Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Two candidates are facing off against each other for District 3 in the Tucumcari school board in the Nov. 2 election.
Cassie Huffman, 40, a mental health counselor, and Robert Lucero, 62, a retiree, are vying for a four-year term in the district, which comprises of much of the west and southwest portions of the city.
They will replace current board President Leif Gray, who chose not to run for re-election.
District 2 incumbent Jerry Joe Lopez is unopposed for re-election.
The Quay County Sun sent each of District 3 candidates a form with three questions. Their answers are lightly edited for clarity.
What prompted you to run for school board?
Huffman: “A couple of years ago Leif Gray asked me if I'd be interested in running for school board and taking his position after his term was over. I've had quite a bit of time to think about how I could contribute. I also felt prompted to run because I have 3 children that are students of the Tucumcari Public School System. My oldest son is a 2021 THS graduate. I'd like to be involved when making decisions that affect my kids as well as all the students that attend Tucumcari Public Schools.”
Lucero: “The Desire to Serve the Community and help improve the Tucumcari Public Schools.”
What are your qualifications for the position?
Huffman: “I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a master's degree in clinical counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of New Mexico.”
Lucero: “I was the former Vice President of Head Start and Eastern Plains Community Action Agency and Family Youth And Action Agency and worked with the kids and also opened a youth center for the youth called The Teen Scene to give the youth something to do and keep them off the streets.”
If elected, what are your goals?
Huffman: “One of my goals if elected is to bring a mental health perspective to the school board. I feel my background and qualifications in the mental health field could greatly benefit our school system when making decisions and facing certain situations.”
Lucero: “If elected I will be the voice for the students/teachers and the community and strive for tomorrow's future.”