Sam Bregman is the Democratic gubernatorial candidate running against Deb Haaland, former U.S. representative and former secretary of the Interior. Bregman was in Tucumcari on Nov. 4, campaigning at Mesalands Community College's North American Wind Research and Training Center.
Q: I've been reading concerns about artificial intelligence data centers and electricity costs associated with that. AI development in New Mexico might be good for job creation, but is there a balance you envision to keep electrical costs to consumers under control?
A: There's always a balance. We not only have to be the future energy capital of the world when it comes to oil and gas, which is an industry I support but recognize it's the bridge to future energy, like renewables such as wind, solar, geothermal and hydrogen.
I am of the opinion that we need all of the above. We need as much clean energy as possible to build out the transmission lines. We can produce the energy because we have plenty of wind, plenty of solar and plenty of oil and gas. But we have to build out the transmission lines so we can be the place where high tech wants to locate, such as data such as AI, such as quantum computing. These industries are going to be the future, and they're going to make some of the technology we have today look like the horse and buggy compared to a Lamborghini.
Q: There's been a lot of interest in Tucumcari and Clovis about the possibility of a horse racing track and casino. Farmington recently announced it is transferring its license to Clovis. As a former chairman of the New Mexico Racing Commission, do you have any thoughts about that development and whether the industry might be realigning on its locations?
A: I can't speak for the Racing Commission anymore, but I know that this part of the state is very excited about the opportunity to do that.
I think the Racing Commission, like they have in the past, will get together and figure out what's best for racing and what's best for the state.
I certainly support all people who support racing because it is a wonderful sport. It means a lot to the economic development of our state. So I applaud those in the eastern part of the state who are encouraging the Racing Commission to bring a track out here.
Q: Where will your son Alex Bregman be playing baseball next season?
A: That's probably the hardest question that I get these days because I really don't know. I have less control over that than I do the other issues that we talk about.
I think it's between him and his good sports agent and the teams that are in the major leagues.
I'm sure there's going to be quite a few teams interested in him. Of course, Alex wants to play for a winner. He loved his time in Houston. He loved his time in Boston. And we'll see where he ends up. That's up to him.