Doreen Gallegos

Economic development and affordability: New Mexico has enjoyed strong state revenues and significant economic-development investment, yet many residents continue to struggle with housing, food, utilities and other costs. What should the Legislature do differently to ensure economic growth translates into greater affordability and opportunity for working families?

We must tackle the housing affordability issue head-on in the upcoming session. We need to create programs that allow those families who make too much money to qualify for low housing assistance but not enough to put a twenty percent down payment on a home. We need to incentivize local governments to turn around subdivision plans and building permits quickly and efficiently.  We need to incentivize local government to build the proper infrastructure that is needed to build more homes.

Education: New Mexico has substantially increased spending on public education but continues to struggle with student achievement. What should the state do differently, and how should lawmakers determine whether increased education spending is producing results?

All those involved in public education must be held accountable…that includes legislators, educators, administrators, students and parents. We have seen big increases in K-12 funding and are seeing some improvement, but we must do better. I think we could better utilize reading coaches and identify those students who need additional help sooner. 

I believe we need to identify the needs of our students as early as possible and tailor their curriculum to kids whether they are high achievers or dropouts who want to earn a high school diploma. Measuring educational success should be measured over time, including student engagement, instructional feedback and marked academic progress. Regular attendance is paramount as well as parent involvement.

Water and development: Doña Ana County faces long-term water constraints while pursuing major economic-development projects, including data centers and other water- and energy-intensive industries. What standards should the state require of these projects, and how should lawmakers balance economic development with protection of New Mexico's water resources?

Data centers need meaningful guardrails, and the legislature must pass a bill to implement them. Data centers should only be built after considerable community input including a transparent process during any permit process. All of the power for data centers should comply with the ETA. Data centers should use the most water efficient technology they can, including closed water systems, and they must have a plan for any wastewater they release. Data centers should not increase our electricity or water bills. Finally, the workers that build them should be paid a prevailing wage.

Infrastructure and underserved communities: District 52 includes communities with continuing needs involving roads, wastewater, drinking water, drainage and other basic infrastructure. What are the most pressing infrastructure needs in your district, and what should the state change about the way these projects are prioritized and funded?

Most of District 52 is still in need of basic infrastructure like water, sewer, paved roads and community facilities. I have brought millions of capital outlay dollars to Anthony, Berino, Vado and Mesquite working with local and county officials. I believe it is my responsibility to bring these critical dollars home and that our local and county officials must spend the capital dollars wisely and quickly with shovel ready projects. 

Doreen Gallegos is running unopposed in NM House District 52.