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Frank is a native New Mexican who was raised in Albuquerque. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he rose to become a Marine Drill Instructor training Marines how to become Marines. After serving honorably, he attended college under the G.I. Bill earning a B.A from UNM and a J.D. from Santa Clara School of Law.
Frank has worked as a small business owner and in the private sector for over 30 years. He is a member of the NM Veterans and Military Families Caucus advocating on behalf of Active-Duty Military Members, Veteran’s, and their families.
A robust water policy for New Mexico should prioritize sustainable management practices to address the state’s water scarcity challenges. This includes promoting efficient irrigation methods, incentivizing water conservation in agriculture, and investing in modern infrastructure for water storage and distribution. Collaboration among stakeholders, incorporating indigenous water management knowledge, and implementing proactive measure to adapt to climate change are essential components for ensuring a resilient and equitable water future for New Mexico.
Improving healthcare in New Mexico requires a multifaceted strategy. First, expanding access to healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, would address disparities and ensure residents have timely access to medical care. Protecting women’s health and reproductive rights is critical. Additionally, investing in preventative care initiatives, mental health services, and healthcare workforce development can contribute to a more robust and equitable healthcare system in the state. I also advocate for increasing the reach of broadband to better telehealth support.
To enhance public safety in New Mexico, a comprehensive approach is needed, combining community engagement, law enforcement collaboration, and proactive crime prevention strategies. Investing in community policing programs that foster positive relationships between law enforcement and residents can contribute to trust building and crime reduction. Simultaneously, addressing socio-economic disparities, providing mental health resources, and supporting education initiatives are crucial elements in creating a safer and more resilient environment for the people of New Mexico.
A Quality Education should be a right, and not a privilege. Increasing funding for schools to address resource disparities, especially in underserved areas, to facilitate smaller class sizes and better teacher-student ratios. Broadband should be available to all students regardless of their location. Additionally, investing in professional development for educators, implementing evidence-based curriculum enhancements, and fostering community engagement to collectively contribute to elevating the overall quality of education in the state.
My number one priority is improving our economy. I’ll focus on creating jobs, pushing for skills training programs, support of small businesses and more to ensure our economy continues to create opportunities for families. I support common-sense economic policies that keep hard earned money in your pocket. I will work to ban companies from charging hidden or misleading “junk fees”, price gouging, and surprise billing
Fighting inflation and lowering costs starts with making more stuff right here. There is no reason that the next generation of technology, from defense to clean energy to the microchips that power our phones, can’t be manufactured right here in New Mexico.
New Mexico is blessed with an abundance of energy producing natural resources. I believe in an all-of-the-above energy policy that includes fossil fuels and clean renewable energy. Responsible fossil fuel extraction leads to lower prices at the gas pump, provides good paying jobs, and is the largest single source of revenue for our state budget. This revenue funds vital state programs and helps to lower your taxes. Harnessing New Mexico’s Clean Renewable Energy provides us with additional energy, revenue, and high paying jobs while protecting the environment.
I’m running because it’s time for politics to transcend party lines and focus on shared goals. I am committed to bringing people together, regardless of political affiliations, to find common-sense solutions for our shared challenges. Let’s move beyond partisanship and work together to build a stronger future for all New Mexicans. This is a recent example of partisan politics taking place over bipartisan legislation.
New Mexico has the second highest suicide rate among Veterans and in the Nation. This is a health crisis. This past legislative session, House Bill 298 was introduced to the House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee to help deal with this growing crisis. Its goal is to get Veterans and Active-Duty personnel the help they need before it’s too late.
But…
My opponent is the Ranking Member of the House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee and a co-sponsor of HB 298. On February 4, 2024, when this bill came before his committee, my State Representative, along with the other three members of his political party that sit on this committee, didn’t attend the hearing. They didn’t show up because their party leadership asked them not to.
This is the type of party politics that all too often jeopardizes sound legislation that both political parties agree with. Fortunately, the bill cleared the committee, even though four members were missing, and made it to the House and Senate floors where it passed with only one dissenting vote. It was signed into law by the governor a couple of weeks later. If this bill had not passed this committee on that day, it could have been delayed until next year resulting in Veterans and Military Personnel loss of life through suicide.
This is just one example of why I will not choose a political party over what is best for New Mexicans.
This is a timeline of the relevant portion of the hearing. Click on the link below to view the actual hearing.
Date: Feb 4, 2024
3:24 AM – Audio begins and roll call is taken by Chairman Alcon (D).
3:24 AM – My Representative is not present (Note: the other members of his political party are absent as well)
3:25 AM – Rep Garcia (D) introduces HB298 Service Members Suicide Prevention.
3:27 AM – Joan Dickerson from VMFC gives powerful testimony on the importance of HB298.
3:30 AM – Vote on the bill. The bill passes 6-0 to advance to Appropriations despite four missing members. The hearing lasted for six minutes.
3:31 AM – House Bill 302, Department of Defense Military Recommendations is introduced. Four members are still missing.
(Note: The hearing is meeting at this time because members of one political party filibustered legislation the afternoon of February 3rd until about 3:15 AM, which is their right to do. That resulted in the hearing being delayed until 3:24 AM. After causing this delay, they then failed to attend the hearing.
Watch the video here:
https://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00293/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20240204/-1/74645