ABOUT LIBERTARIAN CANDIDATE WILLIAM KINNEY

Politics: Affiliated with the Libertarian Party for 45 years

Why I want to represent the voters of District 38: Having resided in both Grant and Sierra counties, I will be a good freedom advocate for the people.

Qualifications for office: I am a retired businessman with experience in a Fortune 500 company, family-owned companies and have owned my own businesses. I am not looking to be a career politician, just a one term citizen legislator.

Education: MBA, Keller Graduate School of Business, 1983; Bachelor of Arts, University of Illinois, 1975

Occupation: Retired

Family: Married, with one daughter and two stepsons

City of residence: Mimbres

What I love best about New Mexico: “Sunshine, open spaces, honest people.”

Having resided in both Grant and Sierra counties, Kinney can be a good freedom advocate for District 38. In particular, he believes:

ON THE ISSUES

New Mexico Public Regulation Commission Amendment
I oppose the proposed ballot measure to change the Public Regulation Commission from an elected body to an appointed body because we need the Commission to represent citizens, not special interest groups.

Solutions for Issues in District 38
The biggest issue in my district is trying to balance the needs of the extractive industries, ranchers and environmentalists. This is a thorny problem as New Mexico has a high percentage of both government employees and government owned land, which makes it difficult to balance property rights.

On the Economy
The best way to reverse the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic and improve the economy of New Mexico (and especially District 38) is to eliminate impediments to small business start ups and unnecessary state licensing requirements. These are keys to a healthy economy.

On Education
When it comes to education, I would propose ways to improve the system by encouraging diversity in education, not hinder it.  This means focusing on charter schools and staying out of the way of those who choose to home school. Providing fully funded vouchers for all students is the quickest way to create diverse school options.

On Politics-as-Usual at the Roundhouse
There is too much fighting between the two dominant political parties in Santa Fe at the expense of southern New Mexico residents. As a Libertarian, I can be a voice of reason in ongoing debates and bring about solutions instead of more gridlock.