City of Belen mayor, council and judge candidates

Mayor

Robert Noblin (I)

Age: 48

Current occupation: CEO, Noblin family of companies

Highest level of education: Some college

Previously held elected office: Mayor, Belen City Council

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. No

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “Speeding violations, probably a few times.”

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“As mayor and longtime business owner, I’ve balanced budgets, led teams and delivered services for over two decades. My leadership, fiscal responsibility and deep commitment to Belen equip me to continue serving effectively.”

2. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

“I will focus on infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, economic growth and transparent government. Running unopposed means working harder, not less — continuing progress that benefits every resident of Belen.”

3. What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?

“Belen must balance growth, public safety and limited resources. I’ll pursue state and federal funding, prioritize infrastructure and partner with local organizations to ensure sustainable growth that supports families, businesses and neighborhoods.”

4. What are some viable solutions to help the unhoused population in Belen?

“We must pair compassion with accountability. By partnering with regional providers, expanding affordable housing and connecting people to mental health and recovery services, we can address homelessness responsibly while keeping public spaces safe.”

City Council

Steven Lee Holdman

Age: 69

Current occupation: Retired, executive vice president of operations, manufacturing industry

Highest level of education: Master of business administration from Eastern New Mexico University

Previously held elected office: Belen city councilor

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances? No

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No.

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“My undergraduate degree in organizational management and my MBA have contributed to my success in public, private, government and nonprofit organizations, including my current role as a Belen city councilor.”

2. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

“I hope to continue the progress the governing body has been a part of for the last four years. This includes my hope to see significant progress in the upgrade of Belen’s wastewater treatment plant, infrastructure to support further development, and substantial progress in upgrades to Anna Becker Park.”

3. What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?

“Funding for infrastructure upgrades is a challenge. I would propose that some of the estimated $1 million dollar annual funding that will be provided by the Sun Ranch Solar Facility and Star Light Energy Center be leveraged as matching funds for loans and grants to provide infrastructure improvement.”

4. What are some viable solutions to help the unhoused population in Belen?

“For those who are priced out of the housing market, we should encourage and support development of affordable housing, and ensure zoning and land use regulations do not restrict development options. We need state assistance to identify resources and funding to provide substance abuse and mental health care treatment services.”

Frank Ortega (I)

Age: 74

Current occupation: Retired from Belen Consolidated Schools with 45 years; Belen City Councilor.

Highest level of education: “I attended Belen High School, received a high school diploma from the New Mexico State Board of Education, my GED. Emergency Management Institute Financing School from school dude management. Attended Computer Tech TSA Maintenance Administration certificate along with several other licenses and certificates.”

Previously held elected office: “I’ve served 4 full terms as Belen City Councilor from 1992, 2014, 2018 and 2025.”

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. No

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“My four terms as Belen City Councilor, 45 years with Belen Consolidated Schools, 15 years as maintenance director, 21 years with the Belen Fire Department, 10 years as the fire chief, 12 years as an EMT certified emergency medical operation incident command. Honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps.”

2. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

“The wastewater plant is still ongoing, and we have received funding over $3 million. Repairing and replacing equipment. Flood control in Belen has made great strides. Five holding ponds to hold back water, but more work has to be done. Such as a diversionary channel, to divert floodwaters to the Rio Grande River...”

3. What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?

“Combating crime. Accreditation for our Belen Police Department. Training resources. Working with our Municipal Court. More economic development for the city of Belen. Upgrading our Belen fire department with more equipment, training and funding for them. Times are changing, we must be ready for a health crisis. License and training for our transports to hospitals”

4. What are some viable solutions to help the unhoused population in Belen?

“Thanks to our religious community able to have food banks to help our families get through the tough times. Help from the state and federal government with their funding for psychological crises. Also helping our veterans and seniors with clinical social workers who provide therapy, advocacy and case management, outpatient care and residential treatment for anyone in need.”

Municipal Judge

Keith Norwood (I)

Age: 65

Current Occupation: Municipal judge for the city of Belen, and head coach for the Belen Middle School football team; 25 years of law enforcement with the N.M. Department of Corrections, retired warden

Highest level of education: Bachelor of Science from New Mexico State University

Previously held elected office: Municipal judge

Have you ever filed bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. No

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No

1. How can you ensure your fairness in adjudicating criminal cases?

“I will ensure fairness by applying the law consistently, listening openly and treating all parties with dignity. Decisions will be based solely on facts and law, free from bias or outside influence. A judge must recuse themselves when necessary; public confidence and court integrity outweigh any opinions or interests.”

2. What can the municipal court do to help ensure compliance of municipal ordinances?

“The courts can encourage ordinances, set their expectations and offer efficient ways to resolve violations. Accountability combined with education helps individuals understand that ordinances community safety and quality of life.”

3. Do you believe in alternative sentencing? If so, explain

“Yes. Alternatives like community service, counseling or education programs can hold people accountable while addressing root causes of violations. These approaches may reduce repeat offenses, support rehabilitation and benefit both individuals and community.”

Pauline Vallejos

Age: 52

Current occupation: Head of security for Belen Consolidated Schools

Highest level of education: High School graduate equivalent

Previously held elected office: None

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. No

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “Unfortunately, in 1994, I was charged with a misdemeanor domestic violence case during a difficult time. The case was fully dismissed, and I have no convictions. I have never been charged with DWI or any other misdemeanor offenses.”

1. How can you ensure your fairness in adjudicating criminal cases?

“To ensure fairness in adjudicating criminal cases, I will remain impartial, listen to all evidence presented and apply the law consistently, without personal bias. The municipal court can promote compliance with ordinances by increasing community outreach, providing awareness programs and using restorative justice practices to educate and rehabilitate offenders. Yes, I believe in alternative sentencing ...”

2. What can the municipal court do to help ensure compliance of municipal ordinances?

“To help ensure compliance with municipal ordinances, the municipal court can enhance community engagement, provide educational workshops on local laws and collaborate with local organizations and local government officials to foster a supportive environment that encourages adherence to regulations.”

3. Do you believe in alternative sentencing? If so, explain.

“Yes, I do believe in alternative sentencing as I stated in the previous question. Alternative sentencing can provide more rehabilitative options for offenders rather than simply punitive measures. Traditional incarceration often fails to effectively address the root causes of criminal behavior, such as substance abuse, mental health issues or lack of education and job opportunities.”