ELECTION 2024 candidate column: Kathleen Cates, NM House of Representatives, District 44

I am finishing my first term in the New Mexico Legislature, where I have had more bills signed into law than my predecessor, who served 20 years in the Statehouse. I have made an impact that is already making the lives of New Mexicans better.

Within House District 44, there are diverse constituencies, with both the same overall concerns and with concerns specific to an area. For instance, the village of Corrales has an issue with their siphon, which provides water necessary for the irrigation of the agriculture produced there. This is not an easy issue to fix. There are jurisdictional questions, financial concerns and the actual construction. I began working on this prior to my election to the House and have continued to do so in collaboration with local, regional, state, federal and tribal entities as well as the agricultural community in Corrales. And in the meantime, the farmers need water. This is just one complex issue that requires a legislator who is well versed in these matters.

Concerning crime, the residents of this state seem to understand (Albuquerque poll) that locking up everyone is not the solution. Understanding that judges have the discretion to deny bail or set high bail is necessary to understanding that new laws are unnecessary to keep violent offenders off the streets. Addressing the root causes — homelessness, drugs, poverty and behavioral health is necessary. That is what I have been doing. New Mexico has 6.5% of its population in prison. New York has 3% of its population in prison. Mass incarceration is not the solution.

It is easy to say that you will address certain issues. It is much harder to actually work to address those issues. Amending and making laws requires collaboration with many interested parties — other legislators in both houses, the governor, the specific departments affected, the interest groups that both support and oppose the legislation and listening to the constituents of your district.

That is what I have been doing for the past two years. Actual experience, already created relationships, knowledge of the intricacies of the topic, understanding the process. The choice is clear.