7th NM Senate Dist. Candidate Jeff Carr

I am running for New Mexico Senate district 7. See www.votejeffcarr.com my platform is below: Introduction: I believe in a holistic approach to government such as the way I teach history. We, whether we like it or not, live in a global economy and we must think in terms that fit that paradigm. We must take all issues in consideration because all issues are intertwined and affect every other issue in a significant or small way. For example, how do we teach our children ethics when our public officials and others get away completely, or with a slap on the wrist? How do we teach our children to protect the environment when many of us do not lead in this area? Although we must meet the challenge of individual issues, let us always keep in mind the whole society in which we live. I believe open and accessible government will go a long way in restoring public trust in government as a whole. Education: I support a strong public school system that includes charters and special funding formulas for our smaller rural schools. New Mexico has come a long way in improving the state of its public schools. Of course, there is always room for improvement and I will work hard to make sure our children have the best teachers, facilities and leadership we can provide them. Our schools are by and large doing an excellent job of educating our youth and providing the opportunities for an ever changing world. We must continue to strive for excellence by providing answers, not criticisms that only tear down, divide and demoralize our children’s schools. Our schools need highly qualified administrators and teachers who are well paid and respected academic leaders who lead by example and help provide a nurturing environment for all involved. Our classified support staff should also be well paid professionals. I believe we need to educate and nurture the whole child in order to prepare our children for a future world that we may not even be able to envision at present. They must be given the skills that will help them to thrive and adapt to unforeseen changes. These skills include; leadership, communication, art, social, citizenship, math, science, and business. We are not just preparing worker bees; we are preparing children for the responsibility of full citizenship. Water: Clean and plentiful water is in precious, short supply in our great and beautiful state, and we must do whatever is necessary to protect and preserve this natural resource for the future as well as the present. Conservation, pipelines, preserving our acequia systems and ranching, and bringing in industries that need little water are just some the areas of concern that I will always keep in mind. Law Enforcement: Being a Judge, I have had a special relationship with law enforcement and the challenges our Sheriff’s departments have in rural communities. Our law enforcement need increased funding for more officers; improved training, better pay, and high tech equipment that will help them preserve and protect us in this modern world. Over crowding in our jails and prisons could be alleviated with the use of electronic devices for non-violent offenders, and mandatory jail time should only be for violent offenders. Many drug offenders need rehabilitation, not jail. Included in this issue, and in this age of terrorism, is homeland security, emergency preparedness, and the National Guard. Economic Development: We need smart economic growth with the kind of industries that will fit New Mexico’s unique culture and environment. We need industries that need little water, employ New Mexicans, and have little environmental impact. Infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, medical facilities, and recreation are also important. Tourism, being a key to much of our local economies, should always be a consideration. Health care: We need universal health care. It is imperative for rural communities to have the help they need for quality health care without traveling great distances. Clinics with highly qualified staff and up-to-date health care facilities should be available to everyone because it is the right thing to do, and it is less expensive than using emergency rooms. With millions of baby boomers retiring, and our desire to attract these retirees to New Mexico, it is imperative that these facilities be created and maintained. We must also have adequate air medical evacuation capabilities available for the extreme cases. Please contribute with a credit card by using www.actblue.com Or write a check Made payable to Carr for Senate 7 and mail it to: Carr for Senate 7 PO Box 313 Eagle Nest, NM 87718