Magdalena Mayor

El Defensor Chieftain sent candidate questionnaires to Socorro County candidates for the upcoming election. Responses from candidates will run over the next several newspaper editions. Candidate answers to basic info was limited to 20 words and questions were limited to 50 words. Answers past the word limit are cut off, responses that are blank were not answered. There is only one official candidate for Magdalena Mayor.

Michael Thompson

Age: 67

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): I am a retired Metallurgical Engineer and Quality Assurance Director. My career was spent in the oilfield manufacturing business.

Highest level of education: BS Metallurgical Engineering (NM Tech, 1983); MBA (Our Lady of the Lake University, 1997) Previously held elected office: Currently, Village of Magdalena Trustee

Years of residency in Magdalena: 5

Have you ever been convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position? My experience in engineering and quality management would benefit Magdalena in construction endeavors and improve the quality of services provided by the village to our residents. Also, since retiring to Magdalena in 2020 I have been involved in several volunteer activities, including as a Trustee.

2. What will be your priorities if elected? Improvements in the essential services provided to residents by the village, and assurance that the infrastructure will be built and maintained to provide these services in the future.

3. What are the most important challenges facing the Village of Magdalena, and how do you propose to address them? Looking to the future, the challenge will be to improve the quality of life in Magdalena while retaining the unique character and culture that we love. Every proposed project should be evaluated not just for financial cost versus benefits but also to anticipate the negative unintended consequences to our neighbors.

4. What qualities and actions do you believe define an effective mayor?

The ability to prioritize, plan and manage projects. To anticipate the needs of the community and to meet those needs with the resources available.