County Candidates File March 11
While voters in the Town of Taos focus on the crucial March 4 election for mayor and two councilors, an equally important election will take place in the County on June 3rd, primary day in democratic Taos—though one republican could make it interesting in the general election come November. County candidates will file on March 11.
Due to redistricting and term limits, citizens will see some new faces, according to the Taos County Clerk’s proclamation on the county website.
District One, term-limited Commissioner Dan Barrone’s current seat, includes the following precincts: Ranchitos # 14, Taos # 15 (west of highway 68/64) and North Los Cordovas #17. Taos Friction hears that Taos volunteer fire chief Jim Fambro has announced his candidacy for this office. Fambro’s long service at the Town and as an administrator in Questa gives him an advantage in terms of name recognition and experience. If he files, he’s the man to beat.
District Two the seat currently held by Commissioner Larry Sanchez, includes the following precincts: Costilla #2, Amalia # 3, Cerro #4, Questa #5 & #6, Red River #7, San Cristobal #8, Taos Pueblo #13, Taos # 16 (East of 68/64), and Taos Ski Valley # 33. Sanchez has said repeatedly to this reporter that he’s not running. Between now and March 11 anything can change but the smarter candidates are waiting for former commissioner Virgil Martinez to make a decision. Though Virgil is a Republican, the man from Cerro is considered unbeatable. Virgil keeps the two party system alive in Taos County.
District Five, the seat currently held by Commissioner Joe Mike Duran, who is term-limited, includes the following precincts: Canon #18, Rio Lucio #24, Vadito # 25, Placitas # 26, Chamisal # 27, Penasco #28, Rodarte # 29, Las Trampas # 30, El Valle # 31, Llano San Juan # 32, Cruz Alta #35, Picuris #36. Former Commissioner Manny Pacheco of Penasco has been actively campaigning. Though we hear others from Canon are interested, Manny also grew up on Las Cruces, a so-called suburb of Canon. He lives in Penasco and says he has the backing of the Penasqueros, including Mother Mary.
No doubt we shall have some surprises on March 11, filing day. Other offices include two magistrate judge jobs, currently occupied by Judge Ernie and Judge Shannon, who have been out soliciting support and signatures for their nominating petitions. Nobody has publicly announced an intention to take on these formidable incumbents. Darlene Vigil, the current Assessor is term limited. Her assistant, Bobbi de Herrera, is expected to file for the office.
Perhaps the most interesting countywide race concerns “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” which I say with affection and humor. Former magistrate Judge Betty Martinez-Gonzales is running for sheriff and seven peace officers, including veteran officers from the Town of Taos, Taos County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Mexico Department of Public Safety or state cops are challenging the former judge. Judge Betty says the County sheriff’s department needs a firm administrator.
Judge Betty served 29 years as a magistrate judge, never lost a race and candidates rarely contested her election. Though I know several of the officers who say they are running against the former judge, I’m sure to miss a name or two so I’ll list them on filing day. Judge Betty told me that contrary to rumor she has no intention of hiring her brothers, Eddie and Charlie, who she says are happily retired from the Taos County Sheriff’s Office. Judge Betty has been knocking on doors and campaigning like the grass roots pro that she is.
The real question is: are Taosenos ready to make history and elect a woman as sheriff?
Taos Friction urges voters to look carefully at county commission candidates. By any measure the County has made steady progress in the last decade, thanks to commissioners and enlightened county staff. Whereas the Town has been backsliding, the County has maintained and improved, providing fair and honest government as well as checks and balances.
As the Town or even the state and the feds slough off responsibilities, the County picks them up, whether it’s reform at the Taos County Housing Authority, correcting the misrepresentations made about the E911—Dispatch Command Center and annexation, studying HCH and taking over the Ancianos program, as well as sustaining the arts and culture district, now anchored by the old County Courthouse. The political ethos at the County has changed dramatically and the Commission itself has grown in terms of its vision of responsibility for the whole community, including the Town of Taos.
This County Commission’s chief legacy may consist of introducing the Town of Taos to a culture embodied by an experienced public servant, who wears work gloves, to serve as mayor. The Town of Taos needs a mayor who understands the difference between hot air and real public service, between contracts for curates and good deals for the citizens themselves.