Candidate profiles: Mike W. Cherry

Editor's note: The following candidates are running for the four-year term of county commissioner for District 2. Candidates for the seat include Mike Cherry and Ernest Dominguez

Candidates were asked the same questions and asked to keep their responses to 100 words or less.

The primary election is June 5. Absentee and Early voting ends June 2.

Mike W. Cherry

Age: 64

Occupation: Fire chief, city of Tucumcari

Mike Cherry

Please list previous or current elected offices or other organizations you feel prepare you for a commission seat: I have not run for or held an elected office However, I'm currently Vice-President of the New Mexico Fire Chiefs' Association and I was appointed by Governor Martinez to serve on the New Mexico Fire Protection Grant Council. I was also appointed by the Public Regulation Commission to serve on the PRC Ambulance Committee. I have also served on other state wide boards and committees. I have experience in Government Budget processes and in State Legislative processes.

What are your goals if you are elected and how do you plan to implement them?

If elected, some of my goals are to continue the sound fiscal responsibilities of the commission. Be fair, honest, and listen to all the residents in the county. Stay informed on the issues and work with the other commissioners, management, and staff.

What is something the county commission has done well over the last four years?

I believe that the Quay County Commission and management has provided a solid fiscal financial policy and provided needed services to the public within that policy. I also believe that the change in the election policy to at large voting is a positive step for Quay County.

What is something the county commission has not done well? How do you intend to correct that if elected?

I'm running for the commission with no set agenda to change anything. I hope to be able to continue the positive direction set by management and the existing commission.

What do you feel the commission needs to focus on as a whole?

Make sure the County protects all of our water resources. These include the reservation of Ute Lake water, make sure that our ground water is protected and not over taxed and assist in any way possible to assist Arch Hurley in their attempts to curtail illegal diversion of water in the Conchas Dam water shed.

Quay County has a much needed hospital. We need to promote and keep Dr. Dan Trigg Hospital in Tucumcari. A large part of County taxes go for the operation and maintenance of the hospital. We need to assist Presbyterian Hospital Group in providing the best care to our citizens.

We need to make sure that all the county roads are maintained and upgraded when possible

We need to continue to work with the Greater Tucumcari Quay County Economic Devolvement Cooperation to recruit new company growth and jobs for our area.

What do you feel the commission needs to focus on in your district?

I think that District 2 has probably the same concerns and issues that the county has as a whole. If a project is good for one district, it's probably going to benefit all the county. However, I will focus on any issues or needs for District 2, such as roads and economic development.

Last question: 150 words, whatever else you want to say.

I want to thank the Quay County Sun for the opportunity to answer and give my thoughts to the voters of Quay County.

I'm a lifetime resident of Quay County. I have owned and operated a private business for 18 years. I'm a veteran of the U.S. Army and have spent more than 30 years on the Fire Department, both as a volunteer and career employee.

I have worked closely with the New Mexico Municipal League and the Association of Counties on legislative issues that pertain to not only fire departments but on issues for Cities and Counties.

I think that with my experience I would make a positive impact on the commission and I would serve all the residents of Quay County. I would respectfully ask and appreciate the voters to cast their ball0t for me.