Valencia County Commission

Duana Draszkiewicz

Age: 75

Occupation: Retired

Education: Associate degree, UNM

Previous elected political offices: Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors

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

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

“More than three years education at UNM, including an associate degree in human services; 12 years in real estate; four years in planning and zoning and four years on the Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors.”

2. What are the top three issues that need to be prioritized in the county?

“1. Our population is expanding. We need an increase in funding for human services; 2. Lack of county services in the outlying areas of Meadow Lake, El Cerro Mission, El Cerro Loop and extending to others in Valencia County. We need increased fire department and sheriff department response to the growing population; and 3. Encourage incorporated areas to work with the county on issues that actually include all the population in Valencia County.”

3. What quality-of-life projects would you support in the unincorporated areas of Valencia County?

“Preserve the bosque, work in conjunction with the Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District. It has knowledge reaching back to 1947 and is available with knowledge and history of problems we are experiencing now.”

4. How can county commissioners encourage a more productive working relationship with the state and other local government agencies?

“The commission should hire a staff member to advocate for the county before and during legislative sessions and to create partnerships with local agencies, including the VSWCD, MRGCD and other government entities serving the area. The county grant writer needs additional staff in order to pursue capital outlay from the Legislature and from grants. With inadequate staffing, the county risks leaving millions on the table, which is what happened after the Big Hole Fire.”

Troy Richardson (I)

Age: 45

Occupation: Well drilling contractor and farmer

Education: High school; one year at NMIMT

Previous elected political offices: County Commission Dist. 2

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

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

“I am currently the commissioner for District 2 as well as the vice chairman of the board. My experience as a business owner gives me valuable perspective on economic development. My background as a contractor has been helpful in county contract negotiations.”

2. What are the top three issues that need to be prioritized in the county?

“The Valencia County hospital needs to be completed.

“Valencia County needs a Flood Control Agency. After several recent destructive floods in the county, an agency to operate and maintain flood control facilities is necessary.

“The sheriff’s department needs resources for recruitment and officer retention. The safety of our community is a top priority.”

3. What quality-of-life projects would you support in the unincorporated areas of Valencia County?

“I would like to see our Parks and Recreation program expand. The county has recently acquired the Las Maravillas park and we are in the process of restoring and improving it. We are also working to secure funding for a skate park in Meadow Lake.”

4. How can county commissioners encourage a more productive working relationship with the state and other local government agencies?

“While there is always room for improvement, I think that our working relationships with most other government agencies are fairly productive now. The commission strives to keep open channels of communication with our legislative delegation as well as other agencies within state government. We are also active in Valencia Association of Elected Officials.”

Charles Eaton

Age: 58

Occupation: Retired (Valencia County fire chief - 2013). Currently employed with the Pueblo of Isleta Police as community code compliance officer

Previous elected political offices: Probate judge (one term), Valencia County commissioner (three terms).

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

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

“I have 25 plus years in county government as an employee and past elected official, and a continued commitment of public service to the county on my private employment.”

2. What are the top three issues that need to be prioritized in the county?

“1. Public Safety. Address the issues relating to the use of drugs, particularly by our youth in our communities. 2. Address the long-term sustainability of good quality domestic drinking water in the unincorporated areas of the county. 3. Address the ongoing issues with the homeless population in the county, with the state and municipal partners. 4. Sheriff/ fire department. It’s absolutely critical that we continue to improve both of these departments.”

3. What quality-of life projects would you support in the unincorporated areas of Valencia County?

“1. I would like to see the county get more involved in recreation faculties in the unincorporated areas of the county. I would like these facilities to be multi-generational and offer a verity of activities to the county residents. 2. Creation of the Office of Land Management/Environment, and get more involved in addressing environmental issues, such as illegal dumping and preservation of our green belt and flood control matters.”

4. How can county commissioners encourage a more productive working relationship with the state and other local governments agencies?

“It all begins with the willingness to work together, regardless of personal or political beliefs. I believe in with today’s limited resources, it’s absolutely critical that we overcome those issues and work together and serve the public and their needs.”

Joseph Bizzell (I)

Age: 51

Occupation: Self employed/business owner

Education: Trade school/retired military

Previous elected political offices: Valencia County Commission District 4

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

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

“As a self employed, business owner for 25 years, and as a current sitting commissioner, I have the understanding of creating and maintaining the budget to ensure continued economic growth and prosperity. The community deserves someone who can represent them well and I do believe that I’m the most qualified for this position.”

2. What are the top three issues that need to be prioritized in the county?

“My top three priorities are: The creation and completion of the Valencia County hospital; PRC Transportation license to ensure public safety and ensure citizens are protected in the community; and continuing to encourage economic development.”

3. What quality-of-life projects would you support in the unincorporated areas of Valencia County?

“One project is Las Maravillas Park. This is a grant that was under the Valley Improvement Association for $5 million that the county has taken over after the association was dissolved.

“I will continue to say our county needs to invest more time and money into youth activities, senior activities/centers, and our Older American Program. There’s not enough fun things to do in our community.”

4. How can county commissioners encourage a more productive working relationship with the state and other local government agencies?

“Communication/transparency between every local government agency remains the most effective way to keep good relationships. Having an open-minded mentality with people who may not have the same views or opinions as you do goes a long way, too! The key to this is always answering your phone and emails timely!”

Dante E. Berry

Age: 31

Occupation: Financial advisor

Education: AA from NMMI; BA from UNM

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, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“As a financial professional, I am responsible for the life savings of my clients. Often I am working with people who are retired and are depending on me to manage their funds. It is my responsibility to give my clients the best possible chance of attaining their financial goals. I will apply the same responsibility to my constituents, ensuring that they are getting the best possible return for their tax dollar investment.

2. What are the top three issues that need to be prioritized in the county?

“• Increasing our gross receipt revenue.

• Ensuring that our first responders are well funded.

• Improving and maintaining our infrastructure.”

3. What quality-of-life projects would you support in the unincorporated areas of Valencia County?

“•Historical cultural nature preservation sites

• Community centers

• Improvements to existing parks or new parks.”

4. How can county commissioners encourage a more productive working relationship with the state and other local government agencies?

“By understanding the common priorities and goals of the interworking governmental agencies while working with local legislators to acquire appropriate funding to accomplish as much as possible for Valencia County residents.”