By Hallie Richwine

The Democratic Party Public Forum at Western New Mexico University’s Miller Library this month brought the community the Democrat-only candidates for Probate Court Judge, Districts 1 and 2 Magistrate Judge, and Grant County Sheriff. The program was presented by Miller Library, Grant County Democratic Party, WNMU Young Democrats, and MEChA.

Sergio Salinas, president of MEChA, opened the forum and introduced emcee Mary Hotvedt.

First Hotvedt welcomed Mary Ann Sedillo and Johnny Benavidez to introduce themselves and share why they seek the probate court bench. Sedillo answered first and said her many years as county clerk, probate clerk, and county commissioner give her adequate background working with the public. “I believe we were put on this Earth to serve,” she said. Benavidez followed and said he would like to help people as well. A retired educator, Benavidez wants to inform people about the law, so they better understand processes.

Next, the Magistrate Court Judge candidates spoke to the public. Hector Grijalva runs unopposed for District 2, while Maurine Laney defends her District 1 bench against challenger Robert McDonald.

The first question posed to the candidates was what the two major recurring problems are and how they will use judicial intervention to help end those problems.

McDonald believes repeat offenders and limited resources are two obstacles to overcome. He believes reaching out and finding resources for people, as well as holding them accountable, can help them stop offending.

Laney said drug addiction and mental health issues are the biggest issues in Grant County. Her concern is that court ordered treatment only comes from felony crimes or district sentencing. Laney sees every issue on a case by case basis because she knows different things work for different people, whether that is through punishment or inspiring behavioral changes.

Grijalva agreed that drug addiction is a major problem and that "if we can get that under control we will see a reduction in domestic violence and DWIs."

The next question was what additional services would make the Magistrate Court more effective.

Laney said with the coming of Tu Casa the community will experience a wraparound effect. Treatment for substance abuse can help people network to get other help, such as obtaining a GED or getting help applying for jobs. Grijalva added that nothing was free, and with people underemployed or unemployed it is difficult to pay for services. He believes Grant County surveillance helps cut costs, having people on house arrest rather than in jail. McDonald said if the court works to keep people accountable, "we may not see them again," and he seeks the resources to make that happen.

“How would you deal with recidivism in domestic violence and other matters?” asked Hotvedt.

Both McDonald and Grijalva say holding first offense cases accountable is key. Grijalva mentioned that most people convicted of domestic violence charges are sentenced to a 52-week course, which is mandatory, yet people go unpenalized for missing classes. Laney said unfortunately domestic violence is a family problem, and often alleged victims would rather the state not prosecute.

The next two questions brought unanimous answers from the panel. When asked how they would deal with conflicts of interest in a small community, all candidates said they would recuse themselves immediately. They were also asked who they seek advice from to do their jobs well, and the answer was clearly retired Judge Ron Hall, who has been a mentor and role model for all three candidates.

Hotvedt then called the candidates for Grant County Sheriff forward, Frank Gomez, Lonnie Sandoval, and Robert Tovar.

“Many people assume the sheriff is accountable to the county commission, explain who you are accountable to,” Hotvedt asked.

Sandoval said he wanted to be accountable to all of the people of Grant County. Gomez agreed and added that the accountability and transparency are crucial in the position.

Hotvedt asked another question of the group, “Can you describe the ideal undersheriff candidate?”

Gomez feels it is important to be consistent and fair. With a lot of meetings and politics within the office, the administration, sheriff, and undersheriff need to collaborate. Sandoval said he wants someone with the same values and the same vision to lead the department in the right direction. Tovar sees a Batman and Robin type relationship between the sheriff and undersheriff, working together and communicating with both each other and the community.

“What do you see as the major problems in the county and how might they be better addressed?” Hotvedt asked.

Sandoval answered first and said drugs are the main problem in the area. “They lead to everything else,” he said, specifically about the methamphetamine crisis that is in Grant County. “I’m not talking about marijuana, it may eventually be legalized and then we can tax it, possibly getting more officers. Meth and heroin control a lot of people, and they are intertwined with a lot of the crime.”

Tovar agreed that the meth problem is rampant, and not just in Grant County. He believes getting help for people is difficult, that transportation and rehab programs cost money. “Whether it is a disease or a choice, it’s an expensive problem,” he said.

Gomez had a more specific answer to the problem. “Right now, we have five criminal investigators, and I want to see two dedicated narcotics officers,” he said, “because the biggest burglaries and larcenies in the county are usually drug users chasing a fix.”

Hotvedt asked the next question, “What is your approach to an ICE command to hold a possible subject?”

Tovar spoke first. “If you’re referring to Federal ICE, we don’t detain anyone,” he said. “If ICE asked for help, I’m happy to help, but feds need to take care of their own business. We’re here to protect, for safety and security, not immigration.”

Gomez agreed, citing that the sheriff does not have jurisdiction to hold an ICE suspect unless they have committed a crime. Sandoval also agreed, saying they can’t violate civil rights.

Hotvedt asked how the candidates would employ resources to solve unsolved murders.

“There has to be consistency and accountability as a whole,” Gomez said, “That starts with having an administrative team qualified to be in those positions.” With a good team in place, there still needs to be funding and training. On a tight budget, Gomez thinks grant writers are a big help to find the appropriate funding.

Tovar also said grant writers are key in securing funds to help with training.

Sandoval said free training is available through other agencies, such as the FBI. He plans on reaching out to resources that are already in place.

Hotvedt added, “How does your solution tie into getting evidence to get a prosecutable case?”

All three candidates said training and accountability will push the office to more favorable results.

Answering a question about female officers on the force, the candidates said it is hard to attract new officers, male or female, with insufficient pay. Budget aside, the female officers they currently have will be excellent recruiters for young women.

“There is a great deal of talk with the Department of Justice about community policing, do you support it and how do you take steps to apply community policing?” Hotvedt asked.

Gomez said community policing is especially important among the residential deputies in Cliff and Mimbres. The D.A.R.E. program is an example of community policing as well.

Tovar said the department needs to have communication with the county. Those relationships help the community and department work together.

Sandoval said community policing is important to the success of the police department. “It’s not just about people knowing each other,” he said. Sandoval said the sheriff is the ultimate source of law enforcement in the county because they are chosen and not just promoted.

Hotvedt asked how the candidates will deal with being a manager in addition to a law enforcement officer.

Sandoval said he had the opportunity to build the Santa Clara Police Department. He has high expectations, beginning with respect. “Respect yourself, the department, and the people.”

Gomez plans to lead by example. He said he is qualified from his military background and from being a sergeant in the patrol division.

Tovar said the department needs to be a working department. Managers will need to do what they are responsible for.

Hotvedt asked for a one-word answer from each of the candidates regarding guns in schools and arming teachers. All candidates said, “No.”

Democratic Party Public Forums happen on the third Thursday of the month at Miller Library on the WNMU campus.