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Candidate for District 31 state representative

Name: William "Bill" R. Rehm (i), Republican

Age: 55

Campaign Web site address: None

Occupation: Retired police officer; currently, private investigator, traffic crash re-constructionist

Family: Married; two children

Education: BA, University of New Mexico; Albuquerque Police Department, 39th and 44th academies; FBI National Academy

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

My current experience as a state representative in District 31; prior to that I worked at the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department. My duty assignments had me working with government. As a law enforcement officer, I worked with many New Mexico citizens and became well versed in issues that our citizens find to be the most important: quality of life, personal and family safety, a crackdown on illegal drugs, fewer alcohol related traffic crashes, and a desire for a crime-free community. I worked very hard for many years to help improve the lives of our citizens in all these areas.

In the last years of my career, I was responsible for preparing the department's budget, and its presentation to the county and county commissioners. Because of this experience and service to New Mexico's citizens, I know that I am well qualified to participate in the lawmaking process of this state. As a former law enforcement officer, I bring a unique and knowledgeable perspective to the Legislature that is very much in need.

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?

Red chile or calabacitas

Last book you read:

"The De Vinci Code"

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

My early desire to help my community led me to law enforcement. I learned that you couldn't change anything if you are not involved. As a life-long resident of Albuquerque, I want to improve our community for your children and my own.

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?

I would not support and didn't support the last legislative efforts to raise the minimum wage. The unskilled labor force is the job sector that the minimum wage is directed to help. A higher minimum wage will force the unskilled labor force out of jobs. Minimum wage is a federal issue and should be dealt with there, leveling the pay field nationally. I believe that federal lawmakers should have increased it.

If we increase the minimum wage in New Mexico, we will make our state less attractive to new business as other states that have not raised their minimum wage. The surrounding states will attract the new businesses, leaving New Mexico high and dry. When a business that is looking to re-locate looks at New Mexico, this is a priority, because even though they may not have many minimum wage jobs - overall because of a high minimum wage, they must raise the wages they pay in order to keep in line economically with the minimum wage requirements - thus raising employment taxes, and worker's compensation premiums.

Additionally, raising the minimum wage without raising the public assistance programs will cause those individuals to earn more money and lessen their eligibility to public assistance. This would be a net loss to them. Many childcare facilities throughout the state would cease to be able to offer childcare to these individuals because of current law governing minimum eligibility requirements.

When Santa Fe raised its minimum wage, they experienced an increase in high school dropouts. High school dropouts perceive that they will be earning more money easily and quickly. Older workers and unskilled workers are then put out of a job. Recent employment figures show that Santa Fe County has experienced its slowest job growth rate in the last four years. Hospitality and leisure industries showing the slowest growth rate. These industries employ many unskilled laborers.

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

I would require lobbyists to report their current non-reportable contributions. Taking a legislator to the Super Bowl is an example of an un-reportable gift. Lobbyists need to be held accountable.

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.

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

The active ingredient sought by those who desire to use medical marijuana is Delta 9 THC. Currently, Maranol, a pill containing Delta 9 THC, is FDA approved. Sativex, another drug with Delta 9 THC, is in its final stages of FDA approval. I support the use of FDA approved drugs.

What more should New Mexico do in response to drought?

We need to renegotiate our water compact with Texas.

We should examine how we can build a canal from a state with excess water to New Mexico.

In our recent monsoon, we should limit downstream river water flow. This would conserve water, and eliminate the Rio Grande River overflowing its banks in the area of Hatch.

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

We need to break APS into smaller school districts. This would make the smaller districts more accountable to the parents, and foster more parental involvement. Parent accountability is key and this change would be a step toward that.

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

Capital outlay is monies to improve the quality of life across the state, and these monies belong to the citizens of the state. The current process is that the surplus is divided into thirds between the governor, House and Senate. We should retain a portion in the permanent fund. The remaining funds should be divided by and distributed by the current process. Each legislator should have his share to return to his district. What happened in last year's process was that the governor overspent his third by approximately $200 million. Gov. Richardson line item vetoed monies from each legislator to obtain his additional 200 million dollars. Richardson took most of the $200 million from Republican legislators, and Democrats who were not totally support of him. Capital outlay should not be viewed upon as a punishment mechanism.

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

The state must build additional prisons. Currently, the jail overcrowding has restricted every judge to suspend all or part of almost all offenders' sentences. This has forced the criminal population to not perceive a punishment for their criminal acts. If they do not perceive that there will be a punishment, what is the incentive to not commit a crime?

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

The per diem rate is adequate. As a legislator, I have found that I spend a minimum of half an hour to two hours every day on this job. As we approach the election, I am spending more time per day on legislative and campaign issues. Perhaps the Legislature could fund additional support staff to help us.

What is the greatest need in your district?

The widening of Eubank Road from Academy Road to Paseo Del Norte.

How long have you lived in your district?

Twenty-plus years.