by Teresa Smith de Cherif

I interviewed Rodney Jones because I think the public should know about his record of experience, integrity, and leadership in law enforcement, the legal system, and government.  The opinions I express herein are mine, and any error in this interview is mine alone.

Teresa Smith de Cherif (TSdeC):  Why are you running to be Sheriff of Valencia County?

Rodney Jones (RJ):   “When I see where the world is going today, I am inspired to help improve at least our little corner of it.  I want to use the passion and drive I have about law enforcement to make Valencia County a safe and just place for all who live here.     Being in law enforcement has given purpose to my life, which I believe will help me institute positive change around me, in the community where I was born and live.  That’s why I am asking to be elected Sheriff of Valencia County.”  

TSdeC:  What are your qualifications for the position of sheriff?

RJ:  “I served 22 years as sergeant, detective, and SWAT member.  My commitment is evidenced by having returned to work after being shot five times in the line of duty.  I have degrees in business management, criminal justice, and gunsmithing.  As an independent and impartial Chief Judge for the Pueblo of Isleta, I provided due process, crime control, and rehabilitation.  This means I know law enforcement from multiple points of view—from sheriffs and police who enforce the law, the folks who do not obey the law, and the judicial system that must interpret the law.  These skills in particular give me a deep understanding of the tasks a sheriff must accomplish.  My leadership skills include being selected to be on the Tribal Council of the Pueblo of Isleta, spearheading the drive for broadband for our Pueblo that resulted in $26 million in funding, and being selected to be an officer of the Tribal Council, namely its Secretary.  In sum, I will bring experience and education in law enforcement, the legal system, and leadership to the Sheriff’s Department, if elected Sheriff of Valencia County on November 8^th.”

Interviewer’s Note:  Please see rodneyjonesforsheriff.com to read endorsements from former Valencia County Sheriff Juan Julian, former Los Lunas Police Chief Nick Balido, former Los Lunas Police Chief Nathan Gurule, and from former New Mexico Lieutenant Governor Casey Luna.  

TSdeC:  Who have you selected to be your undersheriff?  

RJ:  “I have chosen retired Los Lunas Police Lieutenant Lisa Valenzuela to be my Under Sheriff.  Like me, Lisa was born in Valencia County.  She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, has advanced degrees in criminal justice and leadership, and served 12 years at the Los Lunas Police Department (LLPD).  Lisa led the LLPD through the re-accreditation process, instituted professional standards there, and secured more than $760,000 in grant awards during her tenure at LLPD.” 

Interviewer’s Note:  As reported in the Los Lunas Village News in August 2022, LLPD Chief Frank Lucero said “Professional Standards Lieutenant Lisa Valenzuela was instrumental in the agency’s re-accreditation process this year.  As a result, the department was successfully re-accredited with the New Mexico Municipal League.  Accreditation is a significant achievement as it provides structure and discipline within the police department through standardized operating procedures.  These operating procedures ensure decreased liability and stronger community relations through transparency and accountability to the public.”

TSdeC:  Our country is so divided now, and the bigger picture before us is one of constant arguing.  Too often people model that opprobrious national behavior down to the local and even personal level.   I’d like to know if you think it’s possible to work in a non-partisan manner at the Sheriff’s Department. 

RJ:  “I know that people are tired of the partisanship we are seeing today.  If elected, I am going to lead a non-partisan Sheriff’s Office that will enforce the law.  As a matter of fact, my choice for Under Sheriff, Lisa Valenzuela, is a Republican, and I’m a Democrat, and our commitment to law enforcement rises above partisanship, and always will.”  

TSdeC:  I’m aware of many legitimate concerns about the current management of the Valencia County Sheriff’s Department, from failure to respond—in a timely fashion—to  calls for help in El Cerro Mission, Monterrey Park, and Meadow Lake; failure to collect requisite evidence and keep court appearances, both of which are necessary for successful prosecution of those who commit crimes; and refusal to address illegal dumping and underage driving along the ditch banks, “because that’s not a departmental priority.”  It seems to me that the Sheriff Department’s underlying problem is staffing.  What will you do differently to have the staff necessary to address the problems I’ve described, if you are elected Sheriff?

RJ:  “I will restore professional leadership to recruit AND retain qualified staff.  Currently, there are far too many openings in the Sheriff’s Office and the attrition rate is also too high.  I believe that a non-partisan and professional workplace that values its employees and seeks to guarantee their success is a workplace that will attract and retain qualified Sheriff deputies and ancillary staff.  That is the kind of Sheriff Department that my Under Sheriff and I will lead.”

TSdeC:  Our county is experiencing horrible crime, including murder, high-speed chases that result in death, drug trafficking, production of methamphetamines, abuse of children and the elderly, and more.  Could you give me some concrete examples of your plans to reduce crime in Valencia County?

RJ:   “I am committed to solving violent crime, especially in high-prevalence areas.  That means, with my Under Sheriff’s great track record of securing funds through grants, we’ll be able to reopen key Sheriff Substations in Meadow Lake and El Cerro Mission/Monterrey Park–with or without funds from the County.  I remember when the Sheriff’s Office had substations there and when we regularly patrolled those areas—crime there and in the whole County was less than it is today, because WE WERE PRESENT and RESPONSIVE to at-risk communities.  We are going to go after drug traffickers.  I also plan to establish proactive policing as part of my plan to reduce violent crime.  Plan to see me and my Under Sheriff out on regular patrols, too.”

TSdeC:  Will you enforce the law you are sworn to uphold, if elected Sheriff?  

RJ:  “Throughout my law enforcement and government service career, I have sworn oaths to the Constitution and laws of the United States, of the State of New Mexico, and of the Pueblo of Isleta.  Those are oaths that are inscribed in my heart and mind.  For me it’s quite simple:  in law enforcement, we enforce the law, period.”  

TSdeC:  I recently spoke to a disabled veteran whose truck was stolen from his yard.  He filed a report with the Sheriff’s department and subsequently sought an appointment with the Sheriff.  He sat for hours, waiting to be seen, for nothing.  If you are elected, will you make yourself accessible to the community?  Will you be a working sheriff? 

RJ:  “My door will be open, and so will my Under Sheriff’s door, because, if elected, our mission will be to serve the public.  I plan to build back trust, respect, transparency, and partnership between the Sheriff Department and all stakeholders in Valencia County—schools, businesses, and community members—by being accessible and accountable.  That also means that my Under Sheriff and I will patrol regularly, we will attend community events, and we will lead the way with proactive and community policing.”

TSdeC:  Thank you, Rodney Jones for your devotion to the people of Valencia County and the Pueblo of Isleta.  I am sure that you will bring positive change to the Sheriff Department when you are elected on November 8^th, 2022.