Two incumbents and one former candidate running for the second time are vying for the two open Town Council seats in the upcoming Bernalillo municipal election. There are no districts in Bernalillo, so members serve at large.
Former businessman Phillip Valverde and former Magistrate Judge Sharon Torres-Quintana are each seeking to retain the seats they first won in 2020 and James Baca is looking to earn a seat that eluded him four years ago by 37 points. The two highest vote-getters will win the election.
In the only other slot open on the ballot, current municipal judge Geoffrey Rinaldi was the only one to collect enough signatures to run for that position.
The Signpost asked the candidates to explain their own words what they feel are the biggest issues facing Bernalillo and how they would tackle them head-on.
Bernalillo Town Council Candidates
Sharon Torres-Quintana
Political party: Democrat
Day job: Retired
The Town of Bernalillo has experienced tremendous growth and economic development in the past few years. How would you encourage continued growth and economic opportunities while preserving the town’s unique character?
To work closely with the governing body and administrative staff to ensure, that we are following the guidelines that have been set, to preserve our towns unique characteristics. To listen to our community residents, when economic opportunities present themselves and assuring it will be a good impact on our Town.
What are your ideas for water management in the high desert climate Bernalillo is in, with dwindling water resources?
To create a community work group, that will work alongside the governing body and administrative staff, to address concerns and come up with solutions for water management in our Town. Community involvement and input are of most importance to me.
What do you feel are the three biggest challenges facing Bernalillo?
1. To Keep our community residents safe, by continuing to have the adequate number of Police Officers and Fire Fighters on staff. Always making sure that our fiscal year budget, meets the needs for our Town. 2. Complete the current Capital Outlay Projects. Submit for future funding, as per the governing bodies priority list. This is reviewed yearly, by administrative staff and presented to the governing body. (This includes Water projects, the new Fire Department Station and roads, solar, etc.) 3. Reviewing/Updating the Towns Ordinances – which include Animal Control, Planning and Zoning (Weeds, debris, building, permits, etc.).
James Baca
Political party: n/a
Day job: State of NM – District Attorneys office
The Town of Bernalillo has experienced tremendous growth and economic development in the past few years. How would you encourage continued growth and economic opportunities while preserving the town’s unique character?
I would work to diversify the town’s economy from the mostly service sector to more light industrial development and expansion of the existing light industrial businesses in the appropriately zoned areas.
What are your ideas for water management in the high desert climate Bernalillo is in, with dwindling water resources?
One idea I have is for wastewater reuse for irrigation in parks and athletic fields should be explored in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency to conserve drinking water.
What do you feel are the three biggest challenges facing Bernalillo?
1 – Growth and providing services to sustain growth. 2 – preserving old Bernalillo as a cultural historic tourism site 3 – relationship with our neighbors including the pueblos.
Philip Valverde
Political party: n/a
Day job: retired
The Town of Bernalillo has experienced tremendous growth and economic development in the past few years. How would you encourage continued growth and economic opportunities while preserving the town’s unique character?
The Town is very welcoming to additional restaurants, hotels, retail spaces and mom/pop businesses bringing economic growth, job opportunities and tourism to Bernalillo. My concern is keeping Bernalillo’s uniqueness and considered when adding new business to the Town.
What are your ideas for water management in the high desert climate Bernalillo is in, with dwindling water resources?
The Town of Bernalillo on average has a very low water consumption usage. This is encouraging as town residents are being very responsible for their water usage. The Town also consults with a Water Expert who monitors water consumption and brings forth immediately any issues concerning water usage. The Town is in constant plans to improve its water system and is currently in design to improve and rehabilitate tank #3 adding additional resources.
What do you feel are the three biggest challenges facing Bernalillo?
One priority is keeping the Town’s Fire Department and Police Department at full staff to ensure residents are kept safe. The Town is also in an early design stage of a new Fire Station. Working with Department of Transportation to address traffic congestion on Highway 550. To Improve communication with Town Residents.
Voting Location:
The Town of Bernalillo Voting location is at Town Hall, 829 Camino del Pueblo. Town Hall is open for voting Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday March 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Visit nmvote.org to register to vote. Voters who are Overseas Military or Overseas Citizens can request for an electronic absentee ballot by Saturday, March 2, by visiting FVAP.ORG. For same day registration, visit the Sandoval County Clerk’s Office at 1500 Idalia Rd. in Bernalillo.