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Candidate for District 44 state representative

Name: Eliot Gould, Democrat

Age: 52

Campaign Web site: www.EliotGould.com

Occupation: Business/lawyer

Family: Divorced; one son - now married.

Education: West Covina High school; Coe College; Sangamon State; LaSalle Extension University of Chicago; Academy of Political Science.

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

The experience I have bears toward legislation of well crafted, reasonable and considered law. It is not likely that I would succumb to undue pressures as I am like many New Mexicans, an independent character and principled enough to stand by my principles.

Have you ever been arrested or charged with a felony or misdemeanor? Yes. But it (should) just as well lay as a fact of the past and not be revisited.

What's the best meal you can make from scratch?

I can make a wonderful green chili chicken enchilada dish.

The last book you read: Other than a textbook in emergency management, "All the Laws But One" by William Rhenquist.

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

My biggest mistake in life was to begin smoking. I began smoking as a young cadet. It was different time. And I was probably emulating and swayed by advertising. As for learned lessons, there is a far greater awareness upon what influences, and I'm more cautious.

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 support a statewide minimum wage above $5.15. I would not `rest the laurel' that that measure alone would rank New Mexico higher in relation to poverty rate amongst the states, though. A comprehensive measure of course would require different policies of taxation and revenue, such as changes in the severance tax.

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

All I can conclude is the very core of our legislative process is being taken. The very core through a subtle hand on contributions. Not only in the 44th, but similarly in the other districts - assuring an outcome based on obsolete and antiquated statutes and laws to perpetuate as if New Mexico cannot move forward - up the ranks from 50th of the states in poverty and up the ranks from the bottom in education and up the ranks in technology and innovation.

Government should not be in the pockets of corporate interests. The needs are great in economic development, roads and infrastructure, courts administration and juvenile justice. That is not to mention the problems that arise and have arisen resulting through the rapid and unparalleled growth in Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Corrales and Sandoval County. The role of the state legislator is as leader and conduit for the communities and the public good. And while the issues are often complex, they are not unsolvable, unless they are deferred, ignored or delayed.

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

I would not vote to repeal the death penalty. By the same token, I would support improving the court processes, including DNA sampling, refined evidentiary procedures and certain safeguards so to not execute erroneously.

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

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

I'm in support of medical marijuana. I would give judicial supervision over it. You have to have accountability.

What more should New Mexico do in response to drought?

In response to drought, and in the recent flash flooding, New Mexico clearly needs to review the groundwater availabilities and aquifer levels with close monitoring and a focus of planning.. . .

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

The simple truth is that New Mexico has been failing in education, not only in the result of "No Child Left Behind" administrative programs, but in the standard benchmark of education - high school diplomas. The graduation rate of New Mexico has continuously been at the bottom of the states, 47th, 46th, 48th. There are several means by which this can be approached for more success, but none focus on further studies and administration. The focus need not be upon the system, but upon individuals to whom New Mexico has given the responsibility to assure an educated populace. The concept of teacher in front of the classroom lecturing a set lesson or module is a traditional viewpoint of the school - one we can all relate to through our own experiences.

What has yet to truly unfold is the usage of technology in the education process. I am a proponent of "distance education," individual studies and general fitness in the home setting. The barriers of classroom facilities and the extended from brick and mortar school may well be the manner for New Mexico to address its educational crisis. This will include serious review of a tiered system in place for teachers, but extended to ancillary and support personnel.

Back in 2001, I placed a research grant to "create a virtual classroom" of 168 hours based upon the premise "that a module of history of the Civil War was unchanging." Unfortunately, that didn't develop, but subsequently, I have seen many of the same characteristics suggested in the emergency management training and exercises - employing distant teams and shareholders. These tools were not available even five years ago, but now can more readily transfer information.

And, of course, parental involvement is essential. But we gear for school districts and systems, not upon the stronger efforts of PTA. Food in the schools is also important. There are studies showing increased grades with combined nutrition programs.

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

I understand capital improvements and the difference between an act that serves the balance of justice and liberty in our constitutional state of New Mexico and one that superficially serves the people but all too often runs afoul.

That means I subscribe to honest government, without conflict or prejudice and bring to it a learned self at law and sciences. I recognize the changing disposition of the public at the way things are being done in New Mexico. These seems like changing values, but as much are the traditional wants of people, good education, roads to deliver goods and services, linking families and communities. It was described as a simple truth, but all too often things get in the way - and the confusers start to spin the simple truth, a virtuous good, into something it's not. I think that might be like some of the confusion of the allocation in the current system of capital improvement money. It is currently measured and registered in Legislative service reports, and we are all against "pork" - but what is a necessity for a water district in southern New Mexico or a school district in central New Mexico can be easily "targeted" from afar. But where the problem is is in failures of oversights, continued adoption of practices which disparage the public body from the very intent of a program.

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

Our prison system, like our courts system, relies on a foundation of overburdened and understaffed . . . New prisons are not the answers but programs of good virtue, honor and fidelity.

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

I support either, but the problem is they take their paymaster form for per diem from the state and at the same time, they are collecting money from private interests. A man cannot have two paymasters. It inherently creates conflicts of interest.

What is the greatest need in your district?

The needs of the district are the result of an unparalleled growth of population. This growth pattern has well exceeded the infrastructure of services . . . (including) . . . flood control . . . traffic . . . health care . . . public transportation.

How long have you lived in your district?

I have lived in the district since my precinct was incorporated into the 44th House District from the 65th because of population shifts.