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Candidate for District 30 state representative

Name: Justine Fox Young (i), Republican

Age: 27

Campaign Web site address: www.justinefoxyoung.com

Occupation: Financial systems analyst

Family: Single; Labrador retriever, Sidney.

Education: Graduated cum laude from Albuquerque Academy; bachelor's in public policy, Brown University

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

I was elected in 2004, and I've gained invaluable on-the-job experience while serving. I was a budget analyst for the legislative Finance Committee, so I've seen the public policy process work first-hand. Most importantly, I'm committed to cutting taxes and spending, fixing neighborhood schools, reducing crime, and improving quality of life in District 30.

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

I have received a few speeding tickets.

What is the best meal you can cook from scratch?

Lasagna.

Last book you read: "The World is Flat" by Thomas Friedman.

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

Not spending more time with family. Tomorrow is promised to nobody.

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?

Raising the statewide minimum wage will not improve our economy. It will raise costs for employers, who will be forced to lay off employees or raise prices, neither of which will help our state's lowest paid workers. Instead, we should reform our tax structure and concentrate on making New Mexico more conducive to creating high-wage jobs.

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 pass legislation banning gifts (which are currently unreported) from lobbyists to lawmakers, much like the federal system. I also support full "sunshine" laws and an accessible, easy-to-use online system for nearly instant disclosure of political campaign contributions and expenditures.

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

The death penalty is used in limited cases and I oppose a straight repeal of it; however, I would support a repeal if it also ends parole for convicted murderers sentenced to "life" in prison. This would have the effect of keeping more violent criminals off our streets.

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

State government already has adequate resources to keep tabs on public building projects - we need to ensure that the system and safeguards we currently have in place are enforced.

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

I oppose drug legalization, but I believe a medical doctor should have the right to prescribe any scientifically sound therapy to prolong the life of a patient and to alleviate pain and suffering.

What more should New Mexico do in response to drought?

Our state water officials should have the resources necessary to continue the implementation of a statewide water plan addressing new water-saving technologies, adjudication of water rights, water recycling, and water conservation. We need to start looking at new market-driven approaches. Government can't do it alone.

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

To improve our schools, we must increase accountability, raise standards, and get more tax dollars directly to the classroom and away from the bureaucracy. I also support charter schools and equal opportunity scholarships to help kids get out of failing schools.

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

It's time to take party politics out of the process. We need an independent body charged with making sound recommendations based upon community need - not politics.

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

Yes, if it's necessary to prevent the early release of convicted criminals.

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

No.

What is the greatest need in your district?

Improving neighborhood schools.

How long have you lived in your district?

I was born and raised in New Mexico and have lived in District 30 since 2003.