Retired scientist, educator Wedum set to tackle issues

in District 59 race

Christopher Cunningham Record Staff Writer

Retired chemist Ellen Wedum has declared her candidacy in the Democratic primary of the New Mexico Legislature District 59 race, and says her experience as a scientist and educator would help her in dealing with issues such as water.

Her status as a retiree would allow her to devote herself full-time to being a legislator, she added. "I think I can bring a unique and needed perspective," the 63-year-old Otero County resident said during an interview Friday.

Wedum, who has a doctorate in physical chemistry, has been active as a volunteer in the Democratic Party but has not served in elected office. She lives near Cloudcroft. Wedum is unopposed in her bid for the Democratic nomination. District 59 covers parts of Chaves, Lincoln and Otero counties, including part of Roswell.

Her science background would not only help her understand things like hydrogeological reports, Wedum said, but as a former junior college chemistry professor, she could explain the reports to others. "I can make it easier for other legislators to understand them," she said. She added that he had a great deal of respect for the "wisdom and experience" of the members of the Legislature, and would expect to learn from them.

Wedum said she is traveling around District 59 to hear residents tell what is important to them. "This is not about me," she said. "This is about the needs of the people of this district."

A major issue that has come up is the shortage of water, she said. A hydrogeological survey is in progress to find new supplies of water in the Sacramento Mountains, and Wedum said the study has to be completed before taking the next step.

In the meantime, she added, possibilities such as graywater recycling and irrigation for new housing developments could be considered. "We're going to have to start thinking about things like that," she said. She suggested tax incentives for developers who incorporate greywater recycling into their plans as an option.

Another complaint she has heard is about heavy truck traffic on U.S. Highway 380 in Lincoln County, Wedum said. She said a person complained to her that police officers have been reluctant to stop speeding trucks on that route because the highway is too narrow. Wedum said a capital outlay request could be a way to widen the road and solve the problem.

Wedum said she supports an increase in the minimum wage, but only if it were accompanied by a plan to keep New Mexico competitive, such as tax incentives.

"We don't want to harm any New Mexico businesses by increasing the minimum wage," she said.

Wedum said it would be best for the federal government to raise the minimum wage so that individual states don't put themselves at a competitive disadvantage.

She added that since 1997, the members of Congress have given themselves incremental pay hikes adding up to $30,000. "And in the meantime, they refuse to raise the minimum wage," she said.

According to the U.S. Senate Web site and U.S. House of Representatives Office of the Clerk Web site, members of Congress earned $133,600 per year in 1997 and earn $165,200 per year today. The federal minimum wage has been $5.15 per hour since 1997.

Wedum said that if elected, she would keep her constituents informed by sending articles to small community newspapers. If a controversial issue came up, she said, she would meet with constituents on both sides of the issue.

"I want to bring these three counties together," she said. "I want them to be more aware of their neighbors."

Additionally, Wedum said that if elected, she would meet with both the Republican and Democratic organizations of Chaves, Lincoln and Otero counties at least once a year.

"Because it's my responsibility to serve all the people," she said.