Elizabeth Winterrowd, candidate for New Mexico State Rep. District 53

Name: Elizabeth Winterrowd

Age: 67

Party: Republican

Occupation: Retired special education and talented student teacher of 17 years

Relevant experience: I have a Masters Degree in Education, have traveled the world for many years as an Air Force spouse, and have taught many bright young children during my time as a teacher. Through it all, I have learned that families are overlooked, entire communities are forgotten, and education is falling apart. I believe that my life experiences and knowledge of the issues facing our state will bring relevant experience to the 53rd District.

Personal: I am a proud mother of four adult children, one of whom I adopted through the New Mexico Foster Care System. I have personal experience with CYFD and its failure to protect New Mexican children. I plan to make it a priority to hold this agency accountable.

Website: https://lizfornm.com/

Elizabeth Winterrowd is running for the 53rd District of New Mexico State Representative. Here are her answers to KVIA’s questions about her candidacy.

School safety is a topic that concerns many New Mexicans. What policies will you develop to protect New Mexico students?

As an educator and mother, I am continually concerned about the well-being of students in our schools. As a community, we must make the safety of our children a top priority, which is why I believe increasing police presence in and around our schools is a must. I also believe that safety is not just about physical safety. The political agenda that has been pushed into our schools has locked parents out of the classroom and put both children and teachers at risk. We need to refocus our attention on education and opportunity, instead of focusing on adult political and social agendas that are blatantly inappropriate for young children.

Do you have plans to improve access to mental health care in New Mexico?

The state has failed to address the needs of those struggling with mental health. Some of it is fueled by trauma, something I am familiar with from my interactions with CYFD and the state’s foster care system. But a large portion of it stems from drug addiction, which is made worse by the influx of illegal drugs flooding across our borders. We need protection at our borders to limit access to narcotics, and we need to work with community organizations to provide access to rehabilitation facilities and programs.

What measures should the government take to tackle inflation?

We have an incredibly strong agricultural sector, great small businesses, and natural resources that other states can only dream of. Our economy may be struggling with inflation on a national scale, but it is taxes and over-regulation at the state level that are keeping New Mexican families from feeling any relief. Our businesses can barely survive with the mandates that are placed on them, so they raise prices to meet the regulatory burden. Likewise, our government is not currently harnessing the full potential of our natural resources. Instead, they are closing industries, destroying jobs, and fighting for a green agenda that requires New Mexicans to spend their own money to comply.

First, we need to deregulate. When companies don’t have to worry about fines and taxes, and when companies that manage natural resources can deliver those resources more efficiently, we all reap the benefits of lower prices. Second, with healthy government revenues and a consistent surplus, we can afford to give back to taxpayers instead of taking more money out of their pockets.

Immigration continues to be a topic of debate for New Mexicans. How should the state respond to the crisis?

As a county that is incredibly close to the southern border, we often witness the consequences of an unprotected border. Cartels are sustained by human trafficking, gun trafficking, and drug trafficking. In addition, the influx of so many drugs into our state has created a serious crime problem. If we care about our citizens and want to stop the brutality that occurs daily at the border, we must take responsibility and protect our own border.

How can you help New Mexican residents make ends meet as the cost of living rises?

Not only should the state deregulate so that businesses can operate without the government on their backs, but it should also look for opportunities to give back to taxpayers and stimulate the economy. New Mexico State Government is currently operating with a record budget surplus and we have an opportunity to give back to taxpayers and help businesses get back on their feet.

What changes would you like to see made to New Mexico’s current abortion laws?

Right now, New Mexico is the late-term abortion capital of the United States, and our current politicians seem to want it that way. Access to abortion up until the date of birth is not something the majority of our citizens are proud of. The state has gone too far. Women and children deserve better protections and health care.

What is the most pressing need in District 53?

We must address the crime in our community that has been made worse by the human and drug trafficking on our borders. While the radicals in the legislature have actively ignored every opportunity to address crime, I will join the governor and other wise leaders in our state legislature who have worked hard to reduce crime and close the loopholes that have allowed dangerous criminals back into our neighborhoods and streets.

I also want to make sure that our education system is fixed. As an educator, I believe it is important to provide opportunities for the children of this state, including creating opportunities for vocational training and trade schools. Teachers should be nurtured and not threatened by the government, parents should be involved in their children’s learning, and politics should be kept out of the classroom.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

In some ways, making progress in our state government is like creating order in a classroom: everyone comes from a different background, everyone has their own answer or agenda, and everyone wants to be heard. But I will not tolerate sitting in the back of the room, raising my hand, and waiting to be spoken to. Our community and our needs cannot be overlooked. I will listen to the concerns of the people I represent and use my experience to amplify your voice.