Zach Withers

Zach Withers was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He graduated from East Mountain High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Middlebury College in 2012. His career experience includes working as a farmer and in the craft alcohol industry. Withers has been affiliated with Polk's Folly Farm and the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in the East Mountains, the district where I'm running for office. My politics are local. They focus on water, land, food, local economy, and the rural character of our community. I am not running to push a partisan agenda or an ideological viewpoint. Effective governance happens when we have an engaged community. It also starts with electing people that are invested in working on behalf of everyone in their community to address the very real and pressing issues we face in stead of advancing their own political agendas, the party line, or the financial interests of their donors.

All across District 22 aquifers are being drained and wells are going dry. This reality poses major challenges to everyone in our community. We need targeted planning, and a government focused on working with communities to shift our water use so we have water for future generations.

The health of the soil is the one factor we can engage with that has an impact on the amount of precipitation that will make it back to the aquifer. Healthy soil absorbs more water, which not only helps recharge ground water but helps farms and ranches become more productive, resilient, and economically viable. The worth of the land however goes beyond its water absorption capacity, food production potential, or real estate appraisal. This land is our home. Developing a respect for the land and caring for it is vital if we want our communities to sustain.

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?

We must balance our water budget in New Mexico. The state needs to prioritize data collection, planning, and local funding to support communities shifting to substantive water conservation strategies.We need a functional state government focused on issues which are most important to New Mexicans. Many politicians head to the Roundhouse with a federally driven agenda. Our legislature meets for 30 or 60 days on alternating years. We need to focus on the issues we can change and that will change the lives of our neighbors, for the better.We need to support farmers and ranchers, who are pillars of our district, to transition to responsible and regenerative agriculture that can happen for generations to come. This helps preserve the rural character of our community.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm most passionate about water, food, and responsible governance.

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

Currently feeling deeply inspired by Viktor Schauberger.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Milagro Beanfield War

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

An elected official should be available to their constituents, listen to the issues that matter to those they represent, and be prepared to take action to affect positive change for their community. Further, an elected official should not be driven by their party agenda, rather by the needs of their neighbors.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Im good at being friends with most anyone while still being able to disagree with almost everyone. I understand what civil service is and I am doing this to the end of serving my community. Most of the issues I want to work on at the legislature are things that I am already trying to do in my day to day life running a farm and a small business. I speak from experience.

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

A person elected to the New Mexico state legislature is responsible for representing and developing policy that addresses the needs of the residents of their district, as well as everyone in the state. These needs include access to water, land health, human health and welfare, education, and ensuring that future generations of New Mexicans can grow and thrive.

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

9/11. I was 12.

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

My Grandpa, Gene Polk, paid me $2 for every gopher I caught. We fed them to my Grandma's rescued red tail hawk Jezzy.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Sleep.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

It's important that there is a functional and cooperative relationship between the Legislative and Executive branches while maintaining effective checks and balances.

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

Water. Declining availability of water poses major challenges across multiple sectors including oil and gas production, residential development, and agriculture.

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

It is useful for state legislators to have previous experience in governance, a basic understanding of our states political process, and a tolerance for politics. It is not beneficial for our state to be run entirely by career partisan politicians.

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

Anything that happens in New Mexico happens through collaboration. It is essential to have working relationships other legislators.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I have an immense amount of respect for Jim Smith, one of our former state legislators who taught english at East Mountain High where I graduated.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No, I want to represent and work for my neighbors on local issues.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Nearly every day I hear stories of neighbors whose wells run dry. Managing water for today and future generations is essential.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

My focus will be on addressing water governance in hydrological basins that are closed to new water rights allocations and addressing issues related to inter-basin water transfer. I am also involved in discussions regarding efforts to reform the State Game Commission and enacting Right to Repair legislation in New Mexico. I have a deep vested interest in influencing the roll out of the State Meat Inspection program authorized last year to ensure it is meeting the needs of direct market meat producers.

I am less interested in putting my name on bills than working in coalition to provide effective non-partisan governance to the people of New Mexico. I would like to get rid of billboards. I might run that bill unilaterally.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have not sought any formal endorsements.

What committees interest you?

Energy Environment and Natural Resources; Agriculture, Acequias Water Resources; Rural Development, Land Grants and Cultural Affairs; Appropriation and Finance

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

We need more of it.