13th Judicial District Court Judge Retention

Voting Information & Polling Locations

Early, absentee, election day

Cindy M. Mercer

Division 6

Age: 55

Occupation: District court judge

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, 1991 NMSU; Bachelor of Criminal Justice, 1991 NMSU; Juris Doctorate Degree, 1997 University of Nebraska

Previous elected political offices: None

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

1.What experience in the legal profession makes you qualified for this position?

“I have served as a district court judge for the past 10 years and have a total of 27 years of legal experience. As a judge, I have handled a multitude of cases with varied factual and legal issues including civil, criminal, probate and guardianship cases. As a lawyer, I practiced in a private firm where I gained vast legal experience, spending a lot of time in the courtroom arguing many legal issues.”

2. Why should voters cast a ballot to retain you in office?

“Having experienced judges is important and is an asset to the community in which they serve. I have been serving this community for the past 10 years and believe that I have demonstrated through my hard work and dedication to our district that I am worthy of the trust that my community has placed in me to continue in this position.”

3. What is the most important attribute of being a judge?

“In my view, integrity is the most important attribute to being a judge. When a judicial officer maintains strong moral character and honesty, the community can trust that the decisions they make are fair, well-reasoned, and in accordance with the law.”

4. How do you plan to ensure impartiality and fairness in your rulings?

“I will always endeavor to demonstrate integrity and respect toward those that appear before me, approach each case with an open mind, be considerate of each person’s situation, and be mindful of the community’s interest in safety. I will also do my very best to ensure that no outside influence or bias in any way interferes with my decisions or with my application of the law.”

Allen R. Smith

Division 3

Age: 66

Occupation: Thirteenth Judicial District Court Judge, Division III

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in business management; Juris Doctor degree

Previous elected political offices: None

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

1. What experience in the legal profession makes you qualified for this position?

“Prior to my appointment in 2014, I was a practicing attorney for approximately 26 years, representing clients in a wide variety of case types. Since being appointed over 10 years ago and thereafter being elected and then subsequently retained, I receive continuing legal education and experience each and every year. I keep myself apprised of changes in the law and I regularly and routinely review existing law as it applies to each case.”

2. Why should voters cast a ballot to retain you in office?

“I have the knowledge and experience to provide continuity in addressing the cases before me. I understand the struggles and controversies of the people that come before me. I am patient. I am required to balance equities between parties and evaluate the best interests of children. I am analytical, fair and decisive. I work hard to give priority to the best interests of children. I’m not afraid to ask for assistance when needed.”

3. What is the most important attribute of being a judge?

“Preparation with regard to the facts at issue as well as the applicable law. Without preparation for the cases before the court, a judge cannot effectively understand the controversy being addressed. I work hard to review each and every case prior to walking into court.”

4. How do you plan to ensure impartiality and fairness in your rulings?

“I avoid even the appearance of conflict of interest. If there appears to be a conflict, I will withdraw. I have to make decisions that litigants are unable to make themselves. In court, I listen carefully, consider the evidence presented and the applicable law. I make my decisions in accordance with the law without regard to a party’s race, nationality, gender, sexual preference or religion. I strive to not allow implicit bias to interfere.”

(Editor’s Note: District Judge Allison Martinez, Division 9, did not respond to the News-Bulletin’s questionnaire.)