03/16/2026
A phone call and a meeting can go a long way
Today I had the opportunity to sit down with the Warden of the San Juan County Adult Detention Center, and we spent a couple hours talking through everything that’s been going on.
To his credit, he reached out and invited me to come talk. He didn’t have to do that—especially after some of the frustration I expressed publicly—but he did, and that says a lot about his willingness to address concerns directly.
Being able to sit down face-to-face brought clarity on both sides. If I were in his position, I probably would have wanted the same information before moving forward as well.
I also learned he’s a veteran and we’re both members of the American Legion. That changed the tone of the conversation for me immediately. Knowing I was speaking with someone who raised their hand and took the same oath to serve this country carries a level of respect that means a lot.
At the end of the day, this is what problem solving looks like—people sitting down, talking things through, and working toward solutions.
I also know many people in the community believed the detention center wouldn’t make things right. Today is proof that they did. I’m proud to be part of a community where people speak up, leaders listen, and issues can be resolved.
I’m grateful he made the call and took the time to meet. I’m looking forward to supporting this detention center and continuing the work I came to New Mexico to do.
Sometimes the best partnerships start with a tough conversation.
