Corrales to hold debate for mayoral candidates

CORRALES — Corrales will hold a debate forum for candidates vying for the mayor seat Oct. 21 in the Recreation Center New Gym on Jones Road.

The village council approved an item for the event application in the consent agenda during the regular meeting Oct. 14. The gym will be closed to all other activities during the forum.

After candidate Bob Eichhorst dropped out of the race, the two remaining candidates are incumbent Mayor James Fahey and his opponent, Frederick Hashimoto. Eichhorst publicly announced his resignation from candidacy when the village council voted to “defend the U.S. constitution” in September.

According to the nonpartisan League of Women Voters voter guide to the local election in Sandoval County, both Fahey and Hashimoto have made one of their priorities the water availability in the village. Fahey states that a 40-year water plan is already in the works. The village also recently gained a step forward with the Corrales siphon project. Hashimoto focused more on the preservation of the rural character of the village, stating they should protect agriculture and wells.

The two shared similar thoughts on traffic congestion but differed slightly on the execution of inspiring safety. Fahey alluded to recent talks with New Mexico’s Department of Transportation to study Corrales Road, which locals have said in spots poses a danger to drivers and foot traffic alike, and other roads in the village, though, he does not believe much can be done except to slow traffic down for the safety of foot traffic. Hashimoto agreed with the inclusion of NMDOT but stated he does not favor new roads nor increased tourism. Fahey did not specify his views on either of these points in the guide.

Lastly, the guide asks the candidates of possible federal funding cut impacts to the village.

“We have been fiscally responsible and putting aside some of the additional revenue we have received to provide a buffer for the community as the economy suffers,” Fahey’s statement reads.

“The Village gets very little federal funding, and public services and vital operations are not dependent on them. When applying for project funding, consideration should be given to whether that is durable. Ideally, requests should be fact-based and nonpartisan,” Hashimoto’s statement reads.

The forum is set for 6:30-7:30 p.m. and is open to village residents. The Observer is working on arrangements to live stream the forum.