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Candidate for governor

Name: John Dendahl, Republican

Age: 67

Campaign Web site address: www.dendahlforgovernor.com

Occupation: Retired business executive

Family: Wife, Jackie; seven children; nine grandchildren

Education: Bachelor's in engineering and business management

Please list the experience you think would make you a good governor.

Twenty-seven years in business; four years public service.

Have you ever been arrested or charged with a felony or misdemeanor? If yes, explain. No.

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

Souffle

Last book you read: Biography of John Adams

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

Running for public office in 1993. What lesson did I learn? Well, obviously, not much of one.

Name your top issue if elected.

Corruption in state government. Gov. Bill Richardson has a $77 million plan to reduce the number of New Mexicans without health insurance. But given the increases in care costs, can the state afford that in the long run? How could the state better control those costs? The cost of the Medicaid program continues to grow year after year. In the long run, this is an unaffordable situation for the state. The solution lies in a vibrant and growing economy. Medicaid is a poverty program and as we decrease the level of poverty, we decrease the need for the program. Along with this, incentives can be created to increase the number of employers offering health care benefits and the number of health insurance companies offering policies in New Mexico. Both would serve to increase the level of competition thereby acting to control costs.

Should the state continue to give drivers licenses to non-U.S. citizens? Why or why not?

Non-U.S. citizens who enjoy legal resident status ought to be eligible for a New Mexico drivers license. In the interest of national security, New Mexico should not offer a drivers license to any other non-U.S. citizen.

How long should New Mexico keep its National Guard troops on the U.S.-Mexico border? What are other solutions to prevent illegal immigration?

Indefinitely and in rotation with National Guard personnel from other states. Long-term solutions include a more secure border by erecting a physical fence or technology-based "fence" and enforcement of existing employment laws.

Will you take money for this campaign from people who do business with the state? Yes.

What other pledges will you make about your campaign, such as not attacking your opponent?

Tell the truth.

The state has an increasing number of people in jail who for the most part, will one day be released. What's the right - and affordable - mix of locking people up, funding rehab programs and providing alternatives to prisons that don't endanger communities?

Funding of prisons and corrections related programs are not typically on the top of the priority list of legislators or governors. Notwithstanding, however, they are a crucial function of state government and should receive an appropriate recognition in the budgeting process.

The state needs to build or expand the prison system to accommodate the growing prison population.

Would you sign legislation to allow marijuana to be used for medical purposes for qualified individuals? Should the state decriminalize marijuana or any other drug for recreational use?

Yes, I would sign legislation allowing for the use of marijuana by medically qualified individuals.

Do you have a concealed carry permit? Why or why not?

No, I don't feel the need to have one. I do, however, support the fact that New Mexico does allow for the carrying of a concealed firearm.

When should the state put a limit on the number of new water wells that can be drilled?

When it can be reliably shown that a new well impairs the senior right of another.

Would you continue the state's pre-kindergarten program if you are elected?

No, full-day kindergarten is a sufficient start to our youngsters' educational career. There is little evidence that the positive affects of pre-K are lasting. The public education system needs very substantial improvement and pre-K is an addition that distracts attention and resources unnecessarily.