By Mary Alice Murphy

At the final County Commission forum featuring candidates for District 4, Republican Gerald Wayne "Billy" Billings Jr. and Democrat Marilyn Alcorn answered questions from the audience and from the sponsor of the forum, the Silver City Daily Press. It was held Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Silver Schools Board Room.

Moderator Nickolas Seibel asked Billings to give his opening statement.

After thanking the sponsor and the crowd, Billing said he would be a team player toward a bright future for the county. "The future will allow for prosperity for the whole supporting base. Our county needs to be business-friendly. I have business and financial experience. Tending to the county's business is the function of county government."

He said it includes taking care of the Detention Center, the roads, the Sheriff's Department, Bataan Memorial Park, the Courthouse, the county-owned buildings, and all the other departments and infrastructure.

"We have to stay within our jurisdiction," Billings said.

Alcorn said she comes from a working family, with her father having served as a policeman, where he rose from foot patrolman to chief of police in Saginaw, Mich.

"He is a role model for me," Alcorn said. "My mother was a stay-at-home mom. I learned love, patience, perseverance and compassion from her. These are my important values."

She said she is a Navy veteran, served as a deputy sheriff and was a schoolteacher. "These jobs give me unique insights into the problems we face in the county. I have innovative ideas and am able to work collaboratively."

The first audience question asked: "What is the job of the County Commission and the purpose of county government?"

Alcorn said the county acts as an agent of the state of New Mexico for the general health, safety and welfare of its citizens. "It must be the entrepreneurial and creative leader. I want to be moving into a more involved role with the community."

Billings said the commissioners must accomplish their work as a group and their most important task is to hire the county manager. "No commissioner will have sole authority. The manager has to be held accountable."

A follow-up question asked: "What is one thing that is different between the two of you?"

"I was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis)," Billings said. "I was told I would never regain full function, but I have. I decided to run to give back to the community.

"Yes, we have other Republicans running for commissioner, but we are not working as a team, as the three Democrats are," Billings said. "I think there is a danger in a group wanting to take over the county."

Alcorn said she believed the main difference is that she believes she has the skills in looking toward the future. She said when someone lives or moves into certain rural counties, they have three optionsG