ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico voters had an opportunity Friday to hear directly from the candidates running to become the state’s next Commissioner of Public Lands during a debate hosted by News Radio KKOB.
Democrat Juan De Jesus Sanchez and Republican Michael Perry squared off on issues involving the management of New Mexico’s state trust lands, including energy development, conservation, water resources, and revenue generation for public schools and other beneficiaries.
Perry highlighted his experience as a former assistant state land commissioner and county commissioner, while Sanchez pointed to his background managing public lands and natural resources through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New Mexico Acequia Commission.
The race will determine who oversees millions of acres of state trust land, one of the most influential elected positions in New Mexico government.
The debate was moderated by Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo of News Radio KKOB, with Alliyah Chavez of KOAT serving as co-moderator and panelist.
Residents who missed the live broadcast can watch the full debate online through News Radio KKOB. The complete debate is available here: Land Commissioner Debate: Democrat Juan De Jesus Sanchez and Republican Michael Perry.
