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Candidate for secretary of state

Name: Mary Herrera, Democrat

Age: 50

Campaign Web Site address: www.MaryHerrera.com

Occupation: Retired human resources director; currently Bernalillo County clerk (2001-present)

Family: Son, Nathan, 28, in the U.S. Army; daughter, Monique, 17, senior at Valley High School

Education: Bachelors, master's in business administration; labor/employment/benefits law certificates through the Institute for Applied Management and Law; senior executive program through Kennedy School, Harvard University; certifications in the Volunteer Achievement Program (Training Program for Credit Union Volunteers)

Please list the experience you have related to the position you are seeking.

Over 33 years experience in government, four years in the purchasing department, 18 years in the finance department. Responsible for accounting, auditing, and preparation of over $100 million budget. Approximately six years in the human resources department, as the human resources director. Approximately five-and-a-half years as Bernalillo County clerk. As Bernalillo County clerk, I have updated the recording and filing department mainly for the public to research online documents. I have the experience and knowledge to handle all recording and filing issues related to the Secretary of State office, as well as elections. Appointed to the Federal Election Assistance Commission, established by Congress to comply with the Help America Vote Act; appointed by the Governor's Association; appointed to the New Mexico Election Task Force by the legislative appointed process; and appointed to the City of Albuquerque Election Task Force by the mayor of Albuquerque.

By administering elections for the largest county of registered voters in New Mexico and participating on these boards, I have the current experience to be the next secretary of state.

Have you ever been arrested or charged with a felony or misdemeanor?

No.

What is the best meal you can cook from scratch?

Red chile enchiladas.

Last book you read:

"Volunteer Achievement Program Book, Developing, Writing and Implementing Policies."

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

Hold a grudge against individuals who have hurt me. The lesson I have learned is to forgive individuals and enjoy life.

What would be your top priorities as secretary of state? What specific steps would you take to achieve them?

Work with the state Legislature to review and update our election laws, rules and procedures to benefit our voters in counties large and small.

Unify all counties toward improved standards in training and education.

Improve voter education regarding the "Help America Vote Act" as well as our own in-state initiatives.

Work diligently to assist with, expand and improve the ongoing Native American Voting Rights Programs.

As New Mexico's chief election official, I will expand the professional development of our county clerks and their staff in election administration.

Establish regulations for paper ballots.

Unify voter identification regulations.

Steps I would take to accomplish this would be to first identify all laws, rules and procedures that are contradicting and vague, work with the state Legislature, county clerks and the public to update these areas.

Second, I would visit all county clerks in their respective counties and identify how the Secretary of State Office can assist them in training and education.

Last, I would work with the Native Americans to improve Native American programs by making contact with the Native American governments and assuring them that the Secretary of State Office is available to assist them with all their Native American Voting issues.

Currently, the Secretary of State Office is understaffed and unaware of what county clerks have to manage related to elections. As new federal and state election laws have been implemented, the Secretary of State Office (in my opinion), has not budgeted and funded properly to accommodate these new laws; whereas, all county clerk offices have had no choice but to expand staffing and funding to administer all the new changes.

What distinguishes you from your opponent?

My education. I hold a master's degree in business administration. My financial experience in government budgets/accounting, credit unions, employment law, as well as being up to date in all election issues. Elections have changed and several new requirements have been implemented. I am currently implementing the paper ballot system. Responsible for elections as county clerk of the largest number of registered voters in New Mexico and my appointments to the EAC, state Election Task Force, and the city of Albuquerque Election Task Force.

Also, I am currently implementing all the new election requirements and laws, at the federal, state and local level. I am up to date in technology to implement computerized systems needed at the office of the Secretary of State.

Do you agree with the Legislature's decision this year to require paper ballots? Why or why not?

I agree with any legislative change in voting systems as long as the effect will cause voters to go out and cast their ballot. As Bernalillo County clerk, I have implemented a voter outreach program to encourage voter participation in all elections. I am transitioning to the paper ballot system and have been using all the resources available to educate the public.

What would you do as secretary of state to provide more timely and more detailed access to campaign and candidate information online?

I would analyze that portion of the office that handles campaign and candidate information online reporting, and determine if this area is under staffed. If so, I would request additional funding to properly staff the department. In all cases, as secretary of state, I would make sure that campaign and candidate information reporting is available to the public as soon as possible regardless of staffing issues. All citizens in the state of New Mexico deserve a timely online campaign and candidate reporting system.

Vote counting in New Mexico has a history of problems. What will you do to fix that?

I would hold not only the Secretary of State Office staff responsible, but also all county clerk staff to a higher level of understanding on voting systems regarding unofficial and official vote counting processes. History of problems in vote counts tends to be simple errors; as secretary of state, I will dedicate educational training and step by step manuals related to canvassing of the unofficial and official vote count.

Should New Mexico require voters to present a photo ID when voting. Why or why not?

Currently, the ID requirement differs depending on the law or ordinance. State and city elections require a different form of ID at the polls. As secretary of state, one of my goals is to unify voter ID regulations. Photo ID is a solution.