By Mary Alice Murphy

In another candidate forum, this time sponsored by the Silver City Daily Press and moderated by publisher Nickolas Seibel, candidates for Grant County Commissioner 3, Democrat Alicia Kay Edwards and Republican Henry Torres gave statements and answered questions.

Torres gave his statement first, citing his history of being a Grant County native, serving as livestock inspector for many years, and later as a Realtor. Torres also served two terms on the Grant County Commission from 2001-2008, during which time he served as commission chairman.

"When I came into office, the county faced serious financial issues, but when I retired we had the required reserve plus a contingency fund," Torres said.

"As commissioner, I will support sufficient funding for the departments that impact the health, safety and welfare of county residents, including the Sheriff's Department," he continued. "I support businesses and will maintain county roads, enhance our diverse heritage and comply with the requirements of the Arizona Water Settlements Act."

Edwards said her career ranges from filling the shelves in her mother's pharmacy to managing a multi-million dollar company. "I moved here, I own a home and owned a small business. I served for years as the director of The Volunteer Center and helped build The Commons. At The Volunteer Center, I realized that poverty is the basis of many of the county's problems. The Volunteer Center has offered cash assistance to women, and has helped provide 10 million meals in eight years, including the backpack program for school students, and helped those laid off at the mines. Now I am Healthy Kids, Healthy Community coordinator. I am running to serve the people. I am running to continue to serve this community."

The first question from the audience was: "Where do you stand on the 4-mill levy for Gila Regional Medical Center?"

Edwards said she has had conversations with Brian Cunningham, GRMC chief executive officer. "The hospital is a huge part of our community. It provides $90 million of economic activity in the community and has more than 700 employees. I understand how important updated equipment is. I support the levy, but also have reservations and concerns. When it comes to taxes, the state is forcing local governments to raise taxes so the state doesn't have to raise taxes. It isn't just facilities and equipment, we will have to find alternative ways of economic development for the community."

Torres said Edwards had explained it well. "Gila Regional is not only for Grant County, but it also serves surrounding counties and communities. It is the third largest employer in the county."

"We need to support the hospital," he continued. "Hopefully, the administration will find another way to support the hospital by the end of the levy in four years."

Another question was on the same topic. "Property taxes will rise 25 percent. What about the many on fixed incomes who will have trouble paying bills and buying food?"

"I don't see where the county is in food and services," Torres said. "Many organizations deal with hunger, but I think there will have to be support from the county."

Edwards said the levy does have the potential to place a hardship on those with low incomes. "Perhaps there are some balancing issues. If we keep up the quality of health care here, people won't have to go elsewhere, which can be costly. I think we have to support services to those adversely impacted. I have a concern that they didn't think that issue through."

The next question expanded the reach of the topic. "What are Plan B and Plan C if the levy does not pass?"

"I'm not sure it has been thoroughly thought out," Edwards said. "In any situation where there is not enough income to pay for everything, we would have to evaluate what makes the hospital a 4-star facility. I think we would have to work with the state. The problems are with reimbursements from the state and Medicaid. We would have to look at other solutions, such as legislative ones, and if there are avenues in the capital outlay process. I looked at the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan and nothing on the hospital is high up on the list."

Torres said he had a conversation with a member of the GRMC board of trustees just that morning and that the hospital has a Plan B.

"I wonder if they are a little top heavy in administration," Torres said. "If the levy passes, it will give the hospital time to work on Plan B before the levy sunsets."

Another related question asked: "Were the levy not on the ballot, is there somewhere in the county to raise taxes?"

"It's all about the health, safety and welfare of the county," Torres emphasized. "The Sheriff's Department is underfunded and underpaid. The county must maintain the Road Department, the Detention Center and the Sheriff's Office."

Edwards said her No. 1 priority is economic prosperity. "I'm aware of the dicey history of economic development, that's why I say economic prosperity. We have to invest in the county. Health, safety and welfare form a part. Paying better is a way to raise economic prosperity. I think about economic vitality and what we can do to raise economic prosperity. I would start by hiring a grant writer and increase training for law enforcement."

Ben Fisher, who covers the county for the Daily Press, asked several questions during the forum. "Capital outlay was mentioned. I was in Santa Fe for the special session. Almost everyone said looking for capital outlay in the next couple of years is a pipe dream. What is Plan B for the roads and other infrastructure the county maintains?"

"That is a valid question, but difficult to answer in two minutes," Edwards said. "We are facing an unprecedented hurricane of issues in not being able to fund everything. I will take a long view of how we will manage, how to maintain roads and law enforcement. I would like to see us dip into the Permanent Fund. I've heard it called a rainy day fund. I think it's more than a rainy day now."

"Our tax money is created locally," Torres said. "It is sent to Santa Fe, which keeps as much as it can get away with. Money may have to be taken from other departments to keep the critical ones going. In 2001, we went through a similar situation. It's a strain on county government. We laid off 30 percent of the employees and reduced working hours to four days a week. We worked our way out and when I left in 2008, we had contingency funds. The county can work its way out."

Seibel said the next question was a trap question. "Has either candidate said he or she was in favor of raising taxes in this time of rising waters?"

"No," Torres said. "The hospital issue is on the ballot for voters to decide. As for waters, there are a lot of issues with the AWSA. Federal agencies, state agencies, the attorney general and the Interstate Stream Commission will be involved."

"It's not up to me to raise taxes," Edwards said. "It's not up to the commissioners to raise taxes. The creek is rising putting the county in serious trouble. Are we collecting taxes effectively? It is not up to the individual commission or the commission body to raise taxes. They can put it to a vote and have a community discussion. It can be done through transparent meetings. We are facing issues as a community. It is a combination of cutting, and is not just up to the commissioners."

Seibel noted that the county did raise taxes with an increase in the gross receipts. He asked Henry for clarification. "In order to go on the ballot, the mill levy had to be approved by the commissioners."

"I would want more public exposure and more debate on it before the decision is made," Torres said. "The County Commission's duty is to appoint members to the board of trustees and not politicize the board. We would have liked more public awareness ahead of putting it on the ballot."

An audience question noted that Torres had grown up in Grant County, but left and came back, and Edwards chose to live in Grant County. "What is that thing that you would want to change or not change?"

"I would ask county government to support existing businesses and small business," Torres said. "I would ask residents to respect the culture and the limited resources, such as water and buildable land. We are not on the Interstate, not on the railroad, so economic development has challenges. As for grants, the money comes from the public and someone pays for that money."

"I love Grant County for a lot of different reasons," Edwards said. "We live close to the wilderness. I like the weather. The county has amazing people, some with a history of being here for many generations and new people coming in with all kinds of ideas. I want to change not the history or the culture, but I'm about opportunities for everyone in the community. We have so much talent, so much capacity to tap into. I would like every family to have the same opportunity for success."

Fisher said a large part of District 3 is inside Silver City or just outside the town. "Are the needs inside the town and outside the same?"

"Grant County is a very large county and the population is spread out," Edwards said. "Geographically, I think District 3 is the smallest. But I will represent all of the county. We are faced with huge challenges in the county and the state. Partnership is the only way to get through what we're facing. With our incredible wealth of capacity, we need to take advantage of our differences."

Torres said: "The County Commission represents the rural areas, yes, but in fact the commissioners represent every citizen in the county. County government is not exclusively for rural residents. Everyone uses the clerk's office, the treasurer's office, the assessor's office. The county is an entity that works with the Forest Service, the BLM, the state land office and other agencies. The relationship between the Mining District and the county has always been there, but not always with Silver City. I intend to work with Silver City."

The next question asked about the relationship between the county and Silver City.

"I would like to see a close relationship, specifically between the county and Silver City," Torres said. "We need to work hand-in-hand on projects that are beneficial to both. Cooperation with all entities is important, where one entity can complement another."

Edwards said it is imperative that county government, the municipalities and the unincorporated areas work together. "How can we partner for all residents of the county? We have to develop relationships with other entities. We have elected officials, and we have staff members who have been with each entity a long time. It is imperative we all work with the community. We have large, but common issues, with health, safety and well being important ones."

Seibel reminded them that the first half of the question was how the candidates see the relationships now.

"On a Gila diversion, we are working at cross-purposes," Edwards said. "I'm not privy to conversations about why that's happening now and I'm not sure how that came about. Every effort has to be made to find ways to work together. I think we have a better relationship now than in the past. It needs to continue."

Torres said he would like to see more cooperation. "Things are better now than when I was in county government. Back to the AWSA. The town at the inception of the Gila-San Francisco Water Commission decided not to participate."

Seibel asked Torres about "then."

"The relationship was amiable, but not particularly cooperative, and probably part of that was because of the AWSA," Torres said.

After a break, the questions continued.

A question from the audience asked: "What is your opinion on an oversight board for the Detention Center?"

Edwards said she did not see a reason not to have an oversight board. "I would recommend one, but with no decision-making power. I think citizen participation can be done through an oversight committee on how the Detention Center is serving the community."

"I am opposed to an oversight committee," Torres said. "The Commission is the oversight through the administrator. If a citizen has a question, they would contact a commissioner or two with the issues."

A questioner asked how the candidates would deal with drug abuse.

"Drug abuse is an issue that is historically the responsibility of law enforcement and the judiciary," Torres said. "The abuse should be dealt with by health groups. It's a social issue and a health issue. County government's responsibility is to support social entities that deal with the issue. The county should deal with financial and resource issues. El Refugio and the Health Council have resources. We should help with money when it's available."

"It's a complex issue," Edwards said. "It's a health issue, a social issue and is a law enforcement issue. The county should have the leadership role to bring together all the organizations to deal with it. It is a mental health issue, an economic issue. Tu Casa is a grand step forward. One thing it was not able to fund is in-patient services. They will continue to work on funding for in-patients services. Meth addiction requires 120 days of treatment. That's another issue. We have to work in tandem with the state."

Seibel asked a follow up question to the original topic about the 4-mill levy. "What happens if it doesn't pass? One of the big things that Gila Regional has that is unusual for a small town hospital is its in-patient behavioral health facility. What can be cut, if the levy doesn't pass?"

Edwards said she doesn't have a specific answer. "I'm not privy as a candidate to information I would need. We are facing serious financial shortfalls. What would I cut? I don't think we can afford to cut the behavioral health in-patient area. It goes back to a community conversation about what are our priorities and how to address them in a holistic way. The commissioners will have to address the issue as a team."

"Drug abuse is a social issue, a family issue," Torres said. "It would be at the bottom of my priorities to cut from the hospital. It would be a drain on law enforcement and the judiciary."

"How would you address an assault rifle or multi-magazine gun ban?" an audience member asked.

"I'm a member of the NRA," Torres said. "I wouldn't want to address it."

Edwards said she firmly believes in the second amendment rights, but "I don't think we need assault rifles or multi-magazine guns."

Fisher asked about government transparency. "Does the current county government make transparent its governance?"

Edwards replied that certain kinds of issues, such as personnel issues, are confidential. "The piece of personnel issue that should be transparent is the funding of each department. As taxpayers, we have the right to know how our money is being spent."

"I think the county could be more open and welcoming to the average resident," Edwards continued. "The county should be in a relationship with the average citizen."

"As citizens it's our obligation to learn about each entity," Torres said. "All you have to do is ask. The county has the responsibility to educate the citizen on how to get an answer."

The next question addressed support or not for the minimum wage.

"The minimum wage is financial business," Torres said. "The government is not in the financial business. Businesses pay what they can pay. I am supportive of business entities that would want to raise the minimum wage in their businesses."

"I think the minimum wage is important for government to be a part of," Edwards said. "My concern with raising the minimum wage is it doesn't address how it affects small business or how it affects corporate profits. How about profits going down? I agree that small businesses pay as much as they can. Raising it doesn't take into consideration all the aspects, especially in rural communities."

An audience member said the price of copper drives jobs, but expressed a concern that without unions, there is no longer an organization that can demand benefits for the works. Is there a role for county government to ensure benefits now?

Edwards said she wasn't sure. "The role of county government is to ensure that the county is prepared for the day the mines will close. The county should take a leadership role in diversifying the economy and not be dependent on the boom or bust. We have to find a way to encourage investment in the community. We should work in partnership with the university, in the re-education, for example."

"I don't know that the county would have a role other than to ensure shelter and meals," Torres said. "The county's responsibility would be to address hardships, work with the university on job training and retraining. I don't think the county has the resources to take an active role otherwise."

Seibel asked what steps either candidate would take on diversification.

"Look at industry and the resources," Torres said. "We can help with expansion. The only buildable land is at the airport. We should try to attract airplane-related businesses."

"I recognize the mine won't be here forever," Edwards said. "Work on a plan for economic diversification is key. We should be looking at solar, renewable energy, outdoor recreation, and tie them into those losing jobs so they are prepared."

"What is your stance on the privatization of government services?" a questioner asked.

"Certain services should never be privatized," Edwards said. "Services, such as the delivery of water, law enforcement, I don't think those types of services are tied to markets. Services should be privatized only if it is evident that private companies could do it better than government. But it's a bit of a slippery slope. Some things should be offered equitably to all citizens."

"I would never consider privatizing health, safety or welfare," Torres said. "Government cannot run businesses and businesses cannot run government. I think the new convention center could be managed by a private entity."

And the classic question that Seibel always asks at the end of each candidate forum: "Four years in the future you are running for re-election. What accomplishment are you most proud of?"

"I am most proud of the healthy government, which is financially viable," Torres said. "We have roads to meet the needs of the county, open government and communication within government."

"That we had been successful in providing health, safety and welfare for our residents," Edwards said. "That the county has financial health and got things done on the way to a dynamic vitality."

Each gave a closing statement.

"I want to go back to a couple of things," Edwards said. "I want to build on something Henry said. All these questions about what we are going to do as a commission. What is our responsibility as citizens? We have the responsibility to participate as citizens. Our responsibility starts at the ballot box. We have the responsibility to be equal partners in the process. How vitally important local elections are. And it's your responsibility to work together with us."

"I will always be available to hear your concerns and your advice," Torres said. "I look forward to the county being in better shape than it is today. I want to work on Fort Bayard, the hospital, and" (he listed other entities). "I want to enhance the hospital and the social community."

The next forum for candidates for County Commission District 5 will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, at the Silver Schools board Room, and on Thursday, Oct. 27, a forum for District 4 will take place at the same time and location.