New Mexico’s representation at the federal level is crucial in keeping our concerns addressed and our interests heard on the Hill. Weekly Alibi has endorsed Democrat Debra Haaland this week, so let’s take a look at the other candidates.
Newscity: Janice Arnold-Jones—Republican
Arnold-Jones served as a state Representative in Albuquerque’s District 24 for four terms. During her time as a representative, she served on multiple committees and commissions including Taxation & Revenue, Voters & Elections and the Blue Ribbon Tax Commission. She was appointed to the Albuquerque City Council in 2013 by Mayor Richard Berry, but only served for seven months before losing the seat to Diane Gibson in a runoff race. She ran for US Representative for the 1st Congressional District once before in 2012, but lost to Michelle Lujan Grisham.Arnold-Jones was recognized by the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government for her dedication to transparency with a William S. Dixon Freedom Award. She says her focus is on creating jobs in New Mexico, holding the government accountable to its Social Security and Medicaid promises, and reforming tax codes.On the topic of immigration, Arnold-Jones has shown support for reforming current policies and giving young immigrants a path to citizenship. She told the Albuquerque Journal that deportation should be reserved for illegal aliens who commit crimes, while work permits would better serve those who do not.Arnold-Jones supports firearm ownership and “aggressive prosecution against the violators of gun laws.”
Newscity: Lloyd Princeton—Libertarian
Princeton is a small business owner, speaker, consultant and author. He is a recruiter for Design Management Co., a company that helps interior designers and architects develop their business reach, and has been running it for over 20 years. Princeton’s family has been in New Mexico for 40 years. He has worked in Los Angeles and New York, but came back to the Land of Enchantment a couple of years ago to be closer to his mother.Princeton has reportedly registered as a Republican in the past, but is choosing to run as a Libertarian, because he feels he can make a difference as a third-party candidate. He supports reforming earned income tax credit, legalization of cannabis and job creation through small business support. Princeton said he would take all measures necessary to ensure that contraception is easily accessible and to keep abortion legal, safe and accessible. He supports welfare, but believes it should be finite. He has voiced concerns about the state’s economy, education and crime. In an ad, Princeton said his campaign runs on three principles: “When people need support, the government should provide assistance, but not dependency. When people know how to support themselves, the government should get out of the way. And when deciding which of those should apply, people matter, not politics.”
