Democratic candidate for Lt. Gov. Billy Garrett stopped by the Los Alamos Daily Post last week to introduce himself and discuss his reasons for entering the race. He is speaking here with reporters Kirsten Laskey, left, and Bonnie Gordon. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Billy Garrett is running for Lt. Gov. on the Democratic ticket. He stopped by the Los Alamos Daily Post last week to introduce himself and discuss his reasons for entering the race.

A Dona Ana County commissioner, Garrett said New Mexicans deserve better from state government.

“I’m running to improve the effectiveness of the executive branch,” Garrett said. “We need long term transformational change based on moving forward with education, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental protection and economic development, all together – all at once. The labs and activity in New Mexico will be critical part of that strategy.”

He explained that one of the reasons people encouraged him to run is because he is from the southern part of the state.

“We all knew Congressman Pearce would run for governor and I will help balance the Democratic ticket,” Garrett said.

Garrett has spent 34 years in public service. He is proposing a Center for Excellence in the Lt. Governor’s Office where people can go to share ideas … to serve as a sort of incubator for improvements. Also, a place where anyone in the executive branch can come to gain improvement for the ethics in their departments.

“I want to create a culture of ethics,” Garrett said before heading out to attend a local meet and greet.

Garrett is an architect and organizational manager. His family has lived in southern New Mexico since the 1890s. He explained that he is an advocate for social and environmental justice.

In the June Primary Election, his Democratic opponents are State Sen. Howie Morales and State Rep. Rick Miera. The winner of that race will face Republican Michelle Garcia Holmes in the November General Election.

To learn more, visit BGarrett4NM.com.