Wayne Ake
Age: 80
Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Retired business owner and retired commercial construction safety director
Highest level of education: BS Business Management and Economics
Previously held elected office: Mayor of Bosque Farms, 12 years; village councilor of Bosque Farms, eight years
Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “No.”
- What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?
“Having served three terms (12 years) as mayor and two terms (eight years) as village councilor, I believe in strong leadership and transparency of village government. During those terms of service, the work of dedicated employees and community involvement brought much to enhance the quality of life for our residents.”
- What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
“We currently have good strong fire and police departments and will continue to strengthen and support our first responders.
“Establish strong working relationships with state and federal representatives and senators. Reestablish working relationships with our surrounding communities. Enhance school involvement. Development of the recently-purchased Brice property.”
- What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?
“The village is facing two major challenges, (1) Obtain funding and construction of an additional clarifier for our wastewater system and (2) obtain funding from state and federal sources to lower the arsenic level in our domestic water system (3) our aging infrastructure must also be addressed.”
- How can the village maintain its rural charm while encouraging economic development?
“Commercial business zoning has been limited to the boulevard and we will continue to encourage and pursue economic development on the boulevard. The rural charm within the village can be maintained by the enforcement of ordinances enacted to retain a rural atmosphere.”
Robert G. Knowlton
Age: 66
Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Engineer
Highest level of education: Ph.D.
Previously held elected office: Mayor of Bosque Farms (2012-2016; Councilor of Bosque Farms (2004-2012)
Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “No.”
- What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?
“My previous experience on the Bosque Farms governing body was very impactful to the village. I worked hard for the village to secure funding for the library addition, water/wastewater improvements, baseball field construction, etc. I also started the summer youth program. I have proven success in managing village needs.”
- What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
“My number one goal is to secure funding for the second clarifier at the sewer plant. I nearly secured capital outlay funds when I was mayor and will continue that effort. I also plan to address arsenic treatment and economic development, which was discontinued under the last two administrations.”
- What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?
“Our water and sewer challenges are a priority. With my engineering background, I am ideally suited to addressing these needs. I will continue my efforts on economic development to increase gross receipts taxes to our constrained village budget. I will continue support for our police, fire and EMS.”
- How can the village maintain its rural charm while encouraging economic development?
“Economic development is a challenge. I spent considerable effort on it when I was on the governing body, which was instrumental in getting Tractor Supply into the village. New businesses should be limited to N.M. 47 while maintaining a rural lifestyle within the rest of the village.”
Bryan L. Burks (I)
Age: 47
Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Department of the Air Force civilian
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree in cyber security, with professional certifications
Previously held elected office: Councilor, village of Bosque Farms, April 2020-Present
Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “No.”
- What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?
“I’ve served as a village councilor for the past 3 1/2 years. That experience, along with my 2 1/2 decades serving the nation in the Air Force, have given me a unique perspective that will continue to serve me well should I be reelected.”
- What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
“We’ve started several initiatives and big projects in the past few years, such as the sewer plant retrofit/upgrade, planning to expand the police and fire stations, and acquiring the property just to the north of the village office complex. It would be an honor to continue this work.”
- What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?
“Our village demographics are changing. As land previously used for farming is converted to residential plots, and younger families join our community, it will be imperative for us to invite and integrate these new perspectives, while continuing to maintain the rural feel Bosque Farms is famous for.”
- How can the village maintain its rural charm while encouraging economic development?
“A continued focus on developing the Bosque Farms Boulevard/N.M. 47 corridor, while keeping commercial activity concentrated in that area, should maintain the small town feel of the interior residential areas. If planned correctly, having a “main street” feel on N.M. 47 would only add to the small-town atmosphere.”
Erica De Smet
Age: 43
Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Dairy farmer and stay-at-home mom
Highest level of education: Some college
Previously held elected office: None
Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “No.”
- What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?
“I am highly involved in several boards and also city council meetings. For example, we were able to get the ordnance pertaining to fresh milk changed in Bernalillo County last week! I also worked for Sandia Labs for 18 years and understand the inner workings of government.”
- What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
“There is a definite split in our village between wanting to keep Bosque Farms rural and the other side that wants it to grow. I am hoping to work with our community and families to accomplish and maintain a rural lifestyle while also understanding that small growth can be beneficial.”
- What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?
“I believe a major challenge facing our community right now is the split between wanting to keep Bosque Farms rural with not growth vs those who want to see Bosque Farms grow at a more rapid pace. I believe that communication would help our community work closer together to figure out what our village needs be what it wants…”
- How can the village maintain its rural charm while encouraging economic development?
“There are many things, from agrotourism to small businesses, such as organic grocers, etc., that can allow us to teach others the rural lifestyle while keeping small businesses local and funds in the community.”
Ronita Woods (I)
Age: 63
Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Retired from teaching after 31 years at Los Lunas Schools.
Highest level of education: Master’s in education
Previously held elected office: Councilor for Bosque Farms (6 years)
Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “No.”
- What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?
“I have lived in the village for 60 plus years and been on the council for six years. I am on the Bosque Farms Fair Board, the library board, ride in the community watch car and serve lunch at the community center when I can.”
- What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
“The sewer system with a new clarifier is our number one priority. Lighting on the boulevard and what to do with new property, we’ve recently acquired, north of village offices are some of the other things we are working on.”
- What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?
“We’ve had a lot of growth in the last few years which affects our infrastructure. Keeping up with the sewer system, roads and safety have been challenging but we are working on some grants and speaking with our higher government to help us out.”
- How can the village maintain its rural charm while encouraging economic development?
“We have gotten several new businesses in the village this last year and with keeping lot sizes large it helps maintain a more rural atmosphere.”
Ginger C. Eldridge
Age: 55
Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Former educator in Los Lunas Public Schools; Homemaker
Highest level of education: Master’s degree
Previously held elected office: Councilor, Bosque Farms
Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “No.”
- How can you ensure your fairness in adjudicating criminal cases?
“As judge, I can ensure people understand the judicial process and how decisions are made. Understandable information and clear explanations will help. As judge I can be respectful and make decisions based only on the law in a neutral and uniform manner.”
- What can the municipal court do to help ensure compliance of municipal ordinances?
“Studies show people who feel they are treated fairly in court are less likely to offend again. Taking a problem solving, community-focused approach may bring more people into compliance. Working to educate everyone about local ordinances may help everybody understand the need to follow our statutes.”
- Do you believe in alternative sentencing? If so, explain.
“Yes. Holding people responsible for their actions is important. However, municipal courts are not meant to be merely punitive. Options such as community service with clear consequences may be appropriate at times. Courts must follow rules set by the U.S. Supreme Court, the N.M. Supreme Court and the N.M. Constitution.”
Rhonda Stirling
Age: 61
Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Special education teacher for eight years, medical radiographer for 19 years, business owner for 22 years, eight years experience working with civil and criminal law.
Highest level of education: Not given
Previously held elected office: None
Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “None.”
- How can you ensure your fairness in adjudicating criminal cases?
“By applying the law to the facts as they are presented in court. Additionally making sure all parties rights are protected.”
- What can the municipal court do to help ensure compliance of municipal ordinances?
“This can be done by adopting the rules under municipal court jurisdiction, and the municipal government.”
- Do you believe in alternative sentencing? If so, explain.
“When alternative sentencing is applicable, such as probation, community service, and reducing recidivism rates.”
Important dates
Tuesday, Oct. 10
- Voter registration closes for all mail and online registrations.
New Mexico does offer same-day registration, so eligible voter can register to vote or update their voter registration and then vote on the same day at the county clerk’s office, at all early voting locations and any voter convenience center on Election Day. SDR cannot be used for absentee voting; it is only available for voters voting in person, on the same day they register or update their registration.
To use SDR bring one of the three following:
- New Mexico driver’s license or New Mexico identification card issued through the motor vehicle division of the taxation and revenue department
- Any document that contains an address in the county together with a photo ID card
- A current valid student photo ID card from a post-secondary educational institution in New Mexico, accompanied by a current student fee statement that contains the student’s address in the county.
- Absentee by mail/early in-person voting begins.
To request an absentee ballot application, go to portal.sos.state.nm.us, or call the Valencia County Clerk’s Bureau of Elections at 505-866-2080. Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, Oct. 24, either by mail or in person at the clerk’s office, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Absentee ballots must be completed and returned by 7 p.m., Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Ballots can be returned by mail, in person at the clerk’s office, at any of the early voting locations, at one of the Voter Convenience Centers on Election Day or in one of the following three secure ballot dropboxes in the county until 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Ballot dropbox locations
- Belen Community Center
305 Eagle Lane, Belen
- Bosque Farms Public Library
1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms
- Valencia County Administration Offices
444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas
Early in-person voting
Early in-person voting will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, from Tuesday, Oct. 10, through Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the Valencia County Administration Building, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas.
Saturday, Oct. 21
- Alternate early voting begins
Early voting at alternate voting sites begins on Saturday, Oct. 21, and runs through Saturday, Nov. 4. The three sites are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
- Belen Community Center
305 Eagle Lane, Belen
- Bosque Farms Public Library
1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms
- Valencia County Administration Offices
444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas
Voter Convenience Centers
7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7
- Ann Parish Elementary School
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
- Daniel Fernandez Intermediate 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 Mission
- Logsdon Hall
19676 N.M. 314, Los Chavez
- Los Lunas Schools Administration
119 Luna Ave., Los Lunas
- Peralta Town Hall
90A Molina Road, Peralta
- Pueblo of Isleta Veterans Center
4001 N.M. 314, Isleta
- Tomé Dominguez de Mendoza Community Center
2933 N.M. 47, Tomé
- UNM-Valencia Workforce Training Center
1020 Huning Ranch East Loop SW, 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 25, 2024
