to step up and say things can't be done by popular vote."

Fisher noted that District 38 has chosen Republican representatives for decades. "What about you as a candidate will continue that run?"

"I want to be the voice for District 38," Dow said. "I think in bipartisan issues, such as child welfare and social issues. I advocated under Governor Bill Richardson for things that would be best for New Mexico. I know the process and I'm ready to represent you."

"We have Republicans in Governor (Susana) Martinez and in the Speaker of the House," Galindo said. "They are pushing to get more Republicans in the Senate. I think Republicans have an advantage over Democrats. We have the opportunity to move an agenda. It's going to be tough for me to beat Rebecca. All my friends are Democrats, so I may pick up some votes there. I have a good shot at it. When you get to know a person individually, I could climb the ladder."

Seibel said he asked at the Democrat forums about the interesting situation Grant County could be in. The district and county have had two Republicans represent us from Grant County. If Zimmerman succeeds in retaining his seat, the county could have no representation in Santa Fe.

"Silver City is out of the way," Galindo said. "We've been fortunate to have representation. T or C is on the highway. We need to continue to have representation from here."

Dow protested that the district has three counties, including Hidalgo. "I need your vote. You can't ignore Grant County and Hidalgo County regardless of where you live. It's most important to represent all my constituents. I can call anyone and get an answer. The legislators are approachable and listen. "

A questioner asked about juggling responsibilities, such as home, work and being in Santa Fe.

"My youngest son is getting married next month," Dow said, "so I will no longer have a child in our home. I already spend a lot of time in Santa Fe. I look forward to being on the other side of the table. I will vote to improve my district. If regulations are prohibiting our progress, I will make sure your voice is heard."

"I have the time to devote to my constituents," Galindo said. "It would be my job. I would spend a lot of time in Santa Fe."

The next questioner asked what the state government should do to provide and guarantee adequate and affordable health care for all New Mexicans.

"Take the Medicaid money and match it," Galindo said. "I would have to familiarize myself more with the issue."

"The word that stuck out to me was guarantee," Dow said. "It depends on the meaning of affordable and accessible. We need tort reform, alternative medicine. We need to look at rural New Mexico and its clinics. We need to look at the money being spent and to spend it in the best way."

A questioner posed: "What is your opinion on improving natural resources and Forest Service management?"

"There is a lot in that question," Dow said. "In District 38, the greatest number of jobs come from natural resourcesG