Barbara Romo (I)
Barbara Romo (I)
Age: 64
Occupation: 13th Judicial District Attorney
Education: J.D. with honors from the University of Nebraska, 1995; MSM in Science of Management; B.A. Journalism with high honors from the University of Nebraska, 1983
Previous elected political offices: None prior to the current position
Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a felony or DWI in New Mexico or in another state? “Arrested in January 2009, pled guilty in March 2009 in Sandoval County.
- What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?
“The extensive experience I brought to the office and leadership skills honed as a career prosecutor and as an officer in the U.S. Army allowed me to establish an office of highly ethical, competent and professional staff members. My first term has served to expand my knowledge and sharpen my skills.”
- What do you see as the district attorney’s primary role?
“The primary role of the District Attorney is to seek justice for all who are victimized by crime by vigorously but fairly prosecuting crimes in the district. Act as a strong community partner and voice in seeking policies to increase community safety.”
- What trends in criminal activity should the district attorney’s office address?
“My oath requires I prosecute all felonies, DWIs and Domestic Violence cases that occur in the district. Though I would like to see criminal justice reforms to address issues such as the rise in violent crime. I and the other 13 state district attorneys work with legislators to seek changes.”
- How can the DA’s office help reduce the likelihood of an accused perpetrator — who is a victim of abuse, neglect or trauma themselves — from becoming a repeat offender?
“Through a vigorous Pre-Prosecution Diversion Program run by the DA Office where non-violent first time non-violent offenders are given a chance to keep their record clean as well as assistance with education, employment, finances, substance abuse and any other issues that underlie their missteps with the law. Treatment Courts are also very beneficial.”
VOTING INFORMATION
Absentee by mail
The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the June primary election is Tuesday, May 21. Absentee ballots can be requested by visiting nmvote.org.
If they are not returned by mail, absentee ballots can be returned in person at the following locations by 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 4:
- Valencia County Clerk’s Office, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas
- Any of the early in-person or alternate early voting locations.
- Any of the 15 Voting Convenience Centers open on Election Day throughout the county.
- Any of the three secure absentee ballot drop boxes
- Belen Community Center, 305 Eagle Lane, Belen
- Bosque Farms Public Library, 1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms
- Valencia County Administration Building, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas
Early, in-person voting
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, through Friday, May 17, Monday through Saturday
Valencia County Administration Building, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas
Alternate, early voting
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 18, through Saturday, June 1, Monday through Saturday
- Belen Community Center, 305 Eagle Lane, Belen,
- Bosque Farms Public Library, 1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms
- Pueblo of Isleta Veterans Center, 4001 N.M. 314, Isleta
- Valencia County Administration Building, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas
Voting Convenience Centers
7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 4
- Ann Parish Elementary, 112 Meadow Lake Road, Meadow Lake
- Belen Community Center, 305 Eagle Lane, Belen
- Belen Public Library, 333 Becker Ave. Belen
- Bosque Farms Public Library, 1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms
- Century High School, 32 Sun Valley Road, Los Lunas
- Del Rio Senior Center, 351 Rio Communities Blvd., Rio Communities
- Don Jose Dolores Cordova Cultural Center, 426 Jarales Road Jarales
- El Cerro Mission Community Center, 309 El Cerro Mission Road, El Cerro
- Logsdon Hall, 19676 N.M. 314, Los Chavez
- Los Lunas Schools Administration, 119 Luna Ave.,, Los Lunas
- Meadow Lake Community Center, 100 Cuerro Lane, Meadow Lake
- Pueblo of lsleta Veterans Center, 4001 N.M. 314, Isleta
- Tomé Adelino Fire Department Valley Station, 2755 N.M. 47, Tomé
- Town of Peralta Town Hall , 90A Molina Road, Peralta
- UNM-Valencia Workforce Training Center, 1020 Huning Ranch, Los Lunas
Julia M. Dendinger began working at the VCNB in 2006. She covers Valencia County government, Belen Consolidated Schools and the village of Bosque Farms. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists Rio Grande chapter’s board of directors.
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May 16, 2024
