By PAUL MARTINEZHello, my name is Paul A. Martinez and I am the Democratic candidate for Los Alamos County Municipal Court judge.
I am a New Mexico native, bilingual in English and Spanish and a United States Navy veteran. I have a Master’s Degree with majors in political science and sociology and have completed graduate course work in public administration.
I have been a resident of Los Alamos since 1981 and hold Los Alamos dear to my heart. My four kids were raised here and my grandkids are being raised here. I have been active in the community as a volunteer in many nonprofit youth serving organizations such as the Los Alamos Little League, Los Alamos Hockey Association and Casa Mesita Girls’ Group Home.
In 1982, I founded the Youth Activity Centers and have served as director for the past 32 years. During that time, I have had the good fortune to have worked with and been a mentor, role model, friend and supporter of Los Alamos youth and families. Working with youth, I have learned the importance of patience and of being a good listener. These are skills essential for being an effective judge.
I am running for Los Alamos Municipal Court judge because I believe it’s time for a change. The Municipal Court is the only Los Alamos County funded, elected position with no term limits. I believe in term limits and no candidate should run unopposed. Los Alamos residents should have a choice of candidates to pick from. Elected positions should not turn into lifetime appointments.
Currently, municipal code violations can be referred to either Magistrate Court or Municipal Court at the discretion of the officer issuing the citation (judge shopping). I believe that a majority, if not all, municipal code violations should be referred to Municipal Court. Municipal code violations adjudicated in Magistrate Court equates to lost revenue for Los Alamos County.
If elected as your Municipal judge, I will work to make this position term limited and have all, if not a majority of municipal code violations adjudicated in Los Alamos Municipal Court.
I fell that I have the skills and experience to be an effective Municipal Court judge. I promise to provide an accessible, efficient and impartial forum for the citizens of Los Alamos; and to adjudicate cases consistent with the municipal code, the needs of the individual and our community values.
