Bernalillo County Commissioner District 5: Wayne Yevoli (R)
Candidate Q&A
Name: Wayne A. Yevoli
Political Party: Republican
Occupation: Registered Professional Engineer - Mechanical
City of Residence: Albuquerque, NM
Relevant Experience: 29 years as a small business owner
Education: B.A. in Economics with a minor in Math and a focus in engineering
Age: 66
1. What is the top priority in your District and how would you address it as a county commissioner?
The county needs regional economic growth including capitalizing on emerging energy systems such as nuclear power to serve high energy use businesses such data centers and manufacturing.
2. Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase? And what types, if any, would you support?
I do not support tax increases. We need to utilize our funds more responsibly and not add taxes which further burden our businesses and residents of the county.
3. What do you think should be the county's top three capital project priorities?
At this time, the county should prioritize infrastructure and access (water, sewer, roads, etc.), affordable housing and safety at MDC along with Sheriff鈥檚 Department equipment and training facilities.
4. What differentiates you from your opponents?
As a small business owner, I understand how to make the required decisions and balance the concerns and outcomes of each decision for the business. I believe this is valuable experience that I can bring to the county commission. I see the potential in the county and its residents that are not being utilized to their fullest extent.
5. What do you believe are some of the largest issues facing Bernalillo County?
I believe that the largest issues facing the county include affordable housing, public safety, and behavioral health.
6. What role, if any, should the county commission play in advising the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office on matters related to public safety?
My advice to the Sheriff would be encouragement to provide incentives for the recruiting of additional professional Sheriff Deputies. The county needs more deputies on the street to adequately respond to crime and homelessness.
7. What are your ideas for improving conditions for both employees and inmates at the Metropolitan Detention Center?
The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) improvements needed include opportunities to reduce recidivism (addressing mental health and aiding in reentry into society), careful monitoring intake and contraband inside the facility and training to increase the professionalism of correctional officers.
8. How would you work to improve the economy in Bernalillo County?
We need to attract long-term, high-quality jobs. Once other priorities mentioned herein are managed effectively, the county will be in a better position to attract and retain jobs.
9. What strategies do you have for reducing homelessness? Please be specific.
(a) The county needs to work together to tackle mental health needs through a team approach of consensus with Albuquerque city council, the mayor, legislators, and county commissioners, and (b) Jobs and housings need to be addressed to help transition homeless off the streets.
Personal background
1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
No
2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
No
3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain.
No