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Gov. Bill Richardson named Cindy Padilla the new cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department in November of 2007. Her appointment was confirmed by the state Senate in February of 2008. Prior to joining the Aging and Long-Term Services Department, she served as deputy secretary of the New Mexico Environment Department. Here, Padilla shares some of her plans for the future with AARP.

What do you see as the two main concerns among older New Mexicans?
Security and stability: I believe it is important that all New Mexicans feel safe in their homes and their communities. I believe that all New Mexicans and especially older New Mexicans, need to feel secure in their financial well being, knowing they have the means or that there are programs that can support the security of a comfortable home with adequate food and medical care. As we grow older, we should not have to worry about being warm and comfortable, where our next meal should come from, or be afraid to seek medical attention when necessary for fear of not being able to pay. Asking for help is often a difficult thing to do, but knowing that there are those who not only want to help but also are eager to, can be a sense of security. We need to know are not alone.

The rising costs of insurance and health care. Most older New Mexicans (and many younger ones too) live on fixed or limited incomes. Our older New Mexicans should not have to worry about rising insurance premiums or high-cost prescriptive drugs, which severely limits the care they can afford and therefore the care they receive.

What steps is the Department taking to address those concerns?
I am anxious to begin my work as the Cabinet Secretary and as I outlined during my Senate confirmation, the Department will undertake and build on several initiatives:

1. Developing our Civic Engagement Program that will build partnerships in communities to address community issues. Through a project of engaging our seniors in employment and volunteer opportunities, we can work on housing, health care, education, and other community concerns.

2. Strengthening our partnerships with the existing Area Agencies on Aging. These are our programs that work directly with seniors in providing community and home-delivered meals, transportation, social events, and other important personal services.

3. Fighting Hunger in New Mexico. New Mexicans should not go hungry—neither our children nor our elders. We are committed to working through existing partnerships and building new ones.

4. Building our relationship with the Disabilities Coalition and working to address the concerns of service delivery and management for people living with disabilities.

5. Building on our existing long-term plan with a strategic approach to not only identifying the needs of a growing population, but also working together to plan for these needs and to present plans to support this growing population.

As a new cabinet secretary, what do you see as your greatest challenge?
I am a native of New Mexico and have traveled the state quite a bit in previous state positions. It is definitely challenging to get on the road on to visit all the people. We will though, and we will listen. But one great challenge is to serve our people well. Hard work has always been a part of my family. My parents taught me about that by their examples. They worked hard, sacrificed, and loved much. I am grateful for that and want to share what I can to help people make a difference in their own lives. The Aging and Long-Term Services Department is a great team, and we will work together to serve and not only advocate for our aging and disability population, but also work hard for our aging and disability population.

What do hope to accomplish in 2008?
I hope to get out into New Mexico and meet our older New Mexican and their families. My greatest hope is to build a strong Civic Engagement program, as I see this as a means to addressing many issues facing New Mexicans through the hard work and commitment of all New Mexicans. I believe everyone can make a difference and if engaged, inspired, and supported, we can make great things happen. That’s my challenge and I welcome and accept the opportunity.