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Candidate for District 16 state representative

Name: Antonio "Moe" Maestas, Democrat

Age: 38

Campaign Web site: www.moejustice.com

Occupation: lawyer, owner of The MoeJustice Law Office

Family: Single, no children; 13 nieces and nephews.

Education: University of New Mexico School of Law, J.D. 1998, University of Washington, B.A. 1995, Valley High School, 1986.

Please list the experience you have related to the position you are seeking.

I have the experience, the educational background and the leadership sills necessary to provide strong representation for the West Side. I have the communication skills and experience to build coalitions and bring people together to find common ground. I have the organizational skills to participate in empowering the people in the district so that together we can successfully obtain the much needed funding and resources to build new schools and better transportation systems and infrastructure.

Have you ever been arrested or charged with a felony or misdemeanor? If yes, explain.

Yes, I was arrested for a traffic ticket bench warrant. I have never been charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime.

What is the best meal you can cook from scratch?

Steak (medium rare, of course) and shrimp scampi.

Last book you read:

"Lincoln's Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness."

What was your biggest mistake in life and what lesson did you learn?

I can't recall a major mistake; however, I try to live life to the fullest and enjoy each new day. Each new day is a chance to learn, grow, and become a better person.

A recent report by the Fiscal Policy Institute found that states with a minimum wage above $5.15 have had faster job growth in the small-business and retail trade sector than states with the federal minimum wage. Given that, would you support a statewide minimum wage of $7.50? Why or why not?

Yes. I will be an outspoken proponent on behalf of the workers of New Mexico. Not only is a livable minimum wage better for working people and their families but it creates positive economic externalities for the state because these workers are also consumers.

The Legislature in 2007 will consider some ethics reforms. What one change would you make to improve ethics in our state government?

Ethics reform must also involve workshops for all elected officials. The appearance of impropriety must become our new ethical standard (Not just impropriety) so our citizens regain confidence in our governmental institutions.

Would you vote to repeal the death penalty in New Mexico?

Yes, as a former prosecutor, I've seen first hand the vast resources that are taken away from other violent crimes cases in order to prosecute a single death penalty case.

Would you support and fund a way for the Legislature to keep better tabs on public building projects?

Yes. When spending taxpayers' money, the utmost diligence and oversight must take place to ensure efficiency and accountability.

Would you support a measure that would allow chronically ill patients to use marijuana?

Yes, if prescribed by a doctor or physician.

What more should New Mexico do in response to drought?

Water is a precious resource but also a scarce commodity. First, we need to do everything possible so that residential dwellings and industry continue to decrease their daily water usage. Second, we must have a plan (and its legal structures already in place) before a severe drought hits so that our limited water resources can be put to beneficial use.

What can be done to improve the state's public schools?

Our children deserve smaller class sizes, which can only be accomplished by building new schools on the West Side. In addition, APS needs to re-establish its credibility with our community to be able to bond at or near 100 percent. New Mexico's public schools need to incorporate a modern economics curriculum that teaches basic market principles and the importance of establishing good credit to have access to capital to guarantee long-term economic growth for our state.

Is the current system for allocating the state's capital improvement money working? Why or why not? What specifically would you change?

It could be improved by making it more efficient. Currently, there is too much funding not being utilized within in a reasonable time. Regarding the allocation of capital improvement moneys to each district, I will work with all West Side lawmakers; senators and house members, Republicans and Democrats, to build coalitions and pool our collective resources in order to build the new West Side schools our children deserve.

Should the state build another prison to deal with the increasing inmate population?

No. Like any other government program, the state must prioritize when dealing with scarce resources. As someone who was on the front lines of the criminal justice system as a DWI and domestic violence prosecutor, I know the state must prioritize incarcerating violent offenders and sexual predators and look to alternatives to long term expensive prison sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.

Would you support an increase in lawmaker per diem or a salaried Legislature?

Yes, because it will help our democracy. How many working people can go two months out of the year without a paycheck? Our Legislature must reflect its citizenry and not only be filled by those who can afford to serve. At some point, we must reconsider our "citizen legislature" and admit that it needs to turn "pro." This would help facilitate imposing a gift ban and allow younger people to run for office.

What is the greatest need in your district?

Educational investment, in particular new schools to offset severe overcrowding so our children have the tools to succeed; more effective transportation systems so people have more time to spend with their families; reducing crime such as DWIs, burglaries and domestic violence; basic sewage infrastructure and building strong, jobs-based economic development on the West Side.

How long have you lived in your district?

I've been living on the West Side nine years. In 2002, my West Side precinct was redistricted to an adjacent house district. Last year, I purchased my home within the district.