Meet the candidates: Valencia Soil & Water 2025

James Fischer (I)

Age: 68

Current occupation: Retired engineering and building inspector

Highest level of education: Degrees in electrical engineering, and degree in building construction/inspection

Previously held elected office: Supervisor VSWCD

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. “Never filed bankruptcy.”

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 convictions.”

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

“Experience in VSWCD currently.”

2. What are the most important challenges facing the district, and how do you propose to address them?

“Representing the interests of Valencia County property owners for the removal of flood insurance with the New Mexico Legislature.”

3. What is the primary mission and goal of the conservation district?

“As a board supervisor with VSWCD I am working to stop the wasteful spending of taxpayer money. To be re-elected and continue to serve and support the people of Valencia County for another term.”

Gail D. Goodman

Age: 82

Current occupation: None given

Highest level of education: Doctor of education

Previously held elected office: Supervisor, Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District, 2020-24

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and, if so, explain the circumstances. No

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

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

“I served on the board of supervisors from 2020-24, missing only two meetings. I continue to attend all announced meetings. I farm, irrigate and maintain a pollinator habitat. I belong to numerous land, water and wildlife oriented groups. I remain informed about all issues facing the district.”

2. What are the most important challenges facing the district, and how do you propose to address them?

“The lack of leadership, the lack of continuity of vision and staff. The lack of public engagement. The lack of economically responsible spending of federal, state and county funds. Solution? Focus on wildlife and habitat. Elect knowledgeable, committed supervisors who attend meetings. Vote for change.”

3. What is the primary mission and goal of the conservation district?

“The VSWCD is unique; it controls 279 acres of gorgeous bosque property and the historic Amestoy house. The major focus must be conservation and preservation of biodiversity, which requires effective management. Thriving habitat will create endless opportunities for hands-on, all-age environmental learning and enjoyment.”

Sharon Hagaman

Age: 68

Current occupation: Farmer and part-time employee at Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District

Highest level of education: Two years of college, primarily in nursing.

Previously held elected office: None

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? No

Have you ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of drunken driving, or any felony offenses in NM or any other state? No

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

“I have studied the science of permaculture, which mimics nature’s patterns to improve the land. I practice organic gardening and am a Master Naturalist. I’ve volunteered for years at the district’s Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area guiding students on field trips to Whitfield and regularly helping with public outreach.”

2. What are the most important challenges facing the district and how do you propose to address them?

“Water scarcity and barren soil are major challenges. We can increase outreach to district residents about wise water use, promote efficient irrigation practices, encourage the use of rainwater and drought-resistant crops and grasses, plant fire-adapted trees and promote healthy soil principles to conserve soil moisture and maintain living plant cover.

3. What is the primary mission and goal of the conservation district?

Serving two pueblos and five counties, the district’s mission is ‘to provide education, technical assistance, and recognition to current and future land and water stewards in the conservation of natural resources, including water, soil, plants, and wildlife.’”

Andrew Hautzinger

Age: 60

Current occupation: Hydrologist, NM Department of Environment

Highest level of education: Bachelor of Science (Watershed Science, Colorado State University)

Previously held elected office: 12 years of service on the VSWCD Board of Supervisors (2008-2020)

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances? No

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

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

“I have enjoyed a career of over 30 years as a professional hydrologist working in the natural resource arena, with over 15 years of being directly associated with the activities of the VSWCD, either as a Board Supervisor (2008-2020) or as the VSWCD District Director (2020-2024).”

2. What are the most important challenges facing the district, and how do you propose to address them?

“The district is grappling with significant challenges. It is not only dealing with diminishing water resources and struggling soils, but it is also experiencing a period of substantial turnover among staff and board members, which ultimately fails to serve the community effectively. I hope to reverse this trend.”

3. What is the primary mission and goal of the conservation district?

“The VSWCD is dedicated to helping the community members manage their natural resources and the countless connections to human activities. One of the district’s key goals is effective outreach and public education, with the Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area playing a unique role in impacting the lives of local youth.”

Eugene Pickett Jr. (I)

Age: 74

Current occupation: Farmer and voluntary (unpaid) board member of various agricultural and ranching organizations; retired mental health supervisor and retired from Valencia County government Mobile Home Specialist Supervisor.

Highest level of education: High school diploma with approximately two years of college.

Previously held elected office: Was appointed to the Board of Supervisors of the Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District in January 2025.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? No

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other states. No

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

“My experience on the NM Food and Agriculture Policy Council Governing Committee, the Rural Food Security Project, National Latino Farmers and Ranchers Trade Association, and the District Board qualify me. I’m also a certified Healthy Soil Champion who advocates for the delivery of services to small farmers and ranchers.”

2. What are the most important challenges facing the district and how do you propose to address them?

“Persistent drought in New Mexico with the curtailment of federal investment in conservation must be met with innovation. That’s why I supported our board leadership’s initiative to keep the Natural Resource Conservation Service open for business in our district, by providing office space for their outreach planners at Whitfield.”

3. What is the primary mission and goal of the conservation district?

“Our district’s new long-range conservation plan, informed by completed surveys, identified our primary goal: the conservation and management of water. Our mission is to ‘provide education, technical assistance, and recognition to current and future land and water stewards in the conservation of natural resources, including water, soil, plants, and wildlife.’”

Teresa Smith de Cherif (I)

Age: 64

Current occupation: Writer and voluntary (unsalaried) public servant; retired medical doctor.

Highest level of education: Doctorate in Medicine (M.D.); Masters of International Affairs with a Certificate of African studies; Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, Philosophy and Saharan Studies.

Previously held elected office: I am serving my 17th year on the Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors and am currently Board Chair. I am also Chair of the Board of Directors of the new Valencia County Arroyo Flood Control District.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy: No

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, 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?

“Trained in science, I’m a problem solver and mission-focused consensus builder. I’ve kept campaign promises, from diversifying funding streams — writing and securing $2.5 million in grants for 2023-2027 — to expanding services to district communities throughout Valencia and Socorro counties, Isleta and Laguna. If re-elected, I’ll continue promoting natural resource conservation.”

2. What are the most important challenges facing the district and how do you propose to address them?

“The southwest is experiencing mega-drought. To forestall desertification, the district can promote water conservation, by cost-sharing roof gutters, rain cisterns and rain gardens; recommencing subdivision reviews, requiring certified plans to mitigate soil erosion and stormwater flooding; and issuing advisories to the State Engineer and locally to stop unstainable water use.”

3. What is the primary mission and goal of the conservation district?

“Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District’s mission is ‘to provide education, technical assistance, and recognition to current and future land and water stewards in the conservation of natural resources, including water, soil, plants and wildlife.’ Our primary goal is water conservation and management, per our new long-range conservation plan.”