Joe Cervantes in 2018 NM Governor's race
On Corporations:
Celebrate small business to create job opportunities
Joe Cervantes says to create jobs, rural and small businesses like those in Truth or Consequences should be celebrated. "As a small business owner, I understand what it's going to take for New Mexico to create jobs through our small business economy,
and I want to bring that experience as a small businessman, as a farmer from Southern New Mexico to the state and create those job opportunities for all New Mexicans," Cervantes said.New Mexico's unemployment rate stands at 6 percent, the second
highest in the U.S. behind Alaska. Cervantes said creating tax cuts for large corporations, like those in the recently passed federal tax bill, isn't the way to grow the state's economy. "The way we create the economy is by recognizing what's best about
New Mexico: Our proximity to the border, our relationship to other states and frankly our abundant natural resources. These are all the things that are resources we have here in New Mexico that we need to take better advantage of," Cervantes said.
Source: KRWG TV on 2018 New Mexico governor debate
Feb 9, 2018
On Free Trade:
The border with Mexico is one of our state's greatest assets
Asked about immigration policy and the border wall being pursued by the Trump administration, Lujan Grisham cited her recent advocacy in Washington, both fighting against funding of the wall and advocating for Dreamers--young immigrants who
entered the country illegally as children and gained temporary protection from deportation under an Obama administration policy known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA.
Both Cervantes and Apodaca spoke of the possibility of trade with New Mexico's southern neighbor, Cervantes calling the border with Mexico one of the state's greatest assets.
"There's no way we're going to deport or get rid of DACA kids or any other kids," Apodaca said.
Source: Santa Fe New Mexican on 2018 New Mexico governor debate
Jan 23, 2018
On Corporations:
Corporate tax cuts failed to create jobs
We passed corporate tax cuts [in 2013] which I opposed. It was evident that the numbers given to legislators were misrepresented. The net loss is hundreds of thousands of dollars. Cities and counties were then forced to cure the cuts by raising local
taxes. When you cut corporate taxes and turn around and raise their gross receipts taxes, nobody in business is fooled by it. That's why those corporate tax cuts failed to accomplish the job growth promised.
Source: NM Political Report on 2018 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Jul 7, 2017
On Crime:
Underfunding, lack of reform leads to more crime
Q: How do you intend to reduce crime?A: This administration has cut funding to courts, district attorneys and corrections, leading to the dismissal of cases and the uncertainty of prosecution and punishment. Underfunding of courts and
law enforcement leads to the uncontrolled crime we're experiencing. The answer to how we address crime requires a better functioning court system, a better functioning prosecution, predictable arrests and appropriate sentencing.
Source: NM Political Report on 2018 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Jul 7, 2017
On Education:
Emphasis on testing misguided
This administration relied on Florida policies that failed there and predictably failed here. It emphasized testing in the classrooms. As a parent with three daughters who came from public schools, I have a good understanding with what that testing
involved [and it's] unreliability. It's an overly simplistic way of thinking about managing education, no student gets educated by taking a test. Of course we need testing, but the idea in putting a principle on testing was misplaced.
Source: NM Political Report on 2018 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Jul 7, 2017
On Energy & Oil:
Research snd develop renewable energy
Q: How will you address climate change problems like water scarcity and increased wildfires?A: Historically, New Mexico has been a territory with scarce water and has learned to work with less.
New Mexico should be showing leadership in this issue through its research universities innovating, manufacturing and developing renewable energy sources, which are abundant in our state.
Source: NM Political Report on 2018 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Jul 7, 2017
On Drugs:
Look into pot decriminalization
Cervantes said he believes New Mexico "should look at" legalizing recreational marijuana. "The infrastructure is not there for legalization yet," said
Cervantes, who has sponsored legislation to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. "But it is something the state should look into."
Source: Las Cruces Sun-News on 2018 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Jul 5, 2017
On Education:
Expand pre-K to all students
Cervantes said he supports using the permanent land fund to
expand pre-K to all students in the state
Source: Las Cruces Sun-News on 2018 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Jul 5, 2017
On Government Reform:
Open up legislative committee meetings to public
By opening our legislative committee process, we can lift the blinds, unlock the doors and remove the dimmers, which have kept legislators, the public and the press in the dark for decades. I have no doubt that, years from now,
it will hard to understand how this was ever an issue. Our policies, spending and conduct must stand up to public debate and scrutiny. We can only expect wise judgment from the citizens if we first confidently entrust them with knowledge.
Source: Las Cruces Sun-News on 2018 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Apr 5, 2009
Page last updated: Mar 08, 2019