Editor’s Note: The Cibola Citizen had gone out of its way, even extending deadlines for Republican Challenger Joseph Tanner Windhorst for both the 2024 Voter’s Guide and this article. The Democrat Lundstrom met all his deadlines. The Citizen had to extend deadlines for both Windhorst and Republican candidate Fred Rodarte in the Cibola County Commission District II. Despite requests for a phone call to ensure his inclusion in the editorial calendar for this page, Windhorst did not respond in time. He submitted his answers to the candidate questionnaire on October 14 at 7:33 p.m., after the Voter’s Guide had been published and Lundstrom's article for this page had been completed. Given his submission, the Citizen elected to transform his questionnaire responses into an article alongside Lundstrom’s, as the two candidates are vying for the same seat.
Tanner Windhorst, a Republican candidate for Cibola County Commissioner in District 4, brings a platform focused on economic growth, infrastructure improvement, and public safety. Windhorst has deep ties to the region, and his priorities reflect his desire to build on what Cibola County already offers while ensuring that residents are well-served by county services and infrastructure.
Windhorst identifies economic growth as one of the most pressing issues facing District 4. He is committed to supporting traditional industries like mining, oil, gas production, farming, and ranching, while also promoting opportunities for small businesses and tourism. In his view, Cibola County’s natural beauty provides a great potential for tourism, which contributes to the Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) and overall economy.
He also emphasizes the need to encourage entrepreneurship, particularly through collaborations with local schools and colleges to provide internships and training for high school students. His vision is for local students to gain experience and education without needing to leave Cibola County. Windhorst believes that bolstering local businesses will create more jobs, which will, in turn, help improve the overall quality of life in the area.
Another key component of Windhorst’s platform is improving the county’s infrastructure. He advocates for maintaining Cibola County’s 360 miles of roads and bridges while making better use of vacant county properties, such as the old county building and former detention center. Windhorst believes that these properties could be sold or repurposed to benefit the county and its residents.
He also highlights the need for residential clean-up programs to prevent unsanitary conditions and help keep the county clean and safe. His focus on improving the infrastructure includes supporting cleanup efforts every spring and fall.
Public safety is a top priority for Windhorst. He praises the efforts of the current county commissioners and county managers, noting their work in increasing law enforcement salaries, improving benefits like free health insurance, and enhancing retirement contributions. Windhorst pledges to continue supporting these initiatives, ensuring that law enforcement and emergency services have the tools, training, and funding they need to protect Cibola County residents.
Windhorst also supports youth outreach programs to promote safety awareness and discourage drug use and illegal activities. He emphasizes his commitment to maintaining strong public safety measures, including ensuring free PHI helicopter insurance for all Cibola County residents in medical emergencies.
Water resources are a significant concern for Windhorst, who acknowledges that living in a high desert means that water conservation should always be top of mind. He advocates for vigilance in managing water systems and resisting outside control that could negatively impact local farmers and ranchers. Windhorst believes that the county commission should remain aware of state-level water agendas and ensure that Cibola County’s water resources remain protected.