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Shirley J. Abbott, Democrat
Shirley J. Abbott
The Job of State House of Representatives: Districts 24
Write state budget and craft laws affecting schools, prison and government agencies. Two-year term. Legislators are given $144 per diem for each day in session, along with mileage reimbursement. (i) denotes incumbent.
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Candidate for District 24 state representative
Name: Shirley J. Abbott, Democrat
Age: 62
Campaign Web site address: none presently
Occupation: Retired teacher
Family: Husband, Tom Abbott, and children Sean and Dawn Abbott
Education: Bachelor's, English, home economics; and master's, multicultural education.
Please list the experience you think would make you a good state representative.
Besides teaching in middle and high schools for 26 years, I have also owned and managed rental property, so I have both educational and business experience.
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? Beef stroganoff
Last book you read: "Watchdogs of Democracy" by Helen Thomas
What was your biggest mistake in life and what lesson did you learn?
I feel I could have had more influence in education as an administrator. That's why I have decided to get involved in political reform and run for legislative office.
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. It is too hard to make ends meet on a mere $5.15 for an hour's work.
The Legislature in 2007 will consider some ethics reforms. What one change would you make to improve ethics in our state government.
Need limitations and full disclosure of lobbyist's financial contributions.
Would you vote to repeal the death penalty in New Mexico? Yes.
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.
What more should New Mexico do in response to drought?
Conserve and protect the quality and quantity of our limited water resources. Limit and plan our housing developments better. Educate the public.
What can be done to improve the state's public schools?
Much has been said about higher teacher salaries and building more schools, but I really can't emphasize how important it is to have smaller class sizes. We should empower our teachers by asking them what they feel they need rather than to be told what they need. Too many decisions in education are made from the top down with little input from those of us in the trenches.
Is the current system for allocating the state's capital improvement money working? Why or why not? What specifically would you change?
I just believe that the money would be best spent if based on need rather than going to powerful legislators who want to brag about getting pet projects done to impress their constituents.
Should the state build another prison to deal with the increasing inmate population?
Yes, but additional money should be allocated to crime prevention, and increased monitoring and rehabilitation of prisoners.
Would you support an increase in lawmaker per diem or a salaried legislature? Yes.
What is the greatest need in your district?
Meeting the health, educational, economic, and environmental needs of a multigenerational diverse community such as we have here in District 24.
How long have you lived in your district? 29 years.
