Elizabeth Torres-Velasquez

Elizabeth Torres-Velasquez earned a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico in 1988. Torres-Velasquez's career experience includes working as an educator.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a lifelong educator deeply committed to social justice and equity, I bring a wealth of experience in addressing the complex challenges facing our communities. My extensive background in education, research, and advocacy equips me with the skills needed to effectively represent the diverse needs of our district. My leadership roles in university governance committees and my community initiatives demonstrate my ability to collaborate and enact positive change.

Soy una educadora comprometida con la justicia social y la equidad. Eso me da experiencia significativa y substancial, y puedo confrontar la complexidad de retos de nuestra comunidad. Tengo un extenso trasfondo en educación, investigación y abogacía, destrezas que dedico a una representación efectiva y un mejor entendimiento de las necesidades diversas. Mi rol de líder en asuntos de gobierno universitario y en iniciativas comunitarias asegura que lograré mayor colaboración y cambios positivos.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Nothing is more fundamental to building and maintaining our democracy than ensuring equitable and high-quality education for all New Mexicans. I plan to advocate for increased funding and implementation of the reforms mandated by Judge Singleton in the landmark Martínez and Yazzie lawsuits to improve educational outcomes and support educators. I will collaborate with stakeholders to develop effective strategies addressing root causes of educational disparities and promote student success.

Nada es más fundamental para mantener y seguir construyendo democracia que asegurar equidad y alta calidad educacional para todos los Nuevomexicanos.Our communities tend to be close knit and look out for each other. Yet crime and safety issues are very real. Actions we could take proactively are to invest in evidence-based crime prevention programs that address root causes of crime such as poverty, substance abuse, mental health issues, and lack of educational and economic opportunities; implement common-sense gun safety; and encourage collaboration and coordination between law enforcement, community, social services, and other stakeholders.

Nuestras comunidades tienden ser bien cercanas. Pero el crimen y los asuntos de seguridad son reales. Podemos ser más proactivos invirtiendo en programas de prevención del crimen que se basan en la evidencia.Additional water policies are needed to address water scarcity and ensure sustainable water management. We need a comprehensive approach that responsibly and effectively integrates water management with conservation, equity, and sustainability principles to address the water challenges facing New Mexico today and in the future. A plan must prioritize equitable distribution and allocation of water resources among various users, including tribal and acequia communities and rural areas.

Necesitamos un acercamiento responsable y efectivo que integra el manejo del agua con su conservación, la equidad, y principios de sostenimiento para enfrentar los retos de Nuevo Mexico hoy y en el futuro.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about education because I see how central it is to addressing all other issues we face in 2024. Of course issues of crime and safety, water security, fair and equitable housing, solutions for unhoused individuals and families, and physical and mental health are clear needs across our state and certainly in every community.

La educacion es fundamental para mantener una alta calidad de la vida y la democracia. Por eso me importa tanto. En 2024 mas politicas son necesarias para enfrentar el mantenamiento del agua saludable y sustenible, nuestra seguridad, la salud fisica y mental, acceso a vivienda más segura, y soluciones para personas que no tienen una casa donde vivir.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official must be a good listener and act with the best interest of their constituents mind. They must be a lifelong learner who is willing to do the research to find best solutions for critical problems facing our society. They must be willing to make informed contributions to shared policy and collaborate with other legislators and policy makers to shape the future of their communities.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A State Representative must stay informed of the critical issues facing our communities and society. They must be aware of our constitutional rights (state and national) and the histories of the people in our country.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

There are so many. I remember being affected by Sputnik, because my mom was reading books to me about satellites and space travel as I entered school.

In 3rd grade at Sierra Vista Elementary in Albuquerque we were watching a KNME education show when President Kennedy was assassinated. The teacher turned the channel for us to be able to view the news alert together. The first school building had not yet been built since Paradise Hills was still so new. Our classrooms were barracks and the cafeteria was an extra large barrack. All classrooms went to the cafeteria to hear from the principal and to hear the news updates. We were then sent home.

The year I entered Wilson Junior High, it was the first year that the school was desegregated. Black, Latinos, and Whites attended the school together for the first time. The district hired a new principal who hired modern teachers. He hired women with long hair (all respectable teacher in those days had short hair), and they wore "mini-skirts with flowers". Shopping at the grocery store, I could hear mothers telling each other that we would never listen to young women with long hair in mini-skirts. They were wrong. The teachers created a very engaging curriculum for us and we learned about our culture. Wilson never had the racial wars that were predicted.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was babysitting.

My first real job with a regular paycheck was cutting cloth at Cloth World, a fabric store once on San Mateo just south of Comanche in Albuquerque. My great-grandmother made most of my clothes when I was growing up and worked in a factory making clothes for children. She taught me how to sew. Working at Cloth World with all of those beautiful fabrics gave me a sense of being with my great-grandmother and made me feel empowered because I knew the fabrics and patterns. I worked for two summers at Cloth World and learned some great work habits. I saved my earnings for college and was given a discount on fabrics that I used to make my own clothes. It was fun to meet the other employees and learn designing and sewing tips from each other.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Education

Water scarcity and sustainability

Physical and Mental Health

Unhoused individuals and families

Crime and safety

Sustainable and diversified economic opportunities Affordable housing

Housing options as we experience climate change

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

New Mexico is a citizen legislature, with many opportunities for citizens to participate in the development of legislation or in the process of passing a bill. I do believe it is important that there be some level of experience in the process and that a candidate for State Representative have a good understanding of state government, legislative committees, and the workings of the House and Senate.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

It is absolutely important to build relationships with other legislators. As a citizen legislature, it is important for constituents to build relationships with their legislators whether they anticipate running for office or not. As a legislator it is critical to build relationships with leadership and with peers. Many pieces of legislation have multiple sponsors and it is critical to know who will provide supportive collaboration. Knowing the positions of legislators as they vote for or against any measure can build or stop a bill. It is very important to build relationships with other legislators because we represent our communities and affect the lives of all New Mexicans across the state.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

In our New Mexico legislature, we tend to co-sponsor bills. My first bill would most likely be a co-sponsored education bill. I'm also interested in co-sponsoring a bill to create a plan for sustainable water.

What committees interest you?

Education, Water Resources, Rural Development Land Grants and Cultural Affairs