Meet the Candidates: Socorro City Council

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 were limited to 20 words and questions were limited to 50 words. Answers past the word limit are cut off.

Mary Ann Chavez-Lopez

Age: 68

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Executive Director for the El Camino Real Housing Authority.

Highest level of education: 13

Previously held elected office: City Councilor

Years of residency in Socorro: Life

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? I have 17 years of experience as a City Councilor and 1 year as the Mayor Pro Tem. I also come with 27 years of experience as the Executive Director of the El Camino Real Housing Authority, this involves a mix of leadership, strategic planning, financial management and communication skills.

2. What will be your priorities if elected? Though my priorities are many, I feel several are critical, such as substance abuse and the mental health crisis. Community Development as well Economic Development and addressing Public Safety. In order for our city to thrive, collaboration among local government, schools, community leaders and non-profit leaders will be key in

3. What are the most important challenges facing the City of Socorro, and how do you propose to address them? There are several challenging items facing the City of Socorro. Economic Development, Substance abuse along with Mental Health are several challenges. Socorro’s infrastructure (roads, public buildings, utilities) is aging, and modernizing this infrastructure is key to ensuring quality of life for residents and attracting new businesses and families. Public services

4. What qualities and actions do you believe define an effective city councilor? An effective city councilor is someone who not only has a deep understanding of their community's needs but one that actively works to address them with integrity, transparency, and a focus on collaboration.

Eddie Ray Garcia

Age: 43

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Detention Warden, Socorro County Detention Center

Highest level of education: High School Diploma; some college coursework at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM)

Previously held elected office: None

Years of residency in Socorro: 19

Have you ever been convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. I have not been convicted of any misdemeanor or felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state. I

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position? My eighteen years of experience in corrections and detention have equipped me with valuable skills in conflict resolution, community engagement, and resource management. Working with diverse individuals has honed my ability to understand and address a wide range of needs and perspectives.

2. What will be your priorities if elected? My top priorities include creating positive youth development programs, enhancing public safety initiatives, fostering economic growth and opportunity, and addressing affordable housing concerns for Socorro residents.

3. What are the most important challenges facing the City of Socorro, and how do you propose to address them? Socorro faces challenges in job creation, small business retention, and youth engagement. To address these, I propose strategies to attract new businesses, support existing enterprises, and implement youth-focused community initiatives that promote education, skill development, and positive social interaction.

4. What qualities and actions do you believe define an effective city councilor? An effective city councilor is characterized by strong communication skills, active listening, efficient decision-making, and a commitment to transparent and honest engagement with city residents and staff. Daily involvement and proactive problem-solving are also crucial for positive change.

Gordon E (Gordy) Hicks

Age: 76

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Retired from Auto Body Repair

Highest level of education: Associates Degree in Auto Body Repair

Previously held elected office: City Councilor, New Mexico Municipal League Director at Large & Treasurer, RPO Chairman & South Central Council of Governments Chairman

Years of residency in Socorro: Lifetime

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? With 32 years on the council, service as treasurer and director for the New Mexico Municipal League, Mayor Pro Tem, South Central Council of Governments president and RPO chair, plus 48 years running a local auto-body shop, I understand budgets, jobs and people in a lower-middle-income community.

2. What will be your priorities if elected? My priorities include completing infrastructure projects like community center remodels, drainage upgrades and park improvements; creating jobs and supporting small businesses; and being accessible so residents can bring concerns and get quick answers.

3. What are the most important challenges facing the City of Socorro, and how do you propose to address them? Socorro faces aging infrastructure, limited jobs and affordable housing. I’ll seek funds to repair roads and sewers, support affordable housing. As former RPO chair, I will oppose converting Spring St & Hwy 60 to a two-lane road with a roundabout, and work with DOT on other options.

4. What qualities and actions do you believe define an effective city councilor? An effective councilor listens to residents, studies budgets, collaborates respectfully, is accessible and helps people with their needs, and sees both sides of an issue before voting. My business and public-service experience taught fiscal discipline, patience, compromise and a people-first mindset.

Damien Ocampo

Age: 45

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): State Farm Insurance Agent and Financial Advisor

Highest level of education: Master's degree in Educational Administration

Previously held elected office: I’ve served on the Socorro City Council for over 5 years

Years of residency in Socorro: 25 years

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? I’ve served/fostered spiritual, physical, academic, emotional growth of youth/adults in our community for 20+ years. I value growth-mindset, listening to both sides of issues to learn differing points of view. I am motivated by finding solutions to complicated issues and thrive in an environment where others are focused

2. What will be your priorities if elected?

-Taking care of the next generation and growing youth programs.

-Continuing the hard work of current city workers in the update of Sedillo Park to get tourism up and beautify our town.

-Advocate for Solar energy to drive costs down for constituents.

-Advocating for new business growth.

-New housing developments

3. What are the most important challenges facing the City of Socorro, and how do you propose to address them?

-bringing new housing

-making Socorro a place where workers would like to live with their families

-homelessness

-drive commercial electric rates down to get businesses interested/able to open

-youth engagement to fill jobs, create next-generation workforce.

-I’d begin by collaborating with current community stakeholders- (NMTech, electric co-op, Socorro Schools,

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

-Honest, hard-working, level-headed, motivated, servant leadership

-Ability to discuss issues, then put actions into practice after considering different perspectives.

-Track record of keeping moral values at the forefront of decision-making, regardless of views on specific issues.

-Connection with community

Thank you! I look forward to serving Socorroans in the future!

Maria Rivera

Age: 50

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Supervisor within state government

Highest level of education: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice currently pursuing an MBA from WNMU.

Previously held elected office: None

Years of residency in Socorro: 45

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

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position? I have lived in Socorro for 45 years and have been a volunteer for many organizations. I am currently the Secretary for the Socorro County Fair & Rodeo Association, Vice-Chair for the NM Boys and Girls Ranch and a former CASA for children in foster care.

2. What will be your priorities if elected? My focus will be on community safety, economic development and growth, and increasing the City’s engagement with the county and NM Tech. It’s time for fresh ideas and a new perspective. The citizens of Socorro deserve to live in a safe and thriving community. My priority is to ensure that happens.

3. What are the most important challenges facing the City of Socorro, and how do you propose to address them? First, we need to establish a safer community by stopping the fentanyl crisis. This is my top priority. Second, we need to encourage businesses to come to Socorro. An additional pharmacy and family friendly activities would be a huge benefit to the entire community.

4. What qualities and actions do you believe define an effective city councilor? A willingness to learn is important when elected to office. I’m ready to learn all that’s necessary to effectively serve our community. One must also have integrity, respect, commitment to public service, be willing to engage with the community, and be a team player to achieve goals.

Stephen Rosas

Age: 59

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Co-owner of Sofias Kitchen

Highest level of education: High School Graduate with 18hrs of college UNM/TVI

Previously held elected office: Vice President of Socorro Electric Co-op Board

Years of residency in Socorro: 45 years as a Socorro Resident

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 Criminal Record

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position? I have been in business for over 20yrs and also worked in the city for 10yr combined so I feel it gives me a perspective from both the city employee side and also the business side and as a board member at SEC the public utility side.

2. What will be your priorities if elected? Main priority is trying to get more businesses and economic development for the city with start up grants and tax incentives for Start -ups with a focus on starting an economic development committee with fresh ideas.

3. What are the most important challenges facing the City of Socorro, and how do you propose to address them? Is making our cities strong again to many businesses are closing without another one taking its place and creating a stronger work force. Also to make the city more attractive for potential Tech students to attend.

4. What qualities and actions do you believe define an effective city councilor? To be able to listen to everyone and to have constructive debate with other council members and to listen to the community and go with the best idea to help Socorro thrive.

Editor’s note: The Municipal Judge position is a four year term.

Socorro City Council has four open seats, all positions are four year terms and current councilors whose terms are up include: Mary Ann Chavez-Lopez, Michael Olguin, Damien Ocampo and Peter Romero.

The following candidates did not respond to EDC’s questionnaires: Michael Olguin Jr., Peter Romero, Joe Gonzales and Mario Amaro.