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Stefani Lord received an A grade from the  New Mexico Business Coalition for being Pro-Market and Pro-Job Creation.  The opponent, JV, received an F. 

• RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Retired business owner, manager, and founder of Pro-Gun Women 501(c)4
• EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in psychology, Portland State University (2000) graduated with honors and a member of Golden Key Honor Society and Psi Chi. 
• Organizations:  Greater Edgewood Area Chamber of Commerce

Politicians may talk about fixing the economy, but I have an actual plan. I care about this beautiful state, and as an experienced business owner, I plan on making our state a business-friendly place. 

"New Mexico is a beautiful state with amazing people; its time that we started encouraging startups and business relocation to give everyone the chance to succeed." ~ Stefani Lord

Bringing potential business and entrepreneurs to the great state of New Mexico will require a multi-pronged approach. We need to look to other states, like Texas, who has been rated the best state for business 15 years in a row. Public officials need to be actively involved in creating a pro-business climate in New Mexico, which will build a robust economy and allow graduates to find competitive jobs in our state.

Things Texas has done that we should implement:

• Highly Competitive Tax Climate: With no corporate or personal income tax, Texas has one of the lowest tax burdens in the nation. (1)
• Tax Relief for Businesses
• Incentives: Texas is home to one of the most competitive, deal-closing incentive programs in the nation—the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF). (1)
• Replace Gross Receipt Tax with Sales Tax

We also need to foster:

• A Big, Skilled and Diverse Workforce
• Customized Workforce Training
• Safety & Crime Reduction
• Infrastructure and a Dynamic Transportation Network

Businesses that are relocating also look for:

• Quality Schools
• Cultural Opportunities
• Connection and Mobility

"Texas encourages business ownership through lower taxes and less burdensome regulations."

- Forbes

Q & A with Albuquerque Journal

What steps should the Legislature take to ensure New Mexico has a balanced budget amid falling oil prices and an economic downturn prompted by the coronavirus outbreak?

New Mexico politicians have had a historic overspending problem for far too long. We must elect legislators who are committed to fiscal restraint. We can start by eliminating redundant departments and reducing the size of unnecessary state government. 

What more, if anything, should the Legislature do to address a court ruling that found New Mexico is failing to provide a sufficient education to all students?

The best way to raise the quality of public education is to turn curriculums and decision making over to the local school districts. Teachers understand what the students need more than the state or federal bureaucrats. The teachers also need to ensure that the parents are involved with the child’s education. 

What changes, if any, should New Mexico make to its gross receipts tax code?

The GRT code punishes New Mexico businesses and workers more than any other tax. It is killing our state’s economic competitiveness. It must be abolished as soon as possible and replaced with a sales tax like almost every other state. 

Do you believe changes should be made to the emergency powers held by a governor during a pandemic or other time of crisis. If so, do you believe such powers should be expanded or reduced and in what specific ways?

The powers of the governor must be constrained. No governor, Republican or Democrat, should be given unrestrained emergency powers for more than 30 days. We must amend the current state statute to require legislative approval every 30 days before extension. 

Would you support a merit-based evaluation system to determine how the state spends its capital outlay funding? Should each legislator be required to disclose which projects he or she funded?

We need to use transparent, merit-based budgeting for our entire state budget, including capital outlay funding. All legislators should disclose projects they have funded. 

New Mexico is highly reliant on the oil and natural gas industries to generate revenue to fund state programs, as evidenced by recent oil boom and bust cycles. What steps should the state take to diversify its economy and revenue base?

New Mexico needs a healthy business plan to encourage startups and entice entrepreneurs to promote growth in the private sector. Part of that plan is to create a pro-business atmosphere with a competitive tax climate and a reduction in regulations. At the same time, we must reduce crime and improve education. 

What steps should the Legislature take to address crime and improve public safety?

We must come together with law enforcement, probation officers, district attorneys, social workers, mental health professionals, and listen to their experienced ideas on ways to reduce crime. Things we can do now that work now are to focus on hot spots and stop the revolving door for criminals. 

Members of New Mexico’s business community contend some state laws and regulations need changing so the state can better compete with Texas and Arizona when it comes to attracting companies. What steps do you believe should be taken to improve New Mexico’s economic competitiveness?

Bringing potential business and entrepreneurs will require a multi-pronged approach. Public officials need to be actively involved in creating a pro-business climate. We need a highly competitive tax climate, incentives, abolish the GRT, foster a skilled and diverse workforce, reduce crime, improve schools, and develop a dynamic infrastructure network. 

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1. https://businessintexas.com/why-texas/low-taxes