Primary 2022: Valencia County probate judge candidates

Democrats

Sharalaina Piro-Rael

Age: 32

Occupation: Music store owner, music teacher

Education: Bachelor of Arts in music from UNM

Previous Elected Political Offices: None

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

1. What is your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“I graduated valedictorian from LLHS, magna cum laude from UNM, and I’ve been running a successful business for almost nine years. I’ve got the energy and drive to be an excellent probate judge. I believe everyone deserves kind and caring support through the probate process, no exceptions.”

2. How does a probate judge make sure estates are settled properly?

“Follow the will, the desires of the heirs/devisees, prior court orders affecting distribution, and ask for agreement from all heirs regarding the probate judge’s recommendation. Basically, follow the procedures. My job would be to simplify this process.”

3. A probate judge can appoint a personal representative for an estate. How would you determine who is best suited for that role?

New Mexico statutes mandate priority by will, surviving spouse, adult surviving devisees/heirs, unanimous family choice or pre-death appointment by family or guardian ad litem in case of minors. In the case of a dispute over who should be appointed personal representative, it is transferred to district court for decision.”

 

Helen (Cole) Saiz

Age: 52

Occupation: Retired government/small business owner

Education: UNM-VC and New Mexico 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.”

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“I have 29 years of public service, including in the county clerk’s office, which handles real property and deeds. Along with my New Mexico Edge classes and having served as an elected official. I have the experience and the knowledge to adequately serve as probate judge.”

2. How does a probate judge make sure estates are settled properly?

“It is up to the representative to follow the probate court, distribute all assets of the estate to the persons entitled, and ensure that all creditors have been paid. The probate judge assists in navigating this process, which must be handled with empathy and compassion during these critical life decisions.”

3. A probate judge can appoint a personal representative for an estate. How would you determine who is best suited for that role?

“Appointing a personal representative can be done through a few ways. One, according to the will. Two, by hardship through law. Three, by consent of the heirs. It is the duty of the probate judge to appoint someone who has the highest priority to serve or a person named in the will to serve as the representative.”

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Republicans

Jennifer L. Jaramillo

Age: 37

Occupation: Mortuary services – Romero Funeral Home

Education: GCU criminal justice coursework;  high school diploma 2003

Previous elected Position offices: None

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a Felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

1. What is your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“My experiences include: investigation analyst, certified pharmacy technician, criminal justice coursework and currently mortuary services. All of these educational, life and work experiences contribute to my knowledge for probate judge. Most importantly, being a person of integrity, compassion and empathy for whom people can trust are my proudest qualifications.”

2. How does a probate judge make sure estates are settled properly?

“The judge must have a clear understanding of probate law to settle estates properly. With that understanding, a thorough inspection of records with unbiased integrity will guide my decision-making process. My sincere compassion and understanding are attributes expected by residents during their difficult time.”

3. A probate judge can appoint a personal representative for an estate. How would you determine who is best suited for that role?

“I will rely on my experience, as an investigations analyst in conjunction with my current role in mortuary services, to be pragmatic aspects of my decision-making process. Having a clear understanding of my role and jurisdiction of the Probate Court will produce a fair outcome for my future citizenry.”

 

Cynthia A. Runyon

Age: 47

Occupation: School and non-profit administrator, marketing

Education: Associate degree in applied sciences

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.”

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“My daily work is problem-solving, attention to detail, working with families in crisis/conflict, volunteers and those in need. I organize and maintain multiple systems within three non-profits and keep volunteers working well together. I am qualified to serve as a probate judge because I am compassionate, capable and composed.”

2. How does a probate judge make sure estates are settled properly?

“The probate judge must make certain all paperwork is in order, venue is correct, proper consents are signed, the appropriate representative is in place, and the decedent’s property has been appropriately passed to heirs. Studying the manuals and codes, and asking questions of other judges will guide the probate judge.”

3. A probate judge can appoint a personal representative for an estate. How would you determine who is best suited for that role?

“The legal processes determine the pathway to discovering the appropriate personal representative in most cases. When no one person has highest priority to serve, then all parties must agree to the nomination of one person to serve, or the case goes to district court.”

 

Wendy Wallace (I)

Age:  51

Occupation: Self employed, real estate

Education: Graduate of 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: Appointed as probate judge in March

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

1. 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. This experience gives me the unique ability to help serve our residents. As the appointed probate judge I continue to expand my knowledge in probate continuing education.”

2. How does a probate judge make sure estates are settled properly?

“The probate judge ensures the appropriate person or persons are appointed personal representative by applying New Mexico statues. The settlement of the estate is the responsibility of the personal representative. They must follow what’s stated in the will or intestate laws if no will exists.”

3. A probate judge can appoint a personal representative for an estate. How would you determine who is best suited for that role?

“As probate judge, I follow all NM statues in determining who has the highest priority to serve. The statue sets out who has priority from first to last. It’s important my determination is based on law and not opinion.”