Taos Primary Endorsements
Monday update: Five signs still in place [At Mayor Cordova’s Restaurant]. No love/wonders of war story like yesterday, but at least the Taos cops are consistent in allowing blatant law breaking by the mayor, and seizing my signs and ticketing me for just one sign, a sign that is 100% legal. Taos cops are the mayor’s private Gestapo; our boy’s won the battle in Germany, only to lose in Taos. –Yours sincerely, wasting away, Jeff Northrup
Due to requests for advice from friends and others, I recommend the following, based as much on the knowledge of the record as analysis of character or my own experience as observer. The past predicts much about performance in the future. Difficult as it is, we must all try to rise above our cultural biases.
In the County Commission race in the northern Taos Valley area, I recommend Pennie Herrera Wardlow for your consideration. Pennie’s activism on behalf of animals and community, as well as her personal equilibrium, makes her a terrific candidate and potential commissioner. She has a foot in both the Hispanic and Anglo worlds, attends to her neighbors concerns about the LUDC and has shown an unusual ability for the arts of political diplomacy. Vote for Herrera-Wardlow.
In the southern Taos Valley, a vote for either Gabe Romero, whose record as a prior commissioner is even-handed or Antonio Cruz, a labor organizer, would be well taken. As much as I personally like the quirky Andrew Chavez, the incumbent has ignored the greater good of the community in the La Martina matter. Vote for Romero or Cruz.
The District Attorney’s race, wherein the current DA lost the race in Taos County but won in the greater 8th Judicial District four years ago, suggests we Taosenos still need change: vote for Sarah Montoya and put an end to policies made mostly on the basis of politics as opposed to the even-handed principles of justice. Vote for Montoya.
In an unusual confluence, due to the expansion of the 8th judicial district, Taosenos have several candidates for judge but in two different districts. Judges haven’t nearly the power nor the demonstrable ability to lead, due to the overwhelming power and position of the DA. But they can serve as stopgaps and/or arbiters of justice. One can’t trust a candidate supported by ten years of experience under the tutelage of a DA, who is demonstrably incompetent and politically problematic. In the McElroy, Lopez y Lopez race, vote for Lopez. In Taos County we have a huge social problem with drink and drugs that has been criminalized but not addressed as a humanitarian issue. Further, the elevation of personal quarrels to civil litigation requires a wise and insightful judge, who can understand the motives of the individuals. You decide but vote for a Lopez.
In the other judge’s race, Sarah Backus has proved to be a fast learner and energetic campaigner. She has taken on the job, according to defense attorneys, and the job of showing she wants to continue as judge. Ernestina Cruz is smart and dedicated but has failed to introduce herself to the community at large. Vote for Backus.
It gives me great pleasure and confidence to urge you to vote for the team of Lillian Rael Miller and Elaine Montano in the county clerk’s race as well as Lorraine Coca-Ruiz and Vangie Romero in the treasurer’s race. Both candidates promise continuity in terms of the two best managed offices in Taos County. And they have a record of bringing those offices into the 21st Century. Vote for Miller and Coca-Ruiz.
In the Magistrate’s race, democratic incumbent Jeff Shannon has a history of being fair and compassionate in the manner of Judge Betty Martinez-Gonzales and Judge Ernie Ortega. In a rare opportunity, Republicans can choose between Ed Adams (who dropped out earlier) and William Cordova, the current jail administrator, who is familiar with all manner of behavior and issues affecting Taosenos.Vote for Shannon or Cordova.
The PRC race is filled with politicians seeking a job that requires education, training, and objectivity. The only candidate in the race, who appears to have the background, according to knowledgeable sources, is Virginia Vigil, chair of the Santa Fe County Commission, and an attorney. Quite frankly, the PRC needs fair-minded attorneys and public servants with a flair for imagination. Vote for Virginia Vigil.