Laura Montoya

In addition to her role as Treasurer, Montoya has worked on the staffs of three New Mexico political officials. Beginning in 2001, she worked for New Mexico state Sen. Pete Campos (D). She later worked as an executive assistant for former New Mexico Treasurer Douglas M. Brown, and as a constituent services representative for the office of former U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D) of New Mexico. She has been the legislative chair of the New Mexico Treasurer's Affiliate, an executive board member of the New Mexico Association of Counties, the vice chair of finance, pensions, & intergovernmental affairs of the National Association of Counties, and a member of the New Mexico Tax Policy Committee.

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Laura Montoya grew up in San Miguel and Mora counties in New Mexico, and was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Montoya graduated from New Mexico Highlands University in 1999 with a bachelor's degree in political science and psychology. In 2001, she received her master's degree in public affairs from the same university. She was a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and studied International Relations at the University of Costa Rica in 2003. Montoya has been the treasurer for Mentoring Kids Works New Mexico. She lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.[4][5][6][7]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Montoya was born, raised and educated in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Laura Montoya was elected Sandoval County Treasurer in 2012. She has been a public servant for more than 17 years, having worked in several capacities at the federal, state and local level including both the New Mexico House of Representatives and the New Mexico Senate. Laura earned her Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Psychology from New Mexico Highlands University and later earned a Master's degree in Public Affairs. Laura was a Rotary Scholar and studied Spanish and International Relations at the University of Costa Rica while doing several humanitarian projects.

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?

I promote and create policies that are fair and equitable for all people.Protection of our water, air, and land is critical to sustainability of a healthy life and taking care of our environment.When some of us are unhealthy, none of us are healthy.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

1. Water - everyone should have clean, running water

2. Broadband - all communities should have access to affordable and efficient broadband

3. Healthcare - affordable, accessible and efficient health care access is critical to healthy communities.

4. Tax Reform - In order to have water, broadband, healthcare, or any other important changes to policy completed, we have to reform the tax structure to pay for it.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to mom, Geralyn B. Montoya. She created Supreme Court State Law that allows women the right and choice to have a career, a family or both. An employer can not remove or demote you because you are pregnant, nor can they fire you because you are pregnant or require you to go to work the next day.

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

I believe it is important for elected officials to listen with the intent to understand. I believe it is important to do your research, visit your constituents to learn of issues and find solutions, bring people together from all sides of the issue to come up with a better solution, consider the implications of any policy you put forth and always double check that you are aligning your focus and work toward the overall goal or policy you are trying to accomplish.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave this world a better place with more fairness and more equality for all people. I would like to make a difference in other young peoples' lives that they can accomplish anything they want to do or be if they work hard and stay determined.

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

At the age of 14, I started leaning houses and taking care of children until I was legally old enough to work at a grocery store. I started as a bagger, got promoted to a cashier and then given the responsibility to be the night manager, reconciling approximately $80,000/night. That was a huge responsibility for a 17 year old.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Most Girls, Hailee Steinfiled

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

It has the authority to make a real difference in how we structure our economy, our services to the people and determination of what direction we choose to take this country.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I strongly belive it is beneficial and imperative to have representatives that have served as an elected official in a different government position. It will help them to understand intergovernmental relations, the important of making sure there are not unfunded mandates, a better understanding of a budget and allocation of that budget, and how policies can have unintended consequences. I beleive if more elected officials in Congress were elected prior to, they would be getting a lot more done with less unintended consequences from the decisions they are making.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The greatest challenge is the inequity that still exists that continues to perpetuate the gap between the rich and the poor.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

House Ways and Means