By Rep. STEPHANIE GARCIA RICHARD
Democratic Incumbent
House of Representatives Dist. 43

Many people don’t know this about me, but every morning, before the sun rises, I go for a run. I’ve always been a runner, but since taking office four years ago, my morning ritual has taken on new meaning.

Running is not only a time to reflect on my family, church, and job at school, it is a time to think about the ways I can help increase funding to public education, spur economic development, and help put an end to DWI and domestic violence.

My morning runs are my way of staying grounded and reminding myself of  not just how lucky we are to live here but just how much further we have to go. This past session was a truly defining moment for our state.  While I was proud to support the Governor’s drivers license compromise and criminal reforms, there were very few efforts to grow our economy.

My economic development bill was one of the few to be heard on the House floor. With an estimated $150 million deficit looming in our state budget and stagnant unemployment, we can no longer afford to focus on trivial partisan politics over job creation and training.
 
It is a difficult job for anyone to represent a district as diverse and expansive as this and I am proud to be one of the few legislators to bring back major wins for their district regardless of what political party was in control of the House.

I have a proven track record of delivering for Los Alamos County. Every year I’ve funded its top priorities, passed legislation guaranteeing our community can access critical economic development funding to make sure there are no more abandoned shopping centers, and ensured our local contractors have first priority when bidding on state contracts.

Running for State Representative in a targeted swing seat doesn’t just happen every two years; it is a day in, day out commitment. I have always held firm in serving the needs of my constituents and not a political party. Yet remaining an independent voice for this district means sometimes, you stand alone.

It is in those moments that true leadership is required to stand up to immense pressure to fold as well as to pass vital legislation. I have been tested and I am elated to bring back a voting record that is in line with our values and helps address shortcomings at the local level.

I am proud that after four years in office, I can say that I kept my promise to help lower classroom sizes, repeal driver licenses, demand equal pay for equal work, and close the corporate tax loophole that hurt our local small businesses.

While these were important steps, we have a lot more work still left to do.  It is time to fully fund pre-K education, invest in working families, support the lab while diversifying our economy, and address gaps in our health care system.

It has been a privilege serving as your Representative and now more than ever, I ask for your support this November to continue the great work we have already started for Los Alamos County.