Thanks for All Your Support

I was honored to be elected to the New Mexico State Senate on November 4, 2008 by the citizens of Senate District 15 in the Northeast Heights of Albuquerque.  Since then, I have served in three consecutive legislative sessions.  My hope is to be of service to District 15 constituents for another four years.

I consider being a member of the Senate, not only a privilege, but a solemn responsibility.  I fully realize and acknowledge my duty to serve not only the residents of my District but the people of New Mexico, as well.

In my 2007-2008 campaign, I had four primary issues that formed the core of my election platform: Education, Health Care, Clean and Ethical Government, and Green Jobs/Clean Energy Economy.

Once in the Legislature, issues were brought to my attention from my constituents that expanded beyond my original primary issues.  I feel my record of votes and the legislation that I have carried demonstrate my dedication and commitment to New Mexico’s citizens.

I have listed the legislation I have introduced and carried during my time in office:

2009 Regular Session

SB 312        chool District Clerk Minimum Salaries
SB 313       Cruelty to Animals Includes Abandonment
SB 395       Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Penalties
SB 494       Electronic Stalking & Child Communication
SB 594       Real Estate License Revocation & Reissuance
SB 673       State-Assessed Property Tax Revenue Fund
SJM 49       Valles Caldera Management Hearings
SM 32        Valles Caldera Management Hearings
SM 46        Support Outstanding Waters Designation
SM 57        School Emphasis on Country & Flag
SM 80        School District Employee Salary Increases
SM 94        My Majority Leader Has a First Name

2009 1st Special Session

SB 28        Reduce Contract Service Appropriations

2011 Regular Session

SB 103        Cruelty to Animals Provisions
SB 104        Administrative Hearings Act
SB 105        Broker Licensure & Education Requirements

SB 106        Department Support For Attached Agencies
SB 107        Uniform Per Diem & Mileage
SB 108        Extend Annual Property Valuation Increases
SB 191        Revocation & Renewal of Real Estate Licenses
SJM 11        Reform Interim Committee Process
SM 2           Study Home Inspector Licensing
SM 21         Limited-Entery Bow Hunts in Bandelier


In 2009, I was appointed to serve on the Judiciary Committee and as Vice-Chair of Public Affairs Committee.  The Judiciary Committee has the responsibility to analyze the constitutionality and legality of bills assigned to the committee from the Senate floor.  The main responsibility of the Public Affairs Committee is to address matters related to local governments, public safety, state boards and commissions, and other related matters.

During 2010, I was honored to serve for several months as the Chairman of the Government Restructuring Task Force.  The Task Force met several times during the year to review the current structure of New Mexico’s State Government and to hear testimony from a broad array of public officials from agencies, departments, boards, and committees.

Briefly stated, the Task Force:

“Undertook its statutory charge to study the current resources of state agencies, programs, service, funding and policies and the public needs served by them, including recommendations of the 2009 Governor’s Committee on government efficiency (the Carruthers committee); the need for consolidation of agencies and elimination or reduction of redundant, duplicative or overlapping programs and services; and current and projected revenue estimates for the next three to five years.” (Government Restructuring Task Forces; Final Report 2011: Legislative Finance Council).

The Task Force prepared a two-volume report at the close of its work.  That report can be found online at www.nmlegis.gov under the links to interim committees.

On this website during the 2011 Legislative Session, I will provide my constituents with a series of narrative updates about my activities in the Senate and other matters of interest relating to the people’s business and ongoings in general at the Roundhouse.  Please visit the link on this website entitled “Roundhouse Reports 2011".

I urge all New Mexicans to take the opportunity to visit the state capitol during the Legislative Session to observe your citizen legislators at work and the machinations of government in action.  I particularly invite my constituents to drop by my office in Room 416 and just say, “Hello” or speak with me about your thoughts on legislation.