Brigham Young University graduate in Bachelor of Science
University of Idaho graduate Juris Doctor
Professional and political experience: Managing Partner at Payne and Jimenez, Prosecutor (Associate, Assistant, Senior, Deputy in charge). No political experience. Attorney for 10 years: prosecuted, supervised all degrees of crime; complex civil litigation.
Have you ever been charged with a felony or DWI? If yes, please explain. There were no charges, but as a teenager I was present when a peer took a backpack from and damaged a vehicle. There is no excuse for my presence nor complicity. While there is no record, this mistake haunts me. I thank God my life’s direction was turned.
How can people reach you if they have questions? Contact me on my campaign number 505-916-1403, email me JJJ4da@gmail.com or send mail to P.O. Box 151, Los Lunas NM 87031
1. What should the district attorney do to support public safety in the judicial district?
Be a proactive aggressive leader that fights against all levels of crime. As DA I will make sure we have excellent working relationships with each of the almost 30 law enforcement agencies, community groups, organizations, members of the community, as well as the staff of the District Attorney’s office. As the DA I will take steps to ensure that all prosecutors and officers are up to date on the law and equipped to professionally fight crime. As the DA I commit to do more to identify criminal organizations and child predators, as well as protect vulnerable populations and ensure the safety of our communities, businesses, churches, families, and homes.
2. What are the biggest challenges facing the DA’s office and how would you address them?
Our goal must be to make our community the safest community in the nation. No one should be placed in an unsafe situation. We will be more aggressive at filing preventative detention motions for violent and repeat offenders so that dangerous criminals do not get released. Habitual criminals wreak havoc on families, communities and businesses; we will work with municipalities and Pueblos to improve public safety through DA assisted prosecution plans, as well as addressing misdemeanor crime. We can improve public safety by implementing an expansive diversion program out of the DA’s office to address drug addiction.
3. What would be your top funding priorities for the DA’s office, given that the pandemic is tightening budgets?
Our top priorities must be protecting our children and prosecuting violent crime. We can address funding issues by filing for grant applications to prosecute all types of crime. I will not fund any more District Attorney billboards now found in all three counties that have cost tens of thousands of dollars; we can use that money more effectively to address crime.
Barbara Romo, Democrat
Community of residence: Rio Rancho, North Hills
Education: J.D. (w/ honors) from University of Nebraska Law School, 1995; Master of Science in Management from Troy State University, 1990; B.A. in Journalism/Advertising (magna cum laude) University of Nebraska, 1983.
Professional and political experience: US Army Veteran, 24 years as prosecutor & victims’ rights attorney. No previous political experience.
Have you ever been charged with a felony or DWI? If yes, please explain. DWI January 2009. Had reached a burnout point in my career from stress of balancing career and family obligations. The experience taught me to be a better mother, wife, and mentor for new attorneys. Now I serve on NM Walk like MADD Committee.
How can people reach you if they have questions? My e-mail is romo4da@aol.com and my cell phone number is 505-358-1905. www.barbararomofordistrictattorney.com
1. What should the district attorney do to promote public safety in the judicial district?
A policy of no-tolerance for violent offenders—especially repeat offenders and those who prey on the vulnerable—children, seniors, and the disabled. Expand diversion programs and specialty courts for first-time, non-violent and addicted offenders to assist those wishing to return to productive community members.
2. What are the biggest challenges facing the DA’s Office and how would you address them?
Personnel turnover. This impacts consistency of quality prosecution and ultimately community safety. Will fight in the Legislature for higher salaries to make a career in the DA’s Office an attractive option. Implementation of quality of life programs and incentives and encouragement of community involvement. Vigorous recruitment and retention program to make the 13th the premier prosecution office in the State.
3. What would be your top funding priorities for the DA’s office, given that the pandemic is tightening budgets?
Competitive salaries to recruit and train experienced and dedicated staff who may be tasked with carrying higher case-loads due to unfilled positions, in face of potential budget cuts. Resources will be focused on aggressive prosecution of the most violent offenders. Providing the most up to date technology will be critical with more remote meetings and court hearings in the near future. On-line training opportunities for all staff will be explored in lieu of out of state in person conferences.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
