I know the people and issues of Taos. I am running for re-election this November 2023 so we can continue to move our community forward with respect for our traditions, leadership that unites, and a vision of responsible growth for a Taos that works for all.

The Issues

Affordable housing

I have been a consistent supporter of efforts to address the impact of short-term rentals so that our neighborhoods can remain unique and livable. I also have supported Habitat for Humanity and other organizations in their mission to increase the housing stock in Taos. And in partnership with Taos County, we now have an affordable housing coordinator and several million dollars in grant funding available.

our economy

I have been a consistent voice for diversifying our economy and creating jobs that pay a living wage. I have pushed successfully for this council to support jobs in small manufacturing, the film industry, and local agriculture, to expand opportunities in our community. I also am vocal supporter of our local businesses and keep my money local.

our environment

I have worked to increase protections for our public lands including the Ute Mountain wilderness designation and Outstanding National Resources Waters designation for the Rio Hondo! I have pushed successfully for the Town to dedicate space for electric vehicle chargers. I volunteer yearly to pick up trash from our streets and acequias. I also have been working to reduce the use of plastic in our community. After all, we don’t have a Planet B.

Our youth

I am committed to providing recreational opportunities for our youth. I support a year-round ice rink, new gymnasium facility, expanded park space, and events that appeal to youth of all ages. I’m also working every day to ensure that we have a diverse and vibrant economy so Taos’ youth today can be our community leaders tomorrow.

Parks

Our parks belong to everyone. I have been a consistent voice of balance and compromise when it comes to the use of our parks. I am committed to working with park neighbors, community organizations, and event promoters to ensure that our public spaces remain public, and we follow the recommendations of our parks master plan.

Public health

Without a hospital, our community suffers. I support the gross receipts tax continuation that’s on the ballot and ask that you do the same! Our medical center leaders have worked hard to ensure greater transparency and financial accountability and need our full support as a community!

public safety

I have supported our community’s finest from day one, and because I’ve had their back, they have ours. I voted to give raises to our police officers, and now our police department is staffed with highly qualified public servants who know our community. I support a comprehensive approach to law enforcement, where people accused of crimes have access to the mental health and treatment services they need. Also, I was there for our firefighters when they asked for a schedule that would reduce burnout and provide full-time coverage. We now have a fully staffed fire department and 24 hour paid coverage.

planning for the future

I have worked hard the last eight years to ensure that we are planning for the next forty. At a divisive time in town politics, I convinced people to come together and embrace the Strong at Heart proposal, which is a critical part of our downtown revitalization plan. I also have pushed for an updated master plan, and we now have adopted it. The next step is changing our current town code to reflect the new plan, and you can be sure I’m going to push for needed changes that will help small businesses and affordable workforce housing.

transparency

A government without trust is a government that fails. Our local government is succeeding today because I have voted against bad deals and secret promises. I have been a supporter of public participation from day one and now we have regular workshop meetings that are recorded, an improved website, and we also use social media to share our meeting agendas and other town happenings.