Los Lunas Village Council candidates

Village Council

District 1

Christopher Ortiz (I)

Age: 46

Current occupation: Insurance specialist, Los Lunas Public Schools

Highest level of education: Los Lunas High School graduate

Previously held elected office: Village of Los Lunas Council District 1

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?

“I am running for my third term and have served on the village council for the last 9 1/2 years. During my time I have contributed in long-term plans for growth and sustainability. I have assisted on shaping policies and reviewing of budgets and development plans and much more. Even with my years of experience and service, there is still a lot to learn.”

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

“Our number one challenge continues to be traffic congestion. However, the modification of N.M. 6 and Interstate 25 with adding extra lanes, we’ll be able to move a lot more traffic through. Construction for the new Los Lunas Boulevard has begun and will be a big impact once completed. A third north interchange was also added to our ICIP several years ago.”

3. What policies will you promote to balance the village’s ongoing and future need for water to sustain growth with the reality of being a community in a desert during severe drought conditions?

“There are several policies in place like a tiered water rate system that affects those high-water users. This would incentivize them to conserve water to save money. Recycling millions of gallons of wastewater and discharging it back in the river for agriculture and promoting xeriscaping and low-flow fixtures for new developments.”

4. What is the role of the council in bringing affordable housing to the village?

“There is a demand and we play a crucial role. For several years we have worked with developers on bringing affordable housing to the village. We have gathered data on local income levels, rental costs and family needs. We have approved planning applications for affordable housing and have supported funding and incentives.”

John Walker

Age: 40

Current occupation: Teacher

Highest level of education: AAS criminal justice

Previously held elected office: N/A

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. N/A

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. N/A

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

“I’ve lived in Valencia County since 1989, earned a criminal justice degree and served 15 years in public safety. As a teacher at Los Lunas High School, I’m committed to making our community safer, addressing current community issues and creating family-friendly opportunities while serving residents with accountability and transparency.”

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

“The biggest challenges facing Los Lunas include continued traffic congestion, limited family-friendly businesses and water usage concerns. I plan to work on long-term traffic solutions, attract businesses that serve families and address sustainable water use, ensuring our community grows responsibly while improving quality of life for all residents.”

3. What policies will you promote to balance the village’s ongoing and future need for water to sustain growth with the reality of being a community in a desert during severe drought conditions?

“I support policies that ensure responsible water use so Los Lunas can sustain growth and provide water for residents. I will plan for the future, limit water-intensive developments and focus on supporting existing businesses, balancing economic growth with the reality of living in a desert during severe drought conditions.”

4. What is the role of the council in bringing affordable housing to the village?

“I believe the council should guide affordable housing development that meets residents’ needs while supporting a family-friendly community. I will back projects that balance growth with infrastructure, attract families and preserve Los Lunas’ character, ensuring our village remains a place where families can live, thrive and feel at home.”

District 3

Matthew D. Chavez

Age: 47

Current occupation: Farmer, small business owner: Chavez Farms and Europa Coffee and a Realtor

Highest level of education: Associate business degree

Previously held elected office: Nine years on the Farm Service Agency

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?

“I am an LLHS graduate with an associate degree in business and a partner in Chavez Farms and Europa Coffee. I served nine years on the Farm Service Agency (FSA), currently on an NMSU Science Center Advisory Board. These roles connect me to our community and local concerns.”

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

“Some important challenges faced in the community, including maintaining strong, public safety by supporting police and emergency services, funding for parks and recreation and planning infrastructure for smart, future growth to improve roads and utilities before new development. Programs to keep families and neighborhoods connected.”

3. What policies will you promote to balance the village’s ongoing and future need for water to sustain growth with the reality of being a community in a desert during severe drought conditions?

“I will prioritize water resources for the residence of Los Lunas, while making educated decisions about business that pumps from our aquifer. This will protect our water supply for future growth in a desert region.”

4. What is the role of the council in bringing affordable housing to the village?

“I believe the role of the council is to better serve all our residents. In relation to affordable housing, we need to come alongside the workforce in the village to not only extend housing, but also set up our citizens for future success in employment.”

Naithan Gurule

Age: 44

Current occupation: Retired police officer/police chief; current teacher at Los Lunas High School

Highest level of education: Master’s degrees

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. No

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

“Lifelong resident of Los Lunas. Worked with the community as a police officer and police chief, and now working with students and parents as a teacher. Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, master’s degree in criminal justice, master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, FBI National Academy graduate, session 249.”

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

“Our community faces rising crime, often tied to armed adults and armed youth along with substance abuse. Work with legislators to update/fix the Children’s Criminal Code and get rid of cashless bail. Homelessness and inadequate mental health care are important challenges. Advocate for accessible housing and mental health services.”

3. What policies will you promote to balance the village’s ongoing and future need for water to sustain growth with the reality of being a community in a desert during severe drought conditions?

“I will promote the responsible use of water. We need to ensure that there is a comfortable supply of water for the community while also monitoring the amount available for new businesses, allowing the village to sustain growth.”

4. What is the role of the council in bringing affordable housing to the village?

“Council should support the development of affordable housing and work with state and federal agencies to help in any way possible. As a rapidly growing community, we have to balance growth with affordability. It is important for everyone to be able to buy or rent a home here.”

Cruz Munoz (I)

Age: 78

Current occupation: Senior marketing manager with Mountain America Credit Union

Highest level of education: Bachelors of Science in business management

Previously held elected office: Incumbent village of Los Lunas councilman District 3 since 2019

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?

“I have been the incumbent village councilman District 3 since 2019. I have extensive knowledge in financial business management, where I have worked for over 46 years in the business management field. I have a Bachelors of Science in business management from the University of Phoenix.”

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

“My experience has been that the fast growth, traffic issues and infrastructure have always been a challenge. With proper planning by working with consultants, council, employees and village citizens we can dedicate ourselves to promote quality of life and responsible growth for the families in the village of Los Lunas.”

3. What policies will you promote to balance the village’s ongoing and future need for water to sustain growth with the reality of being a community in a desert during severe drought conditions?

“The village has completed several water studies to better understand our current water availability. We follow regulations monitored by the State Engineer’s Office. We also purchase water rights to benefit the village. All new businesses and new subdivisions must provide us with water rights as part of the approval process.”

4. What is the role of the council in bringing affordable housing to the village?

“In the 2025 legislative session, the governor passed an Affordable Housing Bill, and we are waiting for more information on how it will impact the village of Los Lunas. We need to attract large and small businesses to the village that will provide a livable wage for our community.”