2021 SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO Legislative Guide

2021 SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO Legislative Guide

SENATE ROSTER PAGE 20 REPRESENTATIVE ROSTER PAGE 34 COUNTY PROFILES PAGE 50

CATRON I DOÑA ANA I GRANT I HIDALGO I LINCOLN I LUNA I OTERO I SIERRA I SOCORRO 1 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE BOLD solutions NOW, and for years to COME 271594 NMSU 4c x 10.88 Whether it’s an immediate challenge needing urgent action or a life-changing dream within reach, NMSU is always working to deliver bold solutions now and for years to come. Innovative researchers, bright students, dedicated staff and our vital community partners team up through NMSU to improve our state and our world. We will continue to fortify education, create healthy borders and modernize critical infrastructure with sights set on a better today and tomorrow.

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Designed by: CultureSpan Marketing JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 3 Attention: NM Legislative Guide Job Name: EPE 20-346 NM Legislative Guide Size: 7.425” x 10” 4C Order Number: 621-1 Insertion Date(s): 1/22/21 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION IN THE HOUSE Publisher’s Note...... 5 Representative numerical list...... 33 About the Legislature...... 6 Southwest New Mexico House district map...... 33 How to pass a bill...... 8 State representatives...... 34-35 State cabinets and departments...... 10-11 Rep. Candie Sweetser, District 32...... 36 U.S. senators and representatives...... 12 Rep. Rachel Black, District 51...... 36 First Session of the 55th Legislature...... 13 Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena, District 33...... 37 Rep. Raymundo Lara, District 34...... 38 IN THE STATE Rep. Angelica Rubio, District 35...... 39 Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham...... 14 Rep. Nathan Small, District 36...... 40 Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver...... 14 Rep. Joanne Ferrary, District 37...... 41 State Auditor Brian S. Colon...... 14 Rep. Rebecca Dow, District 38...... 42 Lt. Gov. Howie Morales...... 15 Rep. Luis Terrazas, District 39...... 43 Attorney General Hector Balderas...... 15 Rep. Gail Armstrong, District 49...... 44 State Treasurer Tim Eichenberg...... 15 Rep. Doreen Gallegos, District 52...... 45 Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte...... 16 Rep. Willie Madrid, District 53...... 46 Secretary Designate of the New Mexico Rep. James Townsend, District 54...... 47 Department of Health Tracie Collins...... 17 Rep. Zachary Cook, District 56...... 48 Secretary of the New Mexico Department Rep. Gregory Nibert, District 59...... 48 of Veterans Services Sonya L. Smith...... 18 Secretary of the New Mexico Department IN THE COUNTIES of Human Services Dr. David R. Scrase...... 18 Catron County...... 50 Doña Ana County...... 53 IN THE SENATE Southern Doña Ana County...... 63 Senator numerical list...... 19 Grant County...... 64 Southwest New Mexico Senate district map...... 19 Hidalgo County...... 66 State senators...... 20-21 Lincoln County...... 68 Sen. Siah Correa Hemphill, District 28...... 22 Luna County...... 70 Sen. Joshua A. Sanchez, District 30...... 23 Otero County...... 72 Sen. Cliff Pirtle, District 32...... 23 Sierra County...... 74 Sen. Joseph Cervantes, District 31...... 24 Socorro County...... 76 Sen. Bill Burt, District 33...... 25 A CLOSER LOOK Sen. Ron Griggs, District 34...... 26 Spaceport signing deals...... 78 Sen. Crystal Diamond, District 35...... 27 NMSU study finds state scores Sen. Jeff Steinborn, District 36...... 28 low in economic diversity...... 79 Sen. Bill Soules, District 37...... 29 Outdoor economy contributed Sen. Carrie Hamblen, District 38...... 30 $2.4 billion to state's economy...... 80 Sen. Elizabeth Stefanics, District 39...... 31 State Cultural Affairs Department Legislature welcomes new senators, seeks $31.5 million in funding...... 81 representatives...... 32 Advertiser index...... 82

PUBLISHER DESIGNER DISTRIBUTION The 2021 Southwest New Mexico Richard Coltharp Albert Vasquez Teresa Tolonen Legislative Guide is a copyrighted special edition of the Las Cruces Bulletin, designed and published by 1740-A Calle de Mercado, EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ADVERTISING OPC News,LLC, Las Cruces NM, 88005 Mike Cook Elva K. Osterreich Claire Frohs 1740-A Calle de Mercado, Las Cruces, NM 88005. 575-524-8061 Elva K. Österreich Richard Coltharp Pam Rossi www.lascrucesbulletin.com Inquiries regarding editorial Jason Watkins Jason Watkins Elaine Sasnow or advertising content may be Ian Clarke directed to 575-524-8061. © Copyright 2021 Las Cruces Bulletin

4 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE This year’s Legislature will feature new looks in almost every sense

ew Mexico has the last of Many longtime senators were unseated in the primary elections, America’s true citizen legis- including longtimers Sen. Mary Kay Papen, the president pro tem, Nlators, men and women from and Sen. John Arthur Smith, the chair of the Legislative Finance all corners of our state who don’t earn Committee. a salary to serve their constituencies. In the House, for the first time ever, the majority of the represen- These elected officials have met ev- tatives are women. ery year since 1912, but in 2021, they More and more, New Mexico’s elected officials are representing will conduct the people’s business in a the diversity that is the Land of Enchantment. way they never have. It will be a difficult session logistically. And there will be the usu- The global pandemic has changed al difficult debates on disputed issues and legislations. the way almost everything is done, But the business of the people of New Mexico will be conducted. and the legislative session is no dif- ferent. Even at our presstime, it was not certain how the legislature would operate, but most expected a hybrid form of in-person and online meetings. Necessity is the mother of invention, however, and the creativ- ity and ingenuity of our senators and representatives will almost certainly carry the day. There will be some stumbles, and some in- stances of on-the-spot changes and pivots to improve connections or operations. Even without the effects of Covid-19, this Legislature was going RICHARD COLTHARP to look different. Publisher, Las Cruces Bulletin

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JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 5 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE About the New Mexico Legislature he New Mexico Legislature con- Curry, De Baca, Lea and Roosevelt, was and conservative Democrats controlled the venes Jan. 19, 2021 for the first elected in 1984 and is the legislature’s senior House 1979-82 and 1985-86. Democrats T session of the state’s 55th legislature. member. have controlled the House 1923-26, 1931- The legislature includes a 42-member Each House member represents about 52, 1955-1978, 1983-84, 1987-2014 and since Senate, which has 27 Democrats and 15 Re- 26,000 residents; each senator represents 2017. Republicans controlled the state Senate publicans, and a 70-member House, which about 43,300 residents. Legislators are 1912-30. A coalition of 4 Democrats and 21 has 44 Democrats, 25 Republicans and unpaid but receive a per diem allowance for Republicans controlled the Senate in 1985 one independent. Brittney A. Barreras was each day of legislative service. until one of the Democrats switched parties elected to represent District 12 in Bernalillo The legislature meets each year, holding in late 1985, giving the Republicans outright County as declined-to-state a party prefer- 60-day sessions in odd-numbered years and control through 1986. A coalition of 3 Re- ence. She is the legislature’s second indepen- 30-day sessions in even-numbered years. publicans and 21 Democrats controlled the dent. Former state Rep. Andy Nuñez, who is The 60-day sessions have an open call, mean- Senate in 1987. A coalition of 5 Republicans the current mayor of Hatch, served District ing legislators can introduce whatever bills and 18 Democrats controlled the Senate in 36 (Doña Ana County) as a Democrat, they wish. The 30-day sessions are restricted 1988. A coalition of 3 Democrats and 18 Independent and Republican, 2001-12 and to the governor’s call and budget issues. Republicans controlled the Senate 2001-02. 14-16. (There are 7,383 state legislative seats The lieutenant governor presides over the A coalition of 8 Democrats and 15 Republi- among the 50 states. That includes 1,972 Senate. In the absence of the lieutenant gover- cans controlled the Senate 2009-12. Dem- senators, of whom 1,069 are Republicans, 849 nor, the president pro-tempore presides. The ocrats have controlled the Senate 1933-84, are Democrats and 54 are others; and 5,411 speaker of the House presides in that body. 1989-2000, 2003-08 and since 2013. representatives, of whom 2,930 are Republi- The New Mexico House currently has 14 In New Mexico, only the governor has cans, 2,450 are Democrats and 31 are other. standing committees; the Senate has 9. The the authority to call a special session of the Nebraska has 49 nonpartisan senators in a legislature has 25 interim committees called legislature. bicameral legislature. There are an addition- committees, subcommittees, councils and State legislative districts and New Mex- al 192 legislative seats in the District of Co- task forces. ico’s three U.S. congressional districts will lumbia, American Samoa, Guam, Mariana Since the first legislature was seated in be redrawn by the legislature following the Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.) 1912, Republicans have controlled the New completion of the 2020 census. Visit https:// There are no term limits for New Mexi- Mexico House 1912-22, 1927-30, 1953-54 www.nmlegis.gov/Redistricting/. co legislators. Sen. Stuart Ingle, R-Chaves, and 2015-16. A coalition of Republicans Visit www.nmlegis.gov.

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JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 7 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE How to Pass a Bill 1. INTRODUCTION AND 5. VOTING ON A BILL COMMITTEE REFERRAL Following a sometimes-lengthy debate A bill may be introduced in the House on a bill, a final and recorded vote is of Representatives or in the Senate. It is taken on whether it is to pass. There must assigned a number, read twice by title, be a quorum of the committee present ordered, printed and referred to the and every bill requires at least a majority proper committee. vote of the members present and voting in order to pass. A quorum is generally a 2. COMMITTEE simple majority of the members. CONSIDERATION Committee meetings are usually open to 6. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? the public. A bill may receive one of the The bill is sent to the other house and following recommendations: repeats much of the procedure outlined • Do pass above. Both houses must agree on the • Do pass as amended final form of a bill. If either house fails • Do not pass to concur with an amendment, the • Without recommendation differences must be reconciled by a • Without recommendation as amended conference committee representing both the House and Senate. A compromise 3. ADOPTION OF worked out in a conference committee is COMMITTEE REPORT subject to approval by both houses. Reports of committees are subject to adoption by the full House and Senate. 7. ENROLLING AND When a favorable committee report is ENGROSSING adopted, the bill is placed on the calendar, After passage by both houses, a bill is which is the list of bills scheduled for carefully copied by the enrolling and third reading and possible final passage. engrossing staff of the house in which it originated, signed by the presiding officers 4. THIRD READING AND of each house and sent to the governor. FINAL PASSAGE This is the stage at which the fate of a 8. GOVERNOR’S ACTION bill is usually decided. Action may be The governor may sign a bill, veto it or, to amend a bill, substitute one bill for if it carries an appropriation, partially another, send a bill back to committee, veto it. The legislature may override the refer it to another committee or defeat governor’s veto by a two-thirds majority it altogether. vote of each house.

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JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 9 STATE CABINET DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

OFFICE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN AFFAIRS ENERGY, MINERALS & NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT Director-designate: Amy Whitfield Secretary: Sarah Cottrell Propst 505-383-6222, oaaa.state.nm.us 505-476-3200, emnrd.state.nm.us 310 San Pedro, Ste. 230, Albuquerque, NM 87108 1220 S. St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505 Sets out to positively affect the perception, education, health Oversees the state’s energy conservation, forestry, mining and minerals, and development of African-Americans in New Mexico. oil conservation, state parks and the youth conservation corps.

AGING AND LONG-TERM SERVICES DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER Secretary: Katrina Hotrum-Lopez Secretary: John R. D’Antonio Jr. 505-476-4799, nmaging.state.nm.us 505-827-6091, ose.state.nm.us 2550 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505 P.O. Box 27118, Santa Fe, NM 87502-7118 Concha Ortiz y Pino Building, 130 S. Capitol St., Santa Fe, NM 87504 Dedicated to helping New Mexico lead the nation in healthy Department in charge of administering the state’s water resources. The aging and supporting older adults and adults with disabilities. state engineer has power over the supervision, measurement, appro- priation and distribution of all surface and groundwater in New Mexico, including streams and rivers that cross state boundaries. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Director: Jeff Witte 575-646-3007, nmda.nmsu.edu ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT 3190 S. Espina St., Las Cruces, NM 88003 Secretary: James C. Kenney Ensures a safe and secure food supply and a uniform and fair 800-219-6157, env.nm.gov marketplace, protects natural resources and the environment Harold L. Runnels Building, 1190 St. Francis Drive, Ste. N4050, and supports trade. Santa Fe, NM 87505 Tasked with the responsibility of safeguarding the state’s air and other CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT natural resources and oversees food, medical and workplace safety Secretary: Brian Blalock through inspections and enforcement. Monitors groundwater quality 505-827-7606, cyfd.org and waste disposal, including hazardous and nuclear waste. P.O. Drawer 5160, Santa Fe, NM 87502-5160 Provides an array of prevention, intervention, rehabilitative and after-care services to New Mexico children and their families. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Secretary: Debbie Romero CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT 505-827-4985, nmdfa.state.nm.us Secretary: Alisha Tafoya Lucero 407 Galisteo St., Room 180, Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-827-8645, cd.nm.gov Provides sound fiscal advice and problem-solving support to the 4337 NM 14, Santa Fe, NM 87508 governor and budget direction and fiscal oversight to state agencies P.O. Box 27116, Santa Fe NM 87502-0116 and local governments. Ensures tax dollars are spent wisely. Oversees the incarceration of inmates in six state-owned and operated prisons and five private facilities. It also monitors parole and probation, GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT and assists in an offender’s release into society. Secretary: Ken Ortiz 505-827-2000, generalservices.state.nm.us CULTURAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT Joseph Montoya Building, 1100 S. St. Francis Drive, Secretary: Debra Garcia y Griego Santa Fe, NM 87502 505-827-6364, newmexicoculture.org P.O. Box 6850, Santa Fe, NM 87502 Bataan Memorial Building, 407 Galisteo St., Ste. 260, Furnishes essential resources and services that support state agencies, Santa Fe, NM 87501 Represents New Mexico’s dedication to preserving and celebrating the public employees and their dependents, local public bodies, public cultural integrity and diversity of the state. The department oversees a schools and institutions of higher education, state employee insurance broad range of New Mexico’s arts and cultural heritage agencies. coverage and health benefits, facility design, construction management and printing and graphic design services. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE DEPARTMENT Secretary: Elizabeth Groginsky DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 800-832-1321, nmececd.org Secretary: Tracie C. Collins, secretary-designate P.O. Box 5619, 505-827-2613, nmhealth.org Santa Fe, NM 87502 Harold Runnels Building, 1190 S. St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505 Created July 1, 2020, the department’s aim is to create a more cohesive, Promotes health and sound health policy, prevents disease and disabil- equitable an effective early childhood system in New Mexico, coordinat- ity, improves health services systems and ensures that essential public ing a continuum of programs from prenatal to age 5. health functions and safety net services are available to New Mexicans.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Secretary: Alicia Keyes HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT 505-827-0300, gonm.biz Secretary: Stephanie Rodriguez, acting secretary Joseph M. Montoya Building, 1100 S. St. Francis Drive, 505-476-8400, hed.state.nm.us Santa Fe, NM 87505 2044 Galisteo St., Ste. 4, Santa Fe, NM 87505 P.O. Box 20003, Santa Fe, NM 87504-5003 Provides New Mexicans with the support and advocacy needed to State’s main agency in recruiting businesses and improving the state’s succeed in reaching their full potential through higher economy; also provides a variety of assistance to New Mexico businesses. education. This is done through policies, programs and services.

10 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN STATE CABINET DEPARTMENTS ANDCATRON AGENCIES COUNTY

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND REGULATION AND LICENSING DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Superintendent: Linda Trujillo, deputy superintendent Secretary: Bianca Ortiz Wertheim 505-476-4500, rld.state.nm.us 505-476-9600, nmdhsem.org Toney Anaya Building, 2550 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505 13 Bataan Blvd., Santa Fe, NM 87508 Licenses and regulates individuals and businesses in 35 separate in- Responsible for preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery at a dustries and professions. Examines and licenses qualified applicants in state level. It helps to lead New Mexico’s response to emergencies and professional and industry occupations; issues permits, charters and li- disasters while providing for the safety and welfare of citizens. censes; performs code inspections; resolves claims in the construction industries; licenses the sale, service and public consumption of alcohol- HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT ic beverages, industry training and education on statutory compliance, Secretary: David Scrase prosecuting citations and otherwise enforcing the Liquor Control Act. 505-827-7750, hsd.state.nm.us P.O. Box 2348, Santa Fe, NM 87504 STATE PERSONNEL OFFICE Administers state and federally funded programs, including health Director: Pam Coleman insurance for most low- and middle-income children and many elderly, 505-476-7759, spo.state.nm.us disabled and poor adults; provides financial assistance, job training, 2600 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505 food stamps and child support enforcement. Provides human resource leadership, direction and services to maxi- mize state government’s ability to better serve New Mexico. INDIAN AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT Secretary: Lynn Trujillo TAXATION AND REVENUE DEPARTMENT 505-476-1600, iad.state.nm.us Acting Secretary: Stephanie Schardin Clarke Wendell Chino Building, 1220 S. St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-827-0700, tax.newmexico.gov Implements policies by working with communities to assist American 1100 S. St. Francis Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87504 Indians in improving health care, economic development, infrastructure Collects tax dollars and distributes them according to state law. It also and quality of life. administers drivers licensing and motor vehicle registration laws. DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Secretary: John Salazar TOURISM DEPARTMENT 505-827-0000, doit.state.nm.us Secretary: Jen Schroer 715 Alta Vista St., Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-827-7400, newmexico.org P.O. Box 22550, Santa Fe, NM 87502 491 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501 Strives to provide state government a strong technical foundation to Promotes New Mexico as a tourist attraction by working with better serve its citizens and to create more accountability and efficiency communities, travel agencies and individual businesses. in the information technology arena. TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT MILITARY AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT / Secretary: Michael Sandoval NEW MEXICO NATIONAL GUARD 505-795-1401, dot.state.nm.us Adjutant general: Maj. Gen. Kenneth A. Nava 1120 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1149 505-407-3300, www.dma.state.nm.us P.O. Box 1149, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1149 Joint Forces Headquarters, 47 Bataan Blvd., Santa Fe, NM 87508 Provides a safe and efficient transportation system for the traveling An initial military responder in all domestic emergencies. public, while promoting economic development and preserving the environment of New Mexico. LAW OFFICES OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER Chief Public Defender: Bennett J. Baur VETERAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT 505-395-2888, lopdnm.us Secretary: Sonya L. Smith, secretary-designate 301 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-383-2400, nmdvs.org Provides defense counsel for those who cannot otherwise afford a 407 Galisteo St., Room 134, Santa Fe, NM 87504 private lawyer; charged with carrying out general administration of the Assists veterans, their widows and children to establish the entire department, which employs approximately 375 people statewide. privileges to which they are legally entitled. PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Secretary: Ryan Stewart WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ADMINISTRATION 505-827-5800, ped.state.nm.us Director: Loretta Lopez Jerry Apodaca Education Building, 300 Don Gaspar Ave., 505-841-6000, workerscomp.nm.gov Santa Fe, NM 87501 1596 Pacheco St., Ste. 202 Santa Fe, NM 87505 Oversees all public schools and charter schools throughout New Mex- Provides many programs and services to employers, workers, insurance ico. The department strategically works to improve the quality of New carriers and self-insured businesses, health care providers and related Mexico’s students. organizations.

PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS Interim Secretary: Tim Johnson Secretary: Bill McCamley 505-827-3370, dps.state.nm.us 505-841-8405, dws.state.nm.us/en-us 4491 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507 401 Broadway NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 P.O. Box 1628, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1628 P.O. Box 1928, Albuquerque, NM 87103 Protects human life and property through the detection and prevention of Provides services to help people find jobs and achieve their career criminal activity and enforcement of state laws and regulations. goals, connects businesses with skilled job seekers.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 11 2021 U.S. SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES U.S. SENATORS

Senator Senator Martin Ben Ray Heinrich Lujan DEMOCRAT DEMOCRAT Address: Address: Loretto Towne Center, Dirksen Senate Office Building, 505 S. Main St., Ste. 148, Suite B40C, Las Cruces, NM 88001 Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: 575-523-6561 Phone: 202-224-6621 Website: 201 N. Church St., Suite 201B, www.heinrich.senate.gov Las Cruces, N.M. 88001 Phone: 575-526-5475 Sen. Lujan also has offices in Santa Fe and Portales. U.S. REPRESENTATIVES Visit www.lujan.senate.gov. Yvette Herrell REPUBLICAN, DISTRICT 2 Elected Nov. 3, 2020 Represented Otero County, District 51, in the New Mexico House of Representatives, 2011-18 Born in Ruidoso, N.M. Age: 56 yvetteherrell.com

RIO ARRIBA COLFAX SAN JUAN TAOS UNION

LOS ALAMOS MORA Teresa Leger HARDING

MCKINLEY SANDOVAL SANTA Fernandez FE 3 SAN MIGUEL DEMOCRAT, DISTRICT 3 Elected Nov. 3, 2020 BERNALILLO QUAY CIBOLA U.S. SENATORS AND SENATORS U.S. REPRESENTATIVES GUADALUPE Born in Las Vegas, N.M. TORRANCE VALENCIA Age: 60, attorney 1 CURRY teresaforall.com DE BACA

SOCORRO CATRON ROOSEVELT 2 LINCOLN CHAVES SPECIAL ELECTION DISTRICT 1 SIERRA

GRANT Following Deb Haaland’s resignation from her U.S. LEA OTERO House seat to become secretary of the U.S. Department

DOÑA EDDY of the Interior, the state’s major political parties will ANA select candidates to run in a special election to replace LUNA Haaland. The special election will be held 77-91 days after the resignation.

HIDALGO

12 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE First Session of the 55th Legislature BY WALTER RUBEL SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO JOURNALISM COLLABORATIVE

he New Mexico Senate of the next STARTS JAN. 19 AT NOON, red this year in the House. Luis Terrazas, four years will be younger and less ENDS MARCH 20 AT NOON a Republican business owner from Silver T experienced as a result of the 2020 Senate: City, defeated incumbent Rudy Martinez elections. 27 Democrats, 15 Republicans in House District 39, which stretches from Departing senators John Arthur Smith, (Dems gain one seat from 2020) Silver City to Doña Ana County. The seat D-Deming (32 years); William Payne, House: has gone back and forth in recent years. R-Albuquerque (24 years); Mary Kay Papen, 45 Democrats, 24 Republicans, Republican John Zimmerman of Las Cruces D-Las Cruces (20 years) and Richard Marti- 1 Independent was elected in 2014, the year when Republi- nez, D-Española (20 years) had a combined (Dems lose 2 seats, 1 to GOP cans gained control of the House. Martinez 96 years serving in the Senate. and 1 to Independent) held the seat 2007-14 and since 2017. They also held some of the Senate’s top Republicans almost picked up the seat in leadership positions. Papen was president be one of the first items on the agenda when Doña Ana County’s District 53, which also pro tempore. Smith was chairman of the Fi- the Senate meets in January. includes a chunk of Otero County. Former nance Committee. They were both defeated Committee chairmanships, including the Representative for the district, Republican in the Democratic Primary Election. new head of the Finance Committee, will be Ricky Little, came very close to regaining Some of the Democratic Primary win- picked within the Democratic caucus. his old spot, but late ballots put Democrat ners, however, were beaten in the Gener- Sen. Bill Soules, D-Las Cruces, said he is incumbent Willie Madrid ahead. After the al Election. Republican Joshua Sanchez concerned that with the new makeup of the mandatory re-count, Madrid had won by a claimed the seat that had been held for two Senate, Republican members may lose their mere 36 votes. terms by Democrat Clemente Sanchez of ability to be an effective opposition. The House will have its second Indepen- Grants. And in District 35, Crystal Dia- “When one side has all the power, I’m dent in recent years, following the victory of mond won a seat that had been held by worried that more people will put out bad Brittany Barreras in Albuquerque’s District Democrats from Deming for more than six legislation with good intentions,” Soules 12. Democratic incumbent Art De La Cruz decades. Smith had represented the district said. “That’s going to make me more hyper- ran as a write-in candidate, but recorded no since his first win in 1988. Before that, Ike vigilant.” votes, according to the Secretary of State’s Smalley had held the seat for 32 years. website. Barreras said she plans to work Papen’s seat remained in Democrats’ Five flips in Senate with members from both parties. hands. Carrie Hamblen defeated Republican Five seats were flipped in the Senate, She will be the first Independent since Charles Wendler in the General Election two going for Republicans and three for 2011, when Rep. Andy Nuñez of Hatch after ousting Papen in the Primary. Democrats. changed his party affiliation from Demo- Other Senate veterans losing or vacating Both Republican gains came after suc- cratic to Independent following a dispute seats this year include John Sapien, D-Cor- cessful Primary challenges to oust Smith with former Speaker Ben Lujan. Nuñez rales, and Sander Rue, R-Albuquerque, who and Sanchez. would later change to Republican. both served for 12 years. Democrats flipped in districts 10, 20 and 23. In southeast New Mexico, Rep. David Sen. Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces, said In District 10, incumbent Candace Garcia, R-Eunice, gave up his District 61 the new members have different life expe- Gould, R-Albuquerque, was defeated by House seat to challenge Gregg Fulfer, R-Jal, riences and bring a sense of idealism to the Democrat Katy Duhigg. District 20 is the in the Republican Primary for the Senate Senate, he said. seat Payne had held since his first win in seat in District 41. Fulfer had been ap- “People who have been there a long time 1996. His decision to step down opened the pointed by former Gov. Susana Martinez tend to get attached to doing things the way door for Democrat Martin Hickey to win to replace former Sen. Carroll Leavell, who they’ve always been done,” Steinborn said. the seat. In District 23, Rue lost the seat he was first elected to the Senate in 1996. Electing a new president pro tempore will held for three terms to Democrat Harold Garcia beat Fulfer in the Primary to win James Pope Jr. the Senate seat. Republican Randall Petti- Other new members of the Senate are grew was uncontested for the District 61 Brenda Grace McKenna, D, in District 9; House seat. Gregg Schmedes, R, in District 19 and Siah Other new members include Democrats Correa Hemphill, D, in District 28. Schme- Meredith Dixon, District 20; Roger Evan des moves to the Senate after previously Montoya, District 40; Kristina Ortiz, Dis- serving District 22 in the House. trict 42 and Ambrose Castellano, District 70. Republican new members are T. Ryan Fewer changes in House Lane, District 3; Stefani Lord, District 22 Things are more stable in the House of and Joshua Hernandez, District 60. Representatives, with all leaders winning Dixon replaced Abbas Akhil, who was the re-election and the vast majority of incum- state’s first Muslim member of the Legisla- bents returning. ture. He stepped down to have more time to Only one seat was flipped from blue to spend with his grandchildren.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 13 2021 STATE GOVERNMENT NEW MEXICO’S 32ND CONTACT GOVERNOR INFORMATION POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat ADDRESS: Office of the Governor, AGE: 60 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Room 400, Santa Fe, N.M. 87501 BIRTHPLACE: Santa Fe, N.M. (grew up in Los Alamos) PHONE: 575-476-2200 EDUCATION: EMAIL: governor.state.nm.us/ Law degree, University of Contact_the_Governor.aspx New Mexico School of Law WEBSITE: governor.state.nm.us OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Bernalillo County Commission, GOVERNOR 2011-12; U.S. House of MICHELLE LUJAN Representatives, New Mexico District 1, 2013-18; secretary of the state departments of Aging and Long-Term Services, and Grisham Health under three governors

NEW MEXICO’S 26TH CONTACT SECRETARY OF STATE INFORMATION POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat ADDRESS: 325 Don Gaspar Ave., AGE: 43 #300, Santa Fe, N.M. 87501 BIRTHPLACE: Albuquerque, N.M. PHONE: 505-827-3600 EDUCATION: Bachelor’s EMAIL: [email protected] degree in political science WEBSITE: sos.state.nm.us and Spanish, masters degree in political science, UNM OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: SECRETARY OF STATE Bernalillo County Clerk, 2007- 16; dropped out Democratic MAGGIE TOULOUSE primary for U.S. Senate, 2019 Oliver STATE GOVERNMENT PROFILES STATE

NEW MEXICO’S 28TH CONTACT STATE AUDITOR INFORMATION POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat ADDRESS: 2540 Camino AGE: 50 Edward Ortiz, Suite A, Santa Fe, N.M. 87507 BIRTHPLACE: New York City; raised in Los Lunas, Bosque PHONE: 505-476-3800 Farms and Albuquerque EMAIL: Brian.Colon@ EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree osa.state.nm.us in finance, 1998, NMSU; law WEBSITE: www.saonm.org degree, 2001, UNM School of Law STATE AUDITOR OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Ran for mayor of Albuquerque, BRIAN S. 2017; ran for lieutenant governor, 2010; state chair, New Mexico Colon Democratic Party, 2007-09 14 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 STATE GOVERNMENT NEW MEXICO’S 30TH CONTACT LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR INFORMATION POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat ADDRESS: Office of the Lt. AGE: 48 Governor, 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Room 417, Santa Fe, N.M. 87501 BIRTHPLACE: Silver City, N.M. PHONE: 505-476-2250 EDUCATION: Bachelor of science in education/ EMAIL: See website biology, master of arts in bilingual WEBSITE: www.ltgov.state.nm.us special education, WNMU; Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, NMSU LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: New Mexico state senator, 2008- HENRY C. ‘HOWIE’ 18; Grant County clerk, 2005-08; New Mexico Public Education Morales Department interim secretary STATE PROFILES GOVERNMENT

NEW MEXICO’S 31ST CONTACT ATTORNEY GENERAL INFORMATION POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat ADDRESS: 408 Galisteo St., AGE: 47 Santa Fe, N.M. 87501 BIRTHPLACE: Denver, Colorado; PHONE: 505-490-4060, raised in Wagon Mound, N.M. toll free 1-844-255-9210 EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, EMAIL: See website New Mexico Highlands University; WEBSITE: www.nmag.gov law degree, UNM School of Law OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: ATTORNEY GENERAL State auditor, 2006-14; New Mexico state representative, HECTOR HUGO 2004-06; ran for U.S. Senate, 2012, lost in the Democratic primary Balderas

NEW MEXICO’S 30TH CONTACT STATE TREASURER INFORMATION POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat ADDRESS: 2055 S. Pacheco St., BIRTHPLACE: Los Alamos, N.M. Suites 100 and 200, Santa Fe, N.M. 87505 EDUCATION: BA, UNM, 1989; General Contractors License, PHONE: 505-955-1120 New Mexico Real Estate Broker EMAIL: See website OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: WEBSITE: https://nmsto.gov/ New Mexico state senator, 2009-13, Bernalillo County STATE TREASURER treasurer, 1975-78 TIM Eichenberg

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 15 2021 STATE GOVERNMENT JEFF

WitteAg Secretary says resilience is crucial moving into the new year BY BRANDON LARRAÑAGA NMDA COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT he agriculture industry in New a more stable market is among the Mexico will hope for change hopes for all. The pandemic has taken a Tentering 2021 after severe severe toll on many industries, specif- drought conditions and the pandemic ically the oil and gas fields. New Mex- have plagued the industry for months. ico’s economy is extremely reliant on SECRETARY OF With the hope that there is some return revenues from both of these areas and to normal within the state, New Mexico will instead turn to the food processing AGRICULTURE Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte said industry in the state as a crutch. that producers in the state will continue “The coming legislative session will YEARS IN OFFICE: 10 to work harder than ever in order to be a challenging one for the entire AGE: 58 continue to provide for all citizens of state,” Witte said. “While we don’t have BIRTHPLACE: Santa Fe, N.M. (grew up New Mexico. a specific legislative priority for the on a ranch near Stanley, N.M.) “New Mexico agriculturalists will be department, we will be closely fol- entering 2021 with the knowledge that lowing proposals to help develop the EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in a dry, La Niña-induced winter moisture value-added agriculture sector in New agricultural business management, season is behind them and with the Mexico. We have long been a producer master’s degree in agricultural hope that a wet spring and summer state, often sending our raw products economics, both from New Mexico monsoon season and stabilized markets someplace else to further add consum- State University. are ahead,” said Witte. “COVID-19 er value and then bringing those same OTHER EXPERIENCE: Director of certainly had an impact on agriculture, enhanced products back to New Mex- governmental affairs for the New up and down the supply chain, and that ico for consumers to enjoy. We have a Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau impacted our farmers’ and ranchers’ priority to grow the value-added sector ability to market their products. I often in the state.” CONTACT INFORMATION say, ‘Our producers are some of the With the adjustment toward more most resilient in the world.’ They have reliance on local producers and pro- ADDRESS: 3190 Espina St. (NMSU dealt with drought, winter storms, fires cessors to bolster the economy, there main campus), Las Cruces, N. M. 88003 and much more. Each time, they figure is also an opportunity to draw public PHONE: 575-646-3007 out a method to produce what we cher- attention and recognition to the impor- STATE GOVERNMENT PROFILES STATE EMAIL: [email protected] ish most, our good New Mexico food tance of local agriculture. products.” “We are No. 1 in pecan production, WEBSITE: nmda.nmsu.edu While agriculturalists in the state No. 1 in chile production, No. 1 in are eager for more moisture and better overall conditions in the months ahead, WITTE CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

16 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 STATE GOVERNMENT TRACIE Collins Educator, research, scientist named state’s secretary of health

ov. Michelle Lujan Grisham our diverse communities, both in this appointed Tracie C. Collins, current crisis and beyond.” GMD, as the new secretary of Collins has served in myriad aca- the New Mexico Department of Health demic leadership roles, in addition to (NMDOH) in late 2020. providing clinical care and conduct- Collins was dean of the College of ing and overseeing reams of clinical STATE PROFILES GOVERNMENT Population Health at the University of research. Prior to her work at UNM, New Mexico. She became NMDOH Collins served as chair of preventive secretary-designate Dec. 15. medicine and public health at the “I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Collins University of Kansas, where she also SECRETARY DESIGNATE OF to our team,” Lujan Grisham said in a served as the Kansas Health Founda- news release. “New Mexico has never tion distinguished professor of public THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH needed experienced and compas- health and as a professor of internal sionate public health leadership more medicine. At the University of Min- career and maintains a clinical practice as a than right now. Dr. Collins will hit the nesota, Collins was co-leader of the vascular specialist. ground running as part of our state’s Primary Care Research Consortium, Collins earned a master of public health COVID-19 response effort with the co-director of the school’s Center for degree from the Harvard School of Public Department of Health and indeed all of Health Equity Research Core and an Health, where she also served as a clinical state government.” associate professor of medicine. In instructor, and a master of health care delivery “I am honored and excited to serve Texas, Collins was an assistant profes- science degree from Dartmouth College. She our state as health secretary,” Collins sor of medicine at the Baylor College of earned a doctor of medicine degree from said. “I want to thank the governor for Medicine and director of the General the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor’s her confidence in me. This is a very Internal Medicine Consult Service of degree, in chemistry, from the University of challenging time for all of us. There is the Michael E. DeBakey V.A. Medical Central Oklahoma. much work to be done to ensure the Center in Houston. Collins replaces former NMDOH Sec. Kath- health and safety of New Mexicans. Collins has lectured in Nepal and yleen Kunkel, who retired in the fall. NMDOH But I know the dedicated professionals Kenya in addition to her clinical educa- general counsel Billy Jimenez had served of the Department of Health, and the tion and research in Oklahoma, Texas, as interim NMDOH secretary. He returned many health care leaders throughout Minnesota, Kansas and New Mexico. to his role as general counsel when Collins our state, are going to continue work- She has produced almost 80 scholarly became New Mexico Department of Health ing tirelessly to address the needs of publications over the course of her secretary-designate.

WITTE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 establishments. We have the capacity to lining emerged, and that is the importance summer onion production, Top 10 in milk enhance the New Mexico-grown opportu- of the local food system,” Witte said. “Our and cheese production and have a wonder- nities.” producers, having to develop alternate ful beef sector which can provide locally This increased awareness of and atten- markets, were able to connect with con- raised meat to our consumers through tion to our state’s own industries is one sumers directly. A recent NMSU study retail and restaurant business,” Witte said. positive thing that has come from the last indicated that if we increased our local “We also produce lettuce, cabbage and year. If local food systems continue to purchasing of local food by 15 percent, other fresh vegetables, both large scale remain on the rise, it could mean great our state economy would grow over $750 and small scale, that our consumers enjoy things for our state’s economy. million per year! This is a trend that will through farmers markets and local retail “As we reflect on this past year, one silver help New Mexico grow.”

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 17 2021 STATE GOVERNMENT SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION OF VETERANS SERVICES ADDRESS: 407 Galisto St., Room 134 SONYA L. Santa Fe, N.M. 87504 PHONE: 505-383-2400 Smith WEBSITE: www.nmdvs.org Sonya L. Smith named Veterans Services secretary in October

BY MIKE COOK

onya L. Smith was appointed as specifically helping guide the efforts of the her honorable discharge, she earned a bach- secretary of the New Mexico Depart- agency's COVID-19 testing team. Prior to elor’s degree in health services management Sment of Veterans Services (NMDVS) that, Smith served as director of compli- from Norfolk State University in her home- by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Oct. 23, ance of primary care programs at South- town of Norfolk, Virginia. following the retirement of Judy M. Griego west Care Center in Santa Fe; and before Smith testified before the New Mexico Leg- as cabinet secretary. that, as the clinical compliance manager islative Finance Committee Nov. 16, seeking Sec.-designate Smith is scheduled for a at the University of New Mexico Truman approval of NMDVS’ proposed $4.9 million formal confirmation to the post during the Health Services Clinic. budget for fiscal year 2022. 2021 New Mexico Legislative session. As a member of the United States Air The requested amount is needed to carry Smith comes to NMDVS from the New Force Reserve, Smith served as a medical out NMDVS’ mandate to assist the state’s Mexico Department of Health, where she technician in Operation Desert Shield and approximately 154,000 veterans and their served as a special projects coordinator, Operation Desert Storm. Upon receiving families, NMDVS said in a news release.

SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION OF HUMAN SERVICES ADDRESS: Office of the Secretary, P.O. Box 2348 Santa Fe, N.M. 87504 DR. DAVID R. PHONE: 575-827-7750 Scrase WEBSITE: www.hsd.state.nm.us STATE GOVERNMENT PROFILES STATE avid R. Scrase, MD, was appointed trative positions, including nine years in Mexico Medicaid program for three years as secretary of the New Mexico medical education, as well as numerous before his appointment as NMHSD secretary, DHuman Services Department healthcare executive positions in Michigan working to enhance the treatment of Hepati- (NMHSD) by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grish- and New Mexico. Since moving to New tis C for Medicaid members and to improve am soon after her election in November Mexico more than 20 years ago, he has quality and reduce hospital readmissions in 2018. He was confirmed as secretary by the been active on many New Mexico public all New Mexico nursing facilities. New Mexico Senate Feb. 11, 2019. policy committees and community orga- While not seeing patients and teaching, he Scrase is a board-certified internist and nizations, including four years as director also works as a popular public speaker, con- geriatrician, and at the time of his appoint- and treasurer of Equality New Mexico sultant and writer. Scrase regularly provides ment was the interim division chief for and as a member of the Board of Menaul entertaining talks at the local and national general internal medicine and the chief of School in Albuquerque. Scrase served on level on a wide variety of topics, including geriatrics at the University of New Mexico. Gov. Bill Richardson’s Insure New Mexico! fascinating medical cases, successful aging, His first love and understood calling is as a Committee and Health Care for New Mex- health policy, mindfulness and happiness. primary-care physician, and he has contin- icans Committee; the national Ambulatory Under the pen name of David Roberts, in uously cared for patients for more than 30 Quality Association, setting quality metrics 2013 he published the book “Practice Makes years, despite concurrent service in admin- for professional practice; and the executive Perfect: How One Doctor Found the Mean- istrative roles. He continues to see patients committee of the New Mexico Association ing of Lives,” which chronicles some of the while serving as NMHSD secretary. of Commerce and Industry. lessons he has learned from his most interest- Scrase has held a variety of adminis- Scrase worked closely with the New ing patients.

18 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 SENATORS

SENATE NUMERICAL LIST

1 WILLIAM SHARER SAN JUAN RIO ARRIBA TAOS COLFAX 2 STEVEN NEVILLE UNION 3 SHANNON D. PINTO 4 GEORGE MUÑOZ LOS ALAMOS 5 LEO JARAMILLO MORA 6 ROBERTO “BOBBY” GONZALES HARDING 7 PAT WOODS SANDOVAL SANTA 8 PETE CAMPOS MCKINLEY FE 9 BRENDA GRACE MCKENNA SAN MIGUEL 10 KATY M. DUHIGG 11 LINDA LOPEZ BERNALILLO 12 GERALD ORTIZ Y PINO CIBOLA QUAY 13 BILL O’NEILL GUADALUPE 14 MICHAEL PADILLA VALENCIA 15 DANIEL IVEY-SOTO TORRANCE CURRY 16 ANTOINETTE SEDILLO LOPEZ 30 17 MIMI STEWART DE BACA 18 BILL G. TALLMAN 39 19 GREG W. SCHMEDES ROOSEVELT CATRON SOCORRO LINCOLN 20 MARTIN E. HICKEY 28

21 MARK MOORES PROFILES SENATOR 22 BENNY J. SHENDO JR. CHAVES 23 HAROLD JAMES POPE JR. 33 24 NANCY RODRIGUEZ 25 PETER WIRTH SIERRA 26 JACOB CANDELARIA 36 27 STUART INGLE GRANT 32 LEA 28 SIAH CORREA HEMPHILL 37 34 EDDY 29 GREGORY A. BACA DOÑA 30 JOSHUA A. SANCHEZ OTERO ANA 31 JOSEPH CERVANTES LUNA 32 CLIFF R. PIRTLE 35 38 33 WILLIAM “BILL” BURT 31 34 RON GRIGGS HIDALGO 35 CRYSTAL DIAMOND 36 JEFF STEINBORN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO 37 WILLIAM “BILL” SOULES 38 CARRIE HAMBLEN 39 ELIZABETH STEFANICS 40 CRAIG BRANDT 41 DAVID M. GALLEGOS 42 GAY KERNAN SenateDISTRICT MAP

DISTRICT 28 DISTRICT 32 DISTRICT 35 DISTRICT 38 Siah Correa Cliff Crystal Carrie Hemphill Pirtle Diamond Hamblen Page 22 Page 23 Page 27 Page 30

DISTRICT 30 DISTRICT 33 DISTRICT 36 DISTRICT 39 Joshua A. Bill Jeff Elizabeth “Liz” Sanchez Burt Steinborn Stefanics Page 23 Page 25 Page 28 Page 31

DISTRICT 31 DISTRICT 34 DISTRICT 37 Joseph Ron William “Bill” Cervantes Griggs Soules Page 24 Page 26 Page 29

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 19 2021 SENATORS

Baca, Brandt, Burt, Campos, Candelaria, Cervantes, Gregory Craig William “Bill” Pete Jacob Joseph (R-Bernalillo, (R-Sandoval-40) (R-Chavez, Lincoln, (D-Colfax, Guadalupe, (D-Bernalillo-26) (D-Doña Ana-31) Valencia-29) 7012 Tampico Road NE Otero-33) Harding, Mora, San 3608 Ladera Drive NW 901 E. University Ave. P.O. Box 346, Rio Rancho, NM 87144 P.O. Box 1848 Miguel, Quay, Taos-8) B-302 Las Cruces, NM 88001 Belen, NM 87002 505-986-4385 Alamogordo, NM 88311 418 Raynolds Ave. Albuquerque, 575-526-5600 505-385-7303 craig.brandt@ 575-439-9439 Las Vegas, NM 87701 NM 87120 joe@cervanteslawnm. [email protected] nmlegis.gov [email protected] 505-425-0508 505-847-5079 com pete.campos@ jacob.candelaria@ nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov

Diamond, Duhigg, Gallegos, Gonzales, Griggs, Hamblen, Crystal Katy M. David M. Roberto “Bobby” Ron Carrie (D-Doña Ana, Hidalgo, (D-Bernalillo, (R-Eddy, Lea-41) (D-Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, (R-Doña Ana, Eddy, (D-Doña Ana-38) Luna, Sierra-35) Sandoval-10) P.O. Box 998 Santa Fe, Taos-6) Otero-34) P.O. Box 2072, P.O. Box 1947, 6028 Kensington Dr. NW Eunice, NM 88231 26 Lavender Lane 2704 Birdie Loop Las Cruces, Elephant Butte, Albuquerque, NM 87107 575-390-7570 Ranchos De Taos, NM 87557 Alamogordo, NM 88310 N.M. 88004 NM 87935 505-600-1343 david.rssi@ 505-986-4319 575-491-2596 575-496-5242 575-740-1539 duhiggcampaign@ hotmail.com roberto.gonzales@ [email protected] hamblenforsenate38@ [email protected] gmail.com nmlegis.gov gmail.com SENATOR PROFILES

Hemphill, Hickey, Ingle, Ivey-Soto, Jaramillo, Kernan, Siah Correa Martin E. Stuart Daniel Leo Gay (D-Catron, Grant and (R-Bernalillo-20) (R-Chaves, Curry, De Baca, (D-Bernalillo-15) (D-Los Alamos, (R-Chaves, Eddy, Socorro-28) P.O. Box 21608 Lea, Roosevelt-27) 1420 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, Lea-42) P.O. Box 1711, Albuquerque, 2106 W. University Drive Suite 208 Santa Fe-5) P.O. Box 598 Silver City, NM 88062 NM 87154 Portales, NM 88130 Albuquerque, NM 87110 P.O. Box 1014 Española, Hobbs, NM 88241 575- 654-0683 505-900-1841 575-356-3088 505-881-4475 NM 87532 505-629-8081 siahforsenate@ martinforsd20@ stuart.ingle@ daniel.ivey-soto@ 505-620-0800 gay.kernan@ gmail.com gmail.com nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov [email protected] nmlegis.gov

Lopez, McKenna, Moores, Muñoz, Neville, O’Neill, Linda Brenda Grace Mark George Steven Bill (D-Bernalillo-11) (D-Bernalillo, (R-Bernalillo-21) (D-Cibola, McKinley, (R-San Juan-2) (D-Bernalillo-13) 9132 Suncrest SW Sandoval-9) P.O. Box 90970 San Juan-4) P.O. Box 1570 343 Sarah Lane NW Albuquerque, NM 87121 P.O. Box 1351, Albuquerque, NM 87199 P.O. Box 2679 Aztec, NM 87410 Albuquerque, 505-831-4148 Corrales, NM 87048 505-681-1975 Gallup, NM 87305 505-327-5460 NM 87114 linda.lopez@ 505-263-7553 mark.moores@ 505-722-6570 steven.neville@ 505-450-9263 nmlegis.gov bgmckenna@ nmlegis.gov senatormunoz@ nmlegis.gov oneillsd13@ gmail.com gmail.com billoneillfornm.com

20 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 SENATORS

Ortiz y Pino, Padilla, Pinto, Pirtle, Pope Jr., Rodriguez, Gerald Michael Shannon Cliff Harold James Nancy (D-Bernalillo-12) (D-Bernalillo-14) (D-McKinley, (R-Chaves, Eddy, (R-Bernalillo-23) (D-Santa Fe-24) 400 12th St. NW P.O. Box 67545 San Juan-3) Otero-32) 10460 Calle Leon NW 1838 Camino La Canada Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM P.O. Box 1583 5507 Y.O. Road Albuquerque, NM Santa Fe, NM 87501 87102 87193 Tohatchi, NM 87325 Roswell, NM 88203 87114 505-983-8913 505-243-1509 505-977-6247 shannon.pinto@ 575-626-7046 505-289-1087 nancy.rodriguez@ [email protected] michael.padilla@ nmlegis.gov cliffpirtleforstate harold@popefornm. nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov [email protected] com

Sanchez, Sedillo Lopez, Schmedes, Sharer, Shendo, Soules, PROFILES SENATOR Joshua A. Greg W. Antoinette William Benny Jr. William “Bill” (R-Cibola, Mckinley, (R-Bernalillo, Sandoval, (D-Bernalillo-16) (R-San Juan-1) (D-Bernalillo, McKinley, (D-Doña Ana-37) Socorro, Valencia-30) Santa Fe, Torrance-19) P.O. Box 40414 P.O. Box 203 Rio Arriba, Sandoval, 5054 Silver King Road P.O. Box 721, 25 Calle Vallecitos Albuquerque, NM Farmington, NM San Juan-22) Las Cruces, NM 88011 87106 P.O. Box 634 Bosque, NM, 87006 Tijeras, NM 87059 87499 575-640-0409 505-986-4389 Jemez Pueblo, NM 575-388-1969 505-986-4381 soules4senate37@ 505-506-6725 a.sedillolopez@ 87024 [email protected] gschmedes@ nmlegis.gov bill@williamsharer. 505-834-7359 gmail.com gmail.com com benny.shendo@ nmlegis.gov

Stefanics, Steinborn, Stewart, Tallman, Wirth, Woods, Elizabeth Jeff Mimi Bill G. Peter Pat (D-Bernalillo, Lincoln, (D-Doña Ana-36) (D-Bernalillo-17) (D-Bernalillo-18) (D-Santa Fe-25) (R-Curry, Quay, Union-7) San Miguel, Santa Fe, P.O. Box 562 313 Moon St. NE 5909 Canyon 708 Paseo de Peralta 4000 CR. M Torrance, Valencia-39) Las Cruces, NM 88004 Albuquerque, NM Pointe Court Santa Fe, NM 87501 Broadview, NM 88112 P.O. Box 720 575-635-5615 87123 Albuquerque, NM 87111 505-986-4727 575-357-8594 Cerrillos, NM 87010 [email protected] 505-275-2355 505-702-6828 peter.wirth@ pat.woods@ 505-699-4808 mimi.stewart@ bill.tallman@ nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov [email protected] nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov

SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE: MINORITY FLOOR LEADER: D-Mimi Stewart, Bernalillo County Greg Baca, R-Bernalillo (must be voted on by full Senate) and Valencia counties MAJORITY FLOOR LEADER: MINORITY WHIP: Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe County Craig Brandt, R-Sandoval County MAJORITY WHIP: Linda Lopez, D-Bernalillo County President Pro Tempore to be voted in during the session. To reach your legislator during the session, call 505-986-4300.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 21 2021 SENATORS SIAH CORREA Hemphill New senator: Close gaps in education, health care and jobs

recreational use of marijuana in the to make a decision that prioritizes the state? If so, how will you vote on health and well-being of us all. legalization? Will that impact how the legislature I will need to review the bill first does its business during the session? if one is introduced. I do support If so, how? legalizing recreational marijuana, but Participating in meetings remotely DISTRICT 28 we need to take care and do it right, has several challenges, including COUNTIES SERVED: Catron, Grant and including making sure that small difficulties with technology, public Socorro growers are supported, that the health access and communication. On of our youth is protected and that we the other hand, it also has definite POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat take into consideration what other advantages (which many of us have YEARS IN OFFICE: New states have learned from their own already experienced), namely that AGE: 49 experience with legalization. citizens from around the state can What are the biggest budget participate without the very significant BIRTHPLACE: Born in British Columbia priorities for the session? time and expense requirements of and raised in Grant County Budget priorities are likely to focus traveling to Santa Fe. For many of my PROFESSION: Educator, teacher on (a) infrastructure most needed to constituents, coming to the session in trainer, school psychologist recover from the pandemic, including person involves a five-six hour drive EDUCATION: Western New Mexico internet access, public safety, medical one-way, an overnight stay and all the University, B.A. in elementary education equipment and vaccine rollout; (b) gas, food and lodging expenses that and M.A. in psychology ensuring the maximum possible entails. To the extent that we might funding for education and health care; need to limit in-person meetings OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None (c) leveraging aid for small businesses during the session, it will be important to revive and recover; and (d) support that we make the best of these unusual SENATOR PROFILES CONTACT INFORMATION for the unusually high number of circumstances and provide plenty of ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1711, unemployed. opportunities for online and phone Silver City, NM 88062 What are the capital outlay participation from our constituents. priorities for your district? What are the biggest concerns in PHONE: 575-654-0683 The capital outlay priorities in my your district? EMAIL: [email protected] district include addressing the basic The main concerns of my district needs of the communities in the are similar to those in most of the areas of water, wastewater, facilities, state – access to affordable health care medical needs and public safety. I will and behavioral health care, access to BY ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH also prioritize capital outlay projects high-quality education, sustainable and hat bills do you plan to introduce in that can help create sustainable good-paying jobs, support for small the 2021 session? economic growth and diversification businesses, and basic infrastructure The specific bills I will opportunities. needs. In rural communities, Wintroduce are still under consideration, but Do you think the 2021 session is addressing these concerns pose even my focus will be on legislation to help reduce likely to be held entirely remotely? greater challenges. disparities and bring resources to our rural The many benefits of having an in- What else would you like to add? communities, with an emphasis on education, person session will be weighed against As a school psychologist my work health care and sustainable jobs that provide a the risks posed by COVID-19 spread. has been protecting the educational living wage. Although there is no easy answer or rights, opportunities and well-being of Do you think the governor will again single indicator, I am confident that our all, which I will continue to do as state introduce legislation to legalize the leadership will use the data available senator.

22 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 SENATORS

COUNTIES SERVED: Cibola, Socorro, DISTRICT 30 McKinley and Valencia POLITICAL PARTY: Republican JOSHUA A. YEARS IN OFFICE: New AGE: 39 BIRTHPLACE: Belen, N.M. PROFESSION: Small business Sanchez owner, Five years working for the New Senator ready to hit Rio Grande Conservancy District the ground running EDUCATION: Belen High School BY ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None oshua Adolph Sanchez is an Ameri- not going to choose to go to college.” can businessman and politician who Sanchez opposes the legalization of CONTACT INFORMATION is a member-elect of the New Mex- recreational marijuana. J ADDRESS: P.O. Box 721, ico Senate. Elected in 2020, he assumes “Many jobs require drug testing and New office on Jan. 19. Mexico businesses struggle to get employ- Bosque, NM, 87006 Sanchez is a strong proponent of getting ees that can meet this requirement now, PHONE: 575-388-1969 people back on the job. recreational marijuana will not help this at EMAIL: [email protected] “New Mexico thrives when the people of all,” he said. New Mexico are allowed to return to work,” He also opposes enacting a new state law he said. that would allow police officers to be sued He also said the state needs to reform individually and a constitutional amend- he said. “I would support renewable energy PROFILES SENATOR its approach to the education system and ment that would withdraw more money products that are truly renewable.” spending. from the Land Grant Permanent Fund and He believes the state needs to build a “We aren’t getting a good return on our restrictions on fracking. career-ready educational system to attract investment into education,” he said on an “I am very aware of climate change and businesses outside of the oil and gas industry. Albuquerque Journal questionnaire. “I am I understand that our world is always “Businesses will come to New Mexico a proponent of kids being career-ready changing and we must be good stewards to because we will be able to then supply quality, when they graduate high school if they are do our part to not accelerate the process,” trained employees,” he said.

COUNTIES SERVED: Chaves, Eddy DISTRICT 32 POLITICAL PARTY: Republican YEARS IN OFFICE: 8 CLIFF AGE: 35 PROFESSION: Farmer EDUCATION: Roswell High School CONTACT INFORMATION Pirtle ADDRESS: 5507 Y.O. Road, Pirtle now a seasoned Roswell, NM 88203 veteran of the Senate PHONE: 575-626-7046 EMAIL: [email protected]

irtle, originally elected to the state Eddy County. Land Grant, Legislative Health & Human Senate in 2012, and re-elected in He served on the 20-member Governor’s Services and Rules committees. P2016, is now a veteran of the cham- Working Group on Cannabis Legaliza- In 2018 Pirtle introduced legislation to ber, going into his ninth session, despite tion, established by Gov. Michelle Lujan institute permanent Daylight-Saving Time. being the youngest member of the senate, Grisham. For the second time, it passed the senate on at age 35. Regarding legalization, Pirtle told NM a vote of 25-17 but didn’t make it to a vote Pirtle spends much of his days away from Political Report in July 2019 “This is in the House. the legislature farming in Chaves County. something that is inevitable, and we need Pirtle also regularly plays in the annual His District 32 covers southern Chaves to have a part in the framework in how it’s House vs. Senate charity basketball game, County – including Roswell where he done to ensure our concerns are met.” which raises money for the University of makes his home – and a small portion of He has served on the Indian Affairs, New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 23 2021 SENATORS JOSEPH Cervantes Cervantes: COVID-19 response tops agenda

structure how we govern in terms of the structure have always been to assure legislature’s role. We need to be able to we have safe, clean and available water call ourselves into session immediately resources now and into our future. As when necessary. Federal support should a desert community, water is essential to be appropriated by legislative process all of our goals, and too often taken for and overseen to prevent waste and granted. I will focus on water conserva- fraud. I will also work on the proposed tion, reuse, storage and delivery systems. new civil rights legislation to assure law Remote 2021 session enforcement abuses have consequences. The health risks require us to meet as DISTRICT 31 Governor’s bill introductions much as possible using technology for COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana I have not yet heard the governor remote gatherings. We have learned to POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat express an agenda for the 2021 session, use this technology daily in our busi- and have not been asked by her to ness and schooling and that wonderful YEARS IN OFFICE: Eight sponsor any new initiatives. technology will ultimately mean more AGE: 59 Governor bill on recreational New Mexicans than ever can watch BIRTHPLACE: Las Cruces marijuana and participate in our government. I I passed the law which decrimi- disagree with the idea this limits public PROFESSION: Attorney nalized marijuana for personal use, participation and to the contrary, and EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in and don’t believe drug abuse should in particular for those who don’t live architecture, University of New Mexico; be handled in criminal courts or by in Santa Fe, I believe this will open and master’s in architecture, California incarceration. But the last attempt to improve the way we govern. Polytechnic State University; juris legalize marijuana exposed the money District concerns doctorate, UNM motives underlying this issue. There I represent southern Doña Ana OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: are a few insiders who stand to make County and the state response to the Doña Ana County Commission, hundreds of millions of dollars, and COVID-19 pandemic remains the pri- 1998-2001; New Mexico House of the proposed law would have had the ority. Our proximity to Texas and inter- Representatives, 2001-12 government buying and distributing national boundaries, and our regional SENATOR PROFILES the marijuana produced and marketed shared economy, require a unique CONTACT INFORMATION by those insiders. New Mexico has se- response rather than the blanket state- rious problems with drug and alcohol wide response. Access to testing and ADDRESS: 901 E. University Ave., abuse and deaths, and the worst crime medical care, public information and Suite 965L, Las Cruces, NM 88001 statistics in the country. I don’t believe sharing, PPE and other resources are PHONE: 575-526-5600 (Las Cruces), legalizing marijuana will improve those all unique in Doña Ana. Government 505-986-4861 (Santa Fe) conditions. shutdown of businesses must be far EMAIL: [email protected] Budget priorities more thought out, specific and targeted. We are fortunate that in the past, Ultimately having our children back legislators were unwilling to simply into school is a greatest priority. BY MIKE COOK live for today and spend beyond our Broader economy ith 12 years in the New Mexico means, or pass debts on to the next The consequences of the COVID-19 House of Representatives (2001- generations. We need more reliable and pandemic, and the resulting oil and gas W12) and eight years in the state consistent ways to have the revenue price collapses, should be a warning Senate (2013-), Las Cruces attorney Joseph needed as opposed to our boom-and- that New Mexico’s government is built Cervantes has more years of service in the bust cycles tied to oil and gas markets. on an unstable foundation. We need a New Mexico Legislature than any other mem- This one source of revenue now makes much broader economy to ever hope to ber of the Doña Ana County delegation. up almost 40 percent of state revenue. prosper in the way all of our neighbor- Bill Introductions Our budget needs to invest in the ing states have managed to accomplish. The state’s COVID-19 pandemic responses future which begins with public educa- We want our youth to stay here after we will dominate the 2021 session. My focus will tion, and then investment in job- and invest so much in their education, and be legislation to preserve jobs and the em- income-producing opportunities. we want opportunities for people to get ployers who create those jobs. I will continue Capital outlay priorities ahead here rather than have to leave to to introduce legislation to fundamentally re- My priorities for capital outlay infra- find those opportunities.

24 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 SENATORS WILLIAM F. ‘BILL’ Burt Veterans, state could benefit from tax adjustment

BY RICHARD COLTHARP

aving spent his adult life in field test for alcohol. With marijuana, Alamogordo, next door to there’s no field test. It’s still illegal at the HHolloman Air Force Base, Bill federal level, and if we make it legal Burt understands the contributions of in this state and if a random drug test a military base to a community and, comes back positive, what does the just as important, the contributions of employer do? If he’s a driver, is his CDL military retirees. in jeopardy? He did what the state said However, New Mexico is one of just he could on his own time. It’s all going DISTRICT 33 nine states in the country that taxes to end up in court somewhere, taxing COUNTIES SERVED: Chaves, Lincoln, military pension income. our already overstressed legal system. Otero “Military people who have retired It’s just an issue I cannot support at this POLITICAL PARTY: Republican here are looking at other states that are particular time.” more tax-friendly,” Burt said. Historically, two of the biggest por- YEARS IN OFFICE: Nine PROFILES SENATOR As an incentive to keep those people tions of the budget go toward education AGE: 69 in the Land of Enchantment, Burt and healthcare, and Burt expects that BIRTHPLACE: Deming, N.M. plans to introduce a bill that would to happen again. With the remaining reduce or eliminate that tax. portion, Burt believes investment in PROFESSION: Broadcaster “Any retirement they earn up to economic development is vital, and a EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in $50,000 would not be taxed,” Burt said. big piece of that is broadband. mass communications, New Mexico “There would be a three-year phase-in, “We have a huge problem with WiFi State University and it could start in January 2022. If for people on reservations, who own we’re able to pass it, the message is sent ranches, farms and live in mostly rural CONTACT INFORMATION that New Mexico is doing something. It areas, who don’t often have it,” he said. ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1848, would be huge, and I think it will draw “And even where we do have it, we need Alamogordo, NM 88311 people here. to look at upgrading to a level that “Most veterans have degrees, many competes with other states.” PHONE: 575-434-1414 with multiple degrees, and have been in It’s important not just for education, EMAIL: [email protected] management positions,” he said. “This as the pandemic has taught, Burt said, creates a high-tech, well-educated em- but also for businesses, citing banking ployment pool that stays in the state. It as just one example. and the ability to have discussions, and it’s not creates a new pool that can draw other With several changes in the state about an agenda, and not about a movement, companies to the state. The average age Senate, including in some key leader- but about taking care of the people in our of retirees is between 42 and 46, so they ship positions, Burt is hoping the focus districts who elected us, making sure we follow usually get jobs, so now we generate remains on the constituents. their wishes.” tax income, and they buy homes, so we “In years past, the generate property tax.” Senate has had an There are other bills Burt is consider- ability to act as Bank 34 is proud of ing bringing, though specifics were not a balance for the State Senator Bill Burt’s available at press time. state on issues legislative work and his “There are a lot of opportunities and such as gun rights people trying to do some good things,” and marijuana,” he efforts on our board. he said. “If I can help make it happen, said. “We have some I’m all about that.” newer senators who One bill likely to come up that Burt seem to be on the won’t be all about is the effort to legal- progressive side, ize recreational marijuana. and new leadership “I don’t think it’s helpful,” Burt said on the Republican of legalization. “New Mexico can’t get side. I hope we can a handle on DWIs, and you have a maintain decorum www.Bank34.com

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 25 2021 SENATORS RON Griggs Trying to untangle liquor laws sensibly

close, and the three licenses are sold “Counties are required to provide a to a national chain restaurant, chain courthouse for these judicial districts, but pharmacy and grocery store. Or, the those are state courts,” Griggs said. “May- licenses go out of town, with no busi- be the state should play a bigger role.” nesses to replace the closing ones. “I’m hearing capital outlay might be “We’re going to put in a bill that a fair amount once again,” he said. “If makes several changes to the Liquor so, we’ve got projects for police and fire Control Act to make licenses more equipment, park equipment and water DISTRICT 34 available, but at the same time not just and sewer projects. Cloudcroft is work- COUNTIES SERVED: Otero, Eddy, destroy the current value of licenses,” ing on recreational projects, including Doña Ana said Sen. Ron Griggs, who expects an Alpine slide to provide more sum- POLITICAL PARTY: Republican others to issue bills regarding liquor mertime opportunities. There are road laws as well. projects in Carlsbad and Artesia.” YEARS IN OFFICE: Eight “If you’ve got a license today, you Most legislators and observers expect AGE: 68 want to be aware of what some of these the introduction of a bill legalizing BIRTHPLACE: Portales, N.M. bills are doing. This is an issue that, if recreational marijuana. its time is not right now, it is very soon.” “Oh, it’s not just being introduced, it’s PROFESSION: Business owner, Griggs also seeks to introduce a bill passing,” Griggs said. “Concept is one Griggs Holdings LLC that would modify the Local Econom- thing, but bills, and the drafting of bills, EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree ic Development Act (LEDA), which is another. What’s in the bill? If you try in business administration from has helped communities throughout to amend the bill and your amendment New Mexico State University New Mexico with state assistance on is successful, do you still vote against OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: projects. And while LEDA has benefit- the bill? You want to change things to Alamogordo City Council and ed many businesses and organizations, make them better, but with marijuana, Mayor of Alamogordo Griggs would like to see the act be I’m not sure we’re all convinced what more flexible for retailers, especially the back end’s going to look like. On the SENATOR PROFILES CONTACT INFORMATION those who want to renovate or revital- front end, there’s the money it’s going to ADDRESS: 2704 Birdie Loop, ize older, existing buildings. raise and all that, but what has it done Alamogordo, NM 88310 “I’d like to see it be more usable to in Washington and Nevada? Colorado communities that have their own local has all the good and all the bad, but with PHONE: 575-439-1331 option tax, that benefits the community New Mexico, you don’t know how much EMAIL: [email protected] if it needs a retail establishment,” he said. good and bad you’ll get. The door’s open Another issue Griggs would like to very wide now in New Mexico. It’s com- address involves the modification of ing. Whether I vote no or yes depends BY RICHARD COLTHARP county courthouses. Many counties in on the bill that’s presented.” t’s a scene that has played out in every city New Mexico have the courtrooms that Griggs also has concerns about New in New Mexico, and hits smaller cities host the state’s judicial districts. If a dis- Mexico’s budget, as revenue sources Iharder. trict court requests repairs or upgrades have gone away, but not been replaced. A longstanding local business, often in the to a county-owned courthouse, the “We lost coal in the northeast and the second or third generation of a family, closes county is on the hook for the bill. northwest,” he said. “We lost uranium its doors. If the business is a bar, restaurant “It’s a bill I introduced last year for in the northwest. Now some are trying or store that sells liquor, the liquor license is a county that doesn’t have the mon- to get rid of oil and gas, which is so typically sold to a company or individual who ey – and none really do – to rebuild much of our budget. If that happens, is not local. The licenses, often valued at half a or remodel without help,” Griggs said. who pays the bills? million dollars or more, are usually too pricey “We’re going to set aside money from “Our state has so much promise, so for anyone but a large corporation. the general fund, and maybe do a 50 much potential. We had some federal How many times in a small New Mexico percent match.” help on the budget this year, and we town has this happened: In the course of a Such repairs have been requested should get through another session. decade, a locally owned bar, a locally owned across the state for infrastructure issues, But I’m worried about the budget after restaurant and a locally owned liquor store safety concerns, health issues and more. next year.”

26 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 SENATORS CRYSTAL Diamond Ready to represent four counties

BY MIKE COOK

here are so many opportuni- then returning to Santa Fe in the spring ties, not just for the district, when conditions are safer. “Tbut for the state of New “Passing key legislation (includes) Mexico,” state Senator-elect Crystal having public input,” Diamond said. Diamond said in a November 2020 “You don’t ever want to lose that.” interview, after winning state Senate Diamond is no stranger to the District 35. Roundhouse. She has been a registered Diamond will replace state Sen. John lobbyist, working on behalf of SSWCD Arthur Smith, who represented District and as a board member of the New DISTRICT 35 35 for 32 years. Diamond has a ranch Mexico Cattle Growers Association. COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana, Luna, near Beaverhead – and is finishing a She is also a member of the New Mex- Sierra, Hidalgo four-year term on the Truth or Conse- ico Farm Bureau board and the NMSU POLITICAL PARTY: Republican quences Municipal Schools Board of Alumni Association. YEARS IN OFFICE: First elected in 2020 PROFILES SENATOR Education. She also served eight years More than Democrat vs. Republican, on the Sierra Soil & Water Conservation Diamond said the divide in the legisla- AGE: 41 District (SSWCD) board of supervisors. ture is urban vs. rural. It’s important for BIRTHPLACE: Nacogdoches, Texas Diamond called Smith “a titan. He rural legislators, regardless of political PROFESSION: Rancher, consultant did a lot of good work,” she said. “I party, to work together, she said, to intend to call on him regularly.” consider the impact of proposed legis- EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Diamond said she ran for state lation on rural New Mexico. agricultural economics and agricultural Senate “as a moderate New Mexican.” A rural caucus, with state Rep. Ray business, NMSU She described herself as pro-life, pro Lara, D-Doña Ana, serving as informal OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Second Amendment and pro-business. chair, has formed, Diamond said, and is Member, Truth or Consequences As a legislator, Diamond said she will a “mix of Republicans and Democrats Municipal Schools Board of Education, “put party aside (and) vote my district.” who are reasonable people.” 2017-20; member, Sierra Soil & Water The legislature’s priorities for the 2021 Diamond said she is especially Conservation District for eight years session should be to “build reserves concerned that rural parts of the state and be very careful how we spend our don’t have a loud enough voice when CONTACT INFORMATION money.” Infrastructure and economic it comes to decisions on education. ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1947, development should be spending targets, The state public health order closing Elephant Butte, N.M. 87935 along with managing COVID-19 “so schools and mandating virtual learning, PHONE: 575-740-1539 we get back on track,” she said. is a good example, she said, because Diamond said she is hopeful there it left some students in less populated EMAIL: [email protected] will be some money available for capi- areas of the state without access. WEBSITE: www.diamondfornm.com tal outlay projects in legislative districts. Child health and safety are also huge But, for legislators, it would be “selfish concerns, she said, especially since of any of us to push an agenda until some children around the state “haven’t public referendum, Diamond said. we get New Mexico in a more stable been seen or heard from in weeks” Diamond said she favors limiting the gover- financial position.” because schools are closed. nor’s authority to issue public health orders that Diamond said her top priority for “It’s the same with health care,” Di- remain in effect without an expiration date the session is families who are worried amond said. “Basic needs are being or legislative input. The order to close New about jobs because of the pandemic. ignored” in rural areas. Mexico schools in March due to the pandemic, “How do we come together and make Diamond said she opposes the for example, came “from one office,” Diamond sure we’re taking care of our families?” legalization of recreational marijua- said, “without input from other offices.” There she said. “How do we get New Mexico na. Rather, she said, the state should should have been more input before the deci- back to work?” expand marijuana use for medicinal sion was made, she said. Diamond said she supports a short purposes. If the 2021 legislature con- Diamond said she opposes taking money January legislative session because of siders legalization, it should through a out of the state permanent fund to put into the the pandemic, with legislators meeting “very transparent” process and should state budget. “It’s not a rainy-day fund as it’s only long enough to pass a feed bill and include protections for employers and a described by some progressives,” she said.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 27 2021 SENATORS JEFF Steinborn Keep moving New Mexico forward

Steinborn said he will again intro- gling to stay alive right now,” he said, duce a local-choice energy bill during including tax relief and unemployment the session that would allow individual insurance cost reductions, along with jurisdictions to purchase energy from “more financial support for our essen- any provider they choose to “try to tial workers and those that are unem- break the monopoly stranglehold that ployed,” Steinborn said. our utilities have on providing New “The financial health and mental DISTRICT 36 Mexico power that really binds us to health of all New Mexicans is top of COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana higher prices and less environmentally the list for me as we are still in this friendly fuel sources.” Community pandemic,” he said. It’s essential that POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat choice would create new jobs in re- Congress continue to support ongoing YEARS IN OFFICE: Four newable energy generation in the area, stimulus in New Mexico, which is re- AGE: 50 lower energy bills and provide cleaner stricted in its spending by “the confines energy to consumers, he said. of our balanced-budget requirement,” BIRTHPLACE: Las Cruces Steinborn said he also wants “to Steinborn said. PROFESSION: Conservationist make behavioral health services more Steinborn said he will support legis- EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in affordable for all citizens,” adding that lation to legalize the recreational use of government, University of Texas at the services are especially important marijuana in New Mexico, adding that Austin; graduate course work, Institute “during this stressful time. We all need he worked to make the bill that Gov. of World Politics, Washington, D.C. mental health support,” he said. “It’s a Michelle Lujan Grisham will introduce human condition.” this year better than previous legis- OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Steinborn said he also will continue lation. The bill will allocate “a lot of New Mexico House of Representatives, to press for full disclosure of all lobby- money for treatment,” he said. 2007-10 and 2013-16 ing in the state. With the “new crop of “I just think that’s so important,” idealistic senators just elected,” passing Steinborn said, because of the scarcity SENATOR PROFILES CONTACT INFORMATION a full-disclosure bill may be possible of treatment for behavioral health and ADDRESS: P.O. Box 562, during the session, he said, noting that addiction across the state. Las Cruces, NM 88004 one such bill was passed by the New “That will be a priority of mine within Mexico House two years ago. the cannabis discussion,” he said. PHONE: 575-635-5615 Under the bill he plans to intro- Steinborn said there could be capital EMAIL: [email protected] duce in 2021, employers of lobbyists outlay funds available to legislators working in New Mexico “would have to in 2021 “because our reserve fund is report the full amount of money paid much higher than we thought. Our BY MIKE COOK to their lobbyists as well as report all fiscal restraint over the last year has put eeting in person, remotely or in the bills they lobby for and play a role us in a situation where we are dealing some kind of hybrid during the in,” Steinborn said. “It’s one of the great with a little new money,” he said. M2021 legislative session, “we still blind spots in the process and it’s used Steinborn said capital outlay prior- have to be ambitious to move New Mexico to great advantage by those who try to ities in his district will include roads, forward and be bold in our thinking and use influence us,” he said. His bill will also lighting, sidewalks and parks, including technology to our advantage,” state Sen. Jeff require everyone who lobbies legisla- a community park on city-owned land Steinborn, D-Dona Ana, said in a Dec. 21 tors to disclose the positions they are in downtown Hatch. Steinborn said telephone interview. taking on specific bills under consid- he “is thrilled” that major flood-control “I’m hoping for a session where we can do eration. This bill would be “a quantum projects have been funded in Hatch, big things for the state,” said Steinborn, who leap forward for transparency in state and he will continue to seek funding was re-elected to his second four-year term in government,” Steinborn said. for gateway signs into Hatch to guide the New Mexico Senate in November with 56 A high priority for the session will travelers off the interstate into the town percent of the vote. He also served eight years be legislation to provide “financial that has become internationally famous in the New Mexico House of Representatives. support for businesses that are strug- because of its chile.

28 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 SENATORS WILLIAM ‘BILL’ Soules Education funding likely to increase BY MIKE COOK

hat bills do you plan to Mesa are always my capital outlay introduce during the 2021 priorities as well as parks and other Wsession? infrastructure needs. I plan to introduce legislation in the Do you think the entire legislative area of education funding and support session will be held remotely? and renewable and sustainable energy I do not think the session will be en- and environment. There are also some tirely remote but will be a hybrid with bills with liquor law reform, and sup- committees meeting but the port for research at our universities. public not allowed except by remote. DISTRICT 37 In a Dec. 22 telephone interview, The virus will dictate much of how COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana Soules said he will also seek $6 million the session is held, but it is sure to be POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat in funding to expand the Anna Age Eight different from in the past. Institute (AAEI), based at New Mexico What are your district concerns? YEARS IN OFFICE: Eight State University in Las Cruces to serve After concerns about the pandemic, AGE: 65 PROFILES SENATOR the entire state. AAEI is leading the education, environment and economics BIRTHPLACE: Las Cruces, N.M. fight against adverse childhood experi- are always the biggest concerns. ences (ACES) like physical and sexual What else would you like to add? PROFESSION: Retired teacher and abuse, neglect and living in an envi- Government functions best when principal; licensed pilot ronment of parental conflict, substance people are engaged with their legis- EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s abuse and violence. An ACES score of lators. While people hold differing degrees in psychology; Ph.D. in three or higher has been found to “have opinions, I try to represent the people education and psychology, New Mexico devastating effects on the future health of my district and to make things a State University and prosperity of children,” Soules said. little better for them. OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: What bills do you expect Gov. Mi- Education Member, Las Cruces Public Schools chelle Lujan Grisham to introduce? Soules, who is chair of the Senate Board of Education I think the governor will again work Education Committee, said the 2021 on passing using the permanent fund legislature likely will add 4.4 percent to CONTACT INFORMATION for early childhood education, com- the education budget over the budget mon sense gun legislation and reform- that was approved during the June 202 ADDRESS: 5054 Silver King Road, ing some abortion bills. special session. Las Cruces, NM 88011 Do you think the governor will The state is under court order to PHONE: 575-640-0409 introduce recreational cannabis provide “educational sufficiency” to all legislation? students as a result of a state district EMAIL: [email protected] I do think that legalization of adult court judge’s 2018 ruling in the Yazzie v use cannabis will be introduced. I think Martinez lawsuit. band access so students can do their schoolwork there is a reasonable chance it will pass “I agree with the lawsuit,” Soules said. remotely without having to drive around to find and I support it. “We need to do better for our kids and a hotspot. Spending $500 million “to insure we What is the state’s budget priority? education.” At the same time, he said, have broadband access everywhere makes sense We do not have the final budget the legislature “must be careful and for the whole state,” Soules said. numbers at this point but it appears cautious that we aren’t wasting money. Nonrecurring revenue should also be used to that the money available will be similar “It would be wonderful if we started help public schools build vocational tech centers, to last year. I would like to see a greater providing more than sufficiency. Soules said, and to build advanced manufacturing emphasis on investments in New In addition to an increase in the centers at high schools so students can graduate Mexico and New Mexicans. Education amount of recurring revenue that was with “high quality, industry-level certificates.” The support is always a major budget issue expected to be available to legislators money should also pay for teacher professional and I hope we provide for our students during the 2021 session, Soules said development. and schools. there also will be a large amount of Soules said legislators disagree with the New What are your capital outlay priori- non-recurring revenue that can be used Mexico Public Education Department over ties for your district? for one-time projects. Some of those control of some education dollars, but most of the Flood control and roads on the East funds should be used to address broad- funding is under the control of local school boards.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 29 2021 SENATORS CARRIE Hamblen Session will focus on health care, economic recovery, education I would hope the bills the gover- important projects in our colonias, pro- nor will introduce would address the viding internet access to the rural parts dire circumstances our residents are of the district and working with local experiencing because of the pandemic. agencies to increase public transporta- Broadband internet, or the lack thereof, tion in those areas. There are also some throughout our state is impacting every community-specific projects that have aspect of how we live: work, health, been brought to my attention that need DISTRICT 38 education and more. If we don’t focus funding. COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana on improving internet access, especial- Do you think the 2021 session is POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat ly in our rural communities, we will likely to be held entirely remotely continue to be behind the rest of the because of the pandemic? Will that YEARS IN OFFICE: First elected in 2020 country as we begin to recover from impact how the legislature does its AGE: 52 the pandemic. I also hope the governor business during the session? If so, will introduce legislation to address how? BIRTHPLACE: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin the criminalizing of women who seek We are in a very difficult position PROFESSION: President and CEO, Las reproductive health services. of wanting to reduce the spread of Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce Do you think the governor will COVID but responsible for creat- EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in again introduce legislation to legalize ing policy and law that address the broadcast journalism, UTEP; two the recreational use of marijuana in well-being of the residents of the state. I master’s degrees: communication the state? If so, how will you vote on believe the 2021 session will be more of studies and public administration, both legalization? a hybrid version, as there are some ac- from NMSU I would hope she would. We need tivities that need to be done in person to find other ways of diversifying our and some that can be done remotely. CONTACT INFORMATION revenue in a responsible manner that This method though, reduces the public ADDRESS: P.O. Box 2072, benefits communities with designated access to legislators; but I know myself SENATOR PROFILES Las Cruces, NM 88004 tax revenues, job creation and entre- and my colleagues are committed to preneurial opportunities. I will vote in being available for public input via PHONE: 575-496-5242 favor of legalization. zoom, telephone and email. EMAIL: [email protected] What are the biggest budget priori- What are the biggest concerns in ties for the session? your district? WEBSITE: hamblennmsenate38.com As we have seen since the pandem- Transportation and infrastructure ic hit our state, we have three main needs like roads, water accessibility and BY MIKE COOK priorities that have surfaced; first: utilities; and now, with the pandemic, hat bills do you plan to introduce protecting our community with access access to internet for remote learning, in the 2021 session? to health care and fully supporting jobs and tele-health. W At the time of this printing, there and equipping health care providers; What else would you like to add? are many conversations happening about bills second: helping our economy rebound Even though, as a community, we are that need to be introduced in the upcoming from the shutdown; and third: making experiencing some incredibly difficult legislative session and what bills need to wait sure each and every one of our children hardships, I believe we will be alright. because of the importance of addressing needs has the tools and resources to learn I believe we will get used to new ways due to the pandemic. At the moment, I will remotely or safely in a hybrid learning of doing things but also develop more either sponsor or co-sponsor bills that address environment. I suspect those will be appreciation of the many things we climate change, food insecurity and a physical the areas of focus in the upcoming took for granted, things like going out therapist compact. Of course, there are other legislative session. to eat at a restaurant or seeing a movie bills in discussion but won’t be finalized until What are the capital outlay priori- or even giving hugs to old friends in the week before the session. ties for your district? the grocery store. I believe we will be What bills do you expect the governor to The capital outlay priorities for able to get back to that, but we must be introduce in the session? District 38 will continue to be funding diligent.

30 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 SENATORS ELIZABETH ‘LIZ’ Stefanics Sen. Liz Stefanics standing up for her counties

BY ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH

hat bills do you plan to intro- learning, we have to even the playing duce in the 2021 session? field. Medicaid and healthcare are at The senate is not, at the top, we have a growing number Wthis time, limiting bills and we are of people dependent on Medicaid. trying not to do memorials. I am Another issue will be to support the going to have a bill for a nurse in every development of more healthcare school district. One will focus on workers by providing loans and fresh fruit and vegetables for seniors forgiveness in rural areas. We will put DISTRICT 39 in senior centers, children in schools funds into economic development COUNTIES SERVED: Santa Fe, and to support farmers in the state. because we want people to get back San Miguel, Torrance, Valencia, There will be a community solar bill to work. If businesses have ways to do Bernalillo, Lincoln and a few others on amending the things differently to keep jobs in place POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat SENATOR PROFILES SENATOR Energy Transition Act to restore some they will. YEARS IN OFFICE: Four authority to the Public Regulation What are the capital outlay AGE: 70 Commission. There will be one that has priorities for your district? to do with county health councils, and I I cover parts of six counties, so I take BIRTHPLACE: Dayton, Ohio am working on a bill for the land grants in the capital requests. When we are PROFESSION: Retired and a bill for the acequias. told what is available, I try to spread EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree from What bills do you expect the out among the districts. Eastern Kentucky University; master’s governor to introduce in the session? Do you think the 2021 session is degree in resources management from Maybe one about the permanent likely to be held entirely remotely the University of Wisconsin; doctorate fund for early childhood, and an because of the pandemic? in administration and law from environmental bill, but she hasn’t really The Senate and House are going to University of Minnesota told us yet. I assume she has some idea operate differently. The Senate goes in OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: on how she would like the budget to be on the first day with floor sessions for Four years in the New Mexico Senate; spent. the first week, then we go to virtual eight years on the Santa Fe County Do you think the governor will committee meetings out of our offices, commission again introduce legislation to legalize then come back to floor sessions to take CONTACT INFORMATION the recreational use of marijuana in care of bills. I don’t know how the House the state? If so, how will you vote on will do it. ADDRESS: P.O. Box 720, legalization? What are the biggest concerns in Cerillos, NM 87010 I believe she’s supportive, I do think your district? PHONE: 505-699-4808 it will be introduced. I support it. It will Poverty is still number one; that EMAIL: [email protected] take a while to be implemented. When equals: hunger, jobs, children being you pass a bill, nothing happens for able to learn and health care. Then quite a long time, I see a rollout taking rural infrastructure. A lot of these small anywhere from 12-24 months. towns built water systems a long time What are the biggest budget ago. Pipes are rotting and collapsing. priorities for the session? We have a lot of replacement needed in The Yazzie/Martinez education older, smaller communities. lawsuit requires us to think more What else would you like to add? carefully about school systems and I think my role is to communicate, areas where students don’t have access. listen, hear the positions and needs of my If we are going to be doing virtual constituants and see if I can assist them.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 31 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

Legislature welcomes new senators, representatives BY MIKE COOK

he New Mexico State Senate wel- both are Democrats; Democrat Martin E. Democrats; T. Ryan Lane will replace Paul comes 11 new members into the Hickey replacing Republican William Payne C. Bandy in District, both are republicans; T 42-member body during the 2021 in District 20 (Bernalillo County); Siah Kristine Ortez will replace Dan Barrone in session, while the 70-member state House of Correa Hemphill replacing Gabriel Ramos District 20 (Bernalillo County), both are Representatives will have 10 new members. in District 28 (Catron, Grant and Socorro Democrats; Randall t. Pettigrew will replace With the new memberships, the Senate counties), both are Democrats; Democrat David Gallegos in District 61 (Lea County), will have 27 Democrats (an increase of one Harold J. Pope replacing Republican Sander both are Republicans; Joshua N. Hernandez from 2020) and 15 Republicans. The House Rue in District 23 (Bernalillo County); will replace Tim D. Lewis in District 60 will have 44 Democrats (a decrease of two), Republican Joshua A. Sanchez replacing (Sandoval County), both are Republicans; 25 Republicans (an increase of one) and a Democrat Clemente Sanchez in District 30 Republican Luis M. Terrazas will replace new independent. (Cibola, Socorro, McKinely and Valencia Democrat Rodolpho “Rudy” Martinez in New members in the state Senate are counties); Brenda Grace McKenna replacing District 39 (Grant, Sierra, Doña Ana); in- former House member David M. Gallegos, John Sapien in District 9 (Bernalillo and dependent Brittney A. Barreras will replace replacing Greg Fulfer in District 41 (Eddy Sandoval counties), both are Democrats; Democrat Art De La Cruz in District 12 and Lea counties), both are Republicans; Republican Crystal Diamond replacing John (Bernalillo County); Ambrose M. Castellano Democrat Katy M. Duhigg replacing Repub- Arthur Smith (32-year Senate member and will replace Tomas Salazar in District 70 lican Candace Gould in District 10 (Berna- chair of the Senate Finance Committee) in (San Miguel, Santa Fe and Torrance coun- lillo and Sandoval counties); Leo Jaramillo District 35 (Luna, Hidalgo, Sierra and Grant ties), both are Democrats; Roger E. Montoya replacing Richard Martinez in District 5 counties); and former House member Greg will replace Joseph Sanchez in District 40 (Santa Fe, Sandoval, Los Alamos and Rio W. Schmedes replacing James White in Dis- (Colfax, Mora, Rio Arriba and San Miguel Arriba counties), both are Democrats; trict 19 (Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe and counties), both are Democrats; and Stefani Carrie Hamblen replacing Mary Kay Papen Torrance counties), both are Republicans. Lord will replace Greg Schmedes in District (who had been president pro tempore of the On the House side, Meredith A. Dixon 22 (Bernalillo, Sandoval and Santa Fe coun- Senate) in District 38 (Doña Ana County), will replace Abbas Akhil in District, both are ties); both are Republicans.

32 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 REPRESENTATIVES REPRESENTATIVE NUMERICAL LIST COLFAX 1 RODNEY MONTOYA 37 JOANNE FERRARY SAN JUAN RIO ARRIBA TAOS 2 JAMES R.J. STRICKLER 38 REBECCA DOW

3 T. RYAN LANE 39 LUIS M. TERRAZAS LOS ALAMOS MORA 4 ANTHONY ALLISON 40 ROGER E. MONTOYA

5 DOREEN WONDA JOHNSON 41 SUSAN HERRERA MCKINLEY SANDOVAL SANTA 6 ELISEO LEE ALCON 42 KRISTINA ORTEZ FE SAN MIGUEL 7 KELLY FAJARDO 43 CHRISTINE CHANDLER

8 ALONZO BALDONADO 44 JANE POWDRELL-CULBERT BERNALILLO 9 PATRICIA LUNDSTROM 45 LINDA M. SERRATO CIBOLA GUADALUPE 10 ANDRES ROMERO 46 ANDREA ROMERO VALENCIA TORRANCE 11 JAVIER MARTINEZ 47 BRIAN EGOLF JR.

12 BRITTNEY A. BARRERAS 48 TARA L. LUJAN DE BACA 13 PATRICIA ROYBAL CABALLERO 49 GAIL “MISSY” ARMSTRONG 49 14 MIGUEL GARCIA 50 MATTHEW MCQUEEN SOCORRO CATRON LINCOLN 15 DAYAN HOCHMAN-VIGIL 51 RACHEL BLACK 16 ANTONIO “MOE” MAESTAS 52 DOREEN GALLEGOS 59 17 DEBORAH ARMSTRONG 53 WILLIE MADRID REPRESENTATIVE PROFILES

18 GAIL CHASEY 54 JAMES TOWNSEND 38 56 CHAVES SIERRA 19 SHERYL WILLIAMS STAPLETON 55 CATHRYNN BROWN GRANT 51 20 MEREDITH A. DIXON 56 ZACHARY COOK 39 35 21 DEBRA SARINANA 57 JASON CARL HARPER 37 36 53 OTERO 22 STEFANI LORD 58 CANDY SPENCE EZZELL DOÑA EDDY ANA 23 DAYMON ELY 59 GREG NIBERT LUNA 54 33 24 ELIZABETH THOMSON 60 JOSHUA N. HERNANDEZ 52 25 CHRISTINE TRUJILLO 61 RANDALL T. PETTIGREW 32 34 26 GEORGENE LOUIS 62 LARRY SCOTT HIDALGO 27 MARIAN MATTHEWS 63 MARTIN RUBEN ZAMORA 28 MELANIE ANN STANSBURY 64 RANDAL CROWDER 29 JOY GARRATT 65 DERRICK LENTE 30 NATALIE FIGUEROA 66 PHELPS ANDERSON SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO 31 WILLIAM REHM 67 JACKEY CHATFIELD 32 CANDIE SWEETSER 68 KAREN BASH 33 MICAELA LARA CADENA 69 HARRY GARCIA 34 RAYMUNDO LARA 70 AMBROSE M. CASTELLANO 35 ANGELICA RUBIO HouseDISTRICT MAP 36 NATHAN SMALL

DISTRICT 32 DISTRICT 35 DISTRICT 38 DISTRICT 51 DISTRICT 54 Candie Angelica Rebecca Rachel James Sweetser Rubio Dow Black Townsend Page 36 Page 39 Page 42 Page 36 Page 47

DISTRICT 33 DISTRICT 36 DISTRICT 39 DISTRICT 52 DISTRICT 56 Micaela Nathan Luis M. Doreen Zachary Lara Small Terrazas Gallegos Cook Cadena Page 40 Page 43 Page 45 Page 48 Page 37

DISTRICT 34 DISTRICT 37 DISTRICT 49 DISTRICT 53 DISTRICT 59 Raymundo Joanne Gail Willie Greg Lara Ferrary Armstrong Madrid Nibert Page 38 Page 41 Page 44 Page 46 Page 48

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 33 2021 REPRESENTATIVES

Alcon, Allison, Anderson, Armstrong, Armstrong, Baldonado, Barreras, Bash, Karen Eliseo Lee Anthony Phelps Deborah A. Gail Alonzo Brittney A. (D-Bernalillo-68) (D-Cibola, (D-San Juan-4) (R-Chaves, Lea, (D-Bernalillo-17) (R-Catron, Socorro, (R-Valencia-8) (I-Bernalillo-12) 6523 Jazmin Pl. NW McKinley-6) 35 Road 6785 Roosevelt-66) 2015 Dietz Place NW Valencia-49) P.O. Box 370 1647 Valley Rd SW Albuquerque, NM P.O. Box 2134 Fruitland, NM 87416 PO Box 1000 Albuquerque, P.O. Box 326 Los Lunas, NM 87031 Albuquerque, NM 87114 Milan, NM 87021 505-787-8494 Roswell, NM 88202 NM 87107 Magdalena,NM 87825 505-363-6214 87105 505-238-2117 505-285-6387 [email protected] 575-625-9152 505-795-5164 505-269-2364 alonzo.baldonado@ 505-800-9404 karenbashnm@ eliseo.alcon@ phelpsanderson@ deborah.armstrong@ gail@gailfor nmlegis.gov brittneyfornew gmail.com nmlegis.gov dfn.com nmlegis.gov newmexico.com [email protected]

Black, Rachel Brown, Cadena, Castellano, Chandler, Chasey, Gail Chatfield, Cook, (R-Otero-51) Cathrynn N. Micaela Lara Ambrose M. Christine (D-Bernalillo-18) Jackey Zachary J. 1907 Puerto Rico Ave. (R-Eddy-55) (D-Doña Ana-33) (D-San Miguel, (D-Los Alamos, 508 Morningside (R-Curry, Colfax, (R-Lincoln, Otero-56) Alamogordo, 1814 N. Guadalupe St. PO Box 968 Santa Fe, Torrance-70) Rio Arriba, Sandoval, Drive SE Harding, Quay, 1703 Sudderth Drive NM 88310 Carlsbad, NM 88220 Mesilla, NM 88046 P.O. Box 114 Santa Fe-43) Albuquerque, Roosevelt, San Miguel, No. 425 505-366-7040 575-706-4420 575-644-5830 Serafina NM, 87569 1208 9th St. NM 87108 Union-67) PO Box 226 Ruidoso, NM 88345 rachelblackfor51@ c.brown.nm55@ treasurer@lara- 505-429-6072 Los Alamos, NM 87544 505-266-5191 Mosquero, NM 87733 575-937-7644 gmail.com gmail.com cadena4nm.com ambrosecastellano 505-695-2646 505-246-2221 575-673-2320 zachjcook@ [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] jackchd67@ gmail.com gmail.com

Crowder, Dixon, Dow, Egolf, Brian Ely, Daymon Ezzell, Candy Fajardo, Ferrary, Randal S. Meredith A. Rebecca L. F. Jr. (D-Bernallilo, Spence Kelly K. Joanne (R-Curry-64) (D-Bernalillo-20) (R-Grant, Hidalgo, (D-Santa Fe-47) Sandoval-23) (R-Chaves-58) (R-Valencia-7) (D-Doña Ana-37) 509 Playa Drive 1412 Stagecoach LN SE Sierra-38) Suite 104, 659 Applewood Rd. P.O. Box 2125 1402 Main St., Box B501 6100 Morning Sun Way Clovis, NM 88101 Albuquerque, NM 87125 806 Sierra Vista State Capitol Corrales, NM 87048 Roswell, NM 88202 Los Lunas, NM 87301 Las Cruces, NM 88012 575-763-3901 505-401-8339 Truth or Consequences, Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-248-0370 575-625-0550 505-573-0471 575-649-1231 randal.crowder meredith@meredith NM 87901 505-986-4782 505-610-6529 [email protected] Kelly.fajardo@ ferraryrep37@ nmlegis.gov fornewmexico.com 575-571-1056 brian.egolf@ daymon.ely@ nmlegis.gov gmail.com rebecca@ nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov dowforhouse.com REPRESENTATIVE PROFILES REPRESENTATIVE

Figueroa, Gallegos, Garcia, Harry Garcia, P. Garratt, Joy Harper, Hernandez, Herrera, Natalie Doreen (D-Bernalillo, Cibola, Miguel (D-Bernalillo-29) Jason Carl Joshua N. Susan (D-Bernalillo-30) (D-Doña Ana-52) McKinley, San Juan, (D-Bernalillo-14) 10308 Marin Drive NW (R-Sandoval-57) (R-Sandoval-60) (D-Rio Arriba, Santa 8705 Horacio Pl. NE 4301 Summit Lane Socorro, Valencia-69) 1118 La Font Rd. SW Albuquerque, NM 4917 Foxmoore 1635 Calle De Roja Fe, Taos-41) Albuquerque, Las Cruces, NM P.O. Box 226 Albuquerque, 87114 Court NE Dr. SE PO Box 189 NM 87111 88011 Grants, NM 87020 NM 87105 505-977-5039 Rio Rancho, NM Rio Rancho NM 87124 Embudo, NM 87531 505-514-4758 575-649-3625 505-290-7510 505-877-8131 joy4newmexico@ 87144 505-450-4493 505-579-0092 nataliefornewmexi- doreen@doreen hgarciad69@ miguel.garcia@ gmail.com 505-554-7970 joshua@ susanherrera41@ gmail.com jasonharpernm@ [email protected] gallegos.com nmlegis.gov gmail.com hernandeznm.com gmail.com

Hochman- Johnson, D. Lane, Lara, Lente, Lord, Louis, Lujan, Vigil, Dayan Wonda T. Ryan Raymundo Derrick J. Stefani Georgene Tara L. (D-Bernalillo-15) (D-McKinley, (R-San Juan-3) (D-Doña Ana-34) (D-Bernalillo, Rio Arriba, (R-Bernalillo, Sando- (D-Bernalillo-26) (D-Santa Fe-48) 7224 Copper Grass Ct. NE San Juan-5) 805 Pioneer Ave PO Box 652 Sandoval-65) val, Santa Fe-22) 10104 Round Up 1430 Galisteo St. Albuquerque, NM 87113 P.O. Box 168 Aztec, NM 87410 Chamberino, NM 70 Kuaua St. Sandia Pueblo, 2 Erickson Rd Place SW Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-948-2320 Rehoboth, NM 87322 505-419-7066 88027 NM 87004 Sandia Park, NM 87047 Albuquerque, NM 87121 505-385-8676 info@ 505-986-4413 ryan@ 915-203-4111 505-507-3063 208-313-4011 505-250-7932 tara4nm@ anewdayfornm.com dwonda.johnson@ laneforliberty.com rayfordistrict34@ derrick.lente@ [email protected] georgene.louis@ gmail.com nmlegis.gov gmail.com nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov

34 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 REPRESENTATIVES

Lundstrom, Madrid, Willie Maestas, Martinez, Matthews, McQueen, Montoya, Montoya, Patricia A. (D-Doña Ana, Antonio “Moe” Javier Marian Matthew Rodney D. Roger E. (D-McKinley, Otero-53) (D-Bernalillo-16) (D-Bernalillo-11) (D-Bernalillo-27) (D-Bernalillo, Santa Fe, (R-San Juan-1) (D-Colfax, Mora, San Juan-9) 108 Hendrich Road 5818 Jones Place NW Albuquerque, NM P.O. Box 21256, Torrance, Valencia-50) 4902 Camaron Ave. Rio Arriba, 3406 Bluehill Ave. Chaparral, NM 88081 Albuquerque, NM 87104 Albuquerque, NM 7 Avenida Vista Farmington, NM 87402 San Miguel, Taos-40) Gallup, NM 87301 915-204-9056 87120 505-289-3939 87154 Grande, Suite B7-120 505-360-1510 P.O. Box 546 Velarde, 505-722-2980 wdmadrid@ 505-304-7497 javier.martinez@ Santa Fe, NM 87508 roddmontoya@ NM 87582 505-986.4300 505-927-0108 patricia.lundstrom@ yahoo.com antonio.maestas@ nmlegis.gov marianmatthews- matthew.mcqueen@ gmail.com nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov nmlegis.com rogermontoya forHD27@ [email protected] outlook.com

Nibert, Greg Ortez, Pettigrew, Powdrell- Rehm, William Romero, Romero, G. Roybal (R-Chaves, Kristina Randall T. Culbert, Jane E. “Bill” R. Andrea Andres Caballero, Lincoln-59) (D-Taos-42) (R-Lea-61) (R-Sandoval-44) (R-Bernalillo-31) (D-Santa Fe-46) (D-Bernalillo-10) P.O. Box 4559 Patricia 246 Maria 575-265-5250 P.O. Box 2819 P.O. Box 14768 P.O. Box 8139 4503 Valley Park Dr. SW (D-Bernalillo-13) REPRESENTATIVE PROFILES Roswell, NM 88202 Luisa Loop pettigrewfor Corrales, NM 87048 Albuquerque, NM Santa Fe, NM 87504 Albuquerque, NM P.O. Box 72574 575-317-1050 El Prado, NM 87529 [email protected] 505-721-9021 87191 505-490-6155 87105 Albuquerque, NM 87195 gnibert@hinkle 575-770-7792 [email protected] 505-259-3398 vote@ 505-514-9574 lawfirm.com 505-710-5996 kristina.ortez@ [email protected] andrearomero.com andres.romero@ pat.roybalcaballero@ gmail.com nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov

Rubio, Sarinana, Serrato, Scott, Larry Small, Nathan Stansbury, Stapleton, Strickler, Angelica Debra Linda M. (R-Lea-62) (D-Doña Ana-36) Melanie Ann Sheryl Williams James R. (D-Doña Ana-35) (D-Bernalillo-21) (D-Santa Fe-45) P.O. Box 1708 1320 Fourth St. (D-Bernalillo-28) (D-Bernalillo-19) (R-San Juan-2) P.O. Box 2155 825 Claudine St. NE PO Box 28043 Hobbs, NM 88241 Las Cruces, NM 88005 2900 Vista del Rey NE P.O. Box 25385 2204 N. Santiago Ave. Las Cruces, NM Albuquerque, NM 87213 Santa Fe, NM 575-392-5960 575-496-9540 Unit 34C Albuquerque, NM 87125 Farmington, NM 87401 88004 505-559-2200 87592 larry.scott@ nathanpsmall36 Albuquerque, NM 87111 505-265-6089 505-327-9240 575-616-1090 505-974-9408 505-395-6356 nmlegis.gov gmail.com 505-750-7079 sheryl.stapleton@ 505-327-4190 angelica@ debbie.sarinana@ grassroots@ melanie@ nmlegis.gov jamesstrickler@ rubionm35.com nmlegis.gov lindafornm.com melaniefornm.com msn.com

Sweetser, Terrazas, Thomson, Townsend, Trujillo, Zamora, Candie Luis M. Elizabeth James Christine Martin Ruben (D-Grant, Hidalgo, (R-Doña Ana, Grant, (D- Bernalillo-24) (R-Chavez, Eddy, (D-Bernalillo-25) (R-De Curry, DeBaca, Luna-32) Sierra-39) 1216 Westerfeld Dr. NE Otero-54) 1923 Madeira Dr. NE Guadalupe, Roosevelt 10520 Hermanas Rd. SW P.O. Box 197 Santa Albuquerque, NM 69 W. Compress Rd. Albuquerque, & San Miguel-63) Deming, NM 88030 Clara NM 88026 87112 Artesia, NM 88201 NM 87110 776 CR V Clovis, NM 88101 575-494-0747 575-313-4262 505-239-1781 575-703-0153 505-235-8783 575-309-2334 candiesweetser@ luis.terrazas.d39@ liz.thomson@ [email protected] christine.trujillo@ zamora4strep63@ gmail.com gmail.com nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov plateau.email.com

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE MAJORITY WHIP Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe County Doreen Gallegos, (must be voted on by full Senate) D-Doña Ana County MAJORITY FLOOR LEADER MINORITY WHIP Sheryl Williams Stapleton, Rodney D. Montoya, D-Bernalillo County R-San Juan County MINORITY FLOOR LEADER James G. Townsend, R-Chaves, Eddy and Otero counties Speaker to be voted in during the session. To reach your legislator during the session, call 505-986-4300.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 35 2021 REPRESENTATIVES COUNTIES SERVED: DISTRICT 32 Luna, Hidalgo, Grant POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat CANDIE G. YEARS IN OFFICE: Five AGE: 58 BIRTHPLACE: Albuquerque, N.M. Sweetser PROFESSION: Managing partner at Representative plans to Luna County Broadcasting Company EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in continue serving rural district radio/television broadcasting from BY ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH Eastern New Mexico University, master’s degree in communication andie Sweetser, who represents Legislature convenes in January, is a bill studies from New Mexico State House District 32 (Grant, Hidalgo authorizing recreational use and sales of University Cand Luna counties), has said the marijuana. biggest concern in her district is high A task force appointed by Gov. Michelle CONTACT INFORMATION unemployment Lujan Grisham published recommenda- ADDRESS: 10520 Hermanas Road “Hopefully we’ll be able to fund some tions for cannabis use based on other states SW, Deming, N.M. 88030 economic development initiatives on the experiences with regulating recreational statewide level that will trickle down and marijuana markets, paving the way for a PHONE: 575-546-2915 help rural New Mexico,” she said. “My legalization bill. EMAIL: [email protected] district is completely rural, so my area of But Sweetser said, in her border district, focus is what is going to help rural New marijuana creates a tremendous amount Mexico bring in jobs, sustain jobs and help of issues for local law enforcement and so tion, said “My one and only reason to run with quality of life.” until it is legalized federally it is likely she has been to replenish this rural, moderate One proposal that seems likely to make will always oppose it. district, and I have done that to the best of it to the governor’s desk when the state Sweetser, reelected in the 2020 elec- my ability.”

COUNTIES SERVED: Otero DISTRICT 51 POLITICAL PARTY: Republican YEARS IN OFFICE: Three RACHEL AGE: 48 BIRTHPLACE: Langley Air Force Base, Hampton, Virginia; grew up in Black Alamogordo PROFESSION: Chief deputy county

REPRESENTATIVE PROFILES REPRESENTATIVE Rep. Black enters treasurer of Otero County third legislative session EDUCATION: High school graduate, some college BY ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: tate Rep. Rachel Black, a Republi- and Enrolling and Engrossing Commit- Former secretary-treasurer of the can, represents New Mexico House tee, as well as these interim committees: Republican Women of Otero County SDistrict 51, which is located en- Military and Veterans Affairs, Land Grant, CONTACT INFORMATION tirely within Otero County and includes Legislative Health and Human Services Alamogordo. Black won the seat in 2018. and Mortgage Finance Authority Act ADDRESS: 1907 Puerto Rico, She was unopposed in that year’s Repub- Oversight. Alamogordo, N.M. 88310 lican primary and defeated Democrat Jeff A bill Black introduced during the 2019 PHONE: 575-491-1227, 505-986-4467 Swanson in the general election, earning legislative session to promote programs to EMAIL: [email protected] more than 64 percent of the vote. The seat support women in the oil and gas industry had previously been held by Yvette Harrell, passed both houses of the legislature unan- who gave it up to run for Congress in 2018 imously but was vetoed by Gov. Michelle tary-treasurer of the Republican Women of and again in 2020 when she won the seat. Lujan Grisham. Otero County. Black has served as a member of the Black lives in Alamogordo and is the Black has said she is concerned that the House Local Government, Land Grants chief deputy county treasurer for Otero gating criteria set by the governor in rela- and Cultural Affairs Committee; Labor, County. She describes herself as a conser- tion to Covid-19 could be too high for any Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee; vative Republican and is the former secre- county to reach.

36 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 REPRESENTATIVES MICAELA LARA Cadena Health care, public safety top 2021 agenda

BY MIKE COOK

he health, safety and well- legislation during the session “that being of families is at the changes the habitual offender enhance- “Ttop of the list,” for the 2021 ment as it relates to simple possession.” legislative session, State Rep. Micaela The enhancement doesn’t solve offend- Lara Cadena said in a December. Leg- ers’ addiction issues – “health care islators need to “consider what families problems require health care solutions,” need to survive COVID in a practical Cadena said, “it wastes money and DISTRICT 33 sense,” including staying safe at home, doesn’t make communities safe.” COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana REPRESENTATIVE PROFILES having jobs and getting their children The enhancement should be removed POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat back in school, said Cadena, who has a completely for crimes of simple pos- professional background in health care session, she said, and judges should be YEARS IN OFFICE: Two policy and public safety. given discretion as to whether or not AGE: 38 Cadena said she will support legis- it is applied to other crimes. The state, BIRTHPLACE: Born in El Paso; lation in 2021 to “repeal a dangerous Cadena said, needs to “move toward raised in Mesilla, N.M. and antiquated 1969 bill that brings individualized sentencing.” With the of- criminal penalties to abortion.” She fender in front of them, judges should PROFESSION: Research director at also is working with the New Mexico make decisions about sentencing that Bold Futures NM nonprofit Professional Firefighters Association to “improve public safety for the state EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in introduce legislation to expand workers and consider what is happening in the international studies, Trinity College, compensation eligibility for firefight- offender’s life,” she said. Hartford, Connecticut; master’s in ers that recognizes exposure to global Cadena said she had not yet seen the community and regional planning, pandemics like COVID-19. legislation that likely will come forward University of New Mexico Cadena said she was the House floor to legalize recreational marijuana. sponsor during the June 2020 special “There’s a very strong chance,” that it CONTACT INFORMATION session of state Sen. Joseph Cervant- will become law, she said. es’ (D-Dona Ana) bill requiring law Decriminalization is a priority for ADDRESS: PO Box 1510, enforcement officers to use body-worn Cadena. “Fundamentally, I trust people Mesilla, N.M. 88046 cameras while on duty, and said there to make their own decisions with PHONE: 575-644-5830 is more work to do regarding enforce- their bodies and life,” she said. “I am EMAIL: [email protected] ment and the funding and resources to philosophically open and supportive of implement that new law. recreational marijuana.” Cadena said the “culture around One concern she has is “when some- education. Cadena said she will look for re- policing all goes back to one place in one is using and driving,” Cadena said. sources during the session to pay for i-Pads for New Mexico, and that’s the (state) Law “I get nervous about people who are not public school students. Enforcement Academy” (NMLEA) and sober and are on the road.” As part of If capital outlay funds are available to legisla- its governing board. That’s where the legalizing recreational cannabis, she tors in 2021, Cadena said her funding prior- curriculum is set, she said, and certi- said, the state must “figure out a testing ities will include water and sewer and other fication, accountability, oversight and mechanism so we can measure and long-term infrastructure needs in her district. discipline happen. account for someone’s sobriety when Cadena said she is staying in touch with “We need to break some of that up,” they get behind the wheel.” Workplace House leadership about how the 2021 session Cadena said. It is a “conflict of interest conditions should also be considered, will be conducted “to make sure that we are to have the same people responsible for she said, because it is a reasonable not compromising the health and safety and all those areas of public safety.” expectation that employees show up for wellness of the staff, of the people that come “I want to see us get going on how we their jobs “clear minded and sober.” into the session and certainly not the commu- could use the potential of the NMLEA Making sure New Mexico Medicaid nities we represent back home.” to create cultures of policing that our is fully funded will be a top priority If committee hearings and floor sessions communities deserve,” Cadena said. for the legislature during the session, are virtual during the session, it could benefit Cadena said she likely will introduce Cadena said, and so will funding for residents who live far away from Santa Fe.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 37 2021 REPRESENTATIVES RAYMUNDO ‘RAY’ Lara Lara excited to begin his second House term

disciplinary reasons when school may “I’m very happy with what I’m seeing be only place where they receive love out of Santa Teresa,” Lara said. “That and support. area in general is ripe for development, Lara said he also plans to introduce for growth for prosperity.” Because of legislation to ensure that public notices the growth of business and industry in are printed in both English and Spanish Sant Teresa, he said, there is a need for and are published in both English and more housing that must be addressed. Spanish media. That’s necessary, Lara Lara serves as informal chair of a bi- DISTRICT 34 said, because many Spanish literate partisan caucus of rural legislators that COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana people don’t read English-language me- began meeting during last year’s 30-day dia, but are entitled to receive the same session to prioritize needs, review the POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat information as those who do. impact of potential legislation on rural YEARS IN OFFICE: Two Lara said he supports “responsible areas and consider a wide range of AGE: 50 legislation” to make recreational mari- needs and concerns, including water, juana legal in New Mexico. private property, broadband access, BIRTHPLACE: El Paso, Texas; “I think it’s very exciting,” he said, utilities and infrastructure, he said. grew up in Anthony because the industry would provide Lara said he is hopeful of getting PROFESSION: Coordinator for an important addition to the state’s tax a seat on the House Finance and Instructional Resources, Gadsden base. In creating the new industry, it’s Appropriations Committee in 2021, Independent School District important that the state provide for succeeding state Rep. Rodolpho “Rudy” “the little guys,” Lara said, “the mom- Martinez, a Silver City Democrat,” as EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in and-pop growers and businesses that a southern New Mexico representative English, New Mexico State University are going to pop up,” in addition to on that powerful committee. the large companies that will produce If he gets a seat on House Appro- CONTACT INFORMATION cannabis for recreational use. priations, Lara said he likely will be in ADDRESS: P.O. Box 652 Chamberino, Lara said he wants to spend more Santa Fe for the entire 60-day session in NM 88027 time studying a civil rights bill that 2021. Other committees probably will PHONE: 575-201-3232 (cell) likely will be on Gov. Michelle Lujan be able to meet virtually, he said. Lara Grisham’s 2021 legislative call. The bill said he liked worked from his office in

REPRESENTATIVE PROFILES REPRESENTATIVE EMAIL: [email protected] could limit police officers’ qualified im- Santa Fe during the June 2020 special WEBSITE: www.rayfor34.com and munity and Lara said he wants to make session, and found a lot more constit- Facebook sure the bill would not produce un- uents “reaching out via email” during intended consequences and frivolous the second, one-day special session in lawsuits. Law enforcement leaders he September.

BY MIKE COOK has spoken with are concerned about The virtual access that people have the legislation because it could open to legislative committees and floor ses- tate Rep. Raymundo “Ray” Lara of the door to lawsuits against individual sions will open the legislature to more Chamberino, defeated incumbent Bill officers, he said. public interaction, he said, and give ac- SGomez in both the 2018 and 2020 Dem- Lara said he is hopeful there will be cess to people who live far from Santa ocratic primaries in the race for New Mexico capital outlay funding available during Fe, including many of his constituents. House District 34. Lara defeated Republican the session. “A lot of projects depend “This way, you can stay at home and Dawn Ladd 66-34 percent in the November on those funds,” he said. In particular, watch it on the computer and still give 2020 general election. there is a road project in Mesquite that your input,” Lara said. During the 2021 legislative session, Lara he “really wants to get started,” along “I’m excited to start my second term,” said he plans to introduce bills to help keep with a water technology project at the he said. “I’ve learned a lot … built homeless and foster youth in school. Under industrial part in Santa Teresa and relationships. I’ll be able to put myself current disciplinary practice, he said, it’s too arroyo flooding issues in Santa Teresa, in those positions that will benefit my easy for them to be kicked out of school for Lara said. constituents the best.”

38 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 REPRESENTATIVES ANGELICA

RubioEconomic diversity is essential BY MIKE COOK

hat bills do you plan to ties for the session? introduce in 2021? Post-COVID19 recovery; addressing W As the legislative leader- small entrepreneurs, specifically, those ship finalizes plans for how the 2021 that are less connected to resources; legislative session will be handled, it is providing workers the mechanisms unclear if the number of legislative bills they need to work in healthy and will be limited per legislator. At this clean environments. Most importantly point, and this may change, I will be though, is housing. We need to keep DISTRICT 35 introducing the following: legislation to our neighbors from losing their shelter. COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana REPRESENTATIVE PROFILES address economic diversification, spe- Furthermore, and more important- POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat cific to how we transition and support ly, it is very clear that the oil and gas YEARS IN OFFICE: Four workers and communities; paid sick industry is not going to recover in leave; housing omnibus bill to address ways that it has done in the past. The AGE: 41 the housing crisis in New Mexico; legislature must begin to make plans on BIRTHPLACE: Roswell, N.M. broadband (access); healthy food financ- how to better address a future without (grew up in nearby Lake Arthur) ing initiative; legislation that begins to extractive industries, and in doing so, end our dependence on private prisons. legislation that I am planning to intro- PROFESSION: Consultant What bills do you expect the gover- duce to address this, should be the first EDUCATION: B.A., Government, New nor to introduce in the session? steps in moving us towards this process. Mexico State University; M.A. Latin My hope is that we can continue to What are the capital outlay priori- American Studies, California State address the housing crisis. New Mexico ties for your district? University Los Angeles was already facing a housing crisis I do not believe that there will be prior to COVID-19, and the pandemic much funding for capital projects CONTACT INFORMATION has impacted families in many different during this upcoming session. How- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 2155, ways. When you order a stay at home, ever, I will be prioritizing projects that Las Cruces, NM 88004 and you are at risk of losing your shel- improve access to the outdoors for ter, it doesn’t make any sense to evict young people, in addition to making PHONE: 575-616-1151 (cell) families. Secondly, I believe that a post- sure traditional neighborhoods have EMAIL: [email protected] COVID recovery plan will be in place, the infrastructure necessary to improve and [email protected] specifically to support workers, small quality of life. WEBSITE: www.RubioNM35.com, business entrepreneurs and addressing Do you think the 2021 session is www.Facebook.com/RubioNM35 issues of broadband – enhancing and likely to be held entirely remotely? expanding on what we did the past two The House Democratic Caucus is special sessions. taking this public health issue very team to make it a successful one, and legisla- Do you think the governor will seriously. Legislators are advocating for tors like myself will certainly do what we can introduce legislation to legalize rec- 100 percent virtual. to help the possibilities. reational marijuana? If so, how will Having conducted the special session What are the concerns in your district? you vote? virtually, there were some very minor We must address the issues that small, locally I absolutely believe that we should hiccups that we were able to overcome. owned family businesses are confronting, espe- be legalizing recreational cannabis, as One concern is the timeliness of getting cially those with little to no access to resources, long as there is a restorative justice plan last-minute amendments online ASAP. capital, political influence. We must prioritize in place to address those who were This is an example of what will be low-income renters/homeowners that will need convicted in the past, and providing worked on between now and the reg- funding to help families and individuals remain equitable opportunities for smaller en- ular session, and I believe that we can in their homes and help to further minimize an trepreneurs of color. As someone that is make it work for everyone, including ongoing housing crisis. Finally, I will continue also working on ideas to diversify our the public. This is a very different sit- to support youth-related programming and economy in New Mexico, this is one uation for everyone, and this year has recreation, for example addressing the Boys & step forward in doing so. required many of us to adapt. I believe Girls Club facility, city park facilities, summer What are the biggest budget priori- that the legislature has the staff and and fall activities post-COVID19.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 39 2021 REPRESENTATIVES NATHAN Small Education, COVID-19 recovery top agenda the pandemic, limitations on in-class increase in Medicaid usage” since the learning and the need for expansion of onset of COVID-19, he said, with “a broadband and other infrastructure to very generous federal match that’s serve not only as we continue to fight been increased during the pandemic.” COVID-19, but even after so that we But there is still “some state financial can make up for lost time,” he said. responsibility,” Small said, and he plans Small said he is “looking to educa- to “fight to make sure folks have the tors, to families and to kids in our com- critical health care they need to fight munity for guidance, and I certainly COVID and to roll out the vaccine safe- DISTRICT 36 intend to fight for the strongest possible ly, efficiently and effectively.” COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana education budget.” There also will be “a large amount of POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat Supporting farmers, farm workers care that that has been deferred during and expanding support for value-added the pandemic, which our New Mexico YEARS IN OFFICE: Four agriculture is another priority. residents will need,” Small said, in- AGE: 37 “We are internationally known for cluding behavioral health services and BIRTHPLACE: Albuquerque, N.M. our agricultural products,” he said. the “potentially devastating effect of Small said he is also proud to have COVID-19 and the isolation, economic PROFESSION: Conservationist sponsored legislation “maximizing our and educational challenges and others OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: use of renewable energy and the trans- that have arisen.” Las Cruces City Council member mission needed to get that energy to Continuing “community infrastruc- EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degrees in market. As we see the cost of renewable ture work that he and other legislators English, philosophy, College of Wooster, energy drop, we will have even more have begun funding throughout the Wooster, Ohio economic opportunity to serve other county will be a priority for 2021 cap- markets and serve economic diversifi- ital outlay funds, Small said, including CONTACT INFORMATION cation,” he said, adding that the devel- flood control and expanding broad- opment of hydrogen could be another band access, street paving, utilities and ADDRESS: P.O. Box 697, Doña Ana, “massive opportunity” for the state. other infrastructure needs “for now and N.M. 88032 New Mexico also must “double down especially for the future.” PHONE: 575-496-9540 our support for international trade, for Small said he also wants to increase EMAIL: [email protected] Santa Teresa and the myriad opportu- hunting opportunities for residents of REPRESENTATIVE PROFILES REPRESENTATIVE nities it creates across agriculture and New Mexico, which trails other western WEBSITE: nathanpsmall.com manufacturing,” Small said. Protecting states in the percentage of hunting tags New Mexico’s water is another priority, allocated to residents vs non-residents. he said, which includes supporting “We’re making it harder for families BY MIKE COOK continued water research at NMSU. to go hunting, to pass on these import- do look forward to playing an A top legislative priority during the ant traditions” Small said. important role in key legislative 2021 session must be dealing with Better management and safeguarding “Iareas representing House District COVID-19, Small said. of non-wildlife is also important, he 36,” state Rep. Nathan Small, D-Dona Ana, “I am reminded every day that recov- said, as part of the state’s vast biodiver- said in a Dec. 18 telephone interview, “with ery is first and foremost,” he said. sity and opportunities to enhance its education, jobs, health care and infrastructure Small businesses, “including and outdoor economy. always being at the very top of the list and perhaps especially within retail, restau- Construction of “large, new clean guiding our work.” rants, entertainment, have been hit energy projects, primarily wind, has “My most important role is serving on the extraordinarily hard,” Small said. brought additional gross receipts tax (House) Appropriations and Finance Commit- Hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues to the state, which has also tee, where the budget is built,” said Small, who state and federal funding have been seen “a consistent improvement in oil begins his third two-year term in January 2021. allocated for their relief, Small said, prices,” he said. As a result, New Mexi- “I am so proud to get to fight for our shared but “we have more work to do there, in- co’s budget is in better shape than “what priorities when it comes to keeping our cluding to fine tune eligibility to ensure we feared in May and June,” Small said. children and educators safe, addressing the all who need the funds are eligible.” enormous and ever-growing challenges of The state has seen a “significant SMALL CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

40 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 REPRESENTATIVES JOANNE J. Ferrary Education, health care, jobs, dealing with COVID-19 top legislative agenda

BY MIKE COOK

oanne Ferrary was first elected to access with stricter regulation. represent New Mexico House dis- What will be the spending priori- Jtrict 37 in 2016, defeating incum- ties during the 2021 legislature? bent Republican Terry McMillian 53-47 The biggest budget priorities for the percent in her third race against McMil- session will definitely include educa- DISTRICT 37 lian. She defeated Bev Courtney in the tion and health care. COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana REPRESENTATIVE PROFILES 2018 general election, earning 60 percent What are your capital outlay priori- POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat of the vote. Ferrary defeated Republi- ties for your district? can Doña Ana County Commissioner Capital outlay priorities for House YEARS IN OFFICE: Four Isabella Solis in 2020, 54-46 percent. District 37 include continuing efforts AGE: 67 Ferrary is vice chair of the House for flood control on the East Mesa as Health and Human Services Commit- well as road development and upkeep, BIRTHPLACE: Canton, Ohio tee and is also a member of the House infrastructure for the East Mesa Recre- PROFESSION: Retired Planner Director Energy, Environment and Natural ation Center as well as the soccer fields Resources Committee. She is chair of and a skatepark. EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in individual the interim Disabilities Concerns Sub- Do you think the session will be studies, master’s in business committee and a member of five other held entirely remotely? administration, both New Mexico State interim subcommittees. The 2021 legislative session is likely University What bills do you plan to introduce to be held remotely after we are sworn during the 2021 legislative session? in Jan. 19 and then vote for rule CONTACT INFORMATION The bills I plan to introduce in the changes to allow remote attendance. 2021 session will include repeal of the Transparency is assured as we will have ADDRESS: 6100 Morning Sun Way, abortion ban, changes to the Tobacco virtual meetings by Zoom for com- Las Cruces, N.M. 88012 Products Act, a food hunger bill, an mittees as well as floor sessions. Public PHONE: 575-649-1231 anti-hazing Bill, constitutional green comment will be given by Zoom as well EMAIL: [email protected] amendment and guardianship and as communications set up for contact- supported decision making. ing legislators directly. What bills do you expect Gov. Mi- What at the biggest concerns in chelle Lujan Grisham to introduce? your district? The governor is likely to introduce Concerns I've found in District a bill for climate change, a civil rights 37 during the pandemic are to have act and a constitutional amendment for supported unemployment, food security, use of the land grant permanent fund improving the economy, support for our for early childhood education. teachers and students during the pan- Do you think the governor will demic and having affordable health care. introduce recreational marijuana What else would like to add? legislation? I encourage everyone to continue to Yes, I think the governor will support stay home as much as possible, to prop- legislation to legalize recreational use erly wear their masks and to socially of marijuana. I also support it because, distance at all times in public. We will with legalization and regulation, people soon start having COVID-19 vaccines will not be criminalized and jailed available and until then we need to for possession. It will also mean that continue our vigilance and safety pre- underage youth are less likely to gain cautions.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 41 2021 REPRESENTATIVES REBECCA Dow Working to build on regional opportunities

She cited the mining industry – “My and G. Andres. Romero, D-10; would district is full of copper, gold, uranium, eliminate some of the red tape, and magnesium and silver, but there hasn’t grow the number of meat inspectors been a new mine approved since 1982.” from the current two USDA inspectors. And she cited Spaceport America. Estimates show the need is for 17, Dow “People don’t realize the spaceport is 65 said, adding, “the federal government is percent privately funded,” Dow said. “At not going to give us any more.” the same time, since we built the space- Dow said, if passed, the bill could port, the industry has grown from $250 “save local ranchers, creating new DISTRICT 38 billion to $500 billion. The more we are opportunities for economic growth for COUNTIES SERVED: Grant, Hidalgo, attractive to private business, especially producers of pork, poultry and beef. I Sierra research and development, the better expect processors to open in Sierra and the space industry in New Mexico is Socorro counties if we get it passed.” POLITICAL PARTY: Republican going to do. Virgin Galactic is just one Another bill Dow plans to introduce YEARS IN OFFICE: Four of many out there.” would expand services allowed for AGE: 46 She mentioned AeroVironment, an- physician’s assistants. This is particular- other space-related company that does ly important for rural areas of the state BIRTHPLACE: Cushing, Oklahoma work at Spaceport America. that have a severe shortage of doctors, PROFESSION: Nonprofit CEO One of their projects, Dow said, is she said. a 300-foot glider drone, with wings Children’s protective services is in dire EDUCATION: Associate’s degree in covered in solar panels, that hovers need of reforms at the Children, Youth early childhood education, bachelor’s sub-orbitally and distributes 5G for up and Families Department level, Dow degree in business administration, Oral to six months. said, particularly in the area of mental Roberts University “It’s cheaper than broadband, and health. She plans to introduce a bill OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: No shows were in a real race to space,” that would address this issue and make elected office, but has served on local, Dow said. “AeroVironment is happy mental health a critical component. state and national boards with their agreement with Spaceport As it is every session, the budget will America and White Sands Missile be a key part of the 2021 legislature. CONTACT INFORMATION Range. They’re looking to expand and “My biggest priority is to not grow manufacture here.” the budget,” Dow said. “Isn’t it ironic

REPRESENTATIVE PROFILES REPRESENTATIVE ADDRESS: 806 Sierra Vista, Truth or Dow added that more than two doz- that Covid backfilled our $2 billion Consequences, NM 87901 en different companies are looking at deficit? The government money literally PHONE: 575-571-1056 Spaceport America, and the state needs saved us from a $2 billion loss. Those EMAIL: [email protected] to reduce regulatory obstacles that may federal dollars are not lasting forever. send companies to look at other states, When we go back to recovery, our many of which now have spaceports; gross receipts tax will be smaller, and BY RICHARD COLTHARP states that don’t offer the many logisti- we need to not grow government to the ebecca Dow represents Sierra, Grant cal advantages New Mexico does. size of the budget. We should prioritize and Hidalgo counties, but many of the Another agricultural opportunity economic recovery, deregulation to R activities in her district involve federal exists in regard to meat inspection. help businesses recover, and be inten- oversight out of her control. To that end, Dow is joining with three tional about education spending.” “Every opportunity we have is dependent on other House members to present a Recent trends decreasing spending appropriate regulations,” Dow said. bipartisan bill that would allow more for smaller schools need to be reversed, She cited agriculture, which for most area inspections in New Mexico. Dow said. farmers and ranchers, relies in varying degrees “There is no inspection at the level “Cliff (school) exists because there are on leases of land from the Bureau of Land we need,” she said. “80 percent of the producers putting food on our tables,” Management, the National Forest Service or meat produced here goes out of state she said. “I believe the legislature was other federal entities. to be processed.” Again, Dow said, it is targeting charter schools when they She cited Elephant Butte, which is affected regulations that get in the way. The bill eliminated the small school funding by the Bureau of Reclamation’s and other she plans to introduce with Rep. Gail federal and jurisdicitonal oversight. Armstrong, R-49; Moe Maestas, D-16; DOW CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

42 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 REPRESENTATIVES LUIS Terrazas Jobs, tax reform, broadband access, small business, ag are top issues

BY MIKE COOK

hat bills do you plan to a person when under the influence? introduce in 2021? I have concerns about second-hand W There are still many un- smoke to the public, especially children. knowns; for one, the speaker limiting What are the capital outlay priori- the number of bills we will be able to ties for your district? introduce. In general, I will support My district covers three counties: DISTRICT 39 legislation that helps people get back to Doña Ana, Sierra and Grant. The needs COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana, Grant, REPRESENTATIVE PROFILES work; comprehensive tax reform, such are great in those areas. I am looking Sierra as Social Security income exemption; forward to consolidating my efforts POLITICAL PARTY: Republican broadband internet for rural areas; sup- with other legislators to leverage as YEARS IN OFFICE: First elected in 2020 port small business and agriculture. much support for our counties as possi- What bills do you expect the gover- ble. There are drainage issues, school AGE: 48 nor to introduce in the session? improvements, hospital improvements, BIRTHPLACE: Silver City, N.M. I cannot speak on behalf of the handicap accessibility and compliance PROFESSION: Owner, Terrazas governor. Although the governor has issues, maintenance and municipal- Funeral Chapels expressed a commitment to champion ity projects. There are literally tens of and support much needed in-state millions of dollars in requests and I CONTACT INFORMATION meat inspections. She's been consistent will be tasked with appealing for and ADDRESS: P.O. Box 197, in her support of unlimited abortion delegating these requested funds on Santa Clara, NM 88026 on demand. She intends on passing an and extremely limited budget. abortion bill that allows abortion up Do you think the 2021 session is PHONE: 575-313-4262 to the ninth month and strips a doctor likely to be entirely held remotely EMAIL: [email protected] or nurse’s right of whether or not they because of the pandemic? There are WEBSITE: luisterrazas4nm.com want to participate in an abortion – many discussions about how to handle otherwise known as the conscience the session during this difficult time. No clause. Those are things I have heard definitive decision has been made. I be- or read about but I personally have not lieve our state has the capacity to allow issues because of the number of users attending had a conversation with the governor. the legislature to convene in Santa Fe. school. Having a virtual session also denies the Do you think the governor will First responders and firefighters do not legislators working with one another because of again introduce legislation to legalize have a choice. I believe the legislators the great disconnect of working from home and the recreational use of marijuana? If and the public will follow social dis- access to the public, the way true legislation was so, how will you vote on legalization? tancing practices for a safe session. We mean to be. Again I cannot speak on behalf of the need to do our jobs as public servants. What are the concerns in your district? governor. I am in support of medical It is felt by some that Zoom meetings Possible budget cuts. Small businesses marijuana. However, I have questions/ are more economical for public par- reopening, people need to get back to work. A concerns about many aspects of legaliz- ticipants because they do not have to high failure rate of children with remote learn- ing marijuana for recreational use. The drive, buy meals, etc. Folks in Santa Fe ing and the need for broadband because of poor questions and concerns are, where and and Albuquerque have better access to internet in some of our rural areas. I would like how will the sales be deposited? Who broadband than rural areas. Not only to see children go back to school as soon as and how will we license growers and to broadband but a broadband/internet possible. I have concerns about the children’s sellers? Does law enforcement have the that can withstand the increase in traf- mental, physical, emotional health and well-be- training and equipment to measure fic. Rural areas are already experiencing ing from being isolated for so long.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 43 2021 REPRESENTATIVES GAIL ‘MISSY’ Armstrong Armstrong works to wrangle large district

“Years ago, we had a New Mexico who are often the only medical pro- meat inspector program,” Armstrong fessionals in some of the state’s farther said. “But now there are only two outposts. USDA inspectors in the whole state. “For rural New Mexico, it’s a real If we bring back New Mexico meat issue,” Armstrong said. inspection, it could help grow our Another key issue in rural New Mex- economy and people could open more ico is broadband access to the Internet. DISTRICT 49 processing plants. The meat issues we Among other legislation expected to COUNTIES SERVED: Catron, Socorro, had early in the pandemic were not due be presented, Armstrong said, “Broad- Valencia to a lack of meat, but a lack of process- band is going to be huge. But there ing. There are only five major processors are so many different bills. I’m leaning POLITICAL PARTY: Republican across the U.S. If the cattle are born and toward signing onto (Sen.) Michael YEARS IN OFFICE: Four raised in New Mexico, we should have a Padilla’s, but I want to help however I AGE: 53 way to sell them. It’s just red tape.” can. Because in my area, we have places Armstrong also hopes to introduce a we don’t have cell phones, much less BIRTHPLACE: Socorro County bill to assist the state’s volunteer fire de- broadband. The pandemic has taught PROFESSION: Rancher and partments. Currently, she said, if funds us we can do a lot online, if we’re able businesswoman aren’t used after a certain time, they go to get online.” back to the state’s general fund. Fires At the time of this interview, Arm- EDUCATION: High school, don’t follow timelines, and neither does strong was still reviewing capital outlay some college firefighting work. Armstrong believes requests in her district, but she also the bill would protect the sustainability expressed frustration at the capital CONTACT INFORMATION of volunteer departments. outlay system. ADDRESS: P.O. Box 326, Magdalena, Many New Mexico counties and “I represent the largest district in NM 87825 municipalities rely on Payments In Lieu the state on the House side,” she said. of Taxes (PILT) funds from the federal “There’s only one senator and one rep PHONE: 505-269-2364 government. These funds compensate for Socorro, meaning New Mexico EMAIL: [email protected] communities that have federal gov- Tech has only one rep and one senator.

REPRESENTATIVE PROFILES REPRESENTATIVE ernment lands, such as military bases, Because (the University of New Mexico) national parks or national forests. In has so many reps and senators in its dis- theory, the government fills in the gap trict, their money goes so much further. BY RICHARD COLTHARP from what the communities would have And some things I do get in with capital he cattle industry has a long, rich received in taxes if the property were outlay have gotten line-item vetoed. history in Magdalena, New Mexico. privately owned. One was a senior center in Belen.” TMillions of pounds of beef passed “It was supposed to be at least what Another bill expected to come up is through the town’s Stock Driveway, brought property taxes are in the area, but the legalization of recreational marijua- by rail or cowboy-led cattle drives. they’ve been paying way less,” said na, an issue that seems to create more Rep. Gail Armstrong is entering her third Armstrong, who plans to bring up a bill questions than answers. term representing Socorro, Catron and part that would have a third-party vendor “My personal opinion is, I’ll vote of Valencia counties. It is the geographically look at PILT in New Mexico and work for it, as long as it’s managed proper- largest House district in the state and includes toward getting the state its fair share. It ly,” Armstrong said. “We need to do it Magdalena, which she calls home. has worked in other states, she said. right, but I don’t know what right is. I If one of her bills gains traction, she could Together with Rep. Doreen Gallegos, really wish they’d legalize it at the feder- bring cattle work back to Magdalena and else- Armstrong plans to bring a bill expand- al level. Then the states wouldn’t have where in New Mexico. ing capabilities for nurse practitioners, to figure it out individually.”

44 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 REPRESENTATIVES DOREEN Gallegos Gallegos is senior member of county’s House delegation BY MIKE COOK ith her re-election in New at issue about the upcoming session, Mexico House of Repre- Gallegos said, including if legislators Wsentatives District 52 in must meet in the state capital or at least November, state Rep. Doreen Gallegos, meet somewhere in the county of Santa a Las Cruces Democrat, will become Fe to conduct the session in person, or the senior member of the Doña Ana if it can held remotely or if a hybrid is DISTRICT 52 County House delegation when the possible. (Some legislators have said the COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana REPRESENTATIVE PROFILES 2021 legislature convenes. Santa Fe Convention Center could be an POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat Gallegos, 52, won a fifth two-year alternative to meeting at the state capital term in the House with 65 percent of because it would provide more space.) YEARS IN OFFICE: Eight the vote, and was re-elected by fellow Meeting virtually isn’t ideal because AGE: 52 House Democrats as House majority “people may not feel like their voice is BIRTHPLACE: El Paso, Texas whip – the only member of the 2021 being heard,” Gallegos said. Constitu- leadership in either the House or the ents are used to being present during PROFESSION: Executive director, Senate from southern New Mexico. committee hearings, she said, and that Mesilla Valley Court Appointed Special While many things about the 2021 helps to give legislators “a real sense Advocates (CASA) legislative session are uncertain be- of the public view of (a) bill.” How- EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s cause of the pandemic and state public ever, Gallegos said, “we may not be degrees in social work, New Mexico health orders, Gallegos said the 60-day able to get that same sense with Zoom. State University session needs to move forward as We’re not going be happy conducting planned, with legislators either meeting legislation over Zoom, but if that keeps safely in person or remotely. people safe and gets people the services CONTACT INFORMATION “Our constituents have made hard they need, that’s what we’re going to ADDRESS: 5305 Superstition Drive, choices and we need to govern,” Gal- have to do.” Las Cruces, NM 88001 legos said. “We need to make sure that At the same time, she said, “we need PHONE: 575-649-6325 there’s services and money and make to be able to pivot. We should not put sure we’re working for the state of New ourselves in a box.” The legislature should EMAIL: [email protected] Mexico and our families. If we don’t take have a definite plan for how the session care of things, New Mexicans suffer.” will be conducted, but should also have Democrats lost two seats in the House in Gallegos said she does not favor one or more fallback plans to make the 2020 general election. They will hold a 44- holding a short session in January, with sure its work gets done, Gallegos said. 25-1 majority during the 2021 session. legislators meeting only long enough to “I think the most important piece is As majority whip, Gallegos could face a par- pass a budget and then adjourning un- for everybody to try to abide by the ticularly difficult task during the session trying til later in the spring when state public health rules that are being put forward,” to line-up the votes of Democrats on bills as health orders could be relaxed. Gallegos said. they come up for votes, especially if legislators As a legislator and legislative leader, Cooperation between the legislature’s are meeting remotely. Gallegos said she has “an obligation to majority Democrats and minority If she isn’t able to meet face to face with make sure we’re governing.” Republicans will be very important in other House members, Gallegos said she will Gallegos said she participates in 2021, she said. “We’ve got to find where rely on phone calls, emails and texts. “very regular conversations” with New we can work together,” Gallegos said. “I The 70-member House will also welcome Mexico House Speaker Brian Egolf, don’t want to be like Congress, where 12 new members in January. As part of House D-Santa Fe, and other House leaders everything is so divided,” she said. leadership, one of Gallegos’ functions is to “to make sure that we are prepared, that “We’re more alike than different. We’re help make sure they are mentored and guided we’re ready to govern. I want New Mex- in a time of crisis,” Gallegos said. Legis- through the legislative process. ico to get that,” she said. “We’re ready to lators should “look at all possibilities to “Some of our more experienced legislators move forward in any shape that takes.” help as many constituents as possible. have got to make sure we work with the new There are constitutional questions Reaching across the aisle is part of that.” ones, the freshmen,” she said.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 45 2021 REPRESENTATIVES WILLIE Madrid Biggest push in session: expanding broadband access

BY MIKE COOK tate Rep. Willie Madrid of 2021. If that’s the case, he said, he will Chaparral, New Mexico won find our resources for local projects. Sre-election to New Mexico House “It’s going to revolve around the fam- District 53 by 37 votes over former state ilies, to make our families well and keep Rep. Ricky Little. It was the third time them well,” he said, again emphasizing the two have run against each other for the need for expanded broadband DISTRICT 53 the House seat, with Little winning in access in his district and rural areas COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana, Otero 2016 and Madrid in 2018 and 2020. throughout the state. Expanding broadband access in his Providing adequate funding for ed- POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat district and statewide – “That’s going ucation will be another very important YEARS IN OFFICE: Two to be our biggest push” during the 2021 issue during the session, he said. The AGE: 50 legislative session, Madrid said. Broad- Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit that mandates band access is particularly important educational sufficiency for all students BIRTHPLACE: El Paso, Texas for children, he said, so they can do has set a “high bar” for legislators, he said. PROFESSION: Former public schools their schoolwork remotely, interact and “We’re still declining,” Madrid said. education support staff, Gadsden be “engaged with the school process.” New Mexico is 50th in the nation in Independent School District Representing a rural area in the legis- child wellbeing, he said, and that is lature means working “to get our voices “indicative of how we’re taking care EDUCATION: BA in business heard and get things moving down this of families. Families are the number management, University of Phoenix way in the south.” one component.We’ve got to have jobs With the loss of powerful state Sens. available for them.” CONTACT INFORMATION John Arthur Smith of Deming and Figuring out the best and safest way ADDRESS: 13 McClain Road, Mary Kay Papen of Las Cruces, it’s to conduct the 2021 legislative session Chaparral, NM 88081 more important that ever that legisla- considering the pandemic must include tors from southern New Mexico regain bipartisanship, an interface between the PHONE: 915-204-9056 strength in the legislature, he said. House and Senate and keeping connect- EMAIL: [email protected] Madrid said he is confident Gov. ed with constituents, Madrid said.

REPRESENTATIVE PROFILES REPRESENTATIVE Michelle Lujan Grisham will again pro- “Do what’s best for everybody,” he pose legislation to legalize recreational said. “I have a responsibility to my cannabis during the session. “I still constituents and the whole population have to see what the bill is,” he said, and of our state.” what issues it contains “that need to Using advanced technology to ensure get ironed out” before he makes a final a successful virtual session is “like tak- decision on how he’ll vote on the bill. ing an old dog and teaching him new Legalization likely will face a bigger tricks,” Madrid said. “I plan on being in struggle in the Senate than in the Santa Fe for the entire session,” he said. House, where it passed in 2018, Madrid Madrid said he has built important re- said. In terms of revenue generation lationships during his two years in the and job creation, the production of New Mexico House and it’s important recreational cannabis “will be great for to be able to continue those points of our state.” Before passing a final bill, contact during the 2021 session. Madrid said, “we need to make it better Madrid offered thanks to “my people than other states.” in District 53 for getting out to vote in Madrid said he has “a lot in the a very tumultuous time. Let’s exhale works” in terms of capital outlay and inhale new air with a new outcome projects in his district. “It’s hard on my in 2021. Hold no grudges, condemn heart,” he said, that little or no capital nobody. Have an open heart and open outlay funding may be available in mind.”

46 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 REPRESENTATIVES

COUNTIES SERVED: DISTRICT 54 Chaves, Eddy, Otero POLITICAL PARTY: Republican JAMES YEARS IN OFFICE: Six AGE: 66 BIRTHPLACE: Carlsbad, New Mexico PROFESSION: Retired senior vice Tow nsend president of Holly Corporation Townsend focus EDUCATION: New Mexico State is on infrastructure University OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: BY ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH Lobbyist in Santa Fe and Washington, D.C. for 15 years. ames Townsend said his biggest con- he would like to see the economy in the cerns for his district vary between southeastern part of the state boom. a desperate need for infrastructure, Budget items most critical to Townsend CONTACT INFORMATION J ADDRESS: 69 W. Compress Road, including the roads and bridges, and that include Capital Outlay, education and the the legislature act fiscally responsible and state highway improvement plan. Artesia, NM 88210 not create any new taxes or indebtedness. He said the state is losing its young PHONE: 575-703-0153 REPRESENTATIVE PROFILES “I will be voting on those issues and lead- people because they don’t have the same ing the debate for those,” he said. opportunities here as they do in other EMAIL: [email protected] Townsend has served as a member of places. the House Appropriations & Finance All the counties and districts propose Cloudcroft and Lake Arthur; Artesia needs Committee and a designee of the Legisla- capital outlay projects and each municipal- more money for infrastructure and schools. tive Finance Committee. Townsend said ity ranks their top three or top five projects, Townsend said he knows the caucus he is he tempers any spending initiatives with Townsend said. In his district, Carlsbad is part of wants to “make sure that New Mex- calls for fiscal restraint. Unopposed in both looking to improve roads and infrastruc- ico is a better state at the end of the session the primary and general election in 2018, ture; water and schools are priorities in and that’s what we will work to.”

SMALL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40 DOW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 42 Looking at what every department of state government will do formula, but it’s costing the Silver City school “to change, evolve and adapt, both during and after COVID-19” district a million dollars a year. brings “enormous challenges but also significant opportunities,” “We should be advocating for small schools Small said. “As we dive into all of that, keeping a clear, consistent like Cliff.” focus on education, jobs, on healthcare and infrastructure is the Regarding the legalization of recreational guiding light that will carry us forward and give us strong common marijuana, a bill most expect to come up, Dow ground to work together from.” wants legislators to look at what’s best for New Small said he expects Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to again Mexicans. introduce legislation to legalize the use of recreational cannabis in “Let’s listen to our medical providers,” Dow New Mexico during the session. “I support the effort with the ap- said, adding that since medical marijuana propriate safeguards,” he said. “We are following other states, being was legalized in New Mexico, there have been able to learn best practices,” but also are lagging behind “when it mixed results for those in the state working comes to the development of new revenue sources,” Small said. as providers. “I’d like to see something where “Diversification is just that – adding more economic opportunity, permitting promotes in-state ownership and creating new jobs in many different ways,” he said. “We should not operation. The bills I’ve seen would favor the be suggesting that any one activity or new area of economic expan- big guys from out of state, and wouldn’t create sion is the silver bullet,” he said. wealth for New Mexicans.” “I think representing House District 36, my responsibly is to At the time of this interview, plans had not work with folks and find solutions for challenges that exist in many been finalized regarding the nature of the areas,” Small said. That includes basic infrastructure needs like paved session, and Dow stressed the need for citizen roads and gas service on the East Mesa north of Highway 70, he said. input. “I am so proud of representing House District 36,” Small said. “I’m extremely concerned about a virtual “I’m grateful for all the history and heritage in this valley, in session where folks may or may not be able to New Mexico.” have public comment.”

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 47 2021 REPRESENTATIVES

COUNTIES SERVED: Lincoln, Otero DISTRICT 56 POLITICAL PARTY: Republican ZACH YEARS IN OFFICE: Eleven AGE: 48 BIRTHPLACE: Denver, Colorado PROFESSION: Attorney Cook EDUCATION: Cook stands with business University of New Mexico law school owners for 2021 CONTACT INFORMATION

BY ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH ADDRESS: 1703 Sudderth #425, Ruidoso, NM 88345 ntering his 12th year in the state the education system and providing young legislature, Rep. Zach Cook said he people the skills they need to compete. PHONE: 575-258-2202 Eis proud of his record in the Legis- Cook voted against the state lawmakers’ EMAIL: [email protected] lature but said there is still a lot to be done. deal of giving $750 to New Mexicans in Cook epitomizes the political demograph- need where immigration status was not a residents of New Mexico the money that ics of his district, which includes most of factor. He said in some cases those families they need badly." Lincoln County and the northern tier of who are in New Mexico illegally could end “I want to be part of the solution that Otero County. up getting more aid than families who are makes our state No. 1 in jobs and economic Both are solidly Republican, with legal. growth,” Cook said in a campaign statement. ranching and tourism the dominant indus- "I think we all have a lot of compassion “This state is my home and I’m willing to do tries. The two largest cities, Ruidoso and and sympathy for the undocumented whatever I can to make it the best place to Alamogordo, are vastly different in per- immigrants in our community,” Cook told live for this and future generations.” sonality, and their economies are shaped KOAT TV news. “But I think in a situation In recent years cook has focused on issues by differing forces, but they are equally like this, I think we need to focus on get- pertaining to economic growth, education conservative. He is interested in improving ting the citizens of the United States and and infrastructure.

COUNTIES SERVED: Chaves, Lincoln DISTRICT 59 POLITICAL PARTY: Republican YEARS IN OFFICE: Four GREGORY AGE: 63 BIRTHPLACE: Roswell, N.M. PROFESSION: Attorney EDUCATION: B.A. from the University REPRESENTATIVE PROFILES REPRESENTATIVE Nibert of New Mexico, 1980; law degree Nibert enters fourth year from Pepperdine University, 1983 in legislature OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: BY ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH Member (including service as chair) of the Chaves County Commission; tate Rep. Greg Nibert, a Republi- State Government, Elections and Indian former chair of the Chaves County can, represents District 59, which Affairs Committees, as well as the interim Republican Party Sincludes portions of Chaves and Lin- Ethics Committee and Water and Natural coln counties. He was reelected in 2020 for Resources Committee. CONTACT INFORMATION the seat he has held since 2017, succeeding Nibert served eight years on the Chaves ADDRESS: P.O. Box 4559, former state Rep. Nora Espinoza. Republi- County Commission before being elected Roswell, NM 88202 cans have held the seat since 1990. to the state House and is a former chair “I guess it’s time to roll up my sleeves and of the Chaves County Republican Party. PHONE: Office: 575-622-6510; do the hard work ahead because the state Nibert was named Lawyer of the Year in home, 575-317-1050; is in some unprecedented times and faces 2015 by the State Bar Section on Natural legislative office: 505-986-4211 a number of challenges, but I am ready to Resources, Energy and Environmental Law. EMAIL: [email protected] get to work and tackle those issues and get In June Nibert said lawmakers from his us back on better footing,” Nibert told the part of the state planned to wear masks heavily affected by the novel coronavirus. Roswell Daily Record upon his reelection. and use hand sanitizer during the special Nibert and his wife, Carolyn, have two Nibert has served as a member of the session in Santa Fe and would keep their sons and live in Roswell, which is Nibert’s House Judiciary Committee and the House distance from legislators from other areas hometown.

48 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

Home visits for expecting parents and parents with children up to 3 years of age.

Applied behavior analysis therapy for children ages birth to 18 who have a diagnosis of Autism.

Family counselling services for children, teens and adults. Speech & language, occupational and physical therapy for children ages 3 to 18.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 49 CATRON COUNTY Catron County Hanging tough is way of life in Catron

here is perhaps no clearer symbol of the pandemic in New Mexico than the closed Pie- O-Neer restaurant in Catron County. T As you travel U.S. Hwy. 60 west from Socorro County to Catron, you clearly see the historical contrast that has long been New Mexico. West of Magdalena, you’ll find the massive satellite dishes of the Very Large Array, representing the state’s role in space and technology. Further west, around Datil, you’ll see signs warning of rattlesnakes, reminding you of New Mexico’s rural desert and history of ranching and farming. And then you head into Pie Town. For years, residents and tourists alike have made the trip to tiny Pie Town for - you guessed it -some delicious pie. After the Coronavirus hit, though, the Pie-O-Neer shut down, and later went up for sale. Who knows if pies will ever come out of the ovens again? The 3,500 or so residents of Catron County have always been resilient, and can survive the loss of a restaurant. The long-term effects on the spirit, however, remain to be seen. PHOTO BY ELVA ÖSTERREICH

QUICK FACTS PEOPLE Population: 3,527 (2019) Households: 1,381 (2014-2018) Median household income: $42,480 (2018) Persons below poverty level: 23.3 percent (2018) BUSINESS Total employer establishments: 65 (2018) Total employment: 484 (2018) Non-employer establishments: 370 (2018) GEOGRAPHY Land area (square miles): 6,923.69 Persons per square mile: 0.5 (2010)

50 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN CATRONCATRON COUNTY COUNTY

PUBLIC OFFICIALS EDUCATION

BILL GREEN HAYDEN D. FORWARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS RESERVE INDEPENDENT County Manager County Commissioner SCHOOLS P.O. Box 507 District #3 QUEMADO SCHOOLS P.O. Box 350, Reserve, New Mexico 87830 P. O. Box 166 P.O. Box 128, [email protected] Glenwood, NM 88039 Quemado, NM 87829-0128 Reserve, NM 87830 575-533-6423 575-539-2324 Home 575-773-4700 575-533-6242 575-533-6433 Fax 575-519-0404 Cell quemadoschools.org reserveschools.com 575-519-2064 Cell

LINDA COOKE PHOTOS BY ELVA ÖSTERREICH County Manager Assistant OTHER ELECTED linda.cooke@ catroncountynm.gov OFFICIALS

CATRON COUNTY LILLIE LANEY COMMISSION Catron County Assessor P.O. Box 507 P.O. Box 416 Reserve, NM 87830 Reserve, NM 87830 575-533-6423 575-533-6577

ANITA A. HAND SHARON ARMIJO County Commissioner Catron County Clerk District # 1 P.O. Box 197 anita.hand@ Reserve, NM 87830 catroncountynm.gov 575-533-6400 P.O. Box 546 Datil, NM 87821 575-519-2502 Cell JOYCE R. LANEY Treasurer P.O. Box 407 CLIFF SNYDER Reserve, NM 87830 County Commissioner 575-533-6384 District #2 Commission Chairman Cliff.snyder@ IAN FLETCHER catroncountynm.gov Sheriff THC 60 Box 670-B P.O. Box 467 Reserve, NM 87830 Reserve, NM 87830 Home: 575-533-6633 575-533-6222

CATRON COUNTY COMMUNITIES APACHE CREEK LUNA Census-designated place Census-designated place Population: 144 (2018) Population: 158 ARAGON PIE TOWN Census-designated place Census-designated place Population: 64 (2018) Population: 186 CRUZVILLE QUEMADO Census-designated place Census-designated place Population: 182 (2018) Population: 228 DATIL RESERVE Census-designated place Census-designated place Population: 54 Population: 277 GLENWOOD PLEASANTON Census-designated place Census-designated place, Population: 143 Population: 106

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 51 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

para la gEntE y El futuro - for thE pEoplE and thE futurE

EstablishEd in 2013, thE burrEll CollEgE of ostEopathiC MEdiCinE is dEdiCatEd to iMproving thE hEalth of thE southwEstErn u.s. by training thE nExt gEnEration of physiCians.

nEstlEd in thE Chihuahuan dEsErt of las CruCEs, nEw MExiCo, thE CollEgE’s iMpaCt goEs far bEyond thE bordEr City. burrEll CollEgE is driving EConoMiC dEvElopMEnt in southErn nEw MExiCo; CrEating a nEw hub for MEdiCal EduCation in thE southwEst; and lEading MEdiCal sChools nationwidE for Efforts in divErsity and inClusion.

$77.7 - aMount burrEll CollEgE infusEs into southErn nEw MExiCo’s Million EConoMy EaCh yEar.

640 - nuMbEr of MEdiCal studEnts who train at burrEll CollEgE EaCh yEar.

- pErCEnt of nEwEst Class that sElf-idEntifiEs with a Minority group that 21% is historiCally undErrEprEsEntEd in thE physiCian workforCE.

- nationwidE ranking for #2 Minority EnrollMEnt aMongst all 44 do-granting MEdiCal sChools.

for MorE inforMation, plEasE visit: www.burrEll.Edu

52 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN DOÑACATRON ANA COUNTY COUNTY

Doña Ana CountyBULLETIN PHOTOS BY MIKE COOK DOÑA ANA COUNTY PHOTO

The Doña Ana County Crisis Triage Center is located at 1850 Copper Loop in Las Cruces. County triage center to open Fernando Macias BY MIKE COOK n late October, the New Mexico Department of Health issued an operator’s license DOÑA ANA QUICK FACTS to Recovery Innovations, Inc, d.b.a. RI International, for the operation of the Doña Ana County Crisis Triage Center (CTC). RI International, a Phoenix-based non- PEOPLE I Population: 218,195 (2019); grew profit, operates 12 other crisis triage centers throughout the country. The county built the 5,750-square-foot CTC in 2013 and has searched for an operator since then. Several 4.3 percent, April 2010-July 2019 important changes allowed the county to move forward with opening CTC, including Households: 77,453 (2019) changes in the state licensing process and allowing Medicaid dollars to be used to pay for Median household income: CTC services. $39,164 (2014-18) “This action opens the door to a fully operational crisis triage center,” Doña Ana County Persons below poverty level: Manager Fernando Macias said. “It is truly a historic moment to have this facility finally 26.3 percent licensed.” “The center will help to alleviate the strain on healthcare and law enforcement systems BUSINESS Total employer establishments: by specifically assisting individuals experiencing mental health crisis,” said county Health 3,658 (2018) and Human Services Department Director Jamie Michael. “It will also mark the creation of Non-employer establishments: a system that addresses mental health with more efficacy and compassion. 13,241 (2018) Santa Teresa continued strong economic growth throughout 2020, despite the pandem- ic. There were strong increases in commercial, private and pedestrian traffic at the Santa GEOGRAPHY Teresa Port of Entry, the jetport got a $9 million facelift and Santa Teresa welcomed Prent Land Area (square miles): 3,807 Corporation, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of custom plastic, rigid ther- Persons per square mile: 55 (2010) moform packaging for the medical, electronics and consumer industries. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov DOÑA ANA COUNTY PHOTO

New Santa Teresa Jetport Runway.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 53 DOÑA ANA COUNTY Ifo Pili is new Las Cruces city manager BY MIKE COOK CITY OF LAS CRUCES PHOTO fo Pili was unanimously selected by the is to reduce Las Cruces’ poverty rate. Eagle Las Cruces City Council to become the Mountain saw its median household income Icity’s newest city manager. He started increase by $20,000 in a decade during his his job Sept. 8, moving himself, his wife and tenure there, he said. their eight children from their home in Ea- “Government didn’t do that,” Pili said. “It gle Mountain, Utah, where Pili has worked was business that did that.” for the city since 2006. That kind of growth is possible for Las A native of American Samoa, Pili had Cruces, Pili said. “Going after business and been Eagle Mountain city administrator economic development, I honestly believe for the past eight years before accepting that’s going to move the poverty dial.” the job in Las Cruces. While serving as Ultimately, Pili said he would like to see Eagle Mountain city administrator, Pili was Las Cruces ranked as the best place to live in district administrator for the Unified Fire the United States. Service Area and was an adjunct professor From Saputo Dairy of Las Cruces dou- in BYU’s masters of public administration bling its employment to Electronic Care- Ifo Pili program. giver working toward becoming one of the In a November interview, Pili said he has largest employers in New Mexico, “what Philadelphia Eagles and New England also been impressed by “how many people we have here is amazing,” Pili said. “That Patriots, and has an NFL championship ring are working on the same goals” to make Las message needs to be shared,” he said,” and as part of the Eagles’ 2004 National Foot- Cruces better. “shouted from the rooftops.” ball League champion team. Pili has a BS “I’m really excited for what we have on the Pili moved to Orem, Utah in 1994 and in political science and a masters’ of public horizon,” he said. “I think we’re going to do graduated from high school there. He was a administration, both from BYU. some great things here.” lineman with the Brigham Young University Visit www.las-cruces.org/1396/City-Man- Pili said his main focus as city manager Cougars and the NFL’s Houston Texans, agers-Office.

My Community. My Bank.

Main Branch Country Club Branch Picacho Branch University Branch 505 S. Main St., 2841 N. Main St., 3030 W. Picacho Ave., 3065 E. University Ave., Las Cruces, NM Las Cruces, NM Las Cruces, NM Las Cruces, NM 575-647-4100 575-647-4136 575-528-6363 575-647-6700

Roadrunner Branch T or C Branch El Paso Branch 3991 E. Lohman Ave., 1920 N. Date St., 2500 N. Mesa St. Ste. A Las Cruces, NM T or C, NM El Paso, TX www.citizenslc.com 575-528-6300 575-894-0820 915-275-0750

54 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN DOÑACATRON ANA COUNTY COUNTY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE ELECTED OFFICIALS HATCH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DOÑA ANA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Mission: To advance the economic, industrial, educational, professional, cultural and civic conditions and standards for the 845 N. Motel Blvd., DISTRICT 3 Hatch Valley through networking, creating dialogue and capturing Las Cruces, NM 88007 Shannon Reynolds goals which individual members support, and the organization 575-647-7201 575-525-5807 pursues. www.donaanacounty.org sreynolds@donaanacounty. Address: P.O. Box 568, Hatch, NM 87937 org Phone: 575-519-4723 DISTRICT 1 Email: [email protected] Lynn Ellins DISTRICT 4 Website: www.villageofhatch.org/links/chamber_of_commerce 575-525-5808 Susana Chaparro [email protected] GREATER LAS CRUCES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DISTRICT 5 Mission: Since 1952 the GLCCC has provided area DISTRICT 2 Manuel Sanchez businesses a unique mix of products, services and advocacy Diana Murillo-Trujillo 575-525-5809 to help them grow their businesses and build a better and msanchez@donaanacounty. stronger community. org Address: 150 E. Lohman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88001 LAS CRUCES CITY COUNCIL Phone: 575-524-1968 Fax: 575-527-5546 Email: [email protected] City of Las Cruces DISTRICT 3 Website: www.lascruces.org 700 N Main Gabriel Vasquez Las Cruces, N.M. 88001 575-541-2066 LAS CRUCES GREEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 575-541-2000 [email protected] Mission: To promote socially and environmentally responsible www.las-cruces.org businesses and to build a vibrant and successful local economy based on the Triple Bottom Line. MAYOR DISTRICT 4 Address: 221 N. Main St., Ken Miyagishima Johana Bencomo Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001 575-541-2067 575-541-2066 Phone: 575-323-1575 [email protected] Website: locallascruces.com DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 1 Gill Sorg LAS CRUCES HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Kasandra Gandara, 575-541-2066 Mission: The Las Cruces Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Mayor pro-tem [email protected] provides leadership for the advancement of economic 575-541-2066 prosperity for our region and our diverse membership. [email protected] Address: 277 E. Amador Ave, Suite 305, DISTRICT 6 Las Cruces, NM 88001 DISTRICT 2 Yvonne Flores Phone: 575-524-8900 Fax: 575-532-9255 Tessa Abeyta Stuve 575-541-2066 Website: lascruceshispanicchamber.com 575-541-2066 [email protected] DOÑA ANA COUNTY COMMUNITIES ANTHONY FAIRACRES MESILLA RINCON SANTA TERESA City Population: 9,239 Census-designated Place Town Population: 1,028 Census-designated Place Census-designated Place Population: 271 (2010) Mayor: Population: 824 (2010) Mayor: Nora L. Barraza Population: 4,258 (2010) Diana Murillo-Trujillo GARFIELD RODEY Census-designated MESQUITE Census-designated Place SUNLAND PARK BERINO Place Population: 137 (2010) Census-designated Place Population: 388 City Population: 17,978 Census-designated Place Population: 1,112 (2010) (2019) Population: 1,441 (2010) HATCH SALEM Population: 2,650 (2018) Census-designated Place Mayor: Javier Perea Village Mayor: Andy Nuñez Population: 942 CHAMBERINO ORGAN Census-designated Place UNIVERSITY PARK Census-designated Place LA MESA SAN MIGUEL Population: 323 (2010) Census-designated Place Population: 919 (2010) Census-designated Place Census-designated Place Population: 1,153 (2010) Population: 4,192 (2010) Population: 737 (2016) CHAPARRAL PLACITAS SAN PABLO LA UNION VADO Census-designated Place Census-designated Place Census-designated Place Census-designated Place Population: 14,631 Population: 576 (2010) Population: 836 (2016 Census-designated Place Population: 1,124 (6,965 in Doña Ana County) estimate) Population: 3,194 (2010) (2016 estimate) RADIUM SPRINGS SAN YSIDRO DOÑA ANA LAS CRUCES Census-designated Place Census-designated Place WHITE SANDS Census-designated Place Population: 103,432 (2018) Population: 1,888 Population: 194 (2014 Census-designated Place Population: 1,211 (2010) Mayor: Ken Miyagishima (2016 estimate) estimate) Population: 1,651 (2010)

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 55 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

CITY OF LAS CRUCES 2021 NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVEPRIORITIES – CAPITAL OUTLAY PRIORITIES –

HERE’S TO A STREET & FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS GREAT 2021! “As mayor of Las Cruces, $1.5 Million $400,000 my fellow members of City Council and I look forward to working with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, our southern New Mexico delega- tion and lawmakers from across the state this legislative session. Las Cruces is a dy- East Mesa Roads and Drainage Madrid Road Extension namic city and together we can continue to Project includes land acquisitions, design, rights Plan, design, construct extension of enhance its many great qualities. of way, and roadway construction to include Madrid Avenue from Martha to Triviz Drive. – KEN MIYAGISHIMA, Mayor of Las Cruces utilities and flood control. SEPTIC SYSTEM REPLACEMENT – BRANIGAN CULTURAL CENTER – AIRPORT

$3.8 Million $1.5 Million $500,000

Septic System Replacement Branigan Cultural Center: Airport (terminal expansion) Plan, design and construct septic system Phase II Improvements Plan, design, and equip expansion of existing replacements and improvements in remaining Improvements to Interior and exterior wood terminal at the Las Cruces International Airport, to Brittany Estates, Estados Serenos and Hacienda elements, exterior stucco, original windows, include environmental and other property studies, Acres Phase III subdivisions. and other improvements. to support the development of commercial flights. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS UPGRADES

$844,000

Police: Upgrade and replace radios Fire: Upgrade and replace radios IT Infrastructure for Purchase, equip, and install improvements to the P-25 interconnectibility communication system P25 Communications Public Safety Equipment in Las Cruces to include for Las Cruces Police and Fire. Current overall Upgrades to A-Mountain Repeaters as emergency response tactical vehicles. completion at 86% (Fire) and at 85% (Police). final step in process. City of Las Cruces ® MOUNTAINS OF OPPORTUNITY las-cruces.org FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ifo Pili, City Manager • 575/541-2076 • [email protected] • Lawrence Horan, Lobbyist • 505/859-2895

56 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN DOÑACATRON ANA COUNTY COUNTY City has nine items on capital outlay list BY MIKE COOK

he Las Cruces City Council discussed its priorities for capital outlay funding from the New Mexico Legislature during an October work Tsession, considering nine items totaling more than $9 million. The funding priorities are septic system replacement: $3.8 million, East Mesa roads and drainage projects: $1,250,000, extending Madrid Road from Martha to Triviz: $400,000, police mobile data terminal replacements: $120,000, Fire Station No. 1 improvements: $350,000, public safety com- munications upgrades: $844,000, Branigan Cultural Center improvements: $1.5 million, Youth Services buildings improvements: $585,000 and Las Cruces International Airport terminal building expansion: $500,000. At the meeting, city legislative lobbyist Larry Horan recommended that the nine items be reduced to three to five to present to local legislators for consideration during the 2021 legislative session. Because of the impact of COVID-19 on the state budget, Horan said there could be little or no capi- tal outlay funding available for local projects during the 2021 session. “At a time like this, the shorter the list the better,” Horan said. The council was expected to narrow the list of items in a December council meeting.

EDUCATION PUBLIC SCHOOL DESERT SPRINGS LA ACADEMIA DACC – EAST MESA DISTRICTS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY DOLORES HUERTA CAMPUS 210 S. Nevarez St., Las Cruces, MIDDLE SCHOOL GADSDEN INDEPENDENT 2800 N. Sonoma Ranch Blvd., NM 88001 400 W. Bell Ave., Las Cruces, Las Cruces, NM 88011 SCHOOL DISTRICT 575-571-7709 NM 88005 575-528-7000 4950 McNutt Road, dscalions.org 575-526-2984 Sunland Park, NM 88063 ladh.org DACC – GADSDEN 575-882-6200 LAS CRUCES ACADEMY www.gisd.k12.nm.us 1755 Avenida de Mercado, Me- CENTER silla, NM 88046 J. PAUL TAYLOR ACADEMY 1700 E. O’Hara Rd., Anthony, 402 W. Court Ave., Building 2, NM 88021 HATCH VALLEY 575-521-9384 lascrucesacademy.org Las Cruces, NM 88005 575-882-3939 PUBLIC SCHOOLS 575-652-4006 204 Hill St., Hatch, NM 87937 HOLY CROSS SCHOOL AND www.jpaultayloracademy.org DACC – SUNLAND PARK P.O. Box 790, Hatch, NM 87937 575-267-8200 ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL CENTER 1331 N. Miranda St., www.hatchschools.net LAS MONTAÑAS CHARTER 3365 McNutt Road, Sunland Las Cruces, NM 88005 HIGH SCHOOL Park, NM 88063 575-526-2517 575-874-7780 LAS CRUCES 1405 S. Solano Drive, lccsonline.org Las Cruces, NM 88001 PUBLIC SCHOOLS MESILLA VALLEY 575-527-5916 DACC – WORKFORCE 505 S. Main St. Ste. 249, www.lasmontanashigh.com Las Cruces, NM 88001 CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS CENTER 575-527-5800 3850 Stern Drive, 2345 E. Nevada Ave. lcps.k12.nm.us Las Cruces, NM 88001 NEW AMERICA SCHOOL Las Cruces, NM 88001 575-525-8515 207 S. Main St., 575-527-7776 mvcsonline.com Las Cruces, NM 88001 PRIVATE SCHOOLS 575-527-9085 DACC – CHAPARRAL ACTON ACADEMY MISSION LUTHERAN www.facebook.com/ CENTER MESILLA VALLEY SCHOOL newamericaschool 755 Prescott Anthony Drive 1730 Tierra de Mesilla, 2752 N. Roadrunner Pkwy., 88011 Chaparral, NM 88081 Las Cruces, NM 88005 575-532-5489 COMMUNITY 575-824-2000 575-449-4796 www.mlschool.net www.actonlascruces.com COLLEGES CHARTER SCHOOLS DOÑA ANA COMMUNITY UNIVERSITIES CORNERSTONE ALMA D’ARTE CHARTER COLLEGE (DACC) NEW MEXICO STATE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL – CENTRAL CAMPUS UNIVERSITY (NMSU) 5301 Cortez Drive, Las Cruces, 402 W. Court Ave., Las Cruces, 3400 S. Espina St., 1780 E. University Ave., NM 88012 NM 88005 Las Cruces, NM 88003 Las Cruces, NM 88003 575-532-0902 575-541-0145 575-527-7500 575-646-0111 www.cornerstn.org www.almadarte.org dacc.nmsu.edu nmsu.edu

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 57 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

Quality of Life: Senior Programs, RoadRUNNER Transit, Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, Volunteer Network, and Las Cruces Public Art

We are Quality of Life. We are Las Cruces. www.las-cruces.org 575.541.2048 700 N. Main, Las Cruces, NM 88001

dacc.nmsu.edu affordable 575-527-7710 accredited

58 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN DOÑACATRON ANA COUNTY COUNTY PHOTO GETTY IMAGES

MVEDA and the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce are soaring to new heights to partner and provide economic health and business growth in Doña Ana County and NM!

• Support in permanency of Flight Informed Consent. • Expansion & Access of Broadband throughout our State. • Economic assistance to small businesses in light of COVID. Support updates to Small Business Recovery Fund to extend accessibility through 2021 & broaden perimeters of applications. • Increase Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) funding. • Maintain a closing fund for economic development projects (LEDA) of between $60-75 million.

MESILLA VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 59 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

Helpful Tips for properTy owners To unDersTAnDinG your A GuiDe properTy AssessMenT.

your noTiCe of VAlue is THe Key To unDersTAnDinG your properTy TAX proCess. LOOK FOR IT IN THE MAIL IN APRIL 2021. 1 Each year the Assessor mails each property owner a “Notice of Value.” This form serves to inform the owner of the total assessed value, the property description and exemptions applied to the property. Doña Ana County will mail notices on or around April 1st of each year. This form is an important step in the property tax process. Please read it carefully and follow the instructions on the back. You have 30 days from the official mail date to apply for exemptions and benefits, or to appeal your valuation.

DISAGREE WITH YOUR VALUATION? Property owners may appeal the value or classification determined for their property Doña a by filing a petition of protest with the County Assessor within 30 days of the official mail date of the notice of value. Doña Ana County will mail notices on or around April 1st of each year. Protest forms are available on our website or in our office.

TAXpAyer BenefiTs & eXeMpTions na Do you QuAlify for A TAX pAyer BenefiT?

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO APPLY? County a 2 The deadline for claiming the head of family, veterans, 100 percent disabled veteran’s exemptions, as well as the valuation freeze is 30 days after the official date of mailing as indicated yearly on the Assessor’s official “Notice of Value.” Doña Ana County will mail notices on or around April 1st of each year. You can apply in person or by mail. Veteran Exemptions must be claimed in person. For more information regarding each of these exemptions log on to www.donanacounty.org/assessor and view our helpful tips or call the Assessor’s office at (575) 647-7400.

DisClosure of sAles priCe ssessor’s o New Mexico law requires the disclosure of residential sales information to the County Assessor’s Office. This must be accomplished by filing a notarized affidavit at the Assessor’s office within thirty days of the date of filing a deed, real estate contract or memorandum of real estate contract with the County Clerk. There are some exceptions for having to comply with 3 the disclosure. The exceptions are listed on the back of the required form, and the form can be viewed on our website. All information collected is required to be kept confidential with the Assessor’s office, and will not be made available as public information. Failure to comply with the law could result in a conviction of a misdemeanor and punishable by the imposition of a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). Free notary service is available in our office for this purpose. ffi C QuesTions? Please contact our office. Doña ana County assessor

845 n. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces, nM 88007 e Phone: 575-647-7400 fax: 575-525-5538 Leticia Duarte-Benavidez County assessor www.donaanacounty.org/assessor

60 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN DOÑACATRON ANA COUNTY COUNTY NMSU students, faculty, staff blazing new trails FROM NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS RELEASES NMSU PHOTO BY DEREK FLODMAND s New Mexico State University tation, location, and region of residence. The began delivering 100 percent of study is available at https://onlinelibrary. Acourses online after the Thanksgiv- wiley.com/doi/10.1002/emp2.12293. ing holiday break, students, staff and faculty were continuing with important work. NMSU among Top 100 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics NMSU licenses specialized whiskey, NMSU has been recognized on the Top wine, beer 100 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics in November, NMSU and Dry Point list published in the October issue of The Distillers launched Pistol Pete’s Six-Shoot- Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine. er, the first collegiate-licensed whiskey in NMSU ranked 44th in total enrollment for the country. A portion of the proceeds bachelor’s degrees and 53rd for total enroll- will go to support NMSU’s more than 400 ment for four-year schools. NMSU also was student-athletes. Pistol Pete’s Six-Shooter is listed as 57th in total enrollment for master’s a rye whiskey that has been aged for three degrees. With degrees ranked by major, years and is Dry Point’s fourth whiskey to NMSU was ninth in degrees in agriculture be released. The label design pays homage New Mexico State University’s Physical and agriculture operations. Science Laboratory has been awarded a to NMSU’s history and the university’s 10-year, $92,870,000 contract by the U.S. founding more than 130 years ago in the Department of Defense. NMSU’s Physical Science Laboratory Old West. The spirit will be served in craft awarded 10-year, $92.8 million contract cocktails at Dry Point’s location in Mesilla, student who becomes ill at a Halloween par- The NMSU Physical Science Laboratory New Mexico. ty and the contact tracer sent to investigate has been awarded a 10-year, $92,870,000 In October, NMSU and New Mexi- foul play. This mix of current events and contract from the U.S. Department of co-based Lescombes Winery announced the “who done it” is served up for audiences via Defense to support the information opera- creation and launch of Pistol Pete’s Crimson live streaming. “Tracer” is a unique blend tions, vulnerability/survivability assessment Legacy, one of less than 10 collegiate-li- of five actors performing during the live and analysis program. The new contract censed wines in the country. The wine is stream alongside a pre-recorded supporting from the Combat Capabilities Development described as a New Mexico Cabernet Sauvi- ensemble cast. While live streaming, the Command (CCDC) Data and Analysis Cen- gnon, with hints of red berries, ripe cherries, actors will be in separate rooms inside the ter (DAC), part of the U.S. Army Futures toast and oak that will pair well with tradi- NMSU Center for the Arts. Command, was effective Sept. 18. Founded tional red wine dishes. Revenues generated by NMSU in 1946, PSL has supported vari- from sales of Crimson Legacy will go to sup- Study examines firearms sales ous government and private sector scientific port the more than 400 student athletes who An NMSU public health researcher has and technical activities throughout the attend NMSU. The university was founded published a new study that examines firearm U.S. and the world through contracts and in 1888, so fittingly, the first run of Pistol sales in the United States amid the coro- research agreements. Pete’s Crimson Legacy totals 1,888 bottles. navirus pandemic. Jagdish Khubchandani, The back of the Crimson Legacy wine bottle public health professor in the College of After additional feedback, ‘Gateway to tells the story of New Mexico’s rich, inter- Health and Social Services at NMSU, served NMSU’ project moves forward with com- esting, and largely unknown history of wine as the lead author of the study, which exam- bined design making, which started in the 1600s with ines public perceptions on firearm-buying Construction of the “Gateway to NMSU,” Spanish priests who needed sacramental habits during the pandemic. The study was a large-scale construction project on the wine. Because the wine was too heavy to published in the Journal of the American east side of New Mexico State University’s transport, they instead planted grapevines College of Emergency Physicians Open, an Las Cruces campus, is set to begin this year. along New Mexico’s Rio Grande Valley – official journal of the American College of The monument, coinciding with the massive decades before wine came to California. Emergency Physicians. The findings show Interstate 25/University Avenue recon- In 2017, NMSU worked with New 18 percent of the study participants report- struction project, will welcome students, Mexico-based Bosque Brewing Company ed buying a firearm during the pandemic, employees and visitors to campus. Cost for to create and launch Pistol Pete’s 1888 Ale. with a tenth of them being first-time buyers. the project is approximately $1.1 million, Since its debut, the beer is now available Young, single, urban dwellers, health care which will be paid for by the sale of land for at more than 300 locations in 70 cities and professionals and Hispanics were more like- the I-25/University Avenue construction towns across New Mexico. ly to have bought a firearm during the pan- project and additional funding which can demic. The study also reveals firearm buyers only be used for capital improvements and NMSU Theatre produces ‘Tracer’ differed statistically significantly from non‐ projects of this kind. Construction cannot The NMSU Department of Theatre Arts buyers based on sex, age, ethnicity, marital begin until the I-25/University Avenue original production, “Tracer” was live status, education, having children at home, project is completed, tentatively scheduled streamed in November. The plot follows a employment status, income, political orien- for September 2021.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 61 DOÑA ANA COUNTY

62 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHERN DOÑACATRON ANA COUNTY COUNTY Southern Doña Ana County DOÑA ANA COUNTY PHOTO PHOTOS COURTESY OF JERRY PACHECO

Border Industrial Association Santa Teresa continues record growth President Jerry Pacheco BY MIKE COOK

think that Santa Teresa is uniquely Jetport runway gets $9 million facelift Santa Teresa border crossings increase positioned to take advantage of After a year of nonstop construction, the Statistics from Santa Teresa Customs and “Ithe reshoring and nearshoring Doña Ana County International Jetport run- Border Protection virtual meeting showed (U.S. manufacturing returning to the U.S. way, 8014 Airport Road in Santa Teresa, is increases in commercial, private and pedes- or closer to the U.S. from overseas), espe- complete and now in operation. trian traffic at the Santa Teresa Port of Entry cially now that we are going to have anoth- The planning and designing process for (STPOE), Dear Border Industrial Associa- er 500,000 square feet of industrial space the runway began in 2017, with construc- tion (BIA) President Jerry Pacheco said. coming on line soon,” said Border Industrial tion starting in October 2019. Commercial traffic reached 13,402 trucks Association President Jerry Pacheco. “The The old runaway was built in 1983 in in July, an 11.75 percent increase over June. reshoring/nearshoring is being sped up by three sections, each with a different and “This is an all-time, record high for truck the COVID crisis. That bodes well for us,” uneven weight capacity: 20,000 pounds for crossings at STPOE,” Pacheco said. The he said. the center section, 64,000 pounds for the previous record was May 2019 with 13,221 Pacheco founded BIA in 2009. It is an west section and 94,000 pounds for the east commercial crossings, he said. Commercial advocacy group that represents the Santa section. traffic was 12,163 in August 2020, which was Teresa Industrial base. Since its founding, The project was paid for with $9 million a higher total than any more year to date the BIA has successfully lobbied for more in capital outlay funding from the New Mex- except July. than $50 million in infrastructure funding ico Legislature, support from Gov. Michelle “STPOE only has to average 9,000 com- for the Santa Teresa industrial base. (Visit Lujan Grisham, the Federal Aviation Admin- mercial crossings in August and September www.nmbia.org.) istration and the Aviation Division of the to surpass the entire 2019 total for commer- New Mexico Department of Transportation. cial crossings,” Pacheco said. “It’s amazing The new runway is 9,950 feet long and that during the current pandemic, we are 75 feet wide and can accommodate a seeing commercial crossings at STPOE rise 94,000-pound aircraft, which is equivalent substantially. We are building momentum to to a Boeing 737-300 series. The project surpass the port of entry at Hidalgo, Texas, included replacement of regular lights with which would make STPOE the fourth larg- LED lights, new runway wiring and lighting est port by volume on the entire U.S.-Mexi- control systems. co border.” The jetport is a full-service general avi- Privately operated vehicle crossings in- ation airport serving southern Doña Ana creased 12.21 percent in July 2020 compared County and the El Paso area. The jetport to June 2020 and were up and were up by currently houses 141 aircraft, 19 of which more than 5,000 from July 2020 (32,607) to are corporate jets, 32 corporate aircraft han- August 2020 (37,778). Pedestrian crossings gars and eight sets of T-hangars. increased 14 percent in July compared to Visit www.donaanacounty.org. June.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 63 GRANT COUNTY

Grant County Grant County community bands together

rant County is home to the Gila National Forest encompassing some of the wildest and most beautiful land and darkest skies in New Mexico. Silver City, the county Gseat, provides a jumping off point for exploring the Gila and the Continental Divide Trail and is home to Western New Mexico University, which houses the world’s largest permanent collection of Mimbres pottery, is renowned for its arts culture and has hosted the Tour of the Gila road cycling event for more than 30 years. The past year has seen the community and businesses band together to stay insulated from the coronavirus potential. The downtown area and activities have attempted to stay local and provide area business incentives to weather the times. While some area restaurants and businesses have disappeared from the landscape, others have popped up and are thriv- ing. The community spirit is alive and well in Grant County. QUICK FACTS PEOPLE Population: 26,998 (2018) Households: 12,003 (2014-18) Median household income: $37,880 (2014-18) Persons below poverty level: 20.7 percent BUSINESS Total employer establishments: 578 (2018) Total employment: 6,549 (2018) Total non-employer establishments: 1,542 (2018) GEOGRAPHY Land area (square miles): 3,962 Persons per square mile: 7.4 Source: www.census.gov

64 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN CATRONGRANT COUNTY COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS GRANT COUNTY GRANT COUNTY COMMISSION Grant County Administration Center DISTRICT 3 COMMUNITIES 1400 Highway 180 E, Alicia Kay Edwards Silver City, NM 88061 575-654-4364 BAYARD P.O. Box 898, Silver City, NM 88062 [email protected] City Population: 2,123 575-574-0000 DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT 1 CLIFF Gerald Wayne Billings Chris M. Ponce Census-designated place 575-574-0092 575-574-0021 Population: 293 [email protected] [email protected] DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 5 HURLEY Javier C. Salas Harry Francis Browne Census-designated place 575-574-0022 575-654-4396 Population: 1,176 [email protected] [email protected] SILVER CITY TOWN COUNCIL PINOS ALTOS Census-designated place 101 W. Broadway St. DISTRICT 2 P.O. Box 1188 Lynda D. Aiman-Smith Population: 198 Silver City, NM 88062 575-597-7032, 575-519-1680 (cell) 575-538-3731 [email protected] SANTA CLARA Village Population: 761 MAYOR DISTRICT 3 Ken Ladner Jose A. Ray, Jr. SAN LORENZO 575-313-3990 575-313-4944 [email protected] Census-designated place [email protected] [email protected] Population: 97 DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 4 Cynthia Ann Bettison Guadalupe “Lupe” Cano SILVER CITY 575-597-7031 575-597-7034 Town, County Seat [email protected] [email protected] Population: 9,386 LAKE ROBERTS Census-designated place EDUCATION Population: 53 PUBLIC SCHOOLS PRIVATE SCHOOLS SILVER CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS GUADALUPE MONTESSORI FAYWOOD 2810 N. Swan St., SCHOOL Census-designated place 1731 N. Alabama St., Silver City, NM 88061 Population: 33 575-956-2000 Silver City, NM 88061 www.silverschools.org 575-388-3343 www.guadalupemontessori.org HANOVER Census-designated place COBRE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT UNIVERSITIES/ Population: 167 900 A. Central Ave., COLLEGES Bayard, NM 88023 WESTERN NEW MEXICO P.O. Box 1000, Bayard, NM 88023 UNIVERSITY 575-537-4010 1000 W. College Ave., www.cobre.k12.nm.us Silver City, NM 88062 P.O. Box 680, CHARTER SCHOOLS Silver City, NM 88062 ALDO LEOPOLD CHARTER 800-872-9668, 575-538-6011 SCHOOL wnmu.edu 410 W. 10th St., Silver City NM 88061 575-538-2547 aldocs.org Silver City, New Mexico

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 65 HIDALGO COUNTY Hidalgo County Election brings some new faces

or the first time since the 1980s, Hidalgo County is represented in the New Mexico Senate by someone OTHER than John Arthur Smith. F Smith was unseated in the 2020 Democratic primary, but in the general election, newcomer Crystal Diamond, a Republican, won the nod. Diamond, from Truth or Conse- quences, takes over representation of the sprawling District 35, which includes all of Hidal- go, Luna and Sierra Counties and a chunk of Doña Ana. Hidalgo also has a new county commissioner, Republican Arthur Malott, and a new coun- ty clerk, Democrat Alyssa Esquivel.

QUICK FACTS PEOPLE Population: 4,198 (2019) Households: 1,753 (2014-18) Median household income: $36,339 (2014-18) Persons below poverty level, percent: 25.7 percent BUSINESS Total employer establishments: 104 (2018) Non-employer establishments: 205 (2018) Total employment: 882 (2018) GEOGRAPHY Land area (square miles): 3,436.86 Persons per square mile: 1.4 (2018) Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov

66 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN HIDALGOCATRON COUNTY COUNTY

ELECTED OFFICIALS HIDALGO COUNTY HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSION 305 Pyramid St. SHERIFF COMMUNITIES Lordsburg, NM, 88045 Warren D. Walter 575-542-9428 575-542-3833 ANIMAS Joey Mora Census-designated place 575-313-4012 COUNTY CLERK Population: 237 [email protected] Alyssa A. Esquivel 575-542-9213 COTTON CITY Johnny Hatch Census-designated place [email protected] COUNTY MANAGER Population: 388 Joel Edwards Tisha Green 575-542-9427 575-574-0291 GLEN ACRES [email protected] tisha.green@ hidalgocounty.com Census-designated place COMMISSION AT LARGE 3 Population: 208 Arthur G. Malott LORDSBURG LORDSBURG CITY COUNCIL City, County Seat 409 W. Wabash St. MAYOR Population: 2,398 Lordsburg, NM 88045 Robert Barrera 575-542-3259 575-542-3421 RODEO Susie Cole CHIEF OF POLICE Census-designated place Art De La Garza Irene Galvan 575-542-3505 Population: 101 Eddie Lopez HIDALGO COUNTY VIRDEN COURTHOUSE Rodney Plowman Population: 129 (re-elected) 575-542-3259 300 Shakespeare St., Lordsburg, NM 88045 Alfredo Morelos, Jr. (575) 542-9428 PLAYAS (newly elected) 575-538-1128 Census-designated place Population: 74 EDUCATION WINDMILL LORDSBURG MUNICIPAL ANIMAS PUBLIC Census-designated place SCHOOLS SCHOOLS Population: 43 401 W. 4th St., #1 Panther Blvd., Lordsburg, NM 88045 Animas, NM 88020 Source: U.S. Census population estimates, 2018 (575) 542-9361 (575) 548-2299 www.lmsed.org animask12.net

SCHOOL BOARD SCHOOL BOARD Afredo Morelos, Jr., President William Hurt, President (575) 538-1128 William “Bunch” Swift, Susie Cole, Vice president Vice President Edgar Gomez, Secretary Jared Fralie, Secretary Alyssa Esquivel Trina Kellogg Jonah Barrera Wayne Johnson SUPERINTENDENT Stephen Lucas SUPERINTENDENT Loren Cushman PRINCIPALS Scott Roberson, Lordsburg HS PRINCIPAL Ralph Almanzar, Central, Ron Pierce Dugan-Tarango Middle Schools Adam Amador, R.V. Traylor Elementary School

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 67 LINCOLN COUNTY Lincoln County Medical center opening was bright spot for Lincoln

ike so many American communities whose econo- my thrives on tourism, Lincoln County’s world was Lturned upside down by the Coronavirus in 2020. Activities at Ski Apache; longstanding spring, summer and fall events; entertainment at the Spencer Theater; racing at Ruidoso Downs; and the normal dining and outdoor routines of vacationers from both in and out of New Mexico were all either canceled or deeply scaled back because of the pandemic. Perhaps ironically, though, one important entity opened in 2020. The new Lincoln County Medical Center, nearly four years in the making, began serving patients in May. The center includes 25 private rooms and a wide variety of services new to the community. PHOTOS BY ELVA ÖSTERREICH

QUICK FACTS PEOPLE Population: 19,572 (2019) Households: 7,815 (2014-18) Median household income: $42,267 (2014-18) Persons below poverty level: 16.4 percent (2018) BUSINESS Total employer establishments: 666 (2018) Total employment: 5,047 (2014-18) Total non-employer establishments: 1,895 (2018) Total number of firms: 2,794 (2012) GEOGRAPHY Land area (square miles): 4,831 Population per square mile: 4.2 (2010) Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov

68 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN LINCOLNCATRON COUNTY COUNTY

EDUCATION LINCOLN COUNTY COMMUNITIES PUBLIC SCHOOLS HONDO VALLEY ALTO LINCOLN CAPITAN MUNICIPAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Population: 2,647 (2018) State historical site SCHOOLS 111 Don Pablo Lane, Population: 189 (2018) 519 Smokey Bear Blvd., Hondo, NM 88336 CAPITAN Capitan, NM 88316 575-653-4411 Village RUIDOSO P.O. Box 278, Capitan, NM 88316 www.hondoreagles.org Population: 1,425 (2018) Village 575-354-8500 Population: 7,901 www.capitantigers.org RUIDOSO CARRIZOZO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS Town, County seat RUIDOSO DOWNS CARRIZOZO MUNICIPAL 200 Horton Circle, Population: 935 City SCHOOLS Ruidoso, NM 88345 CORONA Population: 2,574 800 D Ave., Carrizozo, NM 88301 575-630-7000 P.O. Box 99, Carrizozo, NM 88301 Village SAN PATRICIO www.ruidososchools.org Population: 163 575-648-2346 Town Population: 564 cms-k12-mt.schoolloop.com UNIVERSITIES/ FORT STANTON WHITE OAKS COLLEGES State historical site Ghost town Population: CORONA PUBLIC EASTERN NEW MEXICO Population: 41 Undetermined SCHOOLS UNIVERSITY-RUIDOSO 531 Franklin St., 709 Mechem Drive, HONDO Nogal Census-designated place Corona, NM 88318 Ruidoso, NM 88345 Census-designated place Population: 341 P.O. Box 258 575-257-7222 Population: 96 575-849-1911 575-315-1120 www.cpscardinals.org www.ruidoso.enmu.edu ELECTED OFFICIALS LINCOLN COUNTY RUIDOSO DOWNS Rafael “Rifle” Salas COMMISSION CITY COUNCIL 575-808-0430 300 Central Ave., P.O. Box 338, 123 Downs Drive, [email protected] Carrizozo, NM 88301 Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346 Phone: 574-648-2394 575-378-4422, Dr. Gary Jackson [email protected] 575-973-2885 DISTRICT 1 [email protected] Dean Holman, Mayor Todd F. Proctor Joseph W. Eby P.O. Box 484, Capitan, NM 8836 575-378-7068 [email protected] 575-808-0114 575-808-0729 [email protected] Judy R. Miller, Mayor Pro-Tem DISTRICT 2 Tim Coughlin Lynn Willard 575-378-4823 575-937-4847 575-937-5469 109 Nogal Place, Ruidoso, NM 88345 [email protected] 575-404-1794 [email protected] Susan Lutterman [email protected] Shane Walker 575-973-8338 575-626-7099 DISTRICT 3 [email protected] Jon Floyd Crunk [email protected] John Cornelius 113 Alpine Village Road, Jimmy Romero 575-937-0918 Ruidoso, NM 88345 575-973-7094 [email protected] 575-937-4790 [email protected] DISTRICT 4 Sabrina Lundquist Tom Stewart 575-973-7094 P.O. Box 515, Alto, NM 88312 575-973-7363 VILLAGE OF RUIDOSO [email protected] COUNCIL DISTRICT 5 313 Cree Meadows Dr., Ruidoso, NM 88345 Elaine Allen Phone: 575-257-4343 P.O. Box 74, Lincoln, NM 88338 575-653-4251 Lynn D. Crawford, Mayor [email protected] 575-258-4343 [email protected]

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 69 LUNA COUNTY PHOTOS BY ELVA ÖSTERREICH

Luna County Home of political harmony? s the nation grows more and more politically divided, and members of both major parties wonder if there can ever be a time where lawmakers can successfully work Atogether across the aisles, maybe Luna County can be a model citizenry. As husband and wife, John and Candie Sweetser reach across the breakfast table each morning. However, Candie’s a Democrat and John is Republican. Both won competitive elections in Luna County. Candie retained her District 32 state representative seat, and John kept his District 3 position on the Luna County Commission. After 31 years in office, Deming’s John Arthur Smith lost in the June 2020 Democratic primary for the District 35 state senate seat. In the general election, Smith reached across the aisle to endorse Republican candidate Crystal Diamond, who won, and now takes over the Dist. 35 senator spot. Citizens of Deming and Luna County are perhaps less concerned about party affiliation, and more about the community rebounding from the pandemic setbacks of 2020. QUICK FACTS PEOPLE Population: 23,709 (2019) Households: 9,025 (2014-18) Median household income: $27,377 (2014-18) Persons below poverty level: 27.2 BUSINESS Total employer establishments: 379 (2018) Total employment: 4,437 (2018) Total non-employer establishments: 978 (2018) Total number of firms: 1,353 (2012) GEOGRAPHY Land area (square miles): 2,965 Population per square mile: 8.5 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov

70 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN CATRONLUNA COUNTY COUNTY

ELECTED OFFICIALS LUNA COUNTY COMMUNITIES LUNA COUNTY MAYOR COLUMBUS COMMISSION Benny L. Jasso Population: 1,617 (2019) 700 S. Silver Ave., P.O. Box 1838, 575-546-8848 Deming, NM 88031 Phone: 575-546-0491 DISTRICT 1 DEMING DISTRICT 1 David L. Sanchez County Seat Barbara Reedy 575-546-3155 Population: 13,880 (2019) 575-544-5976 [email protected] [email protected] DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 2 EDUCATION Linda Smrkovsky Irmaisela “Irma” Rodriguez 575-494-0512 575-546-8848 PUBLIC SCHOOLS linda_smrkovsky@lunacountynm. [email protected] DEMING PUBLIC SCHOOLS us 1001 S. Diamond Ave., DISTRICT 3 Deming, NM 88030 DISTRICT 3 575-546-8841 Joe “Butter” Milo, John Sweetser www.demingps.org Mayor Pro-Tem 575-546-1597 Add Superintendent: 575-546-7385 [email protected] Arsenio Romero, Ph.D. [email protected] DEMING CITY COUNCIL UNIVERSITIES 309 S. Gold Ave., Ste. 3, DISTRICT 4 MIMBRES VALLEY LEARNING CENTER (WNMU) Deming, NM 88030 Victor Cruz 2300 E. Pine St., 575-546-8848 575-546-8848 Deming, NM 88030 www.cityofdeming.org [email protected] 575-546-6556 extended.wnmu.edu/deming/

Deming, New Mexico

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 71 OTERO COUNTY Otero County Holloman AFB looking solid

don’t think Holloman Air Force Base has ever been more secure in its missions than it is today,” said State Senator Bill Burt, who has been involved with

“I PHOTOS BY ELVA ÖSTERREICH Alamogordo-area military issues for 30 years. “There are three squadrons flying and training aircraft. The Air Force has said it will keep the F-16 in inventory until at least 2030.” Just as critical to Holloman’s mission is its training center for remotely piloted aircraft. “All Air Force RPA training is done here at Holloman,” Burt said. “Those two major missions at Holloman are rock solid right now. And there are many smaller missions on base. Hollo- man is a critical part of defense of this nation.” As a result, economic opportunity in the form of more retail has come into Alamogordo in the last couple of years, including Hobby Lobby, Marshall’s, Ross, Tractor Supply, Harbor Freight and more. “The more stability at the base, the more families we have to support local businesses,” Burt said.

QUICK FACTS ELECTED OFFICIALS PEOPLE OTERO COUNTY COMMISSION Population: 67,490 (2019) 1101 New York Ave., Households: 23,391 (2014-18) Alamogordo, NM 88310 575-437-7427 Median household income: www.co.otero.nm.us $42,752 (2014-18) DISTRICT 1 Persons below poverty level: Gerald Ray Matherly 20.3 percent 575-491-4836 DISTRICT 2 BUSINESS Couy Dale Griffin Total employer establishments: 575-491-3359 951 (2018) DISTRICT 3 Total non-employer Vickie Pruiett Marquardt establishments: 3,414 (2018) Total employment: 11,514 (2018) ALAMOGORDO CITY COMMISSION 1376 E. Ninth St., GEOGRAPHY Alamogordo, NM 88310 Land area (square miles): 6,613.21 575-439-4100 ci.alamogordo.nm.us Population per square mile: 9.6 (2010) Richard A. Boss, Mayor 575-214-0024 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov [email protected] OTERO CONTINUED ON PAGE 73

72 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN CATRONOTERO COUNTY COUNTY

EDUCATION OTERO COUNTY COMMUNITIES PUBLIC SCHOOLS PRIVATE SCHOOLS ALAMOGORDO NEWMAN ALAMOGORDO ST. FRANCES CABRINI City, County Seat Unincorporated PUBLIC SCHOOLS CATHOLIC SCHOOL Population: 31,980 community 1211 Hawaii Ave., Grades PreK – 6 Population: Unavailable Alamogordo, NM 88310 1000 E. Eighth St., BENT 575-812-6000 Alamogordo, NM 88310 Unincorporated OROGRANDE www.aps4kids.org 575-437-7821 community Unincorporated www.stfccatholic.org Population: 56 (2018) community Population: 91 (2018) CLOUDCROFT IMAGO DEI ACADEMY BOLES ACRES MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS Classical Christian School Census-designated place PIÑON 10 Swallow Place, Grades K-12 Population: 1,899 (2018) Unincorporated Cloudcroft, NM 88317 3601 N. Scenic Drive, community Alamogordo, NM 88310 CHAPARRAL Population: 71 P.O. BOX 198 Unincorporated 575-601-4416 575-434-3903 community SACRAMENTO www.cmsbears.org www.imagodei.academy Population: 14,793 Population: 118 (2018) LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY TULAROSA CLOUDCROFT SUNSPOT Private, Catholic, Grades K-12 Population: 701 (2018) Unincorporated PUBLIC SCHOOLS 3001 Thunder Road, community 504 First St., Alamogordo, NM 88310 HIGH ROLLS- Population: 12 (2018) Tularosa, NM 88352 575-434-0352 MOUNTAIN PARK 575-585-8800 www.legacychristian Unincorporated THREE RIVERS www.tularosak12.us academy-edu.com Community Unincorporated Population: 767 (2018) community MESCALERO UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES Population: 119 APACHE SCHOOL NEW MEXICO STATE HOLLOMAN AFB Census-designated place TIMBERON 249 White Mountain Drive UNIVERSITY -ALAMOGORDO Population: 21,000 Active Census-designated place Mescalero, NM 88340 Population: 301 (2018) 575-464-4431 2400 North Scenic Drive, LA LUZ Alamogordo, NM 88310 www.maschiefs.org Census-designated place TULAROSA 575-439-3600 Population: 1,472 (2018) www.nmsua.edu Village Population: NM SCHOOL FOR THE 3,006 (2018) MAYHILL Mayor: Margaret Trujillo BLIND AND VISUALLY PARK UNIVERSITY Unincorporated community IMPAIRED 4th St. #203, Population: 59 (2018) 1900 N. White Sands Blvd., Holloman AFB, NM 88330 WEED Alamogordo, NM 88310 575-479-2337 MESCALERO Unincorporated 575-437-3505 a2e.park.edu/location/ Census-designated place community www.nmsbvi.k12.nm.us park-university-at-holloman/ Population: 1,361 (2018) Population: 63

ELECTED OFFICIALS CONT. OTERO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 72 DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 5 Janie Portillo, Mayor pro-tem Bill Denney, Mayor Jason Baldwin, Sharon McDonald 575-585-2771 villageofcloudcroft@ Mayor pro-tem 575-446-9911 tularosa.net 575-921-1093 [email protected] Jeni “Bebe” Flores, Trustee [email protected] [email protected] 575-585-2771 DISTRICT 6 John Tieman, DISTRICT 2 Dusty Wright Patrick Garcia, Trustee Mayor Pro-tem Nadia Sikes 575-585-2771 villageofcloudcroft@ 575-491-7910 575-430-3395 [email protected] tularosa.net [email protected] Robert Sainz, Trustee 575-585-2771 DISTRICT 3 TULAROSA Bruce Smaga, Trustee Susan Payne VILLAGE COUNCIL [email protected] 575-491-2011 705 St. Francis Drive, CLOUDCROFT [email protected] Tularosa, NM 88352 VILLAGE COUNCIL James Maynard, Trustee 575-585-2771 201 Burro Ave., [email protected] DISTRICT 4 villageoftularosa.com Cloudcroft, NM 88317 Josh Rardin P.O. Box 317 George Mitchell, Trustee 575-434-0720 Margaret Trujillo, Mayor 575-682-2411 villageofcloudcroft@ [email protected] 575-585-2771 villageofcloudcroftnm.onet tularosa.net

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 73 SIERRA COUNTY Sierra County Hotsprings, high tech

educed water levels and the global pandemic slowed down visitation and recreation at Elephant Butte State Park and reservoir. R In the meantime, at another Sierra County landmark, Spaceport America con- tinued to draw attention from aerospace and technology companies interested in using the facility for projects, testing and ongoing use. Many New Mexicans, weary of Covid fatigue, passed up out-of-state vacations and headed to Truth or Consequences for a de-stressing soak.

QUICK FACTS PEOPLE Population: 10,791 (2019) Households: 4,377 (2014-18) Median household income: $30,451 (2014-18) Persons below poverty level: 25.7 percent BUSINESS Total employer establishments: 217 (2016) Total non-employer establishments: 733 (2018) Total employment: 2,376 (2018) GEOGRAPHY Land area (square miles): 4,178 Population per square mile: 2.9 (2010) Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov

74 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SIERRACATRON COUNTY COUNTY

ELECTED OFFICIALS SIERRA COUNTY SIERRA COUNTY ELEPHANT BUTTE COMMISSION CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITIES 855 Van Patten St., 103 Water Ave., DERRY Elephant Butte, NM 87935 Truth or Consequences, NM 87901 Census-designated place 575-744-4892 575-894-6215 Population: 114 www.sierraco.org www.cityofelephantbutte.com James Paxon, District 1 Edna Trager, Mayor ELEPHANT BUTTE [email protected] [email protected] City Population: 1,324 (2018) Travis Day, District 2 Kim Skinner, Mayor pro-tem ENGLE [email protected] [email protected] Census-designated place William H. Hopkins, District 3 Gerald LaFont, Councilor Population: Unavailable [email protected] TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES HILLSBORO CITY COMMISSION Michael Williams, Councilor Census-designated place 505 Sims St., 575-744-4892 Population: 121 (2018) Truth or Consequences, NM 87901 575-894-6673 Travis Atwell, Councilor HOT SPRINGS LANDING www.torcnm.org [email protected] Census-designated place Population: 1110 Sandra Whitehead, Mayor VILLAGE OF WILLIAMSBURG [email protected] BOARD OF TRUSTEES KINGSTON Amanda Forrister, Mayor pro-tem 309 Veater St., Census-designated place [email protected] Williamsburg, NM 87942 Population: 32 Randall Aragon, Commissioner 575-894-6385 www.villageofwilliamsburg.com LAKE VALLEY [email protected] Census-designated place Paul Baca, Commissioner Deb Stubblefield, Mayor Population: 63 (2016 estimate) [email protected] [email protected] George Szigeti, Commissioner Majorie Powey, Mayor Pro-tem LAS PALOMAS Census-designated place [email protected] [email protected] Population: 173 Frances Luna, Commissioner Guillermo Hernandez, Trustee [email protected] [email protected] LAS PLACITAS Census-designated place Population: 576 MONTICELLO EDUCATION SIERRA COUNTY Census-designated place PUBLIC SCHOOLS Population: 87 TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES COMMUNITIES MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS ARREY OASIS 910 N. Date St., Census-designated place Census-designated place Truth or Consequences, NM 87901 Population: 232 Population: 149 575-894-8166 torschools.net CABALLO TRUTH OR Census-designated place CONSEQUENCES UNIVERSITIES/ Population: 112 City Population: 5,753 COLLEGES CHLORIDE UPHAM WESTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY Ghost town Population: 11 Unincorporated community GARDNER LEARNING CENTER Population: 1,650 (2019) 601 Sunset St., CUCHILLO Truth or Consequences, NM 87901 Census-designated place WILLIAMSBURG 575-538-6369 Population: 35 Village Population: 413 (2018) extended.wnmu.edu/torc CUTTER WINSTON Census-designated place Census-designated place Population: Unavailable Population: 64 (2018)

Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 75 SOCORRO COUNTY Socorro County Emerging from the virus

hough there had been less than 1,000 cases of Covid-19 in Socorro County by the end of 2020, the pandemic’s Tpresence was unavoidable. In April the boys basketball coach at Alamo Navajo High School, Marcus Pino, died with Covid complications at age 42. Within six weeks, his father, Ira, and his mother, Marie, a longtime teacher, had also passed with the disease. It was a stark reminder how the disease has affected Native Americans. New Mexico Tech rose early to the challenges of Covid, mo- bilizing its biology department to produce hand sanitizer that made its way all over the state, including Navajo reservations.

QUICK FACTS PEOPLE Population: 16,637 (2019) Households: 4,550 2014-18) Median household income: $36,146 (2014-18) Persons below poverty level: 29.6 percent BUSINESS Total employer establishments: 239 (2018) Total employment: 3,114 (2018) Total non-employer establishments: 725 (2018) Total number of firms: 961 (2012) GEOGRAPHY Land area (square miles): 6,646.68 Population per square mile: 2.7 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov

76 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOCORROCATRON COUNTY COUNTY

ELECTED OFFICIALS SOCORRO COUNTY COMMUNITIES SOCORRO COUNTY COMMISSION ABEYTAS MAGDALENA Socorro County Annex, 198 DISTRICT 3 Census-designated place Population: 878 (2018) Neel Avenue, Manuel Anaya, Vice chair Population: 63 (2016 Socorro NM 87801 575-835-0589 x1113 estimate) POLVADERA 575-835-0589 575-418-0234 (cell) Census-designated place www.socorrocounty.net [email protected] ALAMO Population: 225 (2018) Census-designated place DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 4 Population: 742 (2018) SAN ACACIA Joe Gonzales, District 1 Glen Duggins Census-designated place 575-835-0589 x1111 575-835-0589 x1114 BINGHAM Population: 66 [email protected] 505-385-4029 (cell) Census-designated place [email protected] Population: Unavailable SAN ANTONIO Census-designated place DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 5 CHAMIZAL Population: 165 Craig D. Secatero Ray Martinez Census-designated place 575-835-0589 x1112 575-835-0589 x1115 Population: 76 (2018) SAN ANTONITO 575-418-7261 (cell) Census-designated place [email protected] CLAUNCH Population: 1,179 (2018) Census-designated place SOCORRO CITY COUNCIL Population: 64 SOCORRO City 111 School of Mines Road, Gordon “Gordy” Hicks ESCONDIDA Socorro, NM 87801 575-835-2973 Population: 8,751 (2014 Census-designated place estimate) 575-835-0240 [email protected] Population: 31 (2018) www.socorronm.gov Toby Jaramillo VEGUITA Ravi Bhasker, Mayor 575-835-0350 LEMITAR Census-designated place 575-835-0240 575-517-9680 Census-designated place Population: 263 [email protected] [email protected] Population: 459 (2018) (2016 estimate) Mary Ann Chavez-Lopez Michael Olguin Jr. LUIS LOPEZ 575-418-7015 505-269-1072 Census-designated place [email protected] [email protected] Population: 191 (2018) Deborah Dean Peter D. Romero 505-507-1665 575-517-1001 [email protected] [email protected] Nick Fleming Anton Salome EDUCATION 575-835-2744 575-518-8866 PUBLIC SCHOOLS CHARTER [email protected] [email protected] SOCORRO SCHOOLS CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS COTTONWOOD VALLEY 700 Franklin St., CHARTER SCHOOL Socorro, NM 87801 P.O. Box 1829, 575-835-0300 201 Neel Ave., www.socorroschools.org Socorro, NM 87801 575-838-2026 MAGDALENA www.cottonwood MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS valley.org 201 Duggins Drive, Magdalena, NM 87825 P.O. Box 24 UNIVERSITIES/ 575-854-2241 COLLEGES www.magdalena.k12.nm.us NEW MEXICO TECH INSTITUTE OF MINING PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY ALAMO NAVAJO 801 Leroy Place, COMMUNITY SCHOOL Socorro, NM 87801 P.O. Box 5907, 575-835-5620 Alamo, NM 87825 www.nmt.edu 575-854-2543 www.ansbi.org

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 77 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE AN OVERVIEW OF CUSTOMERS

PHOTOS BY ELVA ÖSTERREICH AT SPACEPORT AMERICA IN 2020: • Virgin Galactic - WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo arrived at their permanent home at Spaceport America in February 2020. They held three test flights in 2020 - May, June and December. Michael Colglazier was announced as the new CEO in July. Virgin Galactic now employs over 180 people in Southern New Mexico and is on track to begin commercial operations in 2021. Spaceport • In March 2020 HAPSMobile and aircraft development partner AeroVironment signed an agreement to build a test facility at the north side of our horizontal launch signing deals area They invested more than $8 million in constructing their facility and airstrip, had BY ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH 35 people on site from June-November and completed two successful test flights of the he Business of commercial space The company expected to spend $46 Sunglider in July and September. is booming at Spaceport Ameri- million of private money in construction • SpinLaunch is nearing completion of Tca, despite the Spaceport Author- and expansion over 10 years, will gener- the construction of the world's largest ity losing both its CEO and CFO in 2020. ate an economic impact of $239 million evacuated centrifuge at the Advanced "The commercial space industry is over that period of time statewide. Technology Area. They announced growing rapidly, and New Mexico is still The State of New Mexico, through the an expansion at Spaceport America an important player with many compet- Economic Development Department’s in December with 59 new positions itive advantages" said Spaceport Ameri- LEDA job-creators fund, is supporting expected to be hired in the coming months. ca's Interim Director Scott McLaughlin. the expansion with $4 million, paid out SpinLaunch is expected to invest $46 million "Spaceport America is a key player in in phases as SpinLaunch reaches eco- for construction and expansion at Spaceport helping diversify our local economy and nomic development goals. America in the next 10 years. They expect to help foster good, well-paying jobs." “Spaceport America is the next frontier begin testing by the end of 2021. Despite the global pandemic, the for innovation,” Gov. Michelle Lujan • UP Aerospace have held 14 launches at aerospace industry has continued to Grisham said in a news release. “It is a Spaceport America since 2006. They held expand and meet new milestones in magnet for companies on the cutting motor testing at Spaceport America over 2020 according to Alice Carruth with the edge and New Mexico is glad for their the summer. UP works with the NASA flight Spaceport Authority. CNBC has said the partnership with and investment in our opportunities program and expects to hold aerospace industry is worth over $423 state. We’ve only begun scratching the their next launch at Spaceport America later billion with 183,000 jobs in the field. surface of what’s possible in aerospace this year. Spaceport America customers currently technology in Southern New Mexico.” • In partnership with NASA’s Ames Research employ over 250 people in New Mexico, C6 Launch Systems plans to begin work Center, Swift Engineering’s high altitude a number which is expected to reach over at Spaceport America in January 2021. long endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial 300 by the end of 2021. Over a six-week period, the Canadian system, completed its maiden flight on Some of the most respected companies rocket company will install a new vertical 7/7/20. in the commercial space industry are ten- test stand and conduct system integration • Sugarhouse Aerospace held a launch at ants at Spaceport America including Vir- tests including several engine firings at Spaceport America in May 2020. gin Galactic, HAPSMobile/AeroViron- Spaceport America. These tests will vali- • NMSU student rocket team Atomic Aggies ment, UP Aerospace, and SpinLaunch. date the avionics, engine control, ground held two successful rocket launches at Other customers include Boeing, EXOS control and communications subsystems. Spaceport America in September. Aerospace and C6 Launch Systems. Spaceport America expects to begin • Spaceport America announced two new One of the existing tenants, Spin- capital improvement projects in the early customers to begin testing in early 2021 - C6 Launch, signed a lease at Spaceport Amer- part of 2021 to include Spaceport Opera- Launch Systems will be holding static motor ica in 2019 and has since invested in test tions Center (SOC) repairs, construction tests and Stratodynamics with partners facilities and an integration facility. The of a Spaceport Technology and Reception from the University of Kentucky will be company is now set to hire an additional Center (STARC), purchasing a vertical holding tests in the coming weeks. 59 highly-paid workers and complete the launch area rail and vertical launch area • The 2020 Spaceport America Cup was build of its suborbital centrifugal launch improvements. These improvements have canceled due to COVID-19. A decision on system for its next phase of development. already been approved by the legislature the 2021 Cup will be made in the coming SpinLaunch expects to start test launches and the Spaceport America Board of weeks. in New Mexico in 2021. Directors.

78 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE NMSU study finds state scores low in economic diversity BY MIKE COOK report written by a professor and are Arkansas, Iowa, Hawaii and Montana. percent in 2008, 3.8 percent in 2016); and 10 a doctoral student in New Mexico • The Hachman Index was the highest ) military (3.48 percent in 2001, 3.09 percent AState University’s Department of for New Mexico in 2009, meaning that the in 2008, 3.25 percent in 2016). Economics, Applied Statistics and Inter- employment distribution among industries • Notable positive changes in employment national Business shows that New Mexico in New Mexico was most like the United share over the period of the study ambu- continues to rank in the bottom 10 among States’ distribution during that year. After latory health care services’ share growth states in terms of economic diversity. the 2007-09 Great Recession, New Mexico’s from 2.7 to 3.9 percent of total employment. The report, written by NMSU professor Hachman Index fell, indicating less relative Hospitals, nursing, and residential care facil- Richard V. Adkisson, who holds the Garrey diversity, until 2015 when in turned upward ities grew in share from 2.01 to 2.7 percent. E. and Katherine T. Carruthers Endowed again. Despite these changes, New Mexi- Mining (except oil and gas) nearly doubled Chair in Economic Development, and Sajid co’s ranking among states did not change its share from 0.97 to 1.91 percent. Two Al Noor, a candidate for a doctor of Eco- significantly. industries were in the top 25 group in 2016 nomic Development degree, was completed that were not there in 2001, social assistance in December 2018 and released this month and motion picture and sound recording as part of the NMSU Arrowhead Center’s “Hospitals, nursing, industries, the latter reaching nearly two annual release of economic base studies. percent of state employment in 2016. The purposes of the studies include and residential care • Among industries that decreased in understanding regional economic growth, their share, the most precipitous decline was short- and long-term forecasts, identifica- facilities grew in in computer and electronic product manu- tion of potential growth sectors and identi- facturing, which dropped from fifth to 23rd fication of potential problem areas, NMSU share from 2.01 to in ranking and 5.36 percent to 1.12 percent said in a Nov. 20 news release. The studies in employment share. Wholesale trade and also give an indication of an area’s strength 2.7 percent. Mining broadcasting and telecommunications had compared to the state and the nation. (except oil and gas) more modest declines in employment share. Here are some of the study’s findings: The petroleum and coal products manufac- • 2006-12, New Mexico ranked 41st in nearly doubled its turing and publishing industries dropped economic diversity compared to the U.S. as out of the top 25 industries by 2016. a whole. share from 0.97 to • Conclusions. By its choice of economic For 2016, New Mexico is ranked 42nd us- incentives and other policies it seems that ing the Hachman index, 47th using Herfind- 1.91 percent.” New Mexico is actively seeking to diver- ahl-Hirschman and 45th using the Entropy sify its economy. Looking at the overall Index. (The Hachman Index, developed level of diversification as measured by the by Frank Hachman, was first published by • The top 10 industries for employment in Hachman, Hirfendahl-Hirshman, and the University of Utah’s Bureau of Business New Mexico during the study period were Entropy indices, it appears that New Mexico and Economic Research in 1994. The index 1) state and local government (13.52 percent has become only slightly more economical- measures the extent to which a region’s of state employment in 2001, 12.25 percent ly diverse over the 2001-16 period. While employment distribution resembles that of a in 2008, 12.61 in 2016); 2) real estate (10.07 progress has been made, other states have reference area. The NMSU study calculated percent in 2001, 9.06 percent in 2008, 12.42 progressed too, making it difficult to move the Hachman Index for all 50 states for 11 percent in 2016); 3) federal civilian govern- up in the diversity rankings. years, 2006-16. The Herfindahl-Hirschman ment (7.91 percent in 2001, 9.20 percent in In terms of employment shares there have and Entropy indices compare a state only to 2008, 7.17 percent in 2016); 4) retail trade been a few notable changes within the state itself.) (6.86 percent in 2001, 6.78 percent in 2008, with decreases in some industries being off- • During 2013, 2014 and 2015, New 6.19 percent in 2016), 5) computer and set by increased shares in other industries. Mexico’s ranking decreased to 42nd , 43rd electronic product manufacturing (5.36 per- Realistically, New Mexico, as any other state, and 44th, indicating that the state gradually cent in 2001, 5.82 percent in both 2008 and has its own unique characteristics that shape became relatively less economically diverse. 2016); 6) oil and gas extraction (4.83 percent its economy. While the pursuit of economic The ranking increased slightly in 2016 from in 2001, 5.74 percent in 2008, 4.93 percent diversity is worthwhile in many ways, it may to 42nd. States with the highest rankings in 2016); 7) Miscellaneous professional, sci- be unreasonable to expect New Mexico, or were Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, entific and technical services (4.62 percent any other state, to change its diversity rank- California and Utah. These states have had in 2001, 5.02 percent in 2008, 3.9 percent in ing significantly in a short amount of time. consistently diverse industrial structures 2016); 8) construction (4.39 percent in 2001, To access the studies, visit https://arrow- over the 2006-16 period. States consistently 3.38 percent in 2008, 3.81 percent in 2016), headcenter.nmsu.edu/economic-and-poli- ranked near New Mexico during this period 9) wholesale trade (3.8 percent in 2001, 3.33 cy-studies/.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 79 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE Outdoor economy contributed $2.4 billion to state’s economy BY MIKE COOK

ew Mexico’s outdoor economy con- to make outdoor recreation a much bigger ties for people to enjoy.” tributed $2.4 billion (2.2 percent) part of our economy by promoting our “The COVID-19 health crisis has hurt Nto the state's gross nearby national monuments many of our businesses in this space – a fact domestic product in 2019, and parks, the Rio Grande not captured in this new tranche of data,” the U.S. Bureau of Economic Trail and incredible recre- Navas said. “It’s our job to aid in the recov- Analysis said in a report issued ational opportunities like the ery of the outdoor industry, so it continues Nov. 11 by the New Mexico Monumental Loop Bikepack- to be a vibrant economic engine in the state.” Economic Development De- ing Trail. The New Mexico In early 2020, ORD surveyed 128 out- partment (NMEDD). Outdoor Recreation Division door recreation businesses in New Mexico. The report showed that the will be an essential partner to More than 90 percent of respondents said industry provided 35,065 jobs help us protect and promote they had lost revenue and/or hadn’t been in New Mexico, with $1.2 these assets.” able to cover basic expenses due to the billion in total income. The division’s multi-faceted pandemic-induced economic crisis. Almost At the national level, the mission mandates that nearly 78 percent of respondents are small, local data shows that the outdoor Sen. Jeff Steinborn a dozen governmental entities companies with fewer than 15 employees. recreation economy accounted work together to create jobs For more information, visit www.bea.gov/ for $459.8 billion (2.1 percent) of U.S. GDP and promote public health, conservation news/2020/outdoor-recreation-satellite-ac- in 2019. and “preservation of New Mexico’s special count-us-and-states-2019, https://apps. Here are highlights from the report: places,” Steinborn said in 2019. He said it bea.gov/data/special-topics/orsa/summa- • New Mexico’s outdoor recreation econo- will help cities, counties and tribes across ry-sheets/ORSA%20-%20New%20Mexico. my growth – 5.9 percent since 2018 – is out- the state improve, promote and preserve pdf and www.nmoutside.com/covid19-re- pacing the national growth -- 3.7 percent. their “great public lands and national ameni- sponse.

• Employment in the industry is expand- PHOTO BY ELVA ÖSTERREICH ing much faster in New Mexico than na- tionally. Since 2018, the number of outdoor recreation jobs in the state has grown by 5.3 percent, compared to 0.4 percent growth nationally. • Since 2018, outdoor recreation income has grown 7.6 percent in New Mexico, compared with an increase of 3.9 percent for the U.S. • In 2019, RVing, equestrian and snow sports were the top three contributors to New Mexico’s outdoor economy, followed closely by boating and fishing. “We know the outdoor economy is a powerhouse in New Mexico, employing over 35,000 people annually,” New Mexico Out- door Recreation Division (ORD) Director Axie Navas said. ORD was created July 1, 2019, as NMEDD’s sixth division. Legislation creating the department was sponsored by state Sen. Jeff Steinborn, D-Doña Ana, and co-sponsored by state Reps. Nathan Small and Angelica Rubio. “As is clear from this new report, New Mexico has a great opportunity to grow our reputation and jobs as a top outdoor recre- ation destination in the country,” Steinborn said. “Locally we are very well positioned

80 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE State Cultural Affairs Department seeks $31.5 million in funding uring Dec. 3 testimony before the 200 arts organizations, colleges and uni- ital improvement projects, including renova- state Legislative Finance Commit- versities, schools, tribal governments and tions to the planetarium at the New Mexico D tee, New Mexico Department of government entities across the state. A third Museum of Natural History & Science, new Cultural Affairs (DCA) Sec. Debra Garcia y of the funding went to organizations based elevators at the New Mexico Museum of Griego recommended $31.5 million in rural communities. Space History and renovations to the main in DCA funding for FY22. “The funds will be used for windmill tower at the New Mexico Farm DCA “continues to serve online arts programming and and Ranch Heritage Museum. New Mexicans through- services, to assist with the “The funding is vital to ensuring the agen- out pandemic closures by retention of full- and part- cy’s ability to serve its mission by providing raising its online presence, time jobs and to support a broad range of cultural services, including offering more programming independently-contracted libraries, E-Rate broadband funding, arts across its department-run artists, arts administrators education programs, historic preservation, websites and social media and arts educators,” Garcia archaeological research, collection and pres- channels and increasing y Griego said. ervation of cultural resources, and operating participation from state The New Mexico State the state’s 16 museums and historic sites,” residents, in particular those Library granted $630,000 to Garcia y Griego said. from areas outside the Rio Grande expand direct program delivery DAC was created by the state Legislature corridor,” Garcia y Griego said. “These vir- to rural areas of the state through infra- in 1978 to serve as New Mexico’s to preserve tual programs include at-home educational structure investments, including free and and showcase the state’s cultural assets. kits, youth summer camps, inviting a DCA dependable internet access to 27 additional With its eight museums, seven historic sites, educator into a classroom setting, concerts communities. With a goal of 100 percent arts, archaeology, historic preservation and and museum exhibition tours.” participation by 2023, 60 percent of New library programs, DCA is one of the largest DCA has also provided relief funding to Mexico’s public and tribal libraries now use and most diverse state cultural agencies in cultural organizations, the secretary said. the E-Rate program. the nation. Its facilities, programs and ser- New Mexico Arts Division awarded $1.5 DCA also utilized public closures due to vices support a $5.6 billion cultural industry million in state and federal funds to about state public health orders to complete cap- statewide.

JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 81 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE ADVERTISER INDEX A D N AARP...... 5 DACC Workforce Development New Mexico Department Aprendamos...... 49 and Career Readiness...... 8 of Agriculture...... 16 Donã Ana Community New Mexico State University...... 2 College...... 58 B Doña Ana County Assessor’s Office...... 60 O Bank 34...... 25 Organ Mountain Solar & Electric...... 53 BlueCross BlueShield of NM...... 7 Doña Ana County Burrell College Board of County Commissioners...... 62 of Osteopathic Medicine...... 52 P E Pioneer Bank...... 6 El Paso Electric...... 3 C Casa de Peregrinos...... 9 G U Citizens Bank...... 54 Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce - MVEDA...... 59 UNM Cancer Center...... 83 City of Las Cruces Mayor’s Message...... 56 City of Las Cruces M Z Quality of Life...... 58 Memorial Medical Center...... 84 Zia Natural Gas...... 6 PHOTO BY ELVA ÖSTERREICH

82 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

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JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 83 2021 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

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84 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDEMMCLC.org • 575-522-8641 JANUARY 2021 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN