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Traci Jo Cadigan

Traci Jo Cadigan

The Job of State House of Representatives: Districts 15

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 15 state representative

Name: Traci Jo Cadigan

Age: 37

Campaign Web site address: None

Occupation: Homemaker and business manager for a small law firm

Family: Husband, Michael; two children, Megan, 10, and Mason, 7

Education: Bachelor's degree in finance from Portland State University

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

As a parent of two children in Albuquerque Public Schools and a volunteer in their classrooms, I know first-hand the challenges our teachers and students face with crowded and deteriorating classrooms, low teacher pay and enormous gaps in achievement levels. I believe education is the most important function of state government, and we must continue to press for higher achievement for all students.

As the executive director of the Children's Cancer Fund of New Mexico, I saw first-hand many of the difficulties families in New Mexico face with healthcare, education and finances.

I previously worked as a mortgage loan officer and helped many New Mexicans get into their first homes.

I understand the need for and finances associated with affordable housing programs. My volunteer experience on the Albuquerque Rape Crisis Center Board of Directors and as a survivors advocate gave me unique insights into the problem of sexual and domestic violence.

I also have served as the treasurer of the Petroglyph Elementary School PTA and president of the All Saints Preschool Board.

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?

My secret-recipe Greek spaghetti sauce.

Last book you read: "Bel Canto" by Ann Patchett

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

Not pursuing a graduate degree after receiving my bachelor's degree. The lesson learned is there is always time to start a career after graduating from college but very difficult to go back to school once you have left.

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 live in a society that usually requires both parents to work in order to make ends meet. Some parents work two jobs and still cannot afford health insurance. Rising gas and energy prices hit these families the hardest. An increase in the minimum wage can help families see a light at the end of what can be a very long and dark tunnel.

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

Limit the amount a person, lobbyist or company can contribute to a campaign to $500.

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. However, I do not support creating additional levels of expensive bureaucracy.

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

Yes, after seeing what my father went through fighting lung and brain cancer, I would support making this type of treatment available to patients provided there are strong restrictions and policies when administering this type of medicine.

What more should New Mexico do in response to drought?

All communities in New Mexico should have residential and commercial conservation strategies that include limited turf grass, low water use plumbing fixtures and limits on watering during the hottest part of the day. Agriculture needs to adopt conservation measures including lining irrigation ditches and growing more drought resistant crops.

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

We need to deal with the overwhelming need for capital improvements. Our schools are overcrowded and falling apart. We also need to make sure that our teachers are paid as well as or better than teachers in neighboring states and that they have the best training in the nation. We should increase the number of school days to 200 from 180 and mandate that each day contain a minimum amount of instruction.

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

The current system is unnecessarily political. Legislators from a particular area should cooperate to fully fund major projects that are needed rather than partially funding numerous projects that may not be the most pressing need.

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

Yes, and it should be staffed by Department of Corrections employees. Corrections is too important to be outsourced to for-profit companies.

Would you support an increase in lawmaker per diem or a salaried legislature? No.

What is the greatest need in your district?

The greatest need is addressing transportation issues including increased mass transit, quality road construction, planned growth and intelligent traffic management, all of which reduce traffic.

How long have you lived in your district? We have lived in our current home for approximately eight years.