13th Judicial District Court Judge Division IX
Democrat
Karl W. Reifsteck
Karl Reifsteck
Age: 40
Occupation: District court judge
Education: Juris doctor cum laude from UNM School of Law
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.”
- What, in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified to serve on the district court bench?
“I’m currently serving as your appointed judge, and the only candidate in this race to go through the rigorous bi-partisan Judicial Nominating Commission. I’ve worked in this district over a decade, initiated a critical foreclosure program, decided 1,000+ cases as hearing officer, and dedicated my career to public service.”
- To what extent have you practiced in the area of criminal law and civil legislation?
“As judge, my docket includes civil and probate cases. I chaired the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for five years, to reduce crime and remove roadblocks in the criminal justice system. Strong consumer protection experience, making banks negotiate with homeowners to settle 86 percent of cases to keep our neighborhoods stable.”
- As a prospective judge, what do you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
“My past work in the legal aid community showed me that listening to people, especially those without attorneys, is vital to justice and fairness. As a judge, I know that learning new developments in the law is crucial to fair decisions. I have already taken over 15 hours of training.”
Republican
Allison P. Martinez
Allison Martinez
Age: 47
Occupation: attorney
Education: Bachelor’s degree in mass communications (LSU) and juris doctorate degree (UNM Law School)
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.”
- What, in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified to serve on the district court bench?
“I have worked as a practicing attorney in New Mexico for 16 years. I served for many years as a prosecutor at the DA’s office in Albuquerque and as legal counsel for various state agencies. I have litigated hundreds of cases, and I am very familiar with the New Mexico court rules and procedures.”
- To what extent have you practiced in the area of criminal law and civil legislation?
“I have tried scores of felony jury trials as a prosecutor, and I have handled several civil cases through all stages, including discovery, trial, and the appeal process.”
- As a prospective judge, what do you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
“I have the experience and integrity to ensure that every litigant in my courtroom receives a fair trial according to the rule of law. My rigorous work ethic will afford each case the requisite knowledge of the law, and my professional demeanor will allow all participants to know they have equal access to justice in my courtroom.”
VOTER INFORMATION
Early voting at alternate sites
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, Oct. 22-Nov. 5
- Belen Community Center
- Bosque Farms Public Library
1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms
- Valencia County Administration Offices
Absentee ballots
The last day to request an absentee ballot from the Valencia County clerk’s office is Thursday, Nov. 3. Absentee ballots must be returned to the clerk’s office, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas, by 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Absentee ballot drop boxes
- Valencia County Administration Office
- Belen Community Center
- Bosque Farms Public Library
1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms
Voting convenience centers:
7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8
- Ann Parish Elementary
112 Meadow Lake Rd., Meadow Lake
- Belen Community Center
- Belen Public Library
- Bosque Farms Public Library
1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms
- Century High School
- Del Rio Senior Center
351 Rio Communities Blvd., Rio Communities
- Don Jose Dolores Cordova Cultural Center
- El Cerro Mission Community Center
309 El Cerro Mission Rd., El Cerro Mission
- Logsdon Hall
- Los Lunas Schools Administration
- Pueblo of Isleta Veteran’s Center
- Tomé Dominguez de Mendoza Community Center
- Town of Peralta Town Hall
- The University of New Mexico-Valencia Workforce Training Center
1020 Huning Ranch Road, Los Lunas
The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.
