Democrat
Helen (Cole) Saiz
Helen (Cole) Saiz
Age: 53
Occupation: Retired government, customer service representative with United Airlines
Education: UNM-VC and NM Edge
Previous elected political offices: County commissioner District 1
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 for this position?
“I have 29 years of public servant service. The experience that qualifies me for probate judge include county commissioner: Served as a public elected official for Valencia County for interpreting regulations, codes and representing the citizens of my district for village interests. County clerk and county assessor’s office: Handled the probate process which handles real property and deeds…”
- What, in your opinion, are the most important duties of the probate judge?
“Briefly the following duties are most important at a minimum: to ensure that the documentation submitted in probate is accurate and complete under New Mexico law
“To be knowledgeable about jurisdictions, venues and the handling of pleadings and probate information to the parties involved. Represent Valencia County citizens …”
- How does the probate process work?
“A brief summary of the probate process is the process by which assets of an individual, who recently passed away, transfer to the individual’s heirs. As part of this legal process, the probate court will validate the individual’s last will and testament, distribute assets to the heirs, and settle all debts …”
Republican
Wendy Wallace (I)
Wendy Wallace
Age: 52
Occupation: Real estate broker and small business owner for 30+ years
Education: Manzano HS 1988, University of Phoenix 1998-2000, NM Real Estate Associate Broker’s license 2007, NM Real Estate Broker’s license 2013.
Previous elected political offices: None; appointed probate judge in March 2022.
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 for this position?
“In real estate, I’ve assisted many Valencia County residents through the probate process dealing with wills, estates and trusts. As the appointed probate judge, I continue to gain experience daily. This gives me the unique ability to help serve our residents and expand my knowledge.”
- What, in your opinion, are the most important duties of the probate judge?
“One of the most important duties is to follow New Mexico statues when reviewing a probate packet. It’s also very important to be available for the residents, to listen and to be compassionate. Reviewing packets in a timely manner so families can begin to move forward is a priority.”
- How does the probate process work?
“Probate is a series of steps once a loved one has passed. You can call the probate office to meet with the judge or get general information about the probate process. The court can’t give legal advice but can direct you to the right place. It’s a user-friendly process.”
VOTER INFORMATION
Early in-person voting
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Oct. 11-21
Valencia County Administration Offices
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
Absentee ballots will begin going out on Tuesday, Oct. 11. 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 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
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.
491
April 18, 2024
