My Record

I was elected to the Taos Town Council on March 1, 2016. I have been the consistent voice for diversifying our economy, protecting the environment, defending human rights, and improving transparency and public process. Here's a list of my accomplishments.

 
 

Diversifying our economy

For years, I've said we need to create diverse economic opportunities for our citizens. Here's how I've been a leader on this issue:

  • I have supported efforts to assist local small manufacturers expand their facilities to increase production and create new jobs.

  • I have put entrepreneurs in contact with investors and town staff to explore funding options to get businesses off the ground.

  • I have hosted economic forums to brainstorm opportunities for job growth in our community.

  • I support small businesses every day, keeping money in our community, our citizens employed, and our services paid for.

 

Protecting the environment

Our land and water are sacred. We have survived here for generations by responsibly using the resources available to us. Our visitors to Taos are drawn here because of our breathtaking views. Our environment is our way of life. Here's how I've been the consistent voice on protecting it.

  • I voted against irresponsible development proposals that would pave over our open spaces.

  • I voted to protect our acequias and improve the water quality in our watershed.

  • I authored and voted for town resolution 17-28, calling for the continued protection of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

  • I voted for town resolution 17-42, which calls for us to examine a ban on plastic bags, reduce our energy consumption, and more. I also included language directing the town government to explore the use of electric vehicles.

  • I have planted trees, cleaned acequias, and picked up trash in this community for decades, not just during my time on council.

 

Defending Human rights

We owe it to all of our community members to ensure that they feel safe here.

  • I have worked with immigrant rights advocates to provide legal training to our immigrant population.

  • I have held meetings with the Mexican Consulate in Albuquerque to bring services up here for our immigrants from Mexico.

  • I sponsored and voted for town resolution 17-56 calling for the continuation of the Deferred Access for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to protect at-risk Dreamers who came to this country as children and serve our communities and country.

 

Transparency

As a progressive, I believe people are best served when they know what their government is doing, and are able to easily interact with their elected officials. Here's where we’re at:

  • I have pushed for additional public meetings and workshops for major projects and issues affecting our community. We now hold regular workshop meetings where people can discuss issues in greater detail.

  • Our council workshop meetings are recorded, so people can stay up to date with local government.

  • I have voted in favor of increased public input in Development Review Committee meetings. These meetings are held early in the development process and are a great opportunity for citizens to voice their concerns about a specific project early on.

  • I have voted in favor of expanded time for public comment during council meetings.

  • I have voted in favor of meeting times that do not conflict with the demands of our working citizens and parents.

  • I am working with my fellow council members to show the public just how much revenue we are collecting from our concert events, and how that money is being spent.

  • I have not been afraid to vote against developers and big business when their proposals do not include citizen input or reflect the values of our community.