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Candidate for District 23 state representative

Name: (Barbara) Anne Stirling, Democrat

Age: 50

Campaign Web site address: www.stirling2006.com

Occupation: Documentary filmmaker

Family: Divorced

Education: Master's in education; film and business intensives

Please list the experience you think would make you a good state representative.

I spent years in organizational and business development, facilitating large group discussions through to agreement on key issues that needed to be acted upon. Strategic planning is a strong part of my training, and I use it regularly as an documentarian. For me, documentary filmmaking is about taking a complex subject and distilling it down to be simple and understandable. I see all this as an asset in the legislature.

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

No.

What is the best meal you can cook from scratch?

Any kind of fancy omelette, with salsa. I especially love making them with fresh spinach, basil and feta cheese.

Last book you read:

"Girl with a Pearl Earring" by Tracy Chevalier.

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

Maybe answering surveys like this . . .

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?

I believe that we all should make a living wage, and be paid fairly for the work performed. I support the proposed $7.50, while appreciating care needs to be taken in how this is implemented to not cause undue hardship to employers.

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

I believe campaign finance reform is of importance because we need to have the public's trust. If gifts or campaign contributions are suspect in any way, then we as legislators are less effective as representatives of the people.

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

This is a difficult issue. I believe we have a responsibility to keep the public safe and to punish those who commit violent crimes. Research has shown that capital punishment has little impact on the reduction of violent crimes. We also know that there have been a significant number of cases of wrongful imprisonment and execution of innocents. To that end, I support replacing the death penalty with a sentence of life imprisonment.

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

Yes. Spending public money is an important responsibility and one of public trust. We have to be accountable that we spend every dollar wisely. We need to ensure that public building projects adhere to codes and regulations resulting in fine quality we all can be proud.

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

I understand some chemotherapy patients benefit from medical marijuana. Yet, as long we are putting people in prison for marijuana use, this measure seems full of conflict. This needs more study.

What more should New Mexico do in response to drought?

To protect our community water systems we need to identify additional methods for reducing water needs and usage. I'd like encouragement for collecting and using our gray and runoff water, to be used for lawns and irrigation. We need to reframe the term "waste" water, as all water is precious and re-useable.

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

More support for teachers and staff. A relevant, ongoing plan for professional development, training and support that is strategic and tied in with teacher needs, the schools and the districts. Benefits will be felt in the classroom.

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

The governor made a call to action on capital outlay reform. We need to work with district representatives across the state and the branches of government in order to provide an intense focus on long-term planning and coordination for capital improvements that include clear criteria, guiding principles, priorities and money allocation.

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

If the numbers warrant it, then we'd need to look at it. My preference is to put more money into programs that support young people. To support anything that would minimize the number of people getting into a life of crime in the first place.

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

All legislators are volunteers. In this election, over 40 House districts are uncontested races. We need more choice at the polls. I believe we can attract a more diverse cross-section of candidates if there was more financial support for those holding office.

What is the greatest need in your district?

Our district is diverse, with diverse needs including issues of effective traffic management with our growing West Side population. How that growth is planned and managed will impact our communities from our homes to our schools.

How long have you lived in your district? Seven years.