House District 70: Ambrose Castellano (D)
Candidate Q&A
Name: Ambrose Castellano
Political Party: Democrat
Age: 54
Education: West Las Vegas High
Occupation: Owner - AGMKonstruction
City of Residence: Serafina, NM
Campaign Website:
What steps do you believe should be taken to improve New Mexico's economic competitiveness?
I鈥檒l continue to champion legislation to protect our small businesses, offer tax relief, and bring jobs back to northern New Mexico. Being competitive also means investing in infrastructure and road upgrades, expanding medical care options, lowering crime rates, and ensuring the best schools in the country.
New Mexico is the only state that does not pay its legislators a salary, though lawmakers do receive per diem payments and can qualify for a legislative pension. Do you support or oppose the proposed constitutional amendment calling for a new legislative salary tied to the median family income level?
Yes. The part-time legislature is failing our families and the only way to guarantee an equal playing field that attracts quality candidates to emerge is if we pay them for their time.
With New Mexico now the nation鈥檚 second-highest oil producing state, would you support or oppose changes to the state鈥檚 gross receipts tax and personal income tax structures? Please explain.
I support targeted, responsible tax reform to keep New Mexico competitive. I鈥檓 open to any conversation about changes that would support working families, attract vital industries such as healthcare, maintain reliable revenue, and guarantee economic growth.
Would you support or oppose imposing water use limits on data centers? In addition, would you generally support or oppose banning data centers in New Mexico?
We can protect the environment while continuing to lead in technology and research. Data centers should be required to have closed loop systems that use nonpotable water and mandated requirements for air quality control systems. Companies should be from New Mexico, pay our taxes, and hire union labor for construction.
Amid a recent string of high-profile criminal cases involving juvenile defendants, do you support or oppose imposing stricter sentences for adolescents convicted of certain violent crimes?
Support
Would you support or oppose a ban on selling certain types of firearms, including semiautomatic firearms and machine guns?
Oppose
Do you support or oppose using New Mexico鈥檚 National Guard to assist local law enforcement with issues related to public safety?
Support in emergency situations
What changes would you propose to improve New Mexico鈥檚 Children, Youth and Families Department?
This is some of the hardest work in government and it is time it gets the attention it rightfully deserves. I鈥檓 ready to increase funding, build facilities, set case loads maximums, and start paying case workers and staff comparable salaries to other states.
What steps should be taken to bring New Mexico into compliance with the 2018 court ruling that found New Mexico is failing to provide a sufficient education to all students?
Education funding has increased 70% over the last decade but we remain 50th in education. We鈥檝e got to do more to guarantee that funding is going to the right types of curriculum and programs that produce gains in reading, math, and science.
New Mexico has seen a string of devastating wildfires and floods in recent years. What policy steps, if any, should the state take to address these natural disasters?
With so many residents in the District forced to rebuild after wildfires, I鈥檓 proud to have championed legislation that delivered over $100 million to those impacted and know this fight is only beginning.
Would you support or oppose a paid family and medical leave program that would require most employees and employers to pay into a state-run fund?
Medical care and paid family leave are essential but my fear with the legislation passed and the unfunded mandates is that it hurts small businesses and workers. When workers see smaller paychecks in an already tough financial year, the legislature will need to act to alleviate some financial burden.
Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
Yes, a business lien over unpaid GRT that has been addressed with the State and payments are being made.
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.
Charge never convicted.
Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
No
Challenger