Meet the Candidates
Michael P. Steininger
Michael P. Steininger
Age: 60
Occupation: Special director, New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration
Education: BA in accounting; hold certifications as treasury official, municipal official, public manager, procurement official; certifications pending: county commissioner, advocate public ethics
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. Why are you running to be the next county treasurer?
“I have been involved with New Mexico government finance for approximately 16 years. I started my government career as Valencia County’s finance director. Working for the state, I have assisted counties and municipalities all over the state and now is the time to apply my skills to my own county.”
2. What can the treasurer’s office do to educate the public of why it’s critical to pay property taxes on time?
“In many counties, almost 50 percent of their operating cash comes from property taxes. Also, school districts and other governmental entities rely heavily on property taxes. Monthly, the treasurer should attend commission meetings to present current collection and distribution statistics. Public outreach though the newspaper and social media could be implemented.”
3. Once delinquent property tax bills have been turned over to the state, how will you work with the property tax division to ensure Valencia County receives what it is due quickly?
“Unfortunately, by the time delinquent accounts are turned over to the state, the county has already lost to the state all the penalty and interest the delinquent account has accumulated. The best approach is to have good records and documentation so the state can get the property to auction quickly.”
Deseri Ann Sichler (R)
Re-elected as Valencia County Treasurer
Deseri Ann Sichler (I)
Age: 47
Occupation: Valencia County Treasurer
Education: Trade School and some college
Previous elected political offices: Valencia County Treasurer
Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”
1. Why are you running to be the next county treasurer?
“To continue helping the taxpayers of Valencia County with property tax issues such as the best way to get current with their taxes, understanding their bill and their rights within the law and to continue working with state property tax division on collections.”
2. What can the treasurer’s office do to educate the public of why it’s critical to pay property taxes on time?
“I will continue to send information to them in their annual billing, as well as the informational letter we send to delinquent taxpayers and continue with published information in the newspaper and on our website.”
3. Once delinquent property tax bills have been turned over to the state, how will you work with the property tax division to ensure Valencia County receives what it is due quickly?
“I will continue working with property tax division by assisting with sending demand letters, title researching properties that are turned over to state for collections to ensure the best return on collections and assist taxpayers with their payment plan needs.”
2020 Primary Election Voter Information
Absentee in-person voting
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, from Tuesday, May 5 through Friday, May 29; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 30
Where: Valencia County Administration Building, 444 Luna Ave., in Los Lunas
Early voting
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, from Saturday, May 16, through Saturday, May 30
Where:
• Belen Community Center, 305 Eagle Lane, Belen
• Bosque Farms Public Library, 1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms
• Valencia County Administration Building, 444 Luna Ave., in Los Lunas
Election Day Voting Convenience Centers
When: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 2
Where:
• Belen Community Center, 305 Eagle Lane, Belen
• Bosque Farms Public Library, 1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms
• Del Rio Senior Center, 351 Rio Communities Blvd., Rio Communities
• Manzano Vista Fire Department, 311 El Cerro Mission Road, Los Lunas
• Pueblo of Isleta Veterans Center, 4001 N.M. 314, Isleta
• Valencia County Administration Offices, 444 Luna Ave., 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.
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April 18, 2024
