RELATED STORIES

• 2006 Voter Guide
• (Barbara) Anne Stirling, Democrat

More Local Politics

• Red lights, cameras, action: Albuquerque program back on, but so is feud
• New Mexico hopefuls for U.S. Senate tout experience at debate
• Reports: Personal funds help some New Mexico congressional candidates

MOST RECENT TRIB STORIES

• ABQTrib.com to remain available
  08:48 a.m., February 25, 2008
• Congressman is indicted
  08:37 a.m., February 23, 2008
• Series of attacks target Green Zone
  08:36 a.m., February 23, 2008
• Iran is defying U.N., agency says
  08:35 a.m., February 23, 2008
• Waterboarding approval probed
  08:34 a.m., February 23, 2008

TRIB IN THE BLOGOSPHERE*

• Albuquerque Old Town
• Ty Murray Invitational thrills fans in Albuquerque
• Is Rome Burning?
• Ominous Skies
• The Road to Invalidation

*Note: The Tribune does not create and is not responsible for the blogosphere's headlines and stories. These links to blogs talking about ABQTrib.com are automatically generated. Use them at your own risk.

STORY TOOLS

• E-mail story
• Comments
• iPod friendly
• Printer friendly

SHARE THIS STORY [?]

Candidate for District 23 state representative

Name: Eric A. Youngberg (i), Republican

Age: 39

Campaign Web site address: None

Occupation: Attorney

Family: I'm a third-generation New Mexican.

Education: Juris Doctorate (University of New Mexico), master's in taxation (University of Southern California), and bachelor's in accounting (University of Southern California).

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

I have been the state representative for this district for the past four years. During this time, I gained the knowledge and experience by working between party lines in order to get legislation passed in Santa Fe. I was also co-chair of the impeachment process of former Treasurer Robert Vigil. I am honored to represent the district and look forward to the opportunity to continue serving for the next two years.

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?

Lasagna.

Last book you read:

"Wisdom From Our Fathers" by Tim Russert.

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

Too many to name.

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?

No, the minimum wage is a federal issue. However, I do believe in a fair wage for employees.

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

We need to continue our work on creating a process for the removal of elected officials who commit crimes against the state. In October 2005, I was co-chair of the impeachment process of Treasurer Robert Vigil. During that time, we created a frame work of the impeachment process, but there is still work to be done. The most important thing to do at this point is to hold elected officials accountable for their actions.

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

No.

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?

Yes, under strict physician prescription control.

What more should New Mexico do in response to drought?

Consider agricultural conservation measures.

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

I have sponsored and supported legislation that would build new schools in the cibola, give teachers better training and an opportunity for better pay, and require school districts to produce graduates who are proficient in reading, writing, and math.

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

No. Capital projects should be prioritized and not subject to the governor's veto. Capital outlay is taxpayer's money and should be spent equally throughout each district in the state.

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

Yes. I would rather build schools than prisons, but we have an obligation to keep our neighborhoods safe from convicted criminals.

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

No.

What is the greatest need in your district?

New schools and more roads.

How long have you lived in your district?

Ten years.