RELATED STORIES

• 2006 Voter Guide
• Eliot Gould, 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 44 state representative

Name: Jane E. Powdrell-Culbert (i), Republican

Age: 57

Campaign Web site: None

Family: Husband, Col. Clarence Culbert (retired)

Education: Bachelor's, plus

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

I am currently the incumbent for District 44. Since my first term, I have funded many capital improvements in my district (e.g., traffic lights on Highway 528, court house, health commons, Bernalillo Waste Water System, Corrales Fire Station, and UNM Hospital projects). Since 1963, I have been involved in community improvement activities, City Council, community centers, law enforcement and state government. Finally, I have worked in our community at various levels via employment or volunteerism.

Have you ever been arrested or charged with a felony or misdemeanor? No.

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

I can cook almost anything. I am a Powdrell! Prime rib, Swiss char salad, vegetable medley, homemade bread, German chocolate cake, and something special to drink: peach tea.

The last book you read: "A Course in Miracles"

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

In life, we have all made mistakes. For me, the life lesson was not to do it again. And with age comes wisdom. All one has to do is listen.

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. We have many single heads of household, and, contrary to held beliefs, not every one of them wants to be on welfare. So let's make it possible for these individuals to be good, dependable employees, as well as taxpayers.

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

I don't think you can make a person who is dishonest an honest person by passing a new law. We can't legislate honesty. Voters expect and deserve and elected official, no matter on what level, to be honest and accountable.

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?

No. I have concerns about the selling and purchasing of marijuana in any form due to current laws and youth.

What more should New Mexico do in response to drought?

Utilize the water that's available properly and effectively. New Mexico needs to develop a regional water authority for each sector of this state.

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

We put the majority of the state's budget in public school. It is not about money. It is about the quality, and that's why we should take some of that money and fully fund charter schools.

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

I like to think so.

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

Yes, if it is necessary.

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

Yes.

What is the greatest need in your district?

Transportation, education (schools), water, drainage, and a desalination plant.

How long have you lived in your district?

Almost nine years.