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SOUTHWEST 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE CATRON I DOÑA ANA I GRANT HIDALGO I LINCOLN I LUNA OTERO I SIERRA I SOCORRO

SENATE ROSTER PAGE 21

REPRESENTATIVE ROSTER PAGE 35

COUNTY PROFILES PAGE 53 New Mexico’s Future Starts Here

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JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 3 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Rep. , District 33...... 39 Publisher’s Note...... 5 Rep. , District 34...... 40 About the Legislature...... 6 Rep. , District 35...... 41 Hints for your visit...... 6 Rep. , District 36...... 42 How to pass a bill...... 8 Rep. , District 37...... 43 State cabinets and departments...... 10-11 Rep. , District 38...... 44 U.S. Senators and Representatives...... 14 Rep. Rodolpho “Rudy” Martinez, District 39...... 45 Education likely to top 2019 legislative session...... 15 Rep. Gail Armstrong, District 49...... 46 Rep. , District 51...... 47 IN THE STATE Rep. , District 52...... 48 Gov. ...... 17 Rep. Willie Madrid, District 53...... 49 Lt. Gov. ...... 18 Rep. James Townsend, District 54...... 50 Secretary of State ...... 19 Rep. , District 56...... 51 Attorney General Hector Balderas...... 20 Rep. Gregory Nibert, District 59...... 52 Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte...... 95 IN THE COUNTIES IN THE SENATE Catron County...... 53 State senators...... 21-22 Doña Ana County...... 56 Senator numerical list...... 23 South Doña Ana County...... 69 Southwest district map...... 23 Grant County...... 73 Sen. Clemente Sanchez, District 30...... 25 Hidalgo County...... 75 Sen. Joseph Cervantes, District 31...... 26 Lincoln County...... 77 Sen. , District 32...... 27 Luna County...... 80 Sen. William Burt, District 33...... 28 Otero County...... 82 Sen. , District 34...... 29 Sierra County...... 85 Sen. , District 35...... 30 Socorro County...... 88 Sen. , District 36...... 31 Sen. Bill Soules, District 37...... 32 A CLOSER LOOK Sen. , District 38...... 33 WSMR testing essential for new technologies...... 92 Sen. Elizabeth Stefanics, District 39...... 34 Space exploration is a joint effort...... 93 National Monument improvements...... 94 IN THE HOUSE Hemp touted as lucrative industry...... 96 State representatives...... 35-36 Education and the budget...... 97 Representative numerical list...... 37 Southwest New Mexico House district map...... 37 Advertiser index...... 98 Rep. , District 32...... 38

EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS Angel McKellar Mike Cook Elva K. Osterreich Pam Rossi The 2019 Southwest New Jen Gruber Tracy Roy Elaine Sasnow Mexico Legislative Guide is Natisha Hales Richard Coltharp a copyrighted special edition of the Las Cruces Bulletin, PUBLISHER Elva K. Österreich PHOTOS AND designed and published by Richard Coltharp Marty Racine DISTRIBUTION SPECIAL THANKS OPC News,LLC, 1740-A Calle de Michael Scanlon Teresa Tolonen Albuquerque Journal, Mercado, Las Cruces, NM 88005. Inquiries regarding editorial EDITOR Elaine Stachera Simon Guadalupe County or advertising content may be Tracy Roy ADVERTISING Communicator, directed to 575-524-8061. © Copyright 2019 DESIGNERS Claire Frohs Sun, Roswell Daily Record, Las Cruces Bulletin Albert Vasquez Anita Goins Ruidoso News

4 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE Cautious optimism surrounds session

I grew up in Oklahoma. There might even be enough extra money to do much of that. In the early 1980s, the bottom fell out of Everyone wants to do a bunch of new stuff, too. Every one of our 112 the state’s oil market, recession hit and oil- citizen legislators would love to be able to come home to constituents field workers fell on hard times. On pickup and say, “Look what I was able to do for you.” trucks, you often saw this bumper sticker: For the first time since the administration ended eight “Dear God, please let there be another oil years ago, our governor and both houses of the legislature are led by the boom, and I promise not to piss it all away same party. That means if they want something to happen, it can readily this time.” pass. Well, New Mexico finds itself in the midst There are many moving parts. And the directions in which those parts of a vibrant oil boom, which will lead to move can be very unpredictable. an extra-vibrant state revenue increase for It’s a recipe for, potentially, one of the most interesting sessions we’ve 2019, some say as much as $2 billion extra. seen in a long time. A lot can happen in 60 days. Many state legislators, though, understand the boom-and-bust nature If the results are bumper-sticker-worthy, here’s hoping it’s a happy of the oil and gas industry, and are advising caution regarding the extra message. funds. Besides, many legislators say, we’re behind on important infrastructure efforts after revenues were soft most of the last several years. In addi- tion, we’ve actually pulled money out of other important efforts just to keep the state going. In addition to infrastructure, the biggest issue we’re hearing about from legislators is education. Our schools have seen budgets cut and programs decimated as dollars have been stretched to the breaking point. Everyone wants to fix our roads, build new bridges, pay teachers more, RICHARD COLTHARP improve schools and pay back those entities we’ve pulled funds from. Publisher, Las Cruces Bulletin

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JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 5 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE About the

he New Mexico Legislature is the leg- There currently aren’t any term limits for on interim committees that study a variety of islative branch of the state government legislators, with House members elected every issues. Tand consists of the New Mexico House two years and Senate members elected every For information on the New Mexico Legisla- of Representatives and the New Mexico Senate. four. ture, visit nmlegis.gov/lcs. The House of Representatives has 70 mem- The New Mexico Legislature meets for bers who represent about 25,980 residents regular sessions the third Tuesday in January. each, while the 42 members of the Senate During even-numbered years the legislature represent around 43,300 residents. Legislators meets for 30 days and primarily focuses on the are unpaid for their work, unlike every state. state’s budget, while during odd-numbered However, they receive a daily living allowance years, it meets for 60 days. for each day of official legislative work. The lieutenant governor presides over the Legislators are elected from districts of ap- Senate, and the speaker of the House is elected proximately equal population. Several counties from the House of Representatives to oversee with small populations, or parts of counties, the House. may be combined to form a single district. Only the governor may call special sessions, Redistricting occurs every 10 years in line with unlike other states where the legislature may the U.S. Census outcome, by a legislative com- call itself into session. mittee assigned by the governor. Between regular sessions, legislators serve Helpful hints for your visit to New Mexico’s state capitol

HISTORY a and brass state seal, up to a ceiling VISITOR GUIDELINES The New Mexico State Capitol, known as skylight of stained glass that is patterned after 1. Observe decorum. Visitors are advised not to the Roundhouse, 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa an American Indian basket weave that symbol- applaud or jeer during the proceedings. Fe, opened in 1966, equivalent to about $30.2 izes sky and earth. 2. Daily agenda and office locations can be million in today’s dollars. The building occu- found on tables in the east lobby at the ground pies 232,346 square feet and was built at a cost CAPITOL ART FOUNDATION level. of more than $4 million. Its unique shape was Established in 1991, the Capitol Art Founda- 3. Be patient. Expect meetings to begin later designed to resemble the traditional Zia sym- tion features contemporary pieces by a variety than scheduled times. bol when viewed from above. of artists who live and work in New Mexico. 4. Schedule an appointment with your legisla- There are four levels, each of which can be Artworks from up to 600 artists can be found tor ahead of time by either calling or visiting accessed by the elevators in the east and west among the four floors and along the walkway the legislator’s office to set up a time through lobbies or by the adjacent stairways. connecting the main Capitol building with the administrative staff. Legislative switchboard: The first floor is below ground. This is where North Annex. 505-986-4300. the Senate and House chambers are located, as well as leadership and staff offices, including PARKING the mailroom. An open visitors lot is available for early ar- The second floor is at ground level and is rivers across the street (Old Santa Fe Trail) east accessed through the main entrances and of the capitol. This lot is usually filled by 9 a.m. includes the public access to the House and when the legislature is in session. There is also a Senate galleries, and some legislative offices. parking garage just west of the capitol building. The third floor contains more legislative Approximately 300 free parking spaces are offices as well as committee offices and meeting available to the public on a first-come, first- rooms. served basis. Free parking is available Monday The fourth floor is where the offices of the gov- through Friday at 420 Galisteo St. ernor and lieutenant governor are located, both of which are accessible to the public. BUS SERVICE The North Capitol Annex has additional legis- For visitors who want to avoid the challenge lator offices and the offices for the secretary of of parking near the capitol, the state Depart- state. ment of Transportation runs free shuttle buses The rotunda is in the center of the main Cap- to and from the capitol along three routes itol building, rising three stories from the New throughout Santa Fe. Mexico travertine marble floor, embedded with

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JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 7 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE How to Pass a Bill 1. INTRODUCTION AND 4. THIRD READING AND 7. ENROLLING AND COMMITTEE REFERRAL FINAL PASSAGE ENGROSSING A bill may be introduced in the House of This is the stage at which the fate of a bill is After passage by both houses, a bill is carefully Representatives or in the Senate. It is assigned usually decided. Action may be to amend a bill, copied by the enrolling and engrossing staff of a number, read twice by title, ordered, printed substitute one bill for another, send a bill back the house in which it originated, signed by the and referred to the proper committee. to committee, refer it to another committee or presiding officers of each house and sent to the defeat it altogether. governor. 2. COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION 5. VOTING ON A BILL 8. GOVERNOR’S ACTION Following a sometimes-lengthy debate on a bill, Committee meetings are usually open to the The governor may sign a bill, veto it or, if it a final and recorded vote is taken on whether public. A bill may receive one of the following carries an appropriation, partially veto it. The recommendations: it is to pass. There must be a quorum of the committee present and every bill requires at legislature may override the governor’s veto by • Do pass least a majority vote of the members present a two-thirds majority vote of each house. • Do pass as amended and voting in order to pass. A quorum is • Do not pass generally a simple majority of the members. • Without recommendation • Without recommendation as amended 6. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? The bill is sent to the other house and repeats 3. ADOPTION OF much of the procedure outlined above. Both COMMITTEE REPORT houses must agree on the final form of a Reports of committees are subject to adoption bill. If either house fails to concur with an by the full House and Senate. When a favorable amendment, the differences must be reconciled committee report is adopted, the bill is placed by a conference committee representing both on the calendar, which is the list of bills the House and Senate. A compromise worked scheduled for third reading and possible out in a conference committee is subject to final passage. approval by both houses. Create a legacy.

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OFFICE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER Executive Director: William Scott Carreathers Secretary: Waiting for appointment 505-222-9405, www.oaaa.state.nm.us 505-827-6091, www.ose.state.nm.us 310 San Pedro, Suite 230, Albuquerque, NM 87108 Concha Ortiz y Pino Building, 130 S. Capitol St., Santa Fe, NM 87504 Sets out to positively affect the perception, education, health Department in charge of administering the state’s water resources. and development of African-Americans in New Mexico. The state engineer has power over the supervision, measurement, appropriation and distribution of all surface and groundwater in New AGING AND LONG-TERM SERVICES Mexico, including streams and rivers that cross state boundaries. The Secretary: Alice Liu McCoy state engineer is also secretary of the Interstate Stream Commission. 505-476-4799, www.nmaging.state.nm.us 2550 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505 ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT Dedicated to helping New Mexico lead the nation in healthy aging Secretary: Waiting for appointment and supporting older adults and adults with disabilities. 800-219-6157, www.nmenv.state.nm.us Harold L. Runnels Building, 1190 St. Francis Drive, Suite N4050, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Santa Fe, NM 87505 Director: Jeff Witte Tasked with the responsibility of safeguarding the state’s air 575-646-3007, www.nmda.nmsu.edu and other natural resources and oversees food, medical and 3190 S. Espina St., Las Cruces, NM 88003 workplace safety through inspections and enforcement. Monitors Ensures a safe and secure food supply and a uniform and fair groundwater quality and waste disposal, including hazardous and marketplace, protects natural resources and the environment and nuclear waste. supports trade.

CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Secretary: Waiting for appointment Secretary: Olivia Padilla-Jackson 505-827-7606, www.cyfd.org 505-827-4985, www.nmdfa.state.nm.us Provides an array of prevention, intervention, rehabilitative and 407 Galisteo St., Room 180, Santa Fe, NM 87501 after-care services to New Mexico children and their families. Provides sound fiscal advice and problem-solving support to the governor and budget direction and fiscal oversight to state CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT agencies and local governments. Ensures tax dollars are spent wisely. Secretary: Waiting for appointment 505-827-8645, www.cd.nm.gov GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT 4337 NM 14, Santa Fe, NM 87508 Secretary: Ken Ortiz Oversees the incarceration of inmates in six state-owned and 505-827-2000, generalservices.state.nm.us operated prisons and five private facilities. It also monitors parole Building, P.O. Box 6850, Santa Fe, NM 87502 and probation, and assists in an offender’s release into society. Furnishes essential resources and services that support state agencies, public employees and their dependents, local public CULTURAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT bodies, public schools and institutions of higher education, state Secretary: Debra Garcia y Griego employee insurance coverage and health benefits, facility design, 505-827-6364, newmexicoculture.org construction management and printing and graphic design services. Bataan Memorial Building, 407 Galisteo St., Suite 260, Santa Fe, NM 87501 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Represents New Mexico’s dedication to preserving and celebrating Secretary: Waiting for appointment the cultural integrity and diversity of the state. The department 505-827-2613, www.health.state.nm.us oversees a broad range of New Mexico’s arts and cultural heritage Harold Runnels Building, 1190 S. St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505 agencies. Promotes health and sound health policy, prevent disease and disability, improve health services systems and ensure that essential public ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Secretary: Alicia Keyes health functions and safety net services are available to New Mexicans. 505-827-0300, www.gonm.biz Joseph M. Montoya Building, 1100 S. St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT NM 87505 Secretary: Kate O’Neill State’s main agency in recruiting businesses and improving the 505-476-8400, www.hed.state.nm.us state’s economy. The department also provides a variety of 2044 Galisteo St., Suite 4, Santa Fe, NM 87505 assistance to New Mexico businesses. Created to provide New Mexicans with the support and advocacy needed to succeed in reaching their full potential through higher ENERGY, MINERALS & NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT education. This is done through policies, programs and services. Secretary: Sarah Cottrell Propst 505-476-3200, www.emnrd.state.nm.us DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND 1220 S. St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Oversees the state’s energy conservation, forestry, mining Secretary: Jackie White and minerals, oil conservation, state parks and the youth 505-476-9600, www.nmdhsem.org conservation corps. 3 Bataan Blvd., Santa Fe, NM 87508 Responsible for preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery at a state level. It helps to lead New Mexico’s response to emergencies and disasters while providing for the safety and welfare of citizens.

10 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN STATE CABINETS2019 LEGISLATIVEAND DEPARTMENTS GUIDE

HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT Toney Anaya Building, 2550 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505 Secretary: David Scrase Licenses and regulates individuals and businesses in 35 separate 505-827-7750, www.hsd.state.nm.us industries and professions. Examines and licenses qualified Administers several large state and federally funded programs, applicants in professional and industry occupations; issuing including health insurance for most low- and middle-income permits, charters and licenses; performing code inspections; and children and many elderly, disabled and poor adults. It also resolving claims in the construction industries. It also enforces the provides financial assistance, job training, food stamps and child provisions of the Liquor Control Act. support enforcement services. STATE PERSONNEL OFFICE INDIAN AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT Director: Waiting for appointment Secretary: Waiting for appointment 505-476-7759, www.spo.state.nm.us 505-476-1600, www.iad.state.nm.us 2600 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505 Wendell Chino Building, 1220 S. St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505 Provides to human resource leadership, direction, guidance and Implements policies by working with communities to assist services to maximize state government’s ability to better serve the American Indians in improving health care, economic development, citizens of New Mexico. infrastructure and quality of life. TAXATION AND REVENUE DEPARTMENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT Acting Secretary: Waiting for appointment Secretary: Vincent Martinez 505-827-0700, www.tax.newmexico.gov 505-827-0000, www.doit.state.nm.us 1100 S. St. Francis Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87504 715 Alta Vista St., Santa Fe, NM 87505 Collects tax dollars and distributes them according to state law, Strives to provide state government a strong technical foundation answers to the governor as part of the executive branch of state to better serve its citizens and to create more accountability and government. It also administers drivers licensing and motor vehicle efficiency in the information technology arena. registration laws.

MILITARY AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT / NEW MEXICO TOURISM DEPARTMENT NATIONAL GUARD Secretary: Jen Schroer Adjutant general: Waiting for appointment 505-827-7400, www.newmexico.org 505-474-1210, nm.ng.mil 491 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501 Joint Forces Headquarters, 47 Bataan Blvd., Santa Fe, NM 87508 Promotes New Mexico as a tourist attraction by working with communities, travel agencies and individual businesses. LAW OFFICES OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER, STATE OF NEW MEXICO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT Chief Public Defender: Waiting for appointment Secretary: Michael Sandoval 505-827-5100, www.dot.state.nm.us 505-395-2888, www.lopdnm.us 1120 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1149 301 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM 87501 Provides a safe and efficient transportation system for the traveling Provides defense counsel for those who cannot otherwise afford a public, while promoting economic development and preserving the private lawyer. The Chief Public Defender is charged with carrying environment of New Mexico. out general administration of the entire department, which employs approximately 375 people statewide. VETERAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT Secretary: Judy Griego PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT 866-433-8387, www.dvs.state.nm.us Secretary: Waiting for appointment 407 Galisteo St., Room 132, Santa Fe, NM 87504 505-827-5800, www.ped.state.nm.us Assists veterans, their widows and children to establish the Address: Jerry Apodaca Education Building, 300 Don Gaspar Ave., privileges to which they are legally entitled. Santa Fe, NM 87501 Oversees all public schools and its charters throughout New WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ADMINISTRATION Mexico. The department strategically works to improve the quality Director: Waiting for appointment of New Mexico’s students. Phone: 505-841-6000 Address: 2410 Centre Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87125-7198 PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Website: www.workerscomp.state.nm.us Secretary Designate: Waiting for appointment The New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration provides 505-827-9000, www.dps.state.nm.us many programs and services to employers, workers, insurance 4491 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507 carriers and self-insured businesses, health care providers and Protects human life and property through the detection and related organizations. prevention of criminal activity and enforcement of state laws and regulations. Provides vital leadership, scientific, training, technical DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS and operational support to the criminal justice community and Secretary: Bill McCamley public at large. 505-841-8405, www.dws.state.nm.us 401 Broadway NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 REGULATION AND LICENSING DEPARTMENT Provides services to help people find jobs and achieve their career Superintendent: Marguerite Salazar goals. The statewide workforce system also connects businesses 505-476-4511, www.rld.state.nm.us with skilled job seekers.

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 11 12 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN Helping Fathers Conscious Fathering Program is a Grow hands-on class that prepares fathers for taking careoftheir newbornbabby.TThis class is for fathers with newborns and expecting fathers in their second or thirdtrimees- ter.This is afree, three-hour class that covers topics such as how to hold your baby,feeding, cleaning, comforting and how to identify baby’sbasic needs. This is aclass FOR fathers (and in some cases, grandfathers), taught BY fathers. •Learn the basics •Establish what being afathermeans to you •Identify and anticipateyour baby’sneeds •Create lasting relationships Free classes available in Doña Ana County. Coming soon to Luna, Otero, Sierra &Grantcounties. Call Josh Stoller to register for aclass. For more information, call 575-526-6682 or email Specializing in Assisted Living, jstoller@ aitkids.com Memory, & Respite Care

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JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 13 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE U.S. SENATORS Sen. Sen. Democrat Democrat Address: 201 N. Church St., Suite 201B Address: Loretto Towne Center, 505 S. Main Las Cruces, NM 88001 St., Suite 148, Las Cruces, NM 88001 Phone: 575-526-5475 Phone: 575-523-6561 Website: www.tomudall.senate.gov Website: www.heinrich.senate.gov

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES Debra Haaland RIO ARRIBA COLFAX SAN JUAN TAOS UNION Democrat, District 1 Address: 3104 Monte Vista Blvd NE

LOS ALAMOS Albuquerque, NM 87106 MORA HARDING Phone: 505-934-5681

SANDOVAL Website: debforcongress.com MCKINLEY SANTA 3 FE SAN MIGUEL

BERNALILLO CIBOLA QUAY GUADALUPE VALENCIA TORRANCE Democrat, District 2 1 CURRY DE BACA Address: P.O. Box 2250 Las Cruces, NM 88004 SOCORRO ROOSEVELT CATRON Phone: 575-652-4672 LINCOLN 2 Website: xochforcongress.com CHAVES

SIERRA

GRANT LEA OTERO Ben Ray Lujan Democrat, District 3 DOÑA EDDY ANA Address: 1611 Calle Lorca, Suite A, LUNA Santa Fe, NM 87505 Phone: 505-984-8950

HIDALGO Website: lujan.house.gov

14 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE Education likely to top 2019 legislative agenda BY MIKE COOK

here are only 29 words in Article XII, proficiency rates in reading and math (70 per- Otero, is an instructional assistant at Gadsden Section 1 of the New Mexico Constitu- cent of New Mexico students cannot read or do Independent School District (GISD), teaching Ttion regarding free public schools: “A math at grade level) and high rates of college alternative skills classes. He hopes to be ap- uniform system of free public schools sufficient remediation (almost 50 percent who do attend pointed to the House Education Committee. for the education of, and open to, all the chil- college need remedial courses).” Addressing education and teacher raises dren of school age in the state shall be estab- As a result of that ruling, and because the during the 2019 legislative session will be lished and maintained.” state has a new governor who focused the issue essential, Madrid said. More than 107 years after the constitution in her campaign and a possible $2 billion in “We’ve done nothing but take away,” Madrid was adopted, a state district court judge in new revenue in 2019, many state legislators say said. “Something has to give. We’ve got make Santa Fe ruled that the state is violating the law they expect education to be a priority. things right. We’re 50th in the nation. We’re just by not providing educational sufficiency. “Education is going to be front and center working very inadequately. We’re in desperate As a result of this ruling in the Yazzie/Mar- in the 2019 legislative session,” said Las Cruces need of teachers throughout the entire state. tinez v. State of New Mexico lawsuit, “the state Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Greg Ewing. We need to get back to focusing on our kids.” has until April 15, 2019, to take immediate “I suspect that meeting the needs of students Doña Ana County’s other new state repre- steps to ensure that New Mexico schools have — and particularly at-risk students — will be sentative, Ray Lara, said he wants to see higher the resources necessary, including sufficient the subject of many courageous conversations, salaries for teachers to help make school dis- funding, to provide all students with a uniform finally receiving the attention it deserves. I am tricts more competitive. and sufficient education that prepares them also hopeful that our legislators will address Lara is coordinator of Education for GISD for college and careers,” according to the New teacher pay, so that we are able to attract and and said he also will seek a seat on the House Mexico Center on Law and Poverty (NMCLP). retain highly-qualified, experienced educators Education Committee. “Judge Sarah Singleton ruled that all New who are passionate about what they do. The Senate President Pro Tem Mary Kay Papen, Mexico students have a right to be college- and table has been set for our elected leaders to take another Las Cruces Democrat, said she expects career-ready and that the state is failing to meet bold steps. And I trust that they will help us the legislature to increase teacher salaries in this obligation,” NMCLP said. “As evidence, the meet the needs of the children and families of the 2019 session, lengthen the school year for judge pointed to New Mexico’s low graduation New Mexico.” pre-kindergarten students and “do the things rate (70 percent – the lowest in the nation), low State Rep. Willie Madrid, D-Doña Ana And it’s going to take to get us off the bottom.”

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JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 15 Filename & version: 18-CENT-40994-CommHnds-SWNMLegislative(resize)-FIN Cisneros Design: 505.471.6699 Contact: [email protected] Client: Century Bank Ad Size: 7.4375”w x 4.875”h Publication: Southwest New Mexico Legislative Guide 2019 Due Date: November 16, 2018 Run Dates: January 19, 2019 Send To: Pam Rossi: [email protected] Achieving Sustainable Impact. Dependable energy is a key driver of our thriving economy. This is why we’re committed to implementing sustainable energy solutions that have an impact on our power production and our business community. It’s why we’re designing intelligent growth strategies, constructing clean energy infrastructure and investing in solar energy expansion. El Paso Electric is working hard for a brighter vision for the future.

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16 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE MICHELLE LUJAN Grisham New governor takes the helm

BY MIKE COOK

he’s been a county commissioner, a We don’t like being given information that cabinet secretary and a member of is discriminatory or negative.” SCongress, and now Democrat Mi- State residents want border issues ad- chelle Lujan Grisham is New Mexico’s 32nd dressed, she said, but they don’t like Trump governor. “describing Las Cruces as a war zone.” Lujan With a public mandate (she was elected Grisham said she rejects Trump’s border governor with more than 57 percent of the wall and his disrespect for women and peo- vote), a 10-seat majority in the state Senate, ple living in poverty. a projected margin of 46-24 in the state “I grew up in a household with a very criti- House of Representatives, a lieutenant gov- cally ill sibling,” she said. “My father worked ernor by her side with more than a decade until he was 83 to pay for health care. I get of legislative experience, and an estimated it. You fight for everyone in the health care GOVERNOR possible $2 billion in new money, Lujan environment, every single one.” Grisham has a unique opportunity to shape Lujan Grisham said she supports a state- POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat New Mexico’s future. wide minimum wage. “Governor-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham “We’re going to propose $10 and we want YEARS IN OFFICE: First comes to the job with one of the best re- to get to $12 in our first year, so it keeps up AGE: 59 sumes for a governor – cabinet membership with inflation,” she said. People should “not with Gov. Richardson, county commissioner have to choose between paying rent and BIRTHPLACE: Santa Fe, and member of Congress,” said former New food or between food and childcare.” New Mexico (grew up in Los Alamos) Mexico Gov. and NMSU Chancellor Emer- Lujan Grisham said she also supports PROFESSION: Attorney, public itus Garrey Carruthers. “She knows public raises for New Mexico teachers. The state administrator, member of Congress life. I would advise her to work closely and doesn’t have the lowest-paid educators in EDUCATION: University of New Mexico, collaboratively with the Legislature – some- the country, she said, “but we’re close. The law degree from the UNM School of Law thing that has been missing for some years.” most important investment we can make is New Mexicans “want a real vision for the in our children’s education.” OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: state,” Lujan Grisham said shortly before Lujan Grisham said one of her first acts Bernalillo County Commission, 2011-12; last November’s general election. “Peo- as governor will be to withdraw the state’s U.S. House of Representatives, ple love this state; they’re proud of it. But appeal of the ruling in the Yazzie lawsuit New Mexico District 1, 2013-18; they’re frustrated.” which found that New Mexico is not pro- secretary of the state departments During her campaign for governor, Lujan viding its students with the educational suf- of Aging and Long-Term Services Grisham said, voters made it clear they ficiency mandated by the state constitution. and Health under three governors want a governor who will not forget about “I see nothing but the power of incredible them. Many communities around the state potential in places like Doña Ana County,” feel isolated, she said, because they see state Lujan Grisham said. CONTACT INFORMATION leaders during campaigns, but then may The state needs to invest more in infra- ADDRESS: Office of the Governor, never them again. structure, job training, entrepreneurship 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Room As director and secretary of the New and broadband access to boost economic 400, Santa Fe, NM 87501 Mexico Department of Aging, I was on the development in the county, she said, and PHONE: 575-476-2200 road almost every week, Lujan Grisham said. keep the port of entry open 24 hours a day, “I’m going to be that very same governor.” expand trade opportunities and continue to EMAIL: governor.state.nm.us/ Voters were also “very angry and disap- develop NMSU as a center of excellence. Contact_the_Governor.aspx pointed about the president’s work,” she said. Lujan Grisham has two daughters, two WEBSITE: governor.state.nm.us; New Mexicans are multi-cultural, Lujan grandchildren and a dog named Kiwi, and newmexicansformichelle.com Grisham said. is the caretaker for her mother, according to “We’re respectful; we have strong families. www.newmexicansformichelle.com.

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 17 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE HOWIE C. Morales Silver City senator, educator is new lieutenant governor

BY MIKE COOK

native of Silver City, Howie Morales in his family to go to college and earned a worked as a special education PhD in education from New Mexico State Ateacher in the Silver City and Cobre University. (Bayard, New Mexico) school districts Morales coached local high school base- before being elected Grant County clerk in ball teams to state championships, accord- 2004. Morales held that position until his ing to the website, and volunteered with Big appointment to the New Mexico State Sen- Brothers/Big Sisters of New Mexico. ate representing District 28 in January 2008, Morales has two children. following the death of longtime state sena- As lieutenant governor, Morales said he LIEUTENANT tor, Ben Altamirano. will “use all my energy Morales was elected and experience as a GOVERNOR to a full four-year term state senator to fight representing District 28 for all New Mexicans,” in 2008, winning almost I will fight according to morale- POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat two-thirds of the vote. s4nm2018.com. “I will YEARS IN OFFICE: First He was unopposed for to turn our fight to turn our econo- reelection in 2012 and my around by creating AGE: 46 again in 2016. Morales jobs in 21st century in- BIRTHPLACE: Silver City, New Mexico lost in the Democratic economy dustries like solar, wind PROFESSION: Educator primary for governor in and renewables.” 2014. He defeated two around by Morales said he also EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science opponents in the 2018 will work for small busi- degree in education/biology and a Democratic primary, nesses and to protect Master of Arts in bilingual creating earning more than 47 the state’s water, land special education from Western percent of the vote, to and air. New Mexico University; PhD in jobs in 21st win nomination for On his campaign curriculum and instruction from lieutenant governor. website, Morales said New Mexico State University Morales’ father was a century he “will fight to put the OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Vietnam Veteran who pieces of our state’s be- New Mexico state senator 2008-18, worked in local copper industries havioral health system Grant County clerk 2005-08 mines and his mother – which serves the most worked multiple hour- like solar, vulnerable New Mex- CONTACT INFORMATION ly-wage jobs, according icans, and especially to www.newmexi- wind and children who need help ADDRESS: Office of the Lt. Governor, cansformichelle.com. – back together once and 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Room 417, Morales “went to work for all” and will “fight to Santa Fe, NM 87501 as a teenager to help renewable. protect the rights of all PHONE: 505-476-2250 provide for the family New Mexicans, because and later worked as nobody gets to discrim- EMAIL: [email protected] a shoe salesman and inate against gay and WEBSITE: morales4nm2018.com; maintenance worker to lesbian residents as a ltgov.state.nm.us put himself through Western New Mexico matter of right, and under New Mexico law.” University,” the website said. He was the first

18 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE MAGGIE TOULOUSE Oliver Secretary of state updates campaign finance rules

BY MIKE COOK

emocrat Maggie Toulouse Oliver In July, Toulouse Oliver has provided was elected New Mexico secretary testimony on election cybersecurity to the Dof state in 2016 to fill the unexpired U.S. House of Representatives Committee term of former Secretary of State Dianna on Oversight and Government Reform in Duran, a Republican, who resigned in 2015 Washington, D.C. after being convicted of the misuse of cam- During her testimony Toulouse Oliver paign funds. Gov. Susana Martinez appoint- highlighted some of the election security ed Brad Winter as interim secretary of state best practices used in New Mexico, includ- after Duran’s resignation. Winter served for ing the use of paper ballots and its “robust SECRETARY almost one year, until Dec. 9, 2016, when post-election audit process,” according to an Toulouse Oliver was sworn in. She won the SOS news release. “New Mexico is a nation- OF STATE November 2016 general election with 56.4 al leader in its use of these practices, which percent of the vote, defeating Republican are now being adopted by states throughout POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat . In the 2018 general election, the country.” Toulouse Oliver received 57.7 percent of the Toulouse Oliver said she plans to use $3.6 YEARS IN OFFICE: Two vote to defeat Republican Gavin Clarkson of million in Help America Vote Act funds AGE: 42 Las Cruces (37.3 percent) and Libertarian provided to the state by the U.S. Election Ginger Grider of Portales (5 percent). Assistance Commission to “launch a new BIRTHPLACE: Albuquerque, New Mexico The secretary of state performs the election security program in the SOS’s Bu- EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree functions of the governor when both the reau of Elections,” the news release said. in political science and Spanish, governor and lieutenant governor are out The secretary of state said 29,136 New master’s degree in political science, of state. This position also is the keeper of Mexicans registered to vote or updated their University of New Mexico the great seal of the state and, at the start of registrations during National Voter Regis- OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: each new legislative session, calls the New tration Month in September. As of Sept. 28, Bernalillo County clerk, 2007-16 Mexico House of Representatives to order she said there are more than 1.25 million and presides until a new speaker is elected. New Mexicans registered to vote. Almost The primary role of the secretary of state is 12,000 of the new and updated registrations CONTACT INFORMATION to serve as the state’s chief election officer, were completed online. ADDRESS: 325 Don Gaspar Ave., overseeing the entire election process for In October, she participated in a panel #300, Santa Fe, NM 87501 statewide, district and local elections. With discussion in the nation’s capital on how the passage of the 1993 Governmental Con- election officials at all levels of government PHONE: 505-827-3600 duct Act, the secretary of state became the are addressing cybersecurity for the 2018 EMAIL: [email protected] state government ethics regulator, including general election. The panel, “Are We Ready WEBSITE: sos.state.nm.us regulating lobbyist activity, the reporting of to Run Our Elections?” was organized by campaign finances by candidates for public the Bipartisan Policy Center, a national office and political action committees, the think tank. required filing of financial disclosures by In October 2018, Toulouse Oliver an- candidates and state officials and the filing nounced that 5,463 businesses were formed of a general code of conduct for some state in the state July-September (the third quar- employees. It also maintains records vital to ter of) 2018. That is a 22 percent increase commerce and industry in New Mexico. over the number of businesses formed Toulouse Oliver was named treasurer of during the same period in 2017, according the National Association of Secretaries of to a news release. It is a 4.6 percent increase State last summer. from the second quarter of 2018.

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 19 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE HECTOR Balderas Attorney general continues serving New Mexico

BY MIKE COOK

ector Balderas, 45 was elected New resource and environmental matters,” the Mexico attorney general in 2014, website said. Hdefeating Republican Susan Riedel The office also works with the state’s 13 of Las Cruces 58.3 to 41.7 percent. Balderas district attorneys and other local, state and was reelected in 2018, receiving 61.8 percent federal law enforcement authorities to carry of the vote and winning 21 of the state’s 33 out its criminal justice responsibilities. The counties as he defeated Republican Michael attorney general is also the chief legal coun- Hendricks (33.5 percent of the vote) and sel and advisor to the executive branch of Libertarian A. Blair Dunn (4.8 percent). state government. ATTORNEY A native of Wagon Mound, New Mexi- The office has an annual budget of $18- co, Balderas began his political career by 22 million, according to the website, and GENERAL winning the race for New Mexico House of approximately 200 employees. Representatives District 68 in 2004. Balde- The attorney general has five divisions ras was elected state auditor in 2006 and within its criminal affairs office: special POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat reelected in 2010, each time earning about prosecutions (including a border violence YEARS IN OFFICE: Four 55 percent of the vote. He ran unsuccess- unit), criminal appeals, Medicaid fraud and AGE: 45 fully in the 2012 Democratic primary for elder abuse and special investigations (in- U.S. Senate, losing to incumbent Martin cluding internet crimes against children and BIRTHPLACE: Denver, Colorado Heinrich. anti-money laundering) and victim services. EDUCATION: New Mexico Before returning to Wagon Mound to run There are four divisions with the office of Highlands University, University of for the state legislature, Balderas was an as- civil affairs: consumer and family advocacy New Mexico School of Law sistant district attorney in Bernalillo County. services, consumer and environmental pro- Balderas has a bachelor’s degree from tection, open government and litigation. OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: New Mexico Highlands University and a As attorney general, Balderas secured State auditor for eight years (2006-2014), juris doctorate from the University of New “the largest tobacco settlement payment in New Mexico House of Representatives Mexico Law School. He became the first state history and tens of millions of dollars person from Wagon Mound to graduate in settlements from large corporations for CONTACT INFORMATION from law school and become an attorney, preying on New Mexicans,” according to according to his 2018 campaign website. nmag.gov. “Balderas is also aggressively liti- ADDRESS: 408 Galisteo St. Balderas lives in Albuquerque with his gating against the opioid industry and made Santa Fe, NM 87501 wife, Denise, and their three children. New Mexico the first state to sue opioid PHONE: 844-255-9210 The New Mexico attorney represents and distributors, in addition to manufacturers, WEBSITE: nmag.gov defends the legal interests and sovereignty for inundating New Mexico with highly of the people of New Mexico, according to addictive opioids that have devastated the nmag.gov. state for decades.” “The Attorney General has primary The attorney general’s office has a free app authority for enforcement of consumer “that provides law enforcement professionals protection and antitrust laws, prosecution and the general public with easy access to of criminal appeals and some complex publications and reference guides” created white-collar crimes, training and certifi- by the office. Visit nmag.gov to download cation of peace officers and most natural the app.

20 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SENATORS

Baca, Brandt, Burt, William Campos, Candelaria, Cervantes, Gregory Craig (R-Chavez, Lincoln, Pete Jacob Joseph (R-Bernalillo, (R-Sandoval-40) Otero-33) (D-Colfax, Guadalupe, (D-Bernalillo-26) (D-Doña Ana-31) Valencia-29) 7012 Tampico Road NE P.O. Box 1848 Harding, Mora, San 3608 Ladera Drive NW 2610 S. Espina St. P.O. Box 346, Rio Rancho, NM 87144 Alamogordo, NM Miguel, Quay, Taos-8) B-302 Las Cruces, NM 88001 Belen, NM 87002 505-986-4385 88311 418 Raynolds Ave. Albuquerque, 575-526-5600 505-385-7303 craig.brandt@ 575-434-1414 Las Vegas, NM 87701 NM 87120 joseph@ [email protected] nmlegis.gov [email protected] 505-425-0508 505-847-5079 cervanteslawnm.com pete.campos@ jacob.candelaria@ nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov

Cisneros, Gould, Griggs, Ingle, Ivey-Soto, Kernan, Carlos Candace Ron Stuart Daniel Gay (D-Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, (R-Bernalillo, Sandoval-10) (R-Doña Ana, Eddy, (R-Chaves, Curry, De Baca, (D-Bernalillo-15) (R-Chaves, Eddy, Santa Fe, Taos-6) P.O. Box 10030 Otero-34) Lea, Roosevelt-27) 1420 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Lea-42) P.O. Box 1129 Albuquerque, NM 2704 Birdie Loop 2106 W. University Suite 208 P.O. Box 598 Questa, NM 87556 87114 Alamogordo, NM Drive Albuquerque, NM Hobbs, NM 88241 505-670-5610 505-269-7711 88310 Portales, NM 88130 87110 505-629-8081 carlos.cisneros@ candace.gould@ 575-439-1331 575-356-3088 505-881-4475 gay.kernan@ nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov [email protected] stuart.ingle@ daniel.ivey-soto@ nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov

Leavell, Lopez, Martinez, McSorley, Moores, Muñoz, Carroll Linda Richard Cisco Mark George (R-Eddy, Lea-41) (D-Bernalillo-11) (D-Los Alamos, (D-Bernalillo-16) (R-Bernalillo-21) (D-Cibola, McKinley, P.O. Drawer D 9132 Suncrest SW Rio Arriba, Sandoval, 415 Wellesley Place NE P.O. Box 90970 San Juan-4) Jal, NM 88252 Albuquerque, NM Santa Fe-5) Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM P.O. Box 2679 575-393-2550 87121 P.O. Box 762 87106 87199 Gallup, NM 87305 [email protected] 505-831-4148 Española, NM 87532 505-266-0588 505-681-1975 505-722-6570 linda.lopez@ 505-747-2337 cisco.mcsorley@ mark.moores@ [email protected] nmlegis.gov richard.martinez@ nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov

Neville, O’Neill, Ortiz y Pino, Padilla, Papen, Payne, Steven Bill Gerald Michael Mary Kay William (R-San Juan-2) (D-Bernalillo-13) (D-Bernalillo-12) (D-Bernalillo-14) (D-Doña Ana-38) (R-Bernalillo-20) P.O. Box 1570 343 Sarah Lane NW 400 12th St. NW P.O. Box 67545 904 Conway Ave. P.O. Box 14823 Aztec, NM 87410 Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Las Cruces, NM 88005 Albuquerque, NM 505-327-5460 87114 87102 87193 575-524-4462 87191 steven.neville@ 505-450-9263 505-243-1509 505-977-6247 marykay.papen@ 505-986-4702 nmlegis.gov oneillsd13@ [email protected] michael.padilla@ nmlegis.gov william.payne@ billoneillfornm.com nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 21 SENATORS

Pinto, Pirtle, Rodriguez, Rue, Sanchez, Sapien, John Cliff Nancy Sander Clemente John (D-McKinley, San (R-Chaves, Eddy, (D-Santa Fe-24) (R-Bernalillo-23) (D-Cibola, McKinley, (D-Bernalillo, Juan-3) Otero-32) 1838 Camino La Canada 7500 Rancho Solano Socorro, Valencia-30) Sandoval-9) 509 W. Morgan Ave. 5507 Y.O. Road Santa Fe, NM 87501 Court NW 612 Inwood Ave. 1600 W. Ella Drive Gallup, NM 87301 Roswell, NM 88203 505-983-8913 Albuquerque, NM Grants, NM 87020 Corrales, NM 87048 720-357-9275 575-626-7046 nancy.rodriguez@ 87120 505-287-2515 505-765-5662 [email protected] nmlegis.gov 505-899-0288 clemente.sanchez@ john.sapien@ sander.rue@ nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov

Sharer, Shendo, Smith, John Soules, Stefanics, Steinborn, William Benny Jr. Arthur William “Bill” Elizabeth Jeff (R-San Juan-1) (D-Bernalillo, McKinley, (D-Doña Ana, Hidalgo, (D-Doña Ana-37) (D-Bernalillo, Lincoln, (D-Doña Ana-36) P.O. Box 203 Rio Arriba, Sandoval, Luna, Sierra-35) 5054 Silver King Road San Miguel, Santa Fe, P.O. Box 562 Farmington, NM 87499 San Juan-22) P.O. Box 998 Las Cruces, NM 88011 Torrance, Valencia-39) Las Cruces, NM 88004 505-986-4381 P.O. Box 634 Deming, NM 88031 575-640-0409 P.O. Box 720 505-986-4862 Cerrillos, NM 87010 [email protected] Jemez , NM 575-546-4979 [email protected] jeff.steinborn@ 87024 505-699-4808 nmlegis.gov 505-834-7359 [email protected] liz.stefanics@ benny.shendo@ nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov

Stewart, Tallman, White, Mimi Bill G. James (D-Bernalillo-17) (D-Bernalillo-18) (R-Bernalillo, Sandoval, 313 Moon St. NE 5909 Canyon Santa Fe, Torrance-19) Albuquerque, NM Pointe Court 1554 Catron Ave. SE 87123 Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM 505-275-2355 87111 87213 mimi.stewart@ 505-702-6828 505-271-4746 nmlegis.gov bill.tallman@ james.white@ nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov

Senate District 28 was still vacant as of presstime. For- mer Sen. Howie Morales was elected lieutienant governor, creating the vacancy, which was to be filled by governor appointment in early January. Wirth, Woods, Senate leaders to be voted Peter Pat in during the session. This list (D-Santa Fe-25) (R-Curry, Quay, Union-7) subject to change. To reach 708 Paseo de Peralta 4000 CR. M Santa Fe, NM 87501 Broadview, NM 88112 your legislator during the 505-988-1668 575-357-8594 session, call 505-986-4300. peter.wirth@ pat.woods@ Check website for updated nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov list of leadership positions.

22 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SENATORS

SENATE NUMERICAL LIST 1 SAN JUAN RIO ARRIBA TAOS COLFAX 2 UNION 3 JOHN PINTO 4 GEORGE MUNOZ LOS ALAMOS 5 RICHARD MARTINEZ MORA HARDING 6 CARLOS CISNEROS 7 SANDOVAL SANTA MCKINLEY FE 8 SAN MIGUEL 9 10 CANDACE RUTH GOULD 11 LINDA LOPEZ BERNALILLO CIBOLA QUAY 12 GUADALUPE 13 WILLIAM O’NEILL VALENCIA 14 TORRANCE CURRY 15 DANIEL IVEY-SOTO 30 DE BACA 16 CISCO MCSORLEY 17 39 BILL G. TALLMAN ROOSEVELT 18 CATRON 28 SOCORRO LINCOLN 19 JAMES WHITE 20 WILLIAM PAYNE CHAVES 21 22 BENNY J. SHENDO JR. 33 23 SIERRA 24 25 GRANT 36 32 LEA 26 37 34 27 EDDY DOÑA 28 TO BE NAMED OTERO ANA 29 GREGORY A. BACA LUNA 30 CLEMENTE SANCHEZ 35 38 31 JOSEPH CERVANTES 31 32 CLIFF R. PIRTLE HIDALGO 33 WILLIAM “BILL” BURT 34 RON GRIGGS 35 JOHN ARTHUR SMITH SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO 36 JEFF STEINBORN 37 WILLIAM “BILL” SOULES 38 MARY KAY PAPEN 39 ELIZABETH STEFANICS 40 Senate 41 CARROLL LEAVELL DISTRICT MAP 42

DISTRICT 28 DISTRICT 35 DISTRICT 38 Vacant. Await- DISTRICT 32 ing governor Cliff Pirtle John Arthur Mary Kay appointment in Page 27 Smith Papen January 2019. Page 30 Page 33

DISTRICT 30 DISTRICT 33 Clemente Sanchez William Burt DISTRICT 36 DISTRICT 39 Page 25 Page 28 Jeff Steinborn Elizabeth “Liz” Page 31 Stefanics Page 34

DISTRICT 31 DISTRICT 34 DISTRICT 37 Joseph Cervantes Ron Griggs William “Bill” Page 26 Page 29 Soules Page 32

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BY ELAINE STACHERA SIMON

hile a balanced budget always school districts that contain nontaxable tops Sen. Clemente Sanchez’s federal land and installations and make up Wpriority list, he is also laser for lost revenue and costs associated with focused on rural job creation and legislation a federal presence. Infrastructure improve- that supports people who choose to live out- ments, he said, would benefit commerce side of metropolitan areas. and enhance safety. Sanchez said the 2018 legislative season Regarding education funding, another had many positive outcomes, including a 2019 legislative priority, Sanchez said bud- balanced budget. Sanchez worked to relieve get appropriation is paramount, with special some of the tax burden on small businesses, attention to the educational needs of tribal DISTRICT 30 and is proud that a minimum wage bill with communities. He had some concerns over bipartisan support made it to the governor’s higher education spending by New Mexi- COUNTIES SERVED: Cibola, Socorro, office, even though it was not signed. co State University and University of New Valencia, McKinley Sanchez said one of his district’s biggest Mexico. He said the institutions’ budgets concerns is its loss of workforce talent could have been managed more effectively, POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat to urban areas of New Mexico and other without adversely impacting students. YEARS IN OFFICE: Six states. He believes it is critical to ensure Sanchez anticipates more capital outlay New Mexico has an educated, competitive projects will be funded in 2019, given that AGE: 60 workforce that can fill the needs of industry. oil and gas industries are strong. In Dis- BIRTHPLACE: Cubero, New Mexico Sanchez emphasized that “lowering the bar trict 30, he said town hall meetings have PROFESSION: Senior vice president is absolutely not the answer; people want to explored the needs of the district through and senior banking officer, New Mexico be competitive.” The challenge of shoring up frank discussions leading up to the session. division of TBK Bank an education system that creates a qualified Those needs will be what drives capital out- workforce is not new for New Mexico, and lay requests, and he has been working with EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Sanchez hopes to make strides in the right his constituents on priorities and how they business administration from Eastern direction. fit in from a budget standpoint. New Mexico University; Master’s of Other initiatives include working with When asked to give advice for the new Business Adminstration, New Mexico colleagues who are working on legislation governor, he said, “It is time to govern. We Highlands University that battles opioid addiction, legislation to all have to keep an open line of communi- OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None send more Impact Aid funding directly to cation, and not be squabbling. We are going school districts, and infrastructure im- to disagree, and we all win some and lose provements – not only in his district but some. We need to get together, work things CONTACT INFORMATION statewide. out, and move our state up from the bottom ADDRESS: 612 Inwood Avenue Impact Aid grants are for the benefit of of everything that’s good.” Grants, NM 87020 PHONE: 55-287-2515 EMAIL: [email protected]

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 25 SENATORS JOSEPH Cervantes Senator wants to reform capital outlay, extend school calendar, create term limits

BY MIKE COOK

tate Sen. Joseph Cervantes has major a volunteer legislature which receives no reforms in mind for the 2019 legisla- salary. As a result, it is made up of retirees Stive session, including capital outlay and others who can afford to take two to funding process, lengthening the school three months off from work or have employ- calendar and setting term limits for elected ers willing to subsidize their legislative service. officials. “That eliminates a lot of people from run- The legislature’s current capital outlay ning for or serving in the legislature”, he said. process is like giving every state senator and He believes people recognize the system representative a “gift card for Christmas,” is not working, Cervantes said, and have an Cervantes said, and encouraging each one appetite for change. DISTRICT 31 to spend the allocated amount “even if you He said a constitutional revision commis- don’t need it.” sion should be appointed to draft appropri- As a result, he said, New Mexico’s capital ate changes. COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana outlay process is consistently rated among Cervantes also supports term limits for POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat the worst in the country. all levels of government, he said, which YEARS IN OFFICE: Six Instead of giving each legislator a separate will force elected officials to rise above the piece of capital outlay, Cervantes said, priority of getting reelected. AGE: 57 lawmakers should come together to pool New Mexico’s public-school calendar BIRTHPLACE: Las Cruces funding for the greater good, funding proj- is based on an outdated, agrarian model, ects that are most crucial to the health of Cervantes said, and needs revision. The long PROFESSION: Attorney the state and more expensive than any one summer break, he said, is detrimental to EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in architecture, legislator could finance. students learning. University of New Mexico; master’s in For example, Cervantes said, he and “New Mexico is too far behind to not be architecture, California Polytechnic State other Doña Ana County legislators pooled maximizing the resources of schools,” he University; juris doctorate, UNM capital outlay funds, got a match from said, and should expand its school calendar OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: then-governor Bill Richardson and were to at least 200 days a year. Doña Ana County Commission, 1998-2001; able to contribute millions of dollars to the Cervantes said education will be the top New Mexico House of Representatives, construction of Las Cruces’ aquatic center, issue during the 2019 session, but the legis- 2001-12 which opened in 2011. lature also needs to prepare for the outcome Combining capital outlay could pay for of the federal lawsuit between New Mexico critical road projects around the state, he and Texas about the use of water from the CONTACT INFORMATION said, expanding internet service and mak- Rio Grande. In fact, he said, how the state ADDRESS: 2610 S. Espina St. ing sure all New Mexicans have a reliable deals with major lawsuits is another issue Las Cruces, NM 88001 source of water. Similar efforts, he said, badly in need of reform. would benefit communities in southern If the state is party to a lawsuit, “resources PHONE: 575-526-5600 (Las Cruces), Doña Ana County. are perceived to be infinite,” he said, and it 575-986-4249 (Santa Fe) Currently, Cervantes said, about $1 spends millions of dollars a year on lawyers EMAIL: [email protected] billion in capital outlay projects statewide to continue with litigation, often in cases have been funded, but are going nowhere that show little progress toward resolution. because the funds have never been spent. The new governor and legislature also Capital outlay, he said, needs to be “a need to address crime, he said, because res- more thoughtful, studied, planned process.” idents should feel safe and businesses must In fact, Cervantes said, New Mexico’s feel that their employees will be safe in New “entire system of governance … needs to Mexico or they won’t come here. be re-evaluated,” including the inadequate Cervantes said he expects incoming Gov. length of legislative sessions and legislators’ Michelle Lujan Grisham to be an effective lack of resources to provide constituent governor who won’t shy away from challenges. services in their districts. “I want to see New Mexico succeed,” Cer- He said New Mexico is the last state with vantes said.

26 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SENATORS CLIFF Pirtle Senator has held seat since 2013

BY TRACY ROY

farmer and businessman, Sen. Cliff Pirtle represents District 32, covering southern Chaves County – including Roswell where he makes his home – and a small portion Aof Eddy County. Pirtle is heading into his seventh legislative session, a 60-day session. Pirtle ran unopposed in the 2016 primary and general election. He defeated longtime incumbent Democrat Tim Jennings in the 2012 election. Pirtle proposed a bill in 2017 to keep New Mexico on Daylight Saving Time year-round. It did not pass. He serves as a member of the Indian Affairs, Land Grant, and Legislative Health & Human Services committees. He serves in an advisory role on the Legislative Council and Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force. He submitted capital outlay requests in 2018 that included a request to fund the senior athletics program, construct a mental health facility, improve a water park, and replace roofs DISTRICT 32 at the Roswell international air center and many infrastructure and transportation improve- ments too numerous to list. He co-sponsored a series of bills during the 2018 session which COUNTIES SERVED: Chaves, Eddy can be viewed at nmlegis.gov/BillFinder. POLITICAL PARTY: Republican Pirtle was unavailable to discuss his plans for the upcoming session. YEARS IN OFFICE: 6 AGE: 33 PROFESSION: Farmer OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None CONTACT INFORMATION ADDRESS: 5507 Y.O. Road, ALLEN THEATRES Roswell, NM 88203 GIFT CARDS ARE PHONE: 575-626-7046 AVAILABLE AT EVERY EMAIL: [email protected] LOCATION & ONLINE! www.allentheatresinc.com

SINCE 1969

Delivering 21,000 copies of the Bulletin every Friday, we are Las Cruces’ hometown newspaper. 575-524-8061 www.lascrucesbulletin.com

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 27 SENATORS WILLIAM ‘BILL’ Burt Tax reform a priority in 2019

BY ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH

Burt said the bill also relates to jobs, He said what matters most is how the mon- noting that military retirees are often young, ey is spent to maximize its benefit. and a “high-quality employee pool – the Regarding capital outlay, infrastructure type of people we need to keep in New will be a critical topic. Mexico.” Yet instead of staying here to start “The oil patch is going full tilt on the a new career, buy a house and contribute to east side of state, and many highways need the economy, most leave the state because dramatic help,” Burt said. their military retirement is taxed at full rate, Police departments also need help, he he said. said, as well as municipalities and counties Burt, who serves on the Legislative that have larger projects like overhauling Finance Committee, it is time to look at sal- sewer systems or reservoirs for drinking aries in New Mexico. Teachers, correctional water. DISTRICT 33 officers, and safety officers have received in- Burt is confident that everybody in the creases, but he said the state needs to “look legislature wants to work with the new gov- at pay increases that make New Mexico ernor and her administration, whether or COUNTIES SERVED: Chaves, Lincoln, competitive with the states around us. This not they agree on everything. He is adamant Otero state has one of the best retirement plans in in his belief that the permanent fund not POLITICAL PARTY: Republican the , comparatively, but folks be tapped for anything, as “the permanent YEARS IN OFFICE: Seven need to make money while they are working fund is like a savings account — the more toward retirement.” you have in the fund, the more interest it AGE: 67 In his district, Burt said water manage- generates to help fund the state budget. It BIRTHPLACE: Deming, New Mexico ment remains a critical issue. Ranching and needs to build so that we can take care of agriculture interests are always a concern, as education and other things in the state,” he PROFESSION: Broadcaster well as oil and gas, which provide a third of said. EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in mass the state income. He said state regulations Burt is hopeful that regardless of the divi- communications, New Mexico State are some of the stiffest in the United States siveness in the U.S., people from all parties University. to make sure companies “do the right thing” can come together to move New Mexico OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None to keep our water and land safe. Burt stress- forward. es that the oil and gas industries will create “We can agree to disagree and not give up more jobs and expand the tax base, which our principles, but we can compromise on CONTACT INFORMATION pays the salaries of teachers and supports some issues,” he said. “We are lagging be- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1848, Alamogordo, healthcare and infrastructure. hind in many areas, but we have the ability NM 88311 Burt believes that the 2019 legislature will to come together and make it better.” look at issues that Democrats champion, PHONE: 575-434-1414 and he would not be surprised if recreation- EMAIL: [email protected] al marijuana and healthcare, including mental Bank 34 is proud of and behavioral State Senator Bill Burt’s illiam “Bill” Burt has served as state health, were top- senator for District 33 since 2011. ics addressed. legislative work and his WOriginally from Deming, he earned He said all efforts on our board. his bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State legislators want University and has owned and operated Burt to make the Broadcasting for 30 years. When it comes to education system serving as state senator, he said, “I love the work I better for our d o.” kids and said Burt’s priority for the new legislative season spending money is fiscal responsibility, including tax reform. He on education plans to sponsor a bill that exempts military effectively and retirement from state income tax. efficiently is key. www.Bank34.com

28 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SENATORS RON Griggs Balanced budget, education top concerns for senator

BY ELAINE STACHERA SIMON

en. Ron Griggs, representing Dis- introduced a bill that could address these trict 34, said the priority in the new changes, and he may again bring these ideas Slegislative session is to balance the to the table in 2019. budget. Fortunately, with the dollars now He also said many miles of New Mexi- being generated by the oil and gas industry, co roads need attention, and new money budget cuts to make that happen will not should be used for projects such as roads be necessary. Griggs said the legislature that are the best use of one-time money. also must address the recent court decision Griggs believes one of the biggest issues about funding for education. the legislature will face in 2019 is rec- DISTRICT 34 “I am sure that there will be lots of ideas reational marijuana. Several states have on how to make that happen,” he said. already legalized it, as well as Canada. Both COUNTIES SERVED: Otero, Eddy, He is referring to the 2018 state court ruling the pros and cons now have enough sup- Doña Ana that the governor and Legislature establish porting evidence for a serious debate, and, a funding system that meets constitutional as Griggs said, “I just hope we arrive at the POLITICAL PARTY: Republican requirements to provide at-risk students right answers.” YEARS IN OFFICE: Six with a sufficient education. The deadline When asked about capital outlay requests, to present a plan that satisfies the court is Griggs said he bases requests on local AGE: 66 April 15, 2019. government needs. Those entities submit BIRTHPLACE: Portales, New Mexico One point of pride for Griggs in 2018 was requests based on the needs of the constit- PROFESSION: Business owner, Griggs a bill he co-sponsored with Sen. Bill Burt — uents. Holdings, LLC signed by the governor — that gives a gross “I lean toward infrastructure projects but receipts tax deduction to the U.S. Air Force have participated with other legislators in EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in for construction materials and services a variety of projects,” Griggs said. “Some of business administration from New Mexico used to build facilities for a permanent F-16 the smaller communities in my district have State University fighter pilot mission at Holloman Air Force no other sources of revenue, so I always OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Base. Griggs also helped develop a funding carefully evaluate their needs.” Alamogordo City Council and Mayor of source to prevent the potentially disastrous Griggs pointed out that the new governor Alamogordo collapse of the Carlsbad Brine Well, an issue will have new money the likes of which have that was very important to Carlsbad. never been seen before, and the adminis- For 2019, Griggs said the budget is in tration must realize that “this bubble can CONTACT INFORMATION much better shape, but that legislators most certainly burst,” and therefore should ADDRESS: 2704 Birdie Loop, Alamogordo, can’t lose sight of where the state has just govern with care. The new administration NM 88310 been. While oil and gas are booming will see a huge number of bills for consider- PHONE: 575-439-1331 now, it has always been cyclical. He said ation, and some will be great, and some will EMAIL: [email protected] the state needs to use this opportunity not, he said. The governor holds the final to rework some of the tax structure and responsibility for what becomes law and systems. Griggs said exemptions to income will need to govern like New Mexico’s future tax for military retirees and possibly social depends on it, he said, because it does. security could be examined. Griggs said he believes New Mexico has “If we do those things, we may need to a promising future and looks forward to adjust taxes in other areas to account for the working with fellow legislators and a new initial losses in revenue,” he said. administration to build upon past accom- He recalled that a couple of years back, he plishments and open doors to new ones.

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 29 SENATORS JOHN ARTHUR Smith ‘You’re just brought up to get along’

BY MIKE COOK

rowing up in Deming, I never fought, because Martinez was a Republican “doesn’t and I never ran from a fight,” said mean everything was bad,” he said. “Don’t GSen. John Arthur Smith. “You’re just throw the baby out with the bathwater.” brought up to get along.” Smith said the state doesn’t have the That’s what New Mexicans expect from capacity to comply with Yazzie in a single their legislators, said Smith. year. The legislature and governor will need “The public wants people to get along,” he to work with all 89 New Mexico school said. “They want the system to work.” districts and charter schools to develop a With a governor of their party for the first reform plan. time in eight years and solid majorities in Smith said he and other legislative leaders both houses, Democrats must “push aside will rely on the legislature’s committee pro- DISTRICT 35 the ‘to the victor go the spoils’ attitude” as cess to develop funding recommendations. they come together for the 2019 legislative “I’m looking for economical, efficient and session, said Smith. sustainable (policy) coming from our edu- COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana, Hidalgo, The state likely may have nearly $2 billion cation committee when we put our budget Luna, Sierra in new money by some projections – about together,” he said. POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat one-third more than last year’s $6.2 billion To spend non-recurring funds, he said, YEARS IN OFFICE: 30 budget – to spend in 2019, said Smith, who “you just have a political deal, not a plan.” To is the longtime chair of the Senate Finance accomplish long-term goals in education AGE: 77 Committee. Most of the new money is and other programs, Smith said, the state BIRTHPLACE: Las Vegas, Nevada non-recurring, he said. will need to develop new sources of recur- Education must be No. 1 on the legisla- ring revenue. PROFESSION: Real estate appraiser ture’s list of budget priorities, Smith said, Smith said legislators likely will each have EDUCATION: University of New Mexico especially in light of a state district court a significant amount of capital outlay mon- ruling in the Yazzie lawsuit last July that ey to spend on local projects. In his district, New Mexico is not providing its students Smith said there are fundamental items that CONTACT INFORMATION with the sufficient education mandated need to be taken care of, including roads ADDRESS: P.O. Box 998, Deming, NM by the state constitution. Smith said he is and municipal streets. 88031 hopeful the ruling will be appealed to the “Put it where they can see it,” Smith said. PHONE: 575-546-4979 state Supreme Court. “You better be able to show the public what “I want some type of finality put on it,” he you’re doing with their money.” EMAIL: [email protected], said. He’s considering a focus on renewable [email protected] The legislature was not a part of the energy, he said, as fossil fuel revenues lawsuit, Smith said, but it will have to find diminish. funding to comply with the ruling, which The new governor, Michelle Lujan Grish- could carry a $1 billion price tag. am, will need to focus on her relationship “The judge said ‘fix it, but I can’t tell you with the New Mexico House and Senate, how much,’” he said. Smith said, unlike her predecessor who Since 87 cents of every dollar spent on ed- “had difficulty getting along with the legisla- ucation in New Mexico goes to payroll, “we ture – like Trump belittling Congress.” really need to be focused on an outstanding Smith represents all of Luna (about 50 classroom teacher,” Smith said. “If you don’t percent of his district), Hidalgo (15 percent) have an outstanding classroom teacher, and Sierra counties (20 percent) and part of every kid in every class is at risk.” Doña Ana County (15 percent). Smith and But as the Democratic governor and legis- his predecessor, I.M. “Ike” Smalley, also a lative leaders reform education, Smith said, Democrat, have held the District 35 seat for they need to look carefully at changes made more than 60 years between them. during the Martinez administration. Just

30 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SENATORS JEFF Steinborn 2019 session can move New Mexico forward BY MIKE COOK

en. Jeff Steinborn of Las Cruces is jobs to deal with climate change and reduce looking forward to the 2019 session greenhouse emissions. as “a great opportunity to move New The legislature also needs to address S expanding voting rights for its citizens by Mexico forward and solve some long-stand- ing challenges.” moving the last day to register to vote from Steinborn is a Democrat whose district 28 to three days before an election, he said, includes part of Las Cruces, the Village of and by increasing registration opportunities, Doña Ana, Radium Springs and Hatch, as including automatic registration for anyone it stretches to the Sierra County border in dealing with a state agency like the Motor Doña Ana County’s northwest corner. Vehicle Division. “(The new governor is) passionate about Steinborn said he will re-introduce his new policy and getting new things done for bill to consolidate state purchases of pre- the state,” Steinborn said. “She understands scription drugs. The state spends about $700 DISTRICT 36 how the legislature works.” million a year on pharmaceuticals, he said, He believes she will move important proj- and needs a “purchasing collaborative to get COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana ects forward in all areas of the state. all these state agencies to work together” to “It’s important that we work to manage state leverage purchasing power. That will save POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat the state a lot of money and help private government collaboratively,” Steinborn said. YEARS IN OFFICE: Two Steinborn said he plans to spend capital citizens save on drug purchases and other outlay funds in his district on critical needs, types of health care. AGE: 48 Steinborn also plans to reintroduce including flood control in the Hatch area, BIRTHPLACE: Las Cruces, New Mexico his bill to create a state office of outdoor road projects and important public services PROFESSION: Conservationist in the north valley, including supplement- recreation to grow that sector of the state’s ing libraries and senior citizen centers. economy, which he said generates almost EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in He will also work with the City of Las $10 billion a year. There has been increased government, University of Texas at Austin; Cruces, leaders of other communities in the interest in the proposal, including support graduate course work, Institute of World district and county officials to come up with from Lujan Grisham, and Steinborn said he Politics, Washington, D.C. hopes the office will be created within the capital projects. OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: first 30 days of the 2019 session. Education, Steinborn said, will be at the Eight years, New Mexico House of It will have “a great impact on Doña Ana top of the list for extra funding during the Representatives (2006-2010, 2013-2016) 2019 session, as mandated by the state court County,” he said, because of Organ Moun- ruling in the Yazzie lawsuit mandating the tain-Desert Peaks National Monument, the educational sufficiency called for in the New Rio Grande Trail, parks and other outdoor CONTACT INFORMATION recreational opportunities. Mexico Constitution. ADDRESS: P.O. Box 562, Las Cruces, The state also needs to expand the tax Funding will also need to be considered N.M. 88004 for “an incredible number of great ideas credit it offers to filmmakers who make PHONE: 575-635-5615 shelved by the current administration,” movies in New Mexico to grow movie and Steinborn said, who said he will again spon- television production more actively in Las EMAIL: [email protected] sor legislation supporting renewable energy Cruces and other under-served parts of the projects, including adding solar power to state, said Steinborn, who is president of the more than 750 state buildings and setting Film Las Cruces nonprofit. statutory targets to eventually increase the The state also must address developmen- state’s renewable portfolio standards (RPS) tal disabilities waivers issued by the New ed, he said, so the Children, Youth and Families to 100 percent. RPS require that a portion Mexico Department of Health for services Department can provide better care for at-risk of the energy sold by utilities comes from to children and adults with intellectual and children, another vulnerable population. renewable resources. New Mexico’s current developmental disabilities, who are among “We live in one of the greatest places on Earth,” RPS is 20 percent. the most vulnerable New Mexicans, Stein- Steinborn said. Investments in renewable energy will born said. Currently, he said, some entitled New Mexico, he said, has “all the potential in also create more employment opportunities to the services are waiting up to seven years the world to achieve great things; we can make it in New Mexico, Steinborn said, including to receive them. happen.” State services should also be re-calibrat-

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 31 SENATORS WILLIAM ‘BILL’ Soules Education will be top issue in 2019 session

BY MIKE COOK

ducation. That’s what I get asked you get to change the world,” said Soules, a about more than anything else,” said retired teacher and principal with a PhD in ESen. Bill Soules, a Democrat who is education and psychology. in the middle of his second four-year term The state also must make a substantial representing Senate District 37, which investment in infrastructure, he said, in- includes part of Las Cruces and northwest cluding roads, broadband access, bridges Doña Ana County. and water projects. Better roads and better As chair of the Senate Education Com- communication will increase commerce mittee, Soules said he has worked with Gov. statewide, he said, and that will help create Michelle Lujan Grisham “on her education more jobs. Soules said legislators will use plan for moving the state forward.” capital outlay funds to address some of DISTRICT 37 New Mexico has no time to lose, Soules those issues. said, in moving from last to a world-class In his district, Soules said he also wants education system. In the long term, he said, to use capital outlay money to address COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana improving early childhood education is flooding concerns on the East Mesa of Las POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat “the best investment we can make in New Cruces and to move more residents from YEARS IN OFFICE: Six Mexico.” septic tanks to city sewer service. Soules The state also needs to invest more in said he will work with other local legislators, AGE: 63 teacher recruitment and professional devel- the city, the county and schools to fund the BIRTHPLACE: Las Cruces, New Mexico opment, Soules said, along with increasing most critical capital outlay needs. teacher salaries. And New Mexico needs With a windfall from oil and gas in 2019, PROFESSION: Retired educator, Las “to do a much better job with vocational Soules said the legislature can put money Cruces Public Schools, Hatch Valley Public education,” he said, to ensure that students back into reserve funds and “back fill the Schools, Cobre Independent School who don’t go to a four-year college still have holes in all the places we took from” to pay District the skills to succeed. for programs during budget shortfalls. EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s The state will need to invest several hun- Soules said he will again introduce his degrees in psychology; Ph.D. in education dred million dollars on education to reach pub bill, which would allow restaurants and psychology, all from New Mexico the educational sufficiency mandated by the that have beer and wine licenses to sell New State University state court ruling in July in the Yazzie law- Mexico-distilled spirits. OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: suit, said Soules, who has long been raising “We’ve got to fix our liquor laws,” Soules Las Cruces Public Schools Board of the constitutionally mandated educational said. “They’re holding back economic Education, 1992-2000 sufficiency issue in the legislature. growth and development.” Lawmakers will have to work together The current system, he said, places an to make sure education bills introduced in artificial limitation on the number of liquor CONTACT INFORMATION the 2019 session “moved education forward licenses available in the state and is “no ADDRESS: 5054 Silver King Road, after a decade of stagnation,” Soules said. longer fair-market capitalism.” Las Cruces, NM 88011 Educational reforms likely will include His pub bill has bi-partisan support in PHONE: 575-640-0409 student testing, teacher evaluations and the both houses of the state legislature, Soules state’s A-F school grading system, which said, and Lujan Grisham is favorably EMAIL: [email protected] Soules said needs to be revisited and evalu- inclined toward it, he said. If passed and ated for effectiveness. signed, he said, the bill won’t devalue The state also needs to look at what current liquor licenses because it is narrow- education means for the whole child, he ly crafted and requires local government said, giving the system more flexibility to approval for pub licenses in a specifically focus on helping students and teachers do designated area. better instead of punishing those who are The state’s tax laws also need to be re- not doing well. formed, Soules said. New Mexico should be “encouraging Because of tax breaks, he said, “we give and celebrating education and making it a away nearly 40 percent of the state budget career that students want to go into, because before we collect it.”

32 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN MARY SENATORS

SENATORS KAY MARY KAY Democrat tunedPapen into diverse needs of community

“Of course, agriculture continues to be one of the most important focal points in our area. We To Sen. Mary Kay Papen, the best defense is must continue to support our farms and provide Papen a good offense, and she’ll come out throwing them the support they need, such as water,” for the end zone in 2016 by continuing to push Papen said. projects as well as sponsoring a number of She will support funding for the Water The state should diversify funding, preemptive bills in an effort to be proactive on Resources Research Institute as well as capital hot issues in our nation. outlay “to ensure that our citizens have access to focus on education and healthcare She plans to carry her own Assisted Outpatient adequate, safe drinking water…especially in our BY MIKE COOK Treatment Act again this year, which provides smaller communities and colonias.” needed support services for seriously mentally Because Papen believes there are diverse needs ill citizens. Last year the bill passed the House in the Las Cruces/Doña Ana community, she sees here would this state be if we county crisis triage center, which was unanimously, but the Senate was unable to right-to-work legislation as a two-sided coin. didn’t have oil and gas,” New completed in 2013 but never opened. If concur with some technical amendments as the “My position on right-to-work legislation Mexico State Senate President the triage center is repurposed, she said, session ended. depends on the particulars of the legislation W One budget item she’s supporting is increased being considered. I support the right of workers Pro-Tem Mary Kay Papen said in late Octo- “then where are we going to do theMARY triage? KAY funding for behavioral health programs. Never to join a union, but I also respect the desires ber 2018. We need to make sure that we havePAPEN, good one to whitewash an issue, Papen said, “We have of those who don’t want to join to be free from Revenues from the state’s oil and gas in- programs.” a long way to go to overcome the damage done coercion,” she said. dustry are higher than expected, Papen said, Papen said she also wants fundingDISTRICT to go 38 to New Mexico’s behavioral health infrastructure The same is true for economic development and that means more revenue for the 2019 to New Mexico State University for a speech over the past few years. We need to rebuild and efforts. Papen knows New Mexico must continue POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat expand services to our seriously mentally ill.” its efforts to attract employers who can provide legislative session. and hearing clinic to help deal with the rise YEARS IN OFFICE: 16 Papen also theorizes there will be many law well-paying jobs. “We’re doing really, really well,” she said. in autism cases so parents in Las Cruces and DISTRICT enforcement38 and criminal justice bills introduced “I’m in strong support of the need to ensure And, while it is important to work with southern New Mexico don’t have AGE:to take 83 in reaction to some of the high-profile cases seen working families a decent living wage, but we in the news recently. what we have, Papen said, and acknowledge their children to Albuquerque to BIRTHPLACE:be tested El Paso,COUNTIES Texas SERVED: Doña Ana must weigh that against our ability to attract and and be grateful for the revenue that oil and and don’t have to wait up to six months for “We must consider each of these carefully,” she retain employers.” POLITICAL PARTY: Democratsaid, adding she expects a “very high workload Always looking forward, Papen supports gas produce for state programs – “don’t testing. PROFESSION: Retired business owner YEARS IN OFFICE: 19for a 30-day session.” initiatives to develop alternative energy. bite the hand that feeds you,” she said. The The legislature will also be called on to AGE: 86 It’s clear to her the Legislature “must do “We are blessed with wind and solar resources EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree state, she said, ultimately needs a blend of deal with education, Papen said, especially BIRTHPLACE: El Paso,something Texas to address the problem of repeat not so abundant elsewhere. We must take in horticulture and post-graduate offenders, but we must be careful not to create advantage of those resources to continue to funding sources. considering the ruling in the Yazzie lawsuit PROFESSION: Retired business owner Papen said the additional revenue is mandating sufficiency in educationstudies, for NewNew Mexico State University unintended budgetary and other consequences reduce our carbon footprint,” she said. EDUCATION: Bachelor’sfor thein horticulture future.” Papen has represented New Mexico’s District a boon for all New Mexicans that will Mexico students. OTHER POLITICAL and post-graduate studies,The New 83-year-old Mexico senator keeps her finger on 38 since 2001, and served as Senate pro tem since allow the state to address important needs, Papen said she expects the legislatureEXPERIENCE: to None State University the pulse of Las Cruces and strongly supports 2013. She is the first woman to hold this position including highway upgrades and putting increase teacher salaries in the 2019 session, economic development issues as the city in the New Mexico state senate since 1940. more money into state agencies to deal with lengthen the school year for pre-kindergar- CONTACT INFORMATIONcontinues to recover from the recession. On her Papen also served Las Cruces as a volunteer CONTACT INFO agenda is updating the city streets of Las Cruces. board member for La Casa, Inc., St. Luke’s Health issues like behavioral health. ten students and “do the things it’s going to ADDRESS: 904 Conway Ave., ADDRESS: 904 Conway Ave., “I will be supporting infrastructure capital Clinic, First Step prenatal and pediatric clinic Outgoing Gov. Susana Martinez almost take to get us off the bottom.” Las Cruces, NM 88005outlay projects for southern New Mexico, as and the Border Book Festival. destroyed mental health services in the state, Papen also wants to see a biggerLas state Cruces, in- NM 88005 PHONE: 575-524-4462I (Lashave Cruces),in the past. We have many unmet needs Moving into her 16th year in New Mexico said Papen, who has championed the cause vestment in clean energy, she said,PHONE: including 575-524-4462 (Las for roads, water supplies and sanitation projects politics, Papen, an NFL fan, understands how 575-986-4733 (Santa Fe) throughout her nearly 20 years in the state more than just wind and solar programs.Cruces), 505-986-4733 (Santa Fe) in our area. We also must continue to provide crucial it is for the Legislature to work together, senate. Papen also supports increased funding EMAIL: [email protected] funding for our colonias,” she said. not unlike a well-coached football team heading EMAIL: [email protected] She understands how vital New Mexico State for the playoffs. ] “We have to do something to stabilize to support Spaceport America in Sierra University is to Las Cruces, and will continue people with behavioral health problems,” County and economic development in to support funding initiatives at the university, Jessica White-Cason contributed to this report. Papen said. Santa Teresa and the southern part of Doña including an autism program and a competition Papen carried legislation to build the ■ CONTINUED ON PAGE 58 pool.

THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY Visit MARK D’ANTONIO HelpHelp us us make make Dona Doña AnaAna us online... CountyCounty a asafer safer place place toto live,live, work,work, and and raise raise a a family. family. BecomeBecome our our partner partner inin thethe #1 Volume pursuitpursuit of of justice. justice. Free New car franchise www.donaanacountyda.com Archives Phone: 575-524-6370 Source: Urban Science 2018 year-to-date sales data for dealers in Las Cruces PMA. Victim’s Assistance Hotline: 575-647-8553 www.lascrucesbulletin.com

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 34 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICOSOUTHWEST LEGISLATIVE NEW MEXICO GUIDE LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 33 JANUARY 2016 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SENATORS ELIZABETH ‘LIZ’ Stefanics Water, broadband, healthcare are senator’s priorities

BY ELAINE STACHERA SIMON

en. Elizabeth “Liz” Stefanics has much several things because they really try to on her mind for the upcoming legisla- work together across the aisle. She cited her Stive season. successful co-sponsorship of a healthcare When asked about priorities, Stefanics bill with Republican Sen. Gay Kernan. said she will continue to work on fund- “I am happy to work across party lines to ing for small water systems and acequias. get things done,” Stefanics said. Stefanics said that for several years she For the upcoming legislative session, has been talking about the importance of Stafanics said “a couple things are popping… statewide broadband, and now that the state pre-K will be debated. Recreational marijua- DISTRICT 39 has some resources, getting broadband into na might be another topic. Open primaries every school and library would be a great have been brought up, and I think that will start, even if it didn’t touch every rural area. be debated more.” COUNTIES SERVED: Santa Fe, San She said health and human services issues She’d like to see discussion about fund- Miguel, Torrance, Valencia, Bernalillo, also need to be addressed. For example, ing for non-recurring projects, including a Lincoln there are children in her district who need permanent trust fund set up to ensure small POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat cannabidiol (CBD)/ tetrahydrocannabinol towns and rural areas have revenue to fund YEARS IN OFFICE: Three (THC), but cannot use it on school proper- libraries. ty. She also intends to work on the Patient About budget discussions, she said that AGE: 68 Protection Act, because some of her con- every state agency budget that was cut BIRTHPLACE: Dayton, Ohio stituents have received medical treatment should be restored. As an example, she cited they did not agree to. She will support more the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term PROFESSION: Retired funding for senior services, such as fresh Services Department, which has its budget EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree from fruits and vegetables in senior centers. cut by $750,000. Eastern Kentucky University; master’s Regarding economic development, Ste- “Looking at my district, senior services degree in resources management from fanics said she has a bill prepared that, if have closed or don’t have enough money to the University of Wisconsin; doctorate in passed and signed by the governor, would feed seniors year-round,” she said. administration and law from University of drive rural and small-town economic devel- This means cities and counties have either Minnesota opment for communities of 5,000 or fewer cut back on meals or have had to put more OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: by expanding the Local Economic Develop- money into it from their own budgets. Four years in the New Mexico Senate; ment Act (LEDA) to include retail services. At the time of interview, Stefanics was Represented Dist. 39 199301996 in state Stefanics said several of her constituents set to begin travel through her district to senate; eight years on the Santa Fe are concerned about the placement of utility hear specific constituent requests for capital county commission transmission lines, and she is looking at outlay projects. She expects to hear requests legislation that deals with property condem- for safety equipment for public schools, nation. She emphasizes that she believes and notes that parks are always a request. CONTACT INFORMATION strongly in alternative energy (solar, wind, Another critical concern is fire equipment ADDRESS: P.O. Box 720, Cerillos, NM 87010 and others), but respects her constituents in rural areas, especially heavily wooded PHONE: 505-699-4808 who are concerned about this issue. regions such as Lincoln County. In the 2018 legislative session, Stefan- Her advice to the new governor is to start EMAIL: [email protected] ics was disappointed in a law passed that right away with something everyone can consolidated elections, as she believes this work on, like poverty and literacy issues. creates confusion and puts an economic She said these two problems are important burden on entities (such as soil and water to her, because a lack of literacy contributes conservation districts) that cross counties. to poverty. However, on a positive note, Stefanics “Literacy skills — math reading, writing — said last year state senators accomplished are what open doors for people to get jobs.”

34 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN REPRESENTATIVES

Akhil, Abbas Alcon, Allison, Anderson, Armstrong, Armstrong, Gail Baldonado, Bandy, Paul C. (D-Bernalillo-20) Eliseo Lee Anthony Phelps Deborah A. (R-Catron, Socorro, Alonzo (R-San Juan-3) 1727 Soplo Road SE (D-Cibola, (D-San Juan-4) (R-Chaves, Lea, (D-Bernalillo-17) Valencia-49) (R-Valencia-8) 388 County Road 2900 Albuquerque, NM McKinley-6) PO Box 541 Roosevelt-66) 2015 Dietz Place NW P.O. Box 326 P.O. Box 370 Aztec, NM 87410 87123 P.O. Box 2134 Fruitland, NM 87416 PO Box 1000 Albuquerque, Magdalena,NM 87825 Los Lunas, NM 87031 505-334-0865 505-280-0997 Milan, NM 87021 505-787-8494 Roswell, NM 88202 NM 87107 505-269-2364 505-363-6214 [email protected] [email protected] 505-285-6387 [email protected] 575-625-9152 505-795-5164 gail@gailfor alonzo.baldonado@ eliseo.alcon@ phelpsanderson@dfn. deborah.armstrong@ newmexico.com nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov com nmlegis.gov

Bash, Karen Black, Rachel Brown, Cadena, Chandler, Chasey, Gail Chatfield, Cook, (D-Bernalillo-68) (R-Otero-51) Cathrynn N. (D-Bernalillo-18) 6523 Jazmin Pl. NW 1907 Puerto Rico Ave. Micaela Lara Christine Jackey Zachary J. (R-Eddy-55) (D-Doña Ana-33) 508 Morningside (R-Curry, Colfax, (R-Lincoln, Otero-56) Albuquerque, NM Alamogordo, NM (D-Los Alamos, 1814 N. Guadalupe St. PO Box 968 Drive SE Harding, Quay, 1703 Sudderth Drive 87114 88310 Rio Arriba, Sandoval, Carlsbad, NM 88220 Mesilla, NM 88046 Albuquerque, Roosevelt, San Miguel, No. 425 505-238-2117 575-491-1227 Santa Fe-43) 575-706-4420 575-644-5830 Union-67) Ruidoso, NM 88345 karenbashnm@gmail. rachelblackfor51@ 1208 9th St. NM 87108 c.brown.nm55@ micaela@ PO Box 226 575-937-7644 com gmail.com Los Alamos, NM 87544 505-266-5191 lara-cadena4nm.com gmail.com 505-670-7046 505-246-2221 Mosquero, NM 87733 zachary.cook@ 575-447-1613 nmlegis.gov [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Crowder, Dow, Egolf, Brian Ely, Daymon Ezzell, Candy Fajardo, Ferrary, Figueroa, Randal S. Rebecca L. F. Jr. (D-Bernallilo, Spence Kelly K. Joanne Natalie (R-Curry-64) (R-Grant, Hidalgo, (D-Santa Fe-47) Sandoval-23) (R-Chaves-58) (R-Valencia-7) (D-Doña Ana-37) (D-Bernalillo-30) 509 Playa Drive Sierra-38) 123 W. San Francisco, 659 Applewood Rd. P.O. Box 2125 1402 Main St., Box B501 6100 Morning Sun Way 8705 Horacio Pl. NE Clovis, NM 88101 806 Sierra Vista 2nd Floor Corrales, NM 87048 Roswell, NM 88202 Los Lunas, NM 87301 Las Cruces, NM 88012 Albuquerque, NM 575-763-3901 Truth or Consequences, Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-248-0370 575-625-0550 505-573-0471 575-649-1231 87111 randal.crowder NM 87901 505-986-4782 505-610-6529 [email protected] Kelly.fajardo@ 575-382-6425 505-323-9310 nmlegis.gov 575-571-1056 brian.egolf@ daymon.ely@ nmlegis.gov joanne.ferrary@ nataliefornewmexico@ rebecca.dow@ nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov gmail.com nmlegis.gov

Gallegos, Gallegos, Garcia, , P. Garratt, Joy Gonzales, Harper, Herrera, David Doreen (D-Bernalillo, Cibola, Miguel (D-Bernalillo-29) Roberto J. Jason Carl Susan (R-Lea-61) (D-Doña Ana-52) McKinley, San Juan, (D-Bernalillo-14) 10308 Marin Drive NW (D-Taos-42) (R-Sandoval-57) (D-Rio Arriba, Santa P.O. Box 998 4301 Summit Lane Socorro, Valencia-69) 1118 La Font Rd. SW Albuquerque, NM 26 Lavender Lane 4917 Foxmoore Fe, Taos-41) Eunice, NM 88231 Las Cruces, NM 88011 P.O. Box 226 Albuquerque, 87114 Ranchos de Taos, Court NE PO Box 189 575-394-0099 575-649-6325 Grants, NM 87020 NM 87105 505-977-5039 NM 87557 Rio Rancho, NM 87144 Embudo, NM 87531 david.rsi@ doreen.gallegos@ 505-290-7510 505-877-8131 joy4newmexico@ 575-758-2674 505-554-7970 505-699-2271 hotmail.com nmlegis.gov hgarciad69@ miguel.garcia@ gmail.com 575-751-1467 jasonharpernm@ susanherrera41@gmail. gmail.com nmlegis.gov roberto.gonzales@ gmail.com com nmlegis.gov

Hochman, Johnson, D. Lara, Lente, Lewis, Tim D. Louis, Lundstrom, Madrid, Willie Dayan Wonda Raymundo Derrick J. (R-Sandoval-60) Georgene Patricia A. (D-Doña Ana, (D-Bernalillo-15) (D-McKinley, (D-Doña Ana-34) (D-Bernalillo, Rio Arriba, P.O. Box 45793 (D-Bernalillo-26) (D-McKinley, Otero-53) 7224 Copper Grass San Juan-5) PO Box 652 Sandoval-65) Rio Rancho, NM 87174 10104 Round Up San Juan-9) 108 Hendrich Road Ct. NE P.O. Box 982 Chamberino, NM 70 Kuaua St. lewisfornm@ Place SW 3406 Bluehill Ave. Chaparral, NM 88081 Albuquerque, NM Church Rock, NM 87311 88027 Sandia Pueblo, gmail.com Albuquerque, NM Gallup, NM 87301 915-204-9056 87113 dwonda.johnson@ 915-203-4111 NM 87004 87121 505-722-2980 [email protected] 505-948-2320 nmlegis.gov rayfordistrict34@gmail. 505-507-3063 505-250-7932 patricia.lundstrom@ info@anewdayfornm. com derrick.lente@ georgene.louis@ nmlegis.gov com nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 35 REPRESENTATIVES

Maestas, Martinez, Javier Martinez, McQueen, Montoya, Nibert, Greg Powdrell- Pratt, William Antonio “Moe” (D-Bernalillo-11) Rodolpho Matthew Rodney D. (R-Chaves, Lincoln-59) Culbert, Jane E. (D-Bernalillo-27) (D-Bernalillo-16) Albuquerque, NM (D-Bernalillo, Santa Fe, (R-San Juan-1) P.O. Box 4559 (R-Sandoval-44) 6753 Kelly Ann 87104 “Rudy” Roswell, NM 88202 Road NE 5818 Jones Place NW (D-Doña Ana, Grant, Torrance, Valencia-50) 4902 Camaron Ave. P.O. Box 2819 505-289-3939 572-622-6510 Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Sierra-39) 7 Avenida Vista Farmington, NM Corrales, NM 87048 javier.martinez@ 575-317-1050 87109 87120 P.O. Box 164 Grande, Suite B7-120 87402 505-721-9021 nmlegis.gov greg.nibert@ 505-859-0722 505-304-7497 Bayard, NM 88023 Santa Fe, NM 87508 505-360-1510 [email protected] nmlegis.gov prattsalwm@ antonio.maestas@ 575-534-7546 matthew.mcqueen@ roddmontoya@ yahoo.com nmlegis.gov rodolpho.martinez@ nmlegis.com gmail.com nmlegis.gov

Rehm, William Romero, Romero, G. Roybal Rubio, Ruiloba, Salazar, Sanchez, “Bill” R. Andrea Andres Caballero, Angelica Patricio Tomás Joseph (R-Bernalillo-31) (D-Santa Fe-46) (D-Bernalillo-10) Patricia (D-Doña Ana-35) (D-Bernalillo-12) (D-San Miguel, Santa Fe, (D-Colfax, Mora, P.O. Box 14768 1101 Hickox St. 4503 Valley Park Dr. SW (D-Bernalillo-13) P.O. Box 2155 3917 Camino Torrance-70) Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Albuquerque, NM Santa Fe, NM 87505 Albuquerque, NM P.O. Box 72574 Las Cruces, NM 88004 Alameda SW P.O. Box 66 Taos-40) 87191 505-490-6155 87105 Albuquerque, NM 575-616-1090 Albuquerque, NM Las Vegas, NM 88701 PO Box 481 505-259-3398 vote@andrearomero. 505-514-9574 87195 angelica.rubio@ 87105 575-421-2455 Alcalde, NM 87511 [email protected] com andres.romero@ 505-710-5996 nmlegis.gov 505-417-1749 tomas.salazar@ 505-235-8041 nmlegis.gov pat.roybalcaballero@ patricio.ruiloba@ nmlegis.gov josephsanchezfornm@ nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov gmail.com

Sarinana, Schmedes, Scott, Larry Small, Nathan Stansbury, Stapleton, Strickler, Sweetser, Debra Gregg William (R-Lea-62) (D-Doña Ana-36) Melanie Ann Sheryl James R. Candie (D-Bernalillo-21) (R-Bernalillo, Sandoval, P.O. Box 1708 1320 Fourth St. (D-Bernalillo-28) (R-San Juan-2) (D-Grant, Hidalgo, Hobbs, NM 88241 Las Cruces, NM 88005 Williams 825 Claudine St. NE Santa Fe-22) 2900 Vista del Rey NE (D-Bernalillo-19) 2204 N. Santiago Ave. Luna-32) 575-392-5960 575-496-9540 Albuquerque, NM 25 Calle Vallecitos Unit 34C P.O. Box 25385 Farmington, NM 10520 Hermanas larry.scott@ nathan.small@ 87213 Tijeras, NM 87059 Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM 87401 Rd. SW nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov 505-559-2200 505-506-6725 87111 87125 505-327-9240 Deming, NM 88030 505-974-9408 gschmedes@gmail. 505-750-7079 505-265-6089 505-327-4190 575-546-9011 debbie.sarinana@ com melanie@ sheryl.stapleton@ jamesstrickler@ 575-546-2915 nmlegis.gov melaniefornm.com nmlegis.gov msn.com candie.sweetser@ nmlegis.gov

Thomson, Townsend, Trujillo, Trujillo, , Linda Zamora, Elizabeth James Christine (D-Santa Fe-45) (D-Santa Fe-48) Martin Ruben. (D- Bernalillo-24) (R-Chavez, Eddy, (D-Bernalillo-25) 1901 Morris Place 1157 Vuelta de las (R-De Baca, Curry, 1216 Westerfeld Dr. NE Otero-54) 1923 Madeira Dr. NE Santa Fe, NM 87505 Acequias Guadalupe, Roosevelt, Albuquerque, NM 69 W. Compress Rd. Albuquerque, NM 505-438-8890 Santa Fe, NM 87507 776 CR V 87112 Artesia, NM 88201 87110 [email protected] 505-795-4324 Clovis, NM 88101- 505-239-1781 575-703-0153 505-503-8600 linda.trujillo@ 1126 liz.thomson@ [email protected] christine.trujillo@ nmlegis.gov 575-309-2334 nmlegis.gov nmlegis.gov zamora4strep63@ plateau.email.com

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE – Brian F. Egolf, Jr. MAJORITY WHIP – Doreen Gallegos

MAJORITY FLOOR LEADER – Sheryl Williams Stapleton MINORITY WHIP – Rodney D. Montoya MINORITY FLOOR LEADER – Nate Gentry House leaders to be voted in during the session. This list subject to change. To reach your legislator during the session, call 505-986-4300.

36 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN REPRESENTATIVES

REPRESENTATIVE

NUMERICAL LIST RIO ARRIBA SAN JUAN TAOS COLFAX 1 MONTOYA, RODNEY 36 SMALL, NATHAN STRICKLER, JAMES R.J. FERRARY, JOANNE 2 37 LOS ALAMOS 3 BANDY, PAUL 38 DOW, REBECCA MORA ALLISON, ANTHONY MARTINEZ, RODOLPHO “RUDY” 4 39 SANDOVAL 5 JOHNSON, DOREEN WONDA 40 SANCHEZ, JOSEPH MCKINLEY SANTA FE SAN MIGUEL 6 ALCON, ELISEO LEE 41 HERRERA, SUSAN

7 FAJARDO, KELLY 42 GONZALES, ROBERTO “BOBBY” BERNALILLO CIBOLA 8 BALDONADO, ALONZO 43 CHANDLER, CHRISTINE GUADALUPE LUNDSTROM, PATRICIA POWDRELL-CULBERT, JANE 9 44 VALENCIA TORRANCE 10 ROMERO, ANDRES 45 TRUJILLO, JIM MARTINEZ, JAVIER ROMERO, ANDREA DE 11 46 BACA 12 RUILOBA, PATRICIO 47 EGOLF JR., BRIAN 13 ROYBAL-CABALLERO, PATRICIA 48 TRUJILLO, LINDA CATRON 49 SOCORRO 59 14 GARCIA, MIGUEL 49 ARMSTRONG, GAIL “MISSY” LINCOLN 15 HOCHMAN, DAYAN 50 MCQUEEN, MATTHEW CHAVES 16 MAESTAS, ANTONIO “MOE” 51 BLACK, RACHEL 38 56 17 ARMSTRONG, DEBORAH 52 GALLEGOS, DOREEN SIERRA 18 CHASEY, GAIL 53 MADRID, WILLIE GRANT 39 DOÑA 51 STAPLETON, SHERYL WILLIAMS TOWNSEND, JAMES ANA 53 19 54 36 54 20 ABBAS, AKHIL 55 BROWN, CATHRYNN 35 EDDY 37 OTERO 21 SARIÑANA, DEBRA 56 COOK, ZACHARY LUNA 22 SCHMEDES, GREGG WILLIAM 57 HARPER, JASON CARL 32 34 33 23 ELY, DAYMON 58 EZZELL, CANDY SPENCE 52 24 THOMSON, ELIZABETH 59 NIBERT, GREG HIDALGO 25 TRUJILLO, CHRISTINE 60 LEWIS, TIMOTHY DWIGHT 26 LOUIS, GEORGENE 61 GALLEGOS, DAVID 27 PRATT, WILLIAM 62 SCOTT, LARRY 28 STANSBURY, MELANIE ANN 63 ZAMORA, MARTIN RUBEN 29 GARRATT, JOY 64 CROWDER, RANDAL SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO 30 FIGUEROA, NATALIE 65 LENTE, DERRICK 31 REHM, WILLIAM 66 ANDERSON, PHELPS 32 SWEETSER, CANDIE 67 CHATFIELD, JACKEY 33 CADENA, MICAELA LARA 68 BASH, KAREN 34 LARA, RAYMUNDO 69 GARCIA, HARRY House 35 RUBIO, ANGELICA 70 SALAZAR, TOMAS DISTRICT MAP

DISTRICT 32 DISTRICT 35 DISTRICT 38 DISTRICT 51 DISTRICT 54 Candie Sweetser Angelica Rubio Rebecca Dow Rachel Black James Townsend Page 39 Page 42 Page 45 Page 48 Page 51

DISTRICT 33 DISTRICT 36 DISTRICT 39 DISTRICT 52 DISTRICT 56 Micaela Lara Nathan Small Rodolpho “Rudy” Doreen Gallegos Zachary Cook Cadena Page 43 Martinez Page 49 Page 52 Page 40 Page 46

DISTRICT 34 DISTRICT 37 DISTRICT 49 DISTRICT 53 DISTRICT 59 Raymundo Lara Joanne Ferrary Gail Armstrong Willie Madrid Page 41 Page 44 Page 47 Page 50 Page 53

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 37 REPRESENTATIVES CANDIE G. Sweetser Education is likely focus of session

BY MICHAEL SCANLON

eady to begin her second term repre- afraid, there’s been an uptick in crime, senting House District 32, state Rep. there has been an uptick in Central Amer- RCandie Sweetser expects education ican immigrants coming over and turning to be the focus during the 2019 legislative themselves in at the Antelope Wells border session. crossing. They are families. They have chil- Central to the issue is a state judge’s ruling dren with them. in July that found the state is violating the “We’ve got to be confident in the informa- constitutional rights of at-risk students by tion we’re getting in order to make good de- failing to provide them with a sufficient cisions, but there are problems at the border education. The ruling came in the “Yazzie that have to be addressed federally. There’s DISTRICT 32 lawsuit,” so-named after one of the plain- not a lot the state can do,” she said. tiffs who sued the state over lean funding Sweetser said she plans to introduce sev- and insufficient education. The ruling gave eral bills during the session. COUNTIES SERVED: Luna, Hidalgo, the state until April 15, 2019, to establish a “I’m working on an agricultural education Grant funding system that meets constitutional initiative, a family advocacy initiative and POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat requirements. some campaign finance reform bills,” she YEARS IN OFFICE: Three “I believe the Yazzie lawsuit is going to said. “I was asked to cosponsor a piece on dominate the session, trying to determine creating an endowment for rural libraries. AGE: 56 what the court decides is adequacy and There’s a number of things I’m looking at.” BIRTHPLACE: Albuquerque, New Mexico trying to provide equity for all students and But she said she’s not sure how much leg- do the very best we can with the resources islation can be passed by a Legislature that PROFESSION: Managing partner at Luna that we have,” Sweetser said. will deal with pressing education issues. County Broadcasting Company During her first term, Sweetser served The state’s revenue outlook is much EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in radio/ as vice chair of the Agriculture and Water brighter this year after several years of low television broadcasting from Eastern New Resources Committee and on the Appropri- oil and gas prices, making Sweetser and Mexico University, master’s degree in ations and Finance Committee, two assign- other legislators hopeful for capital outlay communication studies from New Mexico ments she hopes to continue in 2019. money to bring home to their districts. State University Her district includes Luna County, most “We have a lot of needs, of course, and OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None of Hidalgo County and part of Grant Coun- without having capital outlay for a period, ty. everything kind built up,” she said. “At this “In my district, it always comes back to point, I haven’t had any specific conversa- CONTACT INFORMATION employment and the economy,” she said. tions with the municipalities or the counties ADDRESS: 10520 Hermanas Road SW, “We have the highest unemployment rate in in my district. I have had school conversa- Deming, NM 88030 the state in Luna County, so we’re constant- tions, and they have other avenues in which ly looking at what we can do to get people to secure some capital outlay, but some of PHONE: 575-546-2915 employed and get business and industry those are also closed to them.” EMAIL: [email protected] moving in. That’s going to be my primary Sweetser, a Democrat, said she’s hopeful focus – as always. for a productive session, noting that there “It’s a difficult thing to get your arms will be a bigger Democratic majority in the around,” Sweetser said. “If it were easy, we’d House, and a new governor who also is a be doing it.” Democrat. The district also includes most of the “I’ve not been through the process of a state’s border with Mexico. whole new administration under a new “I can tell you that the situation on the governor, so I literally don’t know what to border is real,” Sweetser said. “People are expect,” she said.

38 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN REPRESENTATIVES MICAELA LARA Cadena Freshman brings decade of experience

BY NATISHA HALES

lthough state Rep. Micaela Lara Ca- New Mexicans with a terminal diagnosis dena will be a freshman when she the option to receive a prescription for a Aheads to the Roundhouse for the self-administered medication to end their 2019 session, the Mesillera brings at least a lives. Although several states have similar decade of legislative experience. laws in place, New Mexico has been unable Working behind the scenes during the to successfully pass the legislation. Cadena Richardson and Martinez administrations, hopes to change that. Cadena is no stranger to the Roundhouse. “I trust that New Mexicans should make As bureau chief of recidivism reduction for their own decisions about their bodies the New Mexico Corrections Department and life,” Cadena said. “It’s not the place and policy analyst for state Rep. Doreen of a politician. I am coming to this bill as DISTRICT 33 Gallegos, Cadena has successfully advocat- a Hispanic woman and a Catholic from a ed for legislation to protect foster children, tiny historical community. (Previous bills’) COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana support pregnant teens and address mental sponsors were accused of bringing someone health needs of New Mexicans. else’s values into New Mexico. I get to speak POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat “I have always loved that in New Mexico to the other side of that. For myself, it’s YEARS IN OFFICE: First year our legislature is accessible and approach- something I want if I was ever in that place.” able,” Cadena said. “You can literally just Cadena said she also will seek a seat on AGE: 36 show up with a good idea, work hard and the House Tax and Revenue Committee. BIRTHPLACE: El Paso, Texas have conversations to get things done.” “We need a stable revenue base to fund PROFESSION: Research director At first, Cadena said she had no desire to our government over the long term,” she move to the forefront as a politician. How- said. “Our state needs tax reform. I am EDUCATION: High school diploma, ever, the evolving political climate and the working to make sure that I am part of that Las Cruces High School; Bachelor’s in Cadenas’ two daughters – Aymara, 11, and and representing the families of 33 and international policy, Trinity College; Salome, 7 – helped change her mind. Doña Ana County.” master’s in community and regional “My perspective every day is shaped by Other hot political issues that Cadena planning, UNM what it means to have little ones in this said are important to her district include OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Issue- world,” she said. “If I’m not willing to bring building southern New Mexico’s economy, based advocate at New Mexico Capitol, these extensive issues to the table, how do I responsible gun ownership, and education Policy Analyst for state Rep. Doreen expect things to change?” equity and reform. Any other legislation, in- Gallegos Cadena maintained that mantra through- cluding capital outlay requests, is still in the out her campaign to represent District 33 works as Cadena works to build relation- CONTACT INFORMATION – which covers all of her hometown Mesilla, ships with the constituents and governmen- ADDRESS: 2111 Stithes Road the rural community of San Pablo, the tal entities of her unique district. She hopes historic village of Tortugas and part of New to also foster a strong relationship with Las Cruces, NM 88005 Mexico State University. Since this is her newly elected Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. PHONE: 575-644-5830 first term in the state Legislature, Cade- “It’s exciting to work with a brand new EMAIL: [email protected] na said she is going to focus on building governor,” Cadena said. “As I have worked relationships in her community and does around the Roundhouse and in New Mexi- not plan to introduce many bills during the co’s political landscape, I know (Grisham) as 60-day legislative session. someone who gets things done. She is going I take my time to listen and learn so I can be the Though she is still narrowing down key to be a partner who is willing to listen, and legislator our district deserves in the long run,” issues to champion before the Legislature, if you’re willing to work, there’s a way to get she said. “I only know what I know, and I will Cadena has agreed to co-sponsor the End things done.” be a much better legislator if (my constituents) of Life Options Act with House Health Cadena has brought a similar approach- reach out to tell me what they are experiencing in and Human Services Committee Chair able strategy to her own district. their daily lives and I can bring it to the Legisla- Debbie Armstrong. The bill would give “As a freshman, I am going to make sure tu re .”

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 39 REPRESENTATIVES RAYMUNDO Lara New rep wants to help southern Doña Ana County during 2019 session

BY MIKE COOK

aymundo “Ray” Lara has lived in Lara said he will support teacher salary Chamberino for half his life and sees increases during the session, and wants Rimportant ways to help his commu- to see even higher salaries for teachers in nity and southern Doña Ana County as a Doña Ana County and other counties along new member of the New Mexico House of the New Mexico-Texas border to help make Representatives. those districts more competitive, he said. Chamberino still looks the same as it did Lara said he has talked to other legislators in 1994, Lara said. in neighboring counties and is already “There’s nothing for the kids to do.” building a coalition. DISTRICT 34 The longtime educator wants to address Lara said he wants to work with Doña the issue through bringing new businesses Ana County officials to make sure the south- to the area that hire locally and generate ern part of the county has adequate police COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana revenue. and fire protection. The City of Sunland POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat People in his district also want quali- Park has a police department, Lara said, but YEARS IN OFFICE: First year ty-of-life improvements, Lara said, includ- other communities in the area rely on the ing parks and community centers. New county sheriff’s office for law enforcement. AGE: 48 facilities could include splash parks for chil- Lara said he will work with County Man- BIRTHPLACE: El Paso, Texas and grew up dren, he said, and they could have internet ager Fernando Macias and County Com- in Anthony, Texas connections to provide free Wi-Fi to local missioner Ramon Gonzalez to make sure residents. communities in his district — including PROFESSION: Coordinator of Education, Lara said he shares the concern of farm- Chamberino, Mesquite, La Union and La Gadsden Independent School District ers in his district about the federal lawsuit Mesa — have the volunteers, training and EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in now before the U.S. Supreme Court regard- equipment to provide adequate fire service. English, New Mexico State University ing water sharing between New Mexico and Lara said it will be necessary for the coun- OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None Texas under the 1938 Rio Grande Compact. ty to consolidate the 16 fire districts it now If New Mexico loses the suit, he said, it has, and he will support efforts to secure could be ordered to pay Texas in water or federal grants to help pay for added fire CONTACT INFORMATION in cash. The state doesn’t have the resources personnel and more training. Lara said he ADDRESS: P.O. Box 652 Chamberino, to pay back the water, Lara said, and the also wants to see more firefighters visiting NM 88027 financial cost could be $1 billion. elementary schools in District 34 to help Lara said he has discussed the water issue children and their families learn how to PHONE: 575-201-3232 (cell) with New Mexico House Speaker Brian prevent house fires. EMAIL: [email protected] Egolf, D-Santa Fe, and will seek a seat on Lara first ran for the House seat in 2016, the House Agriculture and Water Resources losing in the Democratic primary to incum- Committee. bent Bill Gomez. The Gadsden Independent School District He won his rematch with Gomez last administrator said he also will try to get a June and had no Republican opponent in seat on the House Education Committee November. and the Legislative Finance Committee. “I’m just excited for the opportunity,” Lara “I want to be an advocate for my commu- said about his first legislative session. nity,” Lara said. “That’s why they sent me (to “Come and see me,” he said. “I will open the legislature).” my door to you.”

40 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN REPRESENTATIVES ANGELICA Rubio Building power for the people

BY MIKE COOK

y job is to build power for the The committees also focus on “new and people,” state Rep. Angelica Rubio innovative ways to prosper without dam- Msaid a week after her reelection aging our communities, our wildlife or to New Mexico House District 35, which our public lands,” she said. That includes includes downtown Las Cruces. the impact of building a high-level nuclear People, she said, should feel empowered waste storage facility that is being proposed to use their own personal stories to effect at a site between Hobbs and Carlsbad about change. 250 miles east of Las Cruces. Rubio collected almost 65 percent of the “We have to change our dependency on vote to win her second term in the House. things that won’t serve us in the long term,” The residents of her district mirror the she said. challenges the state as a whole faces, includ- Rubio was part of a Richardson Center DISTRICT 35 ing job creation and economic develop- trip to Cuba in October. As a legislator, she ment, Rubio said. said, it’s a great benefit to her to see what it’s COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana “Infrastructure is a big deal,” she said, like in the rest of the state and other parts of including road and street improvements and the country and the world. POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat vital access to clean water and clean air. “It’s important to be able to learn from YEARS IN OFFICE: Two Rubio said she is also concerned about other countries,” Rubio said, to better un- urban sprawl, which has emphasized derstand our own history and “how indige- AGE: 39 investment in Las Cruces’ outskirts at the nous and native people have been treated.” BIRTHPLACE: Roswell, New Mexico expense of communities within her district, One of her tasks in the legislature, she PROFESSION: Executive director, New including the Mesquite and Alameda Depot said, is to influence leaders in the northern Mexico CAFé historic districts, the Bellamah neighbor- parts of the state to recognize that New hood and other areas. Mexico is a border state. EDUCATION: New Mexico State “A lot of these communities have been Rubio said she is “cautiously optimistic” University; California State University Los neglected,” she said. about the 2019 legislative session, when Angeles An avid cyclist, Rubio said she is a strong legislators must address the court ruling in OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: supporter of Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks the Yazzie lawsuit which found the state was Community and campaign organizer National Monument and the small business- not providing students with the educational es focused on outdoor recreation that have sufficiency mandated by the state consti- grown up in her district and elsewhere. tution. Addressing early childhood educa- CONTACT INFORMATION Rubio said Las Cruces’ Solano Corridor tion will also be an important focus of the ADDRESS: P.O. Box 2155, Las Cruces, also has a lot of investment potential. That session, she said. NM 88004 area’s business owners have a lot of really “How are we being realistic,” Rubio said, PHONE: 575-616-1151 (cell) great ideas, she said. but also “imagining what kind of world we She believes in the importance of her want to live in and we want our kids to live EMAIL: [email protected] service on the House Energy, Environment in?” and Natural Resources Committee and the Rubio said she and Gov.-elect Michelle joint House-Senate interim Radioactive and Lujan Grisham have a shared vision on Hazardous Materials Committee. many issues. The two committees address how we di- “When she says she wants to partner with versify our economy so we’re not so reliant the legislature, I believe it,” Rubio said. Rubio said, to address the way New Mexico is on the oil and gas industry, she said, and The state’s system of government is governed, along with education, economic devel- examine health issues related to the side challenging, Rubio said. Short legislative opment, criminal justice, energy dependency and effects of working in those industries. sessions and unpaid legislators, among the environment. Rubio was born in Roswell and grew up other issues, make it “much more difficult to “We can think ahead and make a plan rather in nearby Lake Arthur and continues to visit pass legislation that is long term,” she said. than just react to whatever comes along in every southeast New Mexico as a legislator. She is Rather, legislators are “usually reacting to 30- or 60-day session,” she said. familiar with the impacts of the oil and gas what is happening in that moment. We need industry on public health. to create a roadmap for the next eight years,”

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 41 REPRESENTATIVES NATHAN Small Rep looks to implement new ethics commission

BY MIKE COOK

knew it was a core part of why I wanted to our communities forward and unleash the run.” potential in the folks we represent,” he said. Creating a commission is going to be During the 2019 session, Small said he especially important this session, Small said, will introduce bills he sponsored in 2018 and will benefit residents of his district, the that passed both houses of the legislature county and the entire state. The commis- but were vetoed by Gov. Susana Martinez, sion, he said, “will stand firm against the including “legislation that will allow for key types of corruption that hurt our state in so roadway safety enhancements, especially many different ways.” in the Hatch Valley and northern Doña DISTRICT 36 Education will be another major legisla- Ana County and throughout the county tive issue, Small said. and state,” he said, along with “value-added “We now see conclusively through the agriculture financing legislation.” COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana (Yazzie) lawsuit, different indicators — Small said he is also looking at bills that POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat teacher retention is struggling, class sizes would modernize the border authority and YEARS IN OFFICE: Two are increasing,” he said. “Just on so many tap the state’s vast solar and wind-energy different measures, the past course is not potential to create export opportunities, AGE: 36 right or sustainable.” grow jobs, make a cleaner environment and BIRTHPLACE: Albuquerque, New Mexico Investing in “our people educating our build innovation. kids,” Small said, is “really the choice we “Education and infrastructure invest- PROFESSION: Conservationist make about what future we have here in the ments — those are the things that are key to EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degrees in state.” unleashing our potential,” Small said. English, philosophy, College of Wooster “As New Mexicans we know it in our Small said legislators should work togeth- OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Eight hearts, our gut and frankly in our head, er to allocate capital outlay funds, he said, years, Las Cruces City Council the better our education system, the better including stormwater and flood control, outcomes for every member of the state are,” transportation infrastructure and expanding he said. internet connectivity. CONTACT INFORMATION “We have an incredibly committed “This year, we dealt with extreme low ADDRESS: P.O. Box 697, Doña Ana, NM workforce,” Small said. “We just have to water levels in Elephant Butte Lake,” Small 88032 give them the tools, the freedom and the re- said, and “we’re dealing with more frequent sources to thrive and to really run with the and challenging drought scenarios and on- PHONE: 575-496-9540 incredible people we have here in the state.” going litigation in the (U.S.) Supreme Court. EMAIL: [email protected] Much of the anticipated budget surplus We have to take multi-faceted approach that in 2019 will be nonrecurring funds, Small deals with those realities,” and continue to said, so structural adjustments are needed support “collaborative, multi-stakeholder to support long-term investment in early approaches to water management issues.” childhood, K-12 and higher education. The state also needs to address climate e got it done against the odds; it had Electing a policy-oriented governor last change and how it affects agriculture. never passed before,” said state Rep. November, Small said presents an incredible “That can include watershed health, WNathan Small, D-Doña Ana County, opportunity for the state, who expects Gov. looking at carbon sequestration and creative about an amendment to the New Mexico Con- Michelle Lujan Grisham to lead a bipartisan ways that bring in and benefit multiple land stitution passed by three-quarters of voters last effort “to keep searching for and working users and stakeholders and common chal- November to create a state ethics commission. with everyone … to find the best ideas and lenges and finding ways that the broadest Small was one of the sponsors of the 2016 the right way to implement those ideas.” possible community can both participate in House joint resolution that called for the consti- “Our job as representatives of our com- and benefit from taking those challenges on tutional amendment. munities during the legislative session, and head on.” Creating the ethics commission was a “huge frankly at all times, is striving for, working part of the campaign in 2016,” Small said. “I for, fighting for solutions, ways to move

42 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN REPRESENTATIVES JOANNE Ferrary Rep looks to a bright future for New Mexico

BY MIKE COOK

e have a great opportunity to she said, along with addressing behavioral make things better and build a health issues. Wbetter future,” state Rep. Joanne Making sure health care is affordable and Ferrary, a Democrat, said after winning accessible will also be important, she said, reelection to a second term representing including improving prenatal care, ensuring district 37 in the New Mexico House of new parents have the resources they need Representatives. Her district includes part of and identifying early developmental issues Las Cruces and is located entirely in Doña in children. Ana County. “There is so much preventive care we can With a new governor who supports their help with early on,” Ferrary said. DISTRICT 37 agenda and a substantial increase in their Ferrary said she will again co-sponsor numbers in the House, Ferrary said Demo- with state Sen. Jeff Steinborn, D-Doña Ana, COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana crats can make major reforms in education a bill to consolidate state pharmaceutical and health care, and deal with other import- purchases to get lower prices. And she will POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat ant issues in the 2019 legislative session. introduce a bill to expand on the legislation YEARS IN OFFICE: Two The House Interim Education Study she introduced in 2018, passed and signed Committee, of which Ferrary is a member, by the governor, that allows cross-certifi- AGE: 65 has been working since last year studying cation of nurses among New Mexico and BIRTHPLACE: Canton, Ohio best practices from around the world for ed- other states. PROFESSION: Retired ucation reform in the New Mexico, she said. The legislature likely will consider the An education reform package likely will decriminalization of marijuana during the EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in individual include increasing teacher salaries and 2019 session, Ferrary said, and that must studies, master’s in business reducing the number of testing days for include provisions that ensure adequate administration, both New Mexico State students, said Ferrary, who sponsored a regulation regarding underage drug use University testing-reduction bill last session that was and driving under the influence of any OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None vetoed by outgoing Gov. Susana Martinez. drug. Ferrary said she will also introduce Reforms will encourage educators to work a memorial encouraging the New Mexico together, Ferrary said, and will reward Secretary of Health to list opioid use disor- CONTACT INFORMATION teachers with pay increases for furthering der as a qualifying condition for the use of ADDRESS: 6100 Morning Sun Way, Las their own educations. medical cannabis. Cruces, NM 88012 Reform will also focus on early childhood Ferrary said she also will reintroduce a PHONE: 575-382-6425 education, she said, including giving young bill to update the state’s outdated abortion children “emotional, social and critical law to protect women’s rights. And she plans EMAIL: [email protected] thinking skills to be better prepared for to reintroduce a pet food label fee bill that learning.” The committee also has looked at will generate funds to support spay and the impact of adverse childhood experienc- neuter clinics statewide. es, including poverty and food insecurity, Ferrary said the state needs a greater in- in New Mexico. on children’s ability to learn, Ferrary said. vestment in infrastructure, including roads, Ferrary is a member of three standing House Increasing the state minimum wage is an broadband and flood-control improve- committees and six interim committees and important way to help families out of pov- ments. She said she will work with city and traveled the state extensively during her first term erty, she said, by allowing families to make county officials and other local leaders to attending committee meetings and meeting with decisions on their own and not have to rely determine spending priorities for capital constituents, she said. on charity. outlay funding in 2019 to improve infra- “Legislators are taking progressive ideas people Providing adequate funding to child structure and address other critical needs. really want for our state and making it happen,” protective services and expanding certifica- Ferrary also wants the state to put 10 per- Ferrary said. tion for childhood services is also critical, cent of its investment funds into businesses

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 43 REPRESENTATIVES REBECCA Dow Rep to work on deferred projects in second term

BY MICHAEL SCANLON

nowing the state revenue outlook be in her capital outlay requests for this continues to improve over recent session. Kyears, District 38 state Rep. Rebecca “I follow the requests of my counties and Dow ticked off a list of long-deferred proj- municipalities on how they want to direct ects she wants to see funded. the capital outlay that I have,” she said. “But “For my district, I’d like to see those I am advocating as heavily as I can to get funds used for one-time expenditures for these type of projects built here.” capital improvements for roads, infrastruc- For example, Sierra County has asked for ture, watershed restoration, fire mitigation, money to improve its hospital, Dow said. DISTRICT 38 improvements to state parks – there are In education, Dow said the state needs to amazing state parks in my district, Elephant take a more holistic approach. Butte, Caballo, Percha, City of Rocks,” Dow “Parents are the No. 1 indicator of student COUNTIES SERVED: Grant, Hidalgo, said. “Any investment in state parks, be- success,” she said. “So how are we going to Sierra cause they’ve been badly neglected.” address education in our state if we do not POLITICAL PARTY: Republican Dow, who lives in Truth or Consequences, address what happens in homes? YEARS IN OFFICE: Three represents parts of Grant, Hidalgo and Sier- “Children have to have their basic needs ra counties. She was reelected in November met. They have to be safe and secure in AGE: 45 to serve a second term. their surroundings before they can be active BIRTHPLACE: Cushing, Oklahoma “I also think this surplus is the ideal learners. So I think the way we improve time to do much, much-needed tax reform education is looking at things that happen PROFESSION: Nonprofit CEO because we could have a reserve buffer to outside the school day and making sure that EDUCATION: Associate’s degree in early back us up in case, we get something wrong,” when these children get to school, they’re childhood education, bachelor’s degree Dow said. “The goal would be to eliminate ready to learn,” said Dow, whose nonprofit in business administration, Oral Roberts loopholes. There are so many things that are organization provides consultation services University exempt from tax that we need to tax every- to for-profit and faith-based early childhood OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: No thing, but at a much lower rate. By taxing providers. elected office, but has served on local, more things, you can tax it at a lower rate “You can understand why a child is state and national boards and people will actually pay less. truant; you can understand why they’re not “For example, out-of-state corporations able to engage and pay attention when they do not pay corporate tax,” she said. “Bring- just witnessed domestic violence, they’re CONTACT INFORMATION ing them in at a lower rate will help bring surrounded by substance abuse, they don’t ADDRESS: 806 Sierra Vista, Truth or lower rates for everyone.” have a decent meal,” Dow said. “There are Consequences, NM 87901 Dow said she hopes the revenue surplus kids in our state that need a lot of help, and will hold steady for at least a couple of years our policies and procedures are counterpro- PHONE: 575-342-1302 to allow the state to catch up on infrastruc- ductive to helping them out.” EMAIL: [email protected] ture needs. With Democrat Michelle Lujan Grish- “We have 911 call center that are ordering am moving into the governor’s office and their parts off eBay because they’re over 10 Democratic majorities in both houses of the years old and haven’t been upgraded,” she Legislature, Dow, a Republican, is hopeful said. “In my district, there are roads with for bipartisan cooperation. bridges that transport ag products and peo- “I hope they will listen to people with ple have to go around because the bridges experience and expertise, in my case that’s can’t support trucks of that weight.” early childhood,” Dow said. “I’m optimistic. Still, she said, those things won’t necessarily At this point, I have no reason not to be.”

44 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN REPRESENTATIVES RUDY Martinez Working together is the key

BY MIKE COOK

he key thing is working together,” create legal rights for grandparent caregiv- state Rep. Rudy Martinez said about ers, many of whom are low-income, he said. Tthe 2019 legislative session. The effort will help them to provide for the Martinez, a Democrat, was reelected to children in their care. the New Mexico House of Representatives Martinez said he anticipates major District 39 seat in November 2018. The dis- changes will be made in education during trict includes 14 precincts in Grant County, the 2019 legislative session, including more 11 in Doña Ana County and one in Sierra pre-kindergarten education funding. The County. legislature, he said, needs to help find a bal- A former Bayard mayor and city coun- ance between schools and private industry cillor and Grant County commission- to help parents find affordable childcare, er, Martinez was appointed to the New which Martinez said is a huge issue for Mexico House in 2007 and has 10 years of working families. DISTRICT 39 experience in the legislature and 27 years The state also needs fair and equitable of elective service at the city, county and salaries for teachers, he said, including a COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana, Grant, legislative levels. He and his wife live just pay increase in 2019. There should also be Sierra outside Silver City. some kind of fair increase for other school Serving in both city and county govern- employees as well,. POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat ment, Martinez said, has helped him make The state should implement a testing YEARS IN OFFICE: Three informed decisions for his constituents in system that is fair to students, especially the legislature. younger ones, Martinez said. AGE: 70 Martinez said he will work with officials “I understand that we do have to do some BIRTHPLACE: Santa Rita, New Mexico in each of the counties he serves and other testing,” he said, “but not at the level that is PROFESSION: Employed by Chino legislators representing those counties to being done now.” Mines for 34 years, New Mexico licensed determine capital outlay projects to fund. The state’s teacher evaluation system also journeyman, member of IBEW Local 611 Those projects will include infrastructure needs an overhaul, Martinez said. needs, especially in rural communities, he “Let the teachers do what they were EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in said, including water and wastewater proj- trained to do,” he said. business, Western New Mexico University ects and street projects that include curbs, Martinez worked for Chino Mines for OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: State gutters and sidewalks. more than 30 years and still holds a jour- representative, District 39, 2007-2014; In the village of Doña Ana, Martinez neyman’s license. mayor and council member, Bayard, New said he hopes to use capital outlay funds to “It’s a good trade,” he said. Mexico; member, chair, Grant County address street lighting to make the commu- He supports vocational programs at mid- Commission nity safer. dle and high schools to give students similar Martinez said he would like to address training in welding, plumbing, carpentry the needs of Western New Mexico Univer- and other trades to benefit those who don’t CONTACT INFORMATION sity. want to go to college but want to remain in ADDRESS: P.O. Box 164, Bayard, He also aims to help small business ex- the state. NM 88023 pand in rural communities throughout his A member of the Interim House Water PHONE: 575-534-7546 district and hopes the legislature will fast and Natural Resources Committee, Mar- track a bill to help toward this goal, which tinez said it’s essential that the legislature EMAIL: [email protected] he sponsored last session. The bill was ulti- recognize how valuable water is and that it mately vetoed by the governor. is available as a resource and protected as an The 2018 session, he said, included good asset. Martinez said he will also continue to legislation that was passed by both houses support funding for water research at New of the legislature, but then vetoed by the Mexico State University. governor. As co-chair of the House Interim Military With the Grandparents Raising Grand- and Veterans Affairs Committee, Martinez children bill signed into law last year, Mar- said he will push for legislation to help tinez said he wants to take the next step and military veterans across the state.

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 45 REPRESENTATIVES GAIL Armstrong Preparing for a busy, collaborative session

BY MICHAEL SCANLON

tate Rep. Gail Armstrong sees a busy other bills, she said. session ahead for the 2019 New Mex- Armstrong said her district’s capital outlay Sico Legislature, but said she’s ready needs include flood control projects and a to get to work and embrace the changes project to build a road overpass over the brought about by November’s election. railroad tracks in Jarales, a small commu- “Economic development and health nity on the south side of Belen. The city of care. Those are always the two big ones,” Belen is working with engineers and the said Armstrong, who was born in Socorro Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District to County, raised in Catron County and now plan communitywide flood control projects. lives in Magdalena. “We’ve had some major She will pursue funding to complete proj- DISTRICT 49 flooding issues in my area also, Belen and ects at the Socorro County Fairgrounds. Socorro and Catron County,” she said. “I Armstrong sees sweeping changes ahead know there are all kinds of things that are for New Mexico’s education system, includ- COUNTIES SERVED: Catron, Socorro, being talked about here at the Roundhouse ing changes to the policy of using standard- Valencia – legalizing marijuana, gun control, buy-in ized testing to evaluate teachers. POLITICAL PARTY: Republican for Medicaid – and they’ll all affect my area. “I think it’s going to be completely re- YEARS IN OFFICE: Three Of course, there will be water issues on the vamped, which I think is a good thing,” she table. But we really need jobs.” said. “Being held accountable is fine, but the AGE: 52 Armstrong said she hadn’t identified any way it was rolled out and done is not a good BIRTHPLACE: Socorro County of the more contentious issues she’s ready to way. fight against, but she’s especially interested “I would love to see teachers just do their PROFESSION: Rancher and in what gun-control measures might be jobs and not having to worry about being businesswoman proposed. the counselor and the absentee whatever,” EDUCATION: High school, some college “I love the Second Amendment, I’m fine she said. “I would love to refocus on how OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: with the Second Amendment,” she said, can we get the kids to school, how can we Magdalena School Board “but there are some issues with these bump keep them there, and how can we make stocks and things that might go a little them faster, smarter and stronger.” above and beyond. But there is no way in Armstrong serves on the Health and CONTACT INFORMATION heck I would vote to give up any gun.” Human Services Committee, Labor and ADDRESS: P.O. Box 326, Magdalena, She has bills of her own she plans to Economic Development Committee and is NM 87825 introduce. co-chair of the Ethics Subcommittee. She “I’m working on quite a few, actually. also serves the water interim committee. PHONE: 505-269-2364 They’ve asked me to carry the dental therapy A Republican, she looks forward to work- EMAIL: [email protected] bill,” she said, referring to a proposed new ing with Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan level of licensing. “It’s not quite a dentist, Grisham and the Democratic majorities in and it’s not quite a hygienist, but it’s kind of both houses. in-between. It’s really for rural New Mexico, “I hate politics, but as long as I’m in it, I where they can’t get a dentist out there. So, am going to reach across the aisle and try to people could go out in these areas under bring everybody in and try to stop the cra- dentists’ supervision, and they also have a ziness,” Armstrong said. “We’re here to help higher level of training.” the state of New Mexico and the people in it. She’s working on a memorial to pay So, let’s stop our bickering and get to work.” tribute to women veterans and three or four

46 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN REPRESENTATIVES RACHEL Black First session is time to listen and learn

BY MICHAEL SCANLON

reshly elected to her first term in the election. “They’re saying there’s an excess in state House of Representatives, Ra- funds, so everybody is going to want a piece Fchel Black is taking her time to listen of that back.” and learn about the world of New Mexico She said she also would be likely to push state politics. for some capital outlay money for her “I’m kind of going into it with an open district, which covers part of the city of mind, and I plan on learning a lot,” Black Alamogordo and rural areas west of the city. said. “I’ve already been approached by a “I went to a capital outlay thing a couple couple of different people looking at bills of weeks ago, and I don’t have that informa- they want passed and I’m doing the research tion in front of me, but I know there were on those right now.” a couple of things that were talked about DISTRICT 51 Black, a Republican from Alamogordo, I wanted to look into. The hearing was for won the seat previously held by former everybody in the county. It was a lot of COUNTIES SERVED: Otero state Rep. , who made an information. I’ve got to bring it back down unsuccessful run for New Mexico’s second to just Alamogordo,” she said. POLITICAL PARTY: Republican Congressional district. Black won the seat Despite differences on policy and prior- YEARS IN OFFICE: First year over Democrat Jeff Swanson by a wide mar- ities, Black said she was confident she’d be gin. She was unopposed in the Republican able to work with the Democratic majorities AGE: 46 primary. in the House and Democratic Gov. Michelle BIRTHPLACE: Langley Air Force Base, “One bill that seems real important to our Lujan Grisham. Virginia law enforcement is return to work,” Black “I just briefly met some of the other PROFESSION: Chief Deputy Otero said. “Once you retire — once you put in representatives, but we all want the same County Treasurer your 25 years — you can’t come back and things. We want better education. So I think work for any city or county entity without everyone’s going to be able to sit down, get EDUCATION: High school, some college forfeiting your retirement pension. If they their opinions heard and see if we can get OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: 11 retire at 40 or 50 years old, they could still things done,” she said. years, Otero County Treasurer’s office work for another 20 years. That’s experience Black reportedly touted her nonpolitical we’re not getting the benefit from.” background before she started working at She wasn’t sure what else would come up, the county treasurer’s office when she spoke CONTACT INFORMATION other than education. at a political forum before the primary ADDRESS: 1907 Puerto Rico, “Just for teachers just to be able to teach election last spring. Alamogordo, 88310 and not be social workers and everything “When I first started working there, I PHONE: 575-491-1227 else — that would be great. And for them to really wasn’t a political person. Having been get paid for what they do.” there over the years I’ve seen the process of EMAIL: [email protected] She said she still was studying specific how people are affected by the laws that are issues, such as using standardized testing to written in Santa Fe,” Black said, according to evaluate teachers’ classroom performance. the Alamogordo Daily News. “I don’t understand the process of it yet,” “Some of the laws that are in the books Black said. “I’ve got to really get into that don’t take any consideration on how it af- and why we’re basing their salaries on their fects us at the lower level. That was a catalyst test scores. I’m just looking at the big pic- in the decision for me to run for office, is to ture of what I’ve heard. be a voice for the regular, everyday person.” “That’s really all I’ve heard so far,” Black said when interviewed shortly after the

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 47 REPRESENTATIVES DOREEN Gallegos Democratic whip represents Doña Ana County

BY MIKE COOK

tate Rep. Doreen Gallegos is the only Finance Committee, Gallegos said the legislator from southern New Mexico legislature must restore funding to public Swho is part of the New Mexico House agencies that lost it when the state was of Representatives leadership team. battling budget shortfalls. Five days after winning reelection with “Having to sweep funding was very trou- almost two-thirds of the vote to the District blesome,” Gallegos said, because it left those 52 House seat she has held since 2013, Gal- most in need without services. legos was reelected by the House Democrat- “I don’t think it’s the time to look at a lot of ic caucus as majority whip. new programs,” she said. “My whip job became much bigger with so Instead, legislators should focus on “what DISTRICT 52 many Democrats winning House seats on we’ve taken so we can at least get back to Election Day,” Gallegos said in a news release. where we were and then look at where we The Democrats increased their number need to go,” Gallegos said. COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana in the House from 38 to 46 members on Education must be a top issue in the POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat election day. 2019 session, she said. Schools are suffering YEARS IN OFFICE: Six The majority whip assists the House because of budget cuts and the legislature speaker and floor leader “in setting the must correct some of the damage done AGE: 50 legislative goals and agenda for the House during Gov. Susana Martinez’ administra- BIRTHPLACE: El Paso, Texas Democrats,” according to a news re- tion. lease. “The whip also works to manage the Incoming Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham PROFESSION: Executive director, Mesilla daily floor sessions” during legislative session. has “such a difference in philosophy,” Gal- Valley Court Appointed Special Advocates Having a legislator from Las Cruces in legos said. “Now we can look at big-picture (CASA) the House leadership is important, Gallegos items.” EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and master’s said, because it helps bring focus and fund- District 52, which includes Las Cruces’ degrees in social work, New Mexico State ing to southern New Mexico. When Repub- Talavera and Las Alturas neighborhoods, University licans controlled the House in 2015-16, she Vado, Berino and Anthony, has substantial OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: said, they wanted to stop giving money to infrastructure needs, she said, including Democratic State Central Committee and the colonias. safe drinking water, especially for colonias finance work. Current House majority whip. “‘No, we will not,’” Gallegos said she told residents. them. “That was so important.” Fire service is also a big issue, Gallegos Gallegos said she and House Speaker said. Poor ratings for rural fire districts have CONTACT INFORMATION , D-Santa Fe, “really bonded driven up fire insurance costs, she said. ADDRESS: 5305 Superstition Drive, Las when we were in the minority. We won back “If people can’t afford to carry insurance Cruces, NM 88011 the House and we really started working at and there’s a fire, then it affects people very putting a leadership team together.” directly. We’ve got to make sure people are PHONE: 575-649-6325 Along with House Majority Leader Rep. safe,” she said. EMAIL: [email protected] Sheryl Williams Stapleton, D-Bernalillo, While fire safety is primarily a county and House Majority Caucus Chair Rep. D. issue, Gallegos said, the legislature can help Wonda Johnson, D-McKinley-San Juan, pay for more equipment and facilities to the House Democratic leadership includes take the burden off the counties, she said, women of color, Gallegos said, and is “very allowing it to pay for additional firefighting inclusive of our culture of New Mexico.” personnel. Because funding the state receives from Democrats had a 90-minute meeting with oil and gas revenues is “always boom or Lujan Grisham after their November caucus, bust,” she said, one of the major tasks before Gallegos said, calling it “a real frank discus- the legislature is rebuilding state revenues sion” and “a breath of fresh air.” “in case 10 years down the road we’re no “If people are talking and communicating, longer booming.” can you imagine the work that’s going to be A member of the powerful Legislative done?” she said.

48 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN REPRESENTATIVES WILLIE Madrid Chaparral native ready to lead District 53

BY MIKE COOK

illie Madrid made it a clean “We’re 50th in the nation. We’re just working sweep for Democrats. very inadequately. We’re in desperate need W The Chaparral, New Mexico of teachers throughout the entire state. We resident defeated incumbent Republican need to get back to focusing on our kids.” Ricky Little in their 2018 rematch to claim Madrid said he is also looking at ad- the District 53 seat in the New Mexico dressing healthcare and Medicaid as well as House of Representatives and give Dem- “some type of gun reform.” ocrats control of all eight House seats that Madrid said he has talked to Gov. Mi- represent Doña Ana County. chelle Lujan Grisham on several occasions His district includes Chaparral, the East and sees her as “a breath of fresh air for the Mesa communities of Butterfield, Moongate state. She’s been very transparent,” he said. and Organ, the Dog Canyon community “She’s holding herself accountable. You have DISTRICT 53 south of Alamogordo and Holloman Air to empower people; you have to let them Force Base and White Sands Missile Range. take ownership.” COUNTIES SERVED: Doña Ana, Otero Basic services for his constituents will be “We’re there to work and get things done,” a major focus for Madrid during his first Madrid said about the upcoming legislative POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat legislative session. Many in the Doña Ana session. “We’re going to do a lot of good YEARS IN OFFICE: First County portion of his district need to get things for our constituents. We’re about connections to waste treatment facilities, taking care of the people and that’s what it AGE: 54 he said, while many constituents in Otero really has to get back to.” BIRTHPLACE: El Paso, Texas County are seeking natural gas connections. Madrid has been an instructional assis- PROFESSION: Instructional assistant, “Getting people connected is a real big tant for the Gadsden Independent School Gadsden Independent School District, issue,” Madrid said. “It’s a common issue.” District for 13 years, teaching alternative teaching alternative skills classes There are also infrastructure needs on skills classes, according to his biography. He the East Mesa, he said, including roads teaches at the same school he once attend- EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in business and flooding issues that he intends to work ed. Prior to his work with GISD, Madrid management, University of Phoenix; with other legislators and use capital outlay worked in business management, including studied family and consumer science at funds to address. seven years in retail business, he said. New Mexico State University As an educator, Madrid said he is hoping “I’ve always been kind of blessed,” he said. OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None to be appointed to the House Education “Now that I’m an educator I see both ends Committee. of it.” “We really are champing at the bit,” he said. Madrid has coached and managed foot- CONTACT INFORMATION “We really want to help education tremen- ball teams for 27 years, the biography said, ADDRESS: 108 Hendrich Road, dously in a lot of different ways.” including the Chaparral Middle School Chaparral, NM 88081 Less than a month after his election victo- Knights and Chaparral High School Lobos. PHONE: 915-204-9156 ry, Madrid said he is still absorbing a lot of His teams have won seven championships. issues and talking to constituents — espe- Madrid was raised in Chaparral and has EMAIL: [email protected]; cially teachers — as he considers what bills lived here 47 years, according to his biogra- [email protected] he will introduce in the 2019 session. phy. He “grew up in a close-knit, bilingual Addressing education and teacher raises family,” the biography said, and “learned will be essential, he said. early on that he had a duty to help others.” “We’ve done nothing but take away,” he Madrid is the father of four grown children. said. “Something has to give.” “I’m honored, I’m humbled to be Dis- A teacher’s salary might have gone up one trict 53’s new representative, a new voice,” percent or so in previous years, but his or Madrid said. “I’m excited that I’m being her insurance costs went up three to four engaged all around because we need to percent at the same time. work together.” “We’ve got make things right,” Madrid said.

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 49 REPRESENTATIVES JAMES Townsend Infrastructure upgrades, right-to-work legislation occupy attention

BY MARTY RACINE

or James Townsend, the biggest the hands of local school boards. Beyond immediate needs in his rural south- education, he feels agency regulations out of Feastern New Mexico district revolve Santa Fe are often burdensome and costly to around infrastructure. job creation and building projects. “Roads and bridges are a significant need “I think it’s gotten worse over the last few in this district,” said the three-time-elected administrations,” he said, including the representative, who was unopposed in both Republican administration of Gov. Susana the primary and general election in 2018. Martinez. “We have made some poor choic- Yet, as Minority Leader and a member es. … Those burdens have weighed heavily DISTRICT 54 of the House Appropriations & Finance on our infrastructure.” Committee and a designee of the Legislative Townsend, like most Republicans, also Finance Committee, Townsend tempers favors right-to-work laws that prohibit COUNTIES SERVED: Chaves, Eddy, any spending initiatives with calls for fiscal mandatory union membership, and blames Otero restraint. New Mexico’s failure to become a right-to- POLITICAL PARTY: Republican “My top priority will be to advance the work state as a contributor to the state’s low YEARS IN OFFICE: Four issues of our caucus and to support fiscal job creation rate. responsibility and to build a platform for “I think failure to address right-to-work is AGE: 64 businesses and individuals to flourish in our … a problem,” he said. BIRTHPLACE: Carlsbad, New Mexico state,” he said. A move by the group Americans for Pros- That said, increased revenue from oil and perity has targeted specific counties in non- PROFESSION: Retired senior vice gas leases, much of it due to a surge of ac- right-to-work states such as New Mexico, he president of Holly Corporation tivity in his district, will benefit state coffers. said. The ordinances essentially say employ- EDUCATION: New Mexico State The question, Townsend said, is how best ees covered by the National Labor Relations University to direct those funds in the most beneficial, Act can’t be forced to join a union or pay OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: efficient manner. dues within unincorporated areas of the Lobbyist in Santa Fe and Washington, “I think education will be a top priority. counties. They don’t affect current contracts D.C. for 15 years. Education, public safety and job bills should but apply to renegotiations and extensions. dominate the (session’s) time. With the sur- At last count, eight counties in the state, plus that we have, supplied primarily with including all three in Townsend’s district, CONTACT INFORMATION oil and gas activities, I expect many bills have passed right-to-work ordinances. ADDRESS: 69 W. Compress Road, and many new initiatives.” A similar county-by-county strategy in Artesia, NM 88210 As a Republican, Townsend realizes he Kentucky eventually led the Republican will be working with a Democrat gover- governor there to sign statewide legislation PHONE: 575-703-0153 nor for his first time in office. But with the that made the Bluegrass State the nation’s EMAIL: [email protected] election of Michelle Lujan Grisham, he 28th to adopt right-to-work. voices optimism that both parties will come That might be more contentious in New together for the good of the state. Mexico, as Lujan Grisham, in a campaign “The new governor sets the stage for many debate with her Republican opponent, Steve initiatives,” he said. “She will set the tone Pearce, made clear her opposition to right- for the legislature and can be the catalyst for to-work. It remains to be seen whether the development of meeting the needs of our 2019 New Mexico Legislature attempts to state.” contest the legality of county ordinances, or Still, there is the inevitable partisan divide whether a Democrat administration will on issues such as the role of government in encourage lawsuits targeting those eight, public education, where he favors diverting mostly rural, counties. more control from state bureaucracies into

50 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN REPRESENTATIVES ZACHARY Cook Tax reform is high priority

BY MARTY RACINE

t the tender age of 45, Zachary As such, his priorities for the legislative Cook has already been elected to session are “focusing on capital outlay re- Athe New Mexico House of Repre- form, the newly established ethics commis- sentatives six times. In 2018, he was sent sion and comprehensive tax reform.” back to Santa Fe without opposition in both Among his capital outlay requests for his the primary and general elections. district are water and forestry projects. Ru- Cook, an attorney by trade, has served on idoso has been incrementally updating its the House Judiciary Committee; the House water lines over the past several years, and Local Government, Elections, Land Grands the Lincoln County seat of Carrizozo and & Cultural Affairs Committee; and the the crossroads community of Hondo have House Rules & Order of Business Commit- each faced critical water system problems. tee. He has been an intern on the Legislative Prior to the 2018 election that ushered in DISTRICT 56 Council; the Courts, Corrections & Justice Democrat governor Michelle Lujan Grish- Committee; the Criminal Justice Reform am, Cook said it is unclear how a new gov- COUNTIES SERVED: Lincoln, Otero subcommittee; and the Indian Affairs ernor succeeding Susana Martinez would Committee. impact the 2019 session. POLITICAL PARTY: Republican In 2018 he sponsored legislation calling “It’s too early to tell,” he said at the time, YEARS IN OFFICE: Ten for an auditor review of publicly financed “but I remain optimistic about New Mexico’s campaigns and co-sponsored several cere- f utu re .” AGE: 46 monial bills. Regarding public education, about which BIRTHPLACE: Denver, Colorado This session, he said, his biggest concerns there seems to be bipartisan consensus over PROFESSION: Attorney pertain to “economic growth, education and the need for improvements, Cook said, “We infrastructure. I will continue to work with need more accountability from parents EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts degree my colleagues towards comprehensive tax and students when it comes to education. I in English and Spanish, University of reform to make New Mexico more enticing am an advocate of shifting administrative New Mexico; Master’s of Business to new and expanding businesses; eliminat- dollars to the classroom and increasing the Administration, Thunderbird School of ing numerous exemptions and lowering the budget for teachers. However, additional Global Management; Juris doctorate, GRT (to) level the playing field for busi- dollars will not work without accountability.” University of New Mexico ness and reduce the tax burden on all New And, like several his Republican col- OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None Mexicans.” leagues, Cook strikes a cautionary note Cook has long been a proponent of sim- about the state’s sudden windfall from oil plifying the state’s tax code and “making it and gas revenues. CONTACT INFORMATION fair for everyone.” “Most of our revenue increases are from ADDRESS: 1703 Sudderth #425, Public education will be a major topic oil and gas, an incredibly volatile source,” Ruidoso, NM 88345 in 2019, and Cook said, “I think we should he said. “I am hopeful that when it comes PHONE: Ruidoso office, 575-258-2202 focus on the early childhood programs that to the budget, the legislature and governor have shown results.” show fiscal restraint. The last thing we want EMAIL: [email protected] But like many Republicans in Santa to do is significantly grow state government Fe, Cook opposes dipping into the state’s only to have our revenue source drop or permanent fund to bankroll new legislative level off.” initiatives regarding education and other Also, as with many Republicans, Cook is a concerns. staunch advocate for right-to-work legis- “We have enough new money (from oil lation that would outlaw mandatory union and gas) to avoid using the permanent fund membership for employees. That said, his and to gradually expand (education) and optimism for achieving same was higher other programs in the areas of the state that two years ago under a Republican adminis- continue to lag,” he said. tration.

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 51 REPRESENTATIVES GREGORY Nibert Don’t get carried away with temporary revenue

BY MARTY RACINE

fter his first term in office Greg- water,” Nibert said at the beginning of his ory Nibert successfully ran for previous term two years ago. “We must Areelection in 2018 when he was allocate resources to secure adequate clean unopposed in the Republican primary and potable water resources for the citizens of won the general election over Libertarian Carrizozo.” candidate Carl Swinney. Hondo, to the east, he said, at the time, During his first term, Nibert was a mem- needed its entire water system replaced, ber of the House Energy, Environment & from the storage tank to the lines. Natural Resources Committee; the House Other 2019 capital outlays, Nibert said, DISTRICT 59 Judiciary Committee; the House Printing will target “roads and highways, historical & Supplies Committee; and the House En- district preservation, construction equip- rolling & Engrossing Committee. He was an ment and communication equipment.” COUNTIES SERVED: Chaves, Lincoln interim member of the advisory committee The major historical district in his POLITICAL PARTY: Republican on Water & Natural Resources. legislative district includes the unincorpo- YEARS IN OFFICE: Two As he looks at a budget surplus resulting rated town of Lincoln, once the stomping from a rebound in the oil and gas industry, grounds of Billy the Kid and site of the AGE: 60 he strikes a cautionary tale. infamous Lincoln County War. BIRTHPLACE: Roswell, New Mexico “We need to make sure we do not create Asked, prior to the 2108 gubernatori- new programs that require recurring reve- al election between candidates Michelle PROFESSION: Attorney, specializing in nue streams simply based on the great deal Lujan Grisham and Steve Pearce, how a oil and gas of money the state has collected in the past new governor might impact this year’s EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, year, as that money is not certain to be there session, Nibert said, “(It) sounds like both University of New Mexico; juris doctorate every year,” he said. candidates have a robust agenda focused on cum laude, Pepperdine (California) “We need to attend to infrastructure needs crime, education and roads,” he said. University that have been postponed and delayed Regarding public education, Nibert said OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: during the economic downturn,” he said. the scales have tipped over the years from Chaves County Commission, eight “We should return most if not all of the teaching the basics to socio-political issues. years; former chair of the Chaves County money the state took from schools and oth- “We need to reinstitute discipline in the Republican Party er government entities during the financial classroom and allow teachers to teach and crisis.” not have to deal with the social issues, red As for legislation or concerns he plans to tape and non-educational roles we have CONTACT INFORMATION address during the session, Nibert mentions thrust upon them,” he said. “I agree we ADDRESS: P.O. Box 4559, Roswell, NM creation of Airport Authority Districts, U.S. should have an alternative track to college 88202-4559 Highway 380 safety concerns and “other preparatory curriculum that is focused on touchup legislation dealing with real prop- the trades and vocational training for the PHONE: Office, 572-622-6510; erty and possibly some crime legislation actual jobs available in the school’s commu- home, 575-317-1050 requested by the district attorneys.” n it y.” EMAIL: [email protected] U.S. Highway 380, which stretches from As to why he sought reelection, Nibert Greenville, Texas, to San Antonio, New said it’s an “honor to continue to represent Mexico, is a main connector between south- Chaves and Lincoln counties and be a to Interstate 25. It is voice for rural New Mexico in the House of largely undivided. Representatives. It is my desire to serve with Regarding capital outlay requests for his dignity and honor, working with all legis- district, Nibert again stresses the need for lators to make New Mexico a better place water projects “from wells to water lines.” to live, work and raise our children and “Carrizozo (the Lincoln County seat) has to provide our children with an opportunity a real ongoing issue with clean drinking to compete on a global scale.”

52 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN CATRON COUNTYCOUNTIES

LEGISLATIVE Catron County PRIORITIES Catron County legislative priorities for 2019 Focus on recreation promotion, are the same as the official priorities named by the New Mexico Association of Counties. infrastructure will help county rebuild • HB 2 Appropriations: Support Detention BY TRACY ROY AND ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH Reimbursement Fund; Prisoner Transport and Extradition; and emergency medical atron County, New Mexico’s largest other issues in the county as well. The services funding. • Tax Reform: Support tax-reform efforts that county at nearly 7,000 square miles, average age of a Catron County resident improve economic efficiency, development, is larger than four states. But its is 62, Green said. Medical and emergency C ease of administration and overall fairness population hovers around only 3,500, services are essential and road improve- of the state and local tax system. according to the latest U.S. Census. In fact, ments are all important for those services • Forfeiture Act: Support for addressing the county has 900-plus miles of dirt roads to reach community members. unintended consequences of the 2015 and an elk population of about 12,000. “A communication system is important amendments to the New Mexico Forfeiture Act. You’re more likely to spot an elk than a in a county this big,” Green said. “We are • Fire Protection Fund: Support removal of person, and the county is known for its spread out with our population making us the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Fire hunting, hiking, stargazing and wildland the second or third oldest county in the Protection Fund from the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. exploration opportunities. United States. We have become a place for • Behavioral Health: Support requirement It’s no surprise, then, that Catron County people to retire to, and that has put a real of the New Mexico Human Services relies on tourism as a main source of stress on our EMS structure.” Department to ensure the provision of income. Last year’s upgrades at the county’s During the 1980s, Catron County had a comprehensive services to nonviolent adult airport, a new fuel system and a weather real logging business, he said. Reserve was and juvenile offenders who have a serious observation station, were intended to better three times bigger than it is now. With a mental illness, including co-occurring serve visitors and emergency responders. lot of local jobs tied to logging, when the substance use disorders. The U.S. armed services use the airport spotted owls became a concern, the busi- during annual training exercises, including ness went bust. Since then, logging permits National Guard. have opened,and contracts are possible Bordering Arizona, parts of the Gila again, but it is a long process to rebuild that National Forest, the Apache National business. QUICK FACTS Forest and Cibola National Forest lie in “The only new thing is hunting and the PEOPLE Catron County. The county seat is Reserve, guide services that we have here offer jobs Population: 3,587 (2017 estimate) which was given its name for its role in to people,” Green said. “The cattle business Households: 1,425 (2012-2016) establishing what used to be called “forest is down, and we have a pretty tough cattle Median household income: reserves.” It is also home to the Gila Cliff market to deal with. We have wolves and $38,142 (2016) Dwellings National Monument, as well as that is pretty devastating to cattle at the Persons below poverty level: several mountains, bodies of water and southern end of the county.” 21.2 percent (2016) campgrounds. The Continental Divide Hunting hasn’t stepped in and replaced follows the mountaintops of the county and logging, but it has helped. Green said tour- BUSINESS the trail provides plenty of trout fishing and ism and hunting are not businesses to build Total employer establishments: 59 (2016) big-game hunting. a stable economy around. Total employment: 418 (2016) Catron County’s new manager, Bill Non-employer establishments: 356 (2016) Green, was raised on a ranch, taught in GEOGRAPHY Quemado Independent Schools and served as school superintendent, based in Reserve, Land area (square miles): 6,923.69 for six years. Taking over at the county in Persons per square mile: 0.5 (2010) June 2018, Green said his goal is to improve the county. “I want to see if we can get the county back on its feet,” he said. “I want to find EDUCATION ways to get more recreation activities, make PUBLIC SCHOOLS it more of a vacation spot. I don’t want it to be a secret. We need to get businesses in QUEMADO INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS P.O. Box 128, Quemado, NM 87829-0128 the county to get on our feet.” 575-773-4700 Green said the county is asking the 575-773-4645 legislature for help to purchase a portable quemadoschools.org crusher operation. “With 1,000 miles of dirt road, there is RESERVE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS a lot of improvement we could do,” Green 24 Mountaineer Road, Reserve, NM 87830 said. 575-533-6242 The roads issue is connected to most reserve.schoolblocks.com

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 53 COUNTIESCATRON COUNTY CATRON COUNTY COMMUNITIES ELECTED APACHE CREEK LUNA Census-designated place Census-designated place OFFICIALS Population: 67 Population: 158 BILL GREEN Seven miles south of Aragon is the village of Luna is a sleepy historical village near the Arizo- County Manager Apache Creek where the creek of the same na border that was settled in the 19th century P.O. Box 507 name joins the Tularosa River. This is also the by a sheep rancher and powerful political force Reserve, New Mexico 87830 junction of State Highway 12 and State High- in New Mexico named Solomon Luna. The area [email protected] way 32. was later settled by Mormon ranchers from 575-533-6423 Utah. However, the Hough Ruin (pronounced 575-533-6433 Fax ARAGON HUFF) is just a reminder these early settlers Census-designated place were but newcomers, as the Hough Ruin dates 575-519-2064 Cell Population: 94 back 700 years. Aragon is an old Spanish settlement with about LINDA COOKE 20 ranch and farm homes scattered along State PIE TOWN County Manager Assistant Highway 12 that continues along the Tularosa Census-designated place [email protected] Valley. Population: 186 In the 1900s, a day’s ride by horseback west of CRUZVILLE Datil along what is now U.S. 60 led to a small CATRON COUNTY Census-designated place unincorporated community on the Continental COMMISSION Population: 72 Divide (elevation 7,979 feet) originally known P.O. Box 507, Visitors may notice a curious thing about the as Norman’s Place. Clyde Norman owned the Reserve, NM 87830 fence posts near Cruzville, located in the town’s only gas station and café, and when he 575-533-6423 Apache National Forest. Some posts have began selling pies in the 1920s the community a piece of wood about an inch thick and six became known as Pie Town. An annual Pie Fes- ANITA A. HAND inches square nailed flat on top of the posts. tival is held the second Saturday of September. These were used to support luminarias during County Commissioner District # 1 Christmas or other special celebrations. QUEMADO [email protected] Census-designated place P.O. Box 546 DATIL Population: 228 Datil, NM 87821 Census-designated place Quemado is the Spanish work for “burned.” 575-519-2502 Cell Population: 54 In 1880 a settler by the name of Jose Antonio This picturesque little town was named for the Padilla noticed the brush had been burned by yucca seedpods resembling dates (“datil” is the local Indians and named the settlement CLIFF SNYDER the Spanish word for “date”), and was estab- Rito Quemado. County Commissioner District #2 lished in 1884. Today, life centers on the Eagle Commission Chairman Guest Ranch, a café, motel, general store, gas RESERVE [email protected] station and RV park that acts as the general Census-designated place PO Box 786 meeting place for the community and sur- Population: 289 Reserve, NM 87830 rounding area. The first settlements around Reserve, which 575-533-6633 sets along the San Francisco River, were GLENWOOD called Upper Frisco Plaza, Middle Frisco Plaza Census-designated place and Lower Frisco Plaza. Sometime during VAN J. “BUCKY” ALLRED Population: 143 the 1870s, Milligan’s Plaza was established County Commissioner District #3 Glenwood is a quaint little village located in just north of Upper Frisco Plaza. Then, when [email protected] southern Catron County on U.S. Highway 180. forest lands were set aside as National Forest P. O. Box 166 Glenwood has motels, restaurants and other Reserves, the name of Milligan’s Plaza was Glenwood, NM 88039 services and is the jumping-off place for sever- changed to Reserve. Today, Reserve is the 575-539-2324 Home al Catron County features. Catron County seat. 575-519-0404 Cell

Wolves in Catron County BY ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH

atron County Manager Bill Green be- The wolves take mostly calf crop, Green said. of Mexican gray wolves. The memorandum lieves wolves are damaging the county’s The numbers are where the disagreement increases cooperation to achieve the downlist- Ccattle business. begins with the New Mexico Department of ing and eventual delisting the Mexican Wolf “The cattle business is down, and we have a Game and Fish saying the animals don’t kill so in accordance with the revised 2017 Mexican pretty tough cattle market to deal with,” he said. many and county residents believing there are Wolf Recovery Plan. “And we have wolves which are pretty devastat- many more than the government claims. The new recovery plan requires wolf pop- ing to cattle at the southern end of the county. “We have people saying wolves aren’t run- ulation levels reach an average of at least 320 We are fighting an uphill battle.” ning in pairs anymore, they are running in in the U.S. and 200 in Mexico for eight con- Green said there were more than 97 con- packs now,” Green said. “Whenever you have secutive years to be taken off the endangered firmed livestock kills by June of this year. ranchers, they will tell you an 80 percent calf species list, along with other criteria. At last “We have a pretty thriving wolf population crop is a low bar and now we have 40 to 50 per- count (as of March 2018), 114 Mexican gray out here,” he said. “That’s a tough thing. And cent. You can’t make a business work that way.” wolves were roaming the U.S., a growth of just now there are wolves in the northern part of The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Game one since the prior year. At least 51 of those live the county.” and Fish and the Arizona Department of Game in New Mexico. The county has an experienced trapper that and Fish signed a memorandum of agreement Many who live in Catron County don’t feel has been doing the counting and managing. in March 2018 to further collaboration be- the wolves should be there. tween the agencies and to work on the recovery

54 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN WHEREVER YOU GO TAKE YOUR BANK WITH YOU

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JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 55 COUNTIESDOÑA ANA COUNTY Doña Ana County Second most populous county TOP 12 ICIP seeks $95 million by 2024 ITEMS BY MIKE COOK From the Doña Ana County Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan, ranked by priority: oña Ana County was created in 2012-16, and more than 25 percent were • $8.5 million for storm and surface water 1852 as one of the nine original living in poverty. Median household income control at Dragonfly Channel on the East Dcounties in . It 2012-16 was $38,636 and per capita income Mesa, east of Isaacs Lake. was named for Doña Ana Gomez Robledo was $20,143. • $13.3 million for storm and surface water (1604-80), granddaughter of the oldest colo- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said control at the Hatch Flood Control Dam. nist of the 1598 Juan de Oñate Expedition to the county’s March 2018 unemployment • $3 million to complete wastewater leave descendants in New Mexico, accord- rate was 6.4 percent, compared to about 4.8 treatment infrastructure improvement at the ing to nmhistoricwomen.org/location/do- percent in the City of Las Cruces. Sleepy Farms colonia near Vado. na-ana-robledo. The county’s 2018-19 budget shows $143 • $2 million for improvements to Dripping The county contains about 3,800 square million in revenues and $154 million in ex- Springs Road east of Las Cruces. miles, ranking it 16th in size among the penses. The budget includes 924 positions. • $574,000 for lighting and playground state’s 33 counties. It has about 216,000 res- The Doña Ana County Commission is equipment at Dolores Wright Park in idents, making it the second most populous comprised of five members, who represent Chaparral. county in the state, behind Bernalillo Coun- geographic districts that cover the entire ty. Doña Ana County experienced three county. • $401,744 for remodel and expansion of the percent growth between April 2010 and July The county’s infrastructure capital fire station in Doña Ana, north of Las Cruces. 2017, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. improvement plan (ICIP) FY lists projects The county has funded $51,744 so far. The county includes more than two dozen across the county ranked by priority for • $100,000 for solar panels for the Mesilla communities in addition to the cities of Las which the county is seeking funding. Valley Regional Dispatch Authority in Las Cruces, Anthony and Sunland Park; the The county has a total of 61 items on the Cruces. Town of Mesilla; and the Village of Hatch. ICIP list that have received a little more than • $126,465 for pavement reconstruction for According to the Census Bureau, 79 $4 million in funding to date, with $95.6 Quail Run Avenue, east of Los Alturas Drive percent of county residents age 25 and older million in additional funding being sought and south of Geothermal Drive. had a high school diploma or higher degree, through 2024. • $33,500 for improvements to roads in Organ, New Mexico east of Las Cruces. • $100,000 for the Casas Linda drainage and pond project in Sunland Park to provide storm and surface water control • $31.14 million to add a crosswind runway at the Doña Ana County International Jetport at Santa Teresa. It has funded $138,000 of the project to date. • $1 million more toward a total project cost of $2.1 million to build at HAZMAT response facility in Santa Teresa.

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JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 57 COUNTIESDOÑA ANA COUNTY CHAMBERS OF ELECTED OFFICIALS COMMERCE DOÑA ANA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 845 N. Motel Blvd., HATCH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DISTRICT 3 Las Cruces, NM 88007 Shannon Reynolds Mission: To advance the economic, industrial, educational, 575-647-7201 professional, cultural and civic conditions and standards for 575-525-5807 www.donaanacounty.org the Hatch Valley through networking, creating dialogue and [email protected] capturing goals which individual members support, and the organization pursues. DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 4 Address: P.O. Box 568, Hatch, NM 87937 Lynn Ellins Isabella Solis Phone: 575-519-4723 575-525-5808 575-525-5810 Email: [email protected] [email protected] 575-635-2479 (cell) Website: www.villageofhatch.org/links/chamber_of_commerce [email protected] DISTRICT 2 GREATER LAS CRUCES Ramon Gonzalez CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DISTRICT 5 575-525-5800 Karen Trujillo Mission: The mission of GLCCC is to provide services for its 575-635-5212 (cell) members, enhance and sustain the economy, promote the 575-525-5809 [email protected] community and serve as the leading voice and public policy [email protected] advocate for business in the Greater Las Cruces region. Address: 150 E. Lohman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88001 LAS CRUCES CITY COUNCIL Phone: 575-524-1968 Fax: 575-527-5546 700 N. Main St., DISTRICT 3 Email: [email protected] Las Cruces, NM 88001 Gabriel Vasquez Website: www.lascruces.org 575-541-2066 [email protected] 575-541-2183 LAS CRUCES GREEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DISTRICT 4 Mission: LCHCC provides leadership for the advancement of MAYOR Jack Eakman economic prosperity for our region and our diverse member- Ken Miyagishima [email protected] ship. Vision: To provide business programs and services that [email protected] will expand and mature investments, job opportunities, educa- tion, community service, wellness, and activity in Las Cruces DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 5 Address: 221 N. Main St., Gill Sorg Kasandra Gandara Mayor pro-tem Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001 [email protected] Phone: 575-323-1575 [email protected] Website: locallascruces.com DISTRICT 2 LAS CRUCES HISPANIC Greg Smith, DISTRICT 6 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE [email protected] Yvonne Flores Mission: LCHCC provides leadership for the advancement of [email protected] economic prosperity for our region and our diverse member- ship by providing business programs and services that will expand and mature investments, job opportunities, education, community service, wellness and activity in Las Cruces. Address: 277 E. Amador Ave, Suite 305, Las Cruces, NM 88001 Phone: 575-524-8900 Fax: 575-532-9255 Website: lascruceshispanicchamber.com

■ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 Ana county. Papen said, and that could increase to $2 or Pool. Papen said she will also work with Doña Legislators must be aware that they can’t rush $3 million in 2019. She and other Doña Ana Ana County on its capital outlay needs. to spend new revenue just on new projects, she County legislators will collaborate and seek State liquor laws could be examined by the said. local and federal matches to address commu- legislature, Papen said. “We have to backfill projects we took money nity needs like roads and projects at NMSU, A plan is needed to protect liquor-license from” during budget shortfalls in previous ses- including the autism program, completing owners who have invested a lot of money in sion, Papen said. The state also needs to rebuild work on women’s athletic facilities, Arrowhead licenses, Papen said, but also to create the its reserve funds. Research Park and the state Water Resources opportunity for more people to buy licenses at Oil and gas funding are cyclical, Papen said. Research Institute. an affordable price. “It will drop again. We need to be prepared The City of Las Cruces has many needs The 2019 session, Papen said, will be a real for that,” she said. capital outlay might help address, Papen said, opportunity to move New Mexico forward and State senators each received $1 million in including traffic calming and street repair, a find solutions for the needs of at-risk children capital outlay funds during the 2018 session, downtown parking garage and work on Frenger and families and to improve health care.

58 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN DOÑA ANA COUNTYCOUNTIES

Economic Development DOÑA ANA Department reports nearly 4,000 QUICK FACTS PEOPLE new jobs were created in 2018 Population: 215,579 Households: 74,989 (2012-16) BY MIKE COOK Median Household Income: $38,636 (2012-16, in 2016 dollars) Y17 was an outstanding year for New competed against Texas, Oklahoma and Persons below poverty level: 25.6 percent Mexico as we worked to create new Iowa for the project.” jobs and make our state a better place “NMEDD closed FY18 with a total of BUSINESS F Total employer establishments: 3,615 (2016) to do business,” outgoing New Mexico Eco- nearly 4,000 new jobs, 2,414 of which are in nomic Development Department Sec. Matt rural communities,” the department said in Non-employer establishments: 12,557 (2016) Geisel said in NMEDD’s 2017 annual report. its FY18 fourth-quarter report. Total firms: 16,298 (2012) “A total of 1,729 new jobs were creat- That report noted that Little Toad Creek GEOGRAPHY ed as a result of EDD’s programs, 775 of of Silver City expanded its brewing opera- Land Area (square miles): 3,807 those being rural jobs. New partnerships tion, “which resulted in $80,000 in private Persons per square mile: 55 with Facebook, Keter Plastics, Wholesome investment in the Las Cruces MainStreet Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov Valley Farms and SolAero (to name a few) District, and additional jobs at their new tap have brought investment and life changing room,” which is in Downtown Las Cruces. opportunities to our communities and are Erickson Metals in Santa Teresa “was able SMALL BUSINESS helping us create a healthier economy.” to acquire $1 million in additional equip- The New Mexico Film Office finished ment and hire three new positions during RESOURCES FY17 with more than $500 million in direct the fourth quarter of 2018, the report said. ARROWHEAD CENTER spending by film companies, Geisel said Geisel was appointed NMEDD secretary 3655 Research Road, Las Cruces, NM 88003 in the report, which exceeded all previous by Gov. Susana Martinez in October 2016. 575-646-6120 records. “They also went above and beyond arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu the year’s target for film and media worker DONA ANA COMMUNITY COLLEGE days,” he said. “The film office has now en- SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT joyed three record breaking years in a row.” CENTER (SBDC) In October 2018, Netflix bought ABQ 2345 E. Nevada Ave., Suite 101, Studios in Albuquerque. Las Cruces, NM 88001 In June 2018, the report said, “Stampede 575-527-7776 dacc.nmsu.edu/sbdc Meat signed the final documents to pur- chase the former Tyson plant in Sunland MVEDA (Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance) Park. The project represents the largest jobs 277 E. Amador, Suite 304, Las Cruces, NM, 88001 announcement in over a decade, creating 575-525-2852 or 800-523-6833 1,295 jobs at full capacity. The 285,000 mveda.com square foot building has been empty for SCORE several years; the company will invest $36 505 S. Main St., Las Cruces, NM, 88001 million in infrastructure and in updating 575-523-5627 the facility. This location allows for collab- Scorelascruces.org orations with the NMSU College of Agri- WESST culture, as well. NMEDD will invest up to 221 N. Main St., #104A, Las Cruces, NM, 88001 575-541-1583 $3 million in Local Economic Development wesst.org Act (LEDA) funds. New Mexico successfully

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JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 59 COUNTIESDOÑA ANA COUNTY DOÑA ANA COUNTY COMMUNITIES ANTHONY LAS CRUCES SALEM City Population: 9,339 (2017 estimate) City Population: 101,712 (2017 estimate) Census-designated Place Mayor: Diana Murillo-Trujillo Mayor: Ken Miyagishima Population: 942 Incorporated in July 2010, Anthony straddles the The second largest city in the state, and the Doña Originally known as Plaza, Salem is a small farming New Mexico-Texas border, approximately 27 miles Ana county seat, Las Cruces is home to New Mex- community located 5 miles northwest of Hatch. south of Las Cruces and 24 miles north of El Paso. ico State University, Virgin Galactic headquarters, In 1908 a group of New Englanders from Salem, BERINO and Spaceport America’s corporate offices. It sits at Mass., established a post office, renaming the com- Census-designated Place the center of the Mesilla Valley, both geographical- munity after their home. Population: 1,441 (2010) ly and economically. Established in the early 1900s and comprised of a SAN MIGUEL land area of only .93 square miles, Berino lies 22 MESILLA Census-designated Place miles south of Las Cruces. Town Population: 1,880 (2014 estimate) Population: 1,153 (2010) Mayor: Nora L. Barraza Established in 1850, San Miguel lies 10 miles south CHAMBERINO With its rich history, Mesilla was once the economic of Mesilla on state road 28. They host an annual Census-designated Place and social center of the Mesilla Valley. It was an festival in September in honor of St. Michael to 919 Population: important stop for both the Butterfield Stage and raise funds for the town’s Catholic church. Located 26 miles south of Las Cruces, Chamberino El Camino Real. Mesilla was also the capital of the is an unincorporated community that was estab- short-lived Confederate territory of Arizona during SAN PABLO lished with the installation of a post office in 1880. the civil war and the site of Billy the Kid’s trial in Census-designated Place CHAPARRAL 1881. The historic plaza, with its quaint shops and Population: 836 (2016 estimate) Census-designated Place restaurants, is a major tourist attraction. With 1.22 square miles of land area containing Population: 14,631 (6,965 in Doña Ana County) slightly more than 800 citizens, the small commu- Chaparral is uniquely located as it shares its south- MESQUITE nity of San Pablo ranks in the upper quartile for ern border with the Texas state line, and straddles Census-designated Place population density for the state of New Mexico. It Doña Ana and Otero counties. It is considered a Population: 1,112 (2010) lies nearly three miles southeast of Mesilla. bedroom community for nearby El Paso, Ft. Bliss Located 13 miles south of Las Cruces, on state road and White Sands Missile Range. 478, Mesquite is a small farming community estab- SAN YSIDRO DOÑA ANA lished in 1882. It was named by railroad executives Census-designated Place for the many mesquite bushes that grow there. Census-designated Place Population: 194 (2014 estimate) Population: 1,211 (2010) A popular name in rural New Mexico, San Ysidro The first county seat and the oldest permanent ORGAN shares its name with at least three other communi- settlement in the Mesilla Valley, Doña Ana was Census-designated Place ties in the state. It is located four miles northwest founded in 1843. The community lent its name to Population: 323 (2010) of Las Cruces. Doña Ana County upon its establishment in 1852. Originally established as a mining camp, Organ is an unincorporated community 14 miles northeast SANTA TERESA FAIRACRES of Las Cruces. It is an active community housing Census-designated Place Census-designated Place residents who work in Las Cruces and at White Population: 4,258 (2010) Population: 824 (2010) Sands Missile Range. Recent growth, brought about by a Union Pacific Considered a suburb of Las Cruces, Fairacres has a rail facility and its proximity to the New Mexico land area of 2.11 square miles and lies on the west PLACITAS Port of Entry, has placed Santa Teresa center stage bank of the Rio Grande. Census-designated Place for economic development. The community is GARFIELD Population: 576 (2010) currently seeking incorporation. Census-designated Place Population: 137 (2010) Considered a colonia, or suburb, of Hatch, Placitas Likely named for assassinated president James A. has a land area of .14 square miles. It lies 1.5 miles SUNLAND PARK Garfield, Garfield lies 50 miles northwest of Las west of Hatch on state road 26. City Population: 17,061 (2017 estimate) Cruces. Its post office was established in 1896. Mayor: Javier Perea RADIUM SPRINGS Located on the southernmost end of Doña Ana HATCH Census-designated Place county, Sunland Park was named for the Sunland Population: 1,601 (2014 estimate) Population: 1,888 (2016 estimate) Park Racetrack and Casino. Village Mayor: Andy Nuñez Once known as Fort Seldon Springs, Radium Originally settled as Santa Barbara in 1851, the Springs derives its name from free-flowing mineral UNIVERSITY PARK Village of Hatch was incorporated in 1928. Hatch hot springs that contain enough radium per liter to Census-designated Place is known as the Chile Capital of the World, and holds an annual Chile Festival. It is located 40 miles inspire its current name. It lies 17 miles north of Las Population: 4,192 (2010) northeast of Las Cruces on I-25. Cruces. Part of Las Cruces, University Park owes its exis- tence to New Mexico State University. Its land area LA MESA RINCON is 1.55 square miles bounded by University Ave., Census-designated Place Census-designated Place I-10, and 1-25. Population: 737 (2016 estimate) Population: 271 (2010) Located approximately 17 miles south of Las Briefly known as Thorn following the establishment VADO Cruces, on state road 28, La Mesa is believed to of its first post office in 1881, Rincon was a major Census-designated Place be named after a nearby lava flow, known as Black business and trading center due to the railroad Population: 3,194 (2010) Mesa. It is home to local favorites Chope’s Town switching station located there. It is now a colonia Located 19 miles from Las Cruces, on I-10, Vado Café and Bar, and Stahmann Farms. of Hatch, which lies 5 miles to the east. was once New Mexico’s only predominantly Afri- LA UNION can-American community. Census-designated Place RODEY Population: 1,124 (2016 estimate) Census-designated Place WHITE SANDS Created by and named for the combining of two Population: 388 Census-designated Place early settlements, Los Ojitos and Los Amoles, La Located on the southeast border of Hatch, Rodey Population: 1,651 (2010) Union is located 34 miles south of Las Cruces on has a land area of .56 square miles. It has been Consisting of the main residential area for the state road 28. It is home to New Mexico’s oldest credited as the oldest village in the area and was White Sands Missile Range, White Sands is located winery, La Viña. once walled as a defense against Apache raids. on the east side of the Organ Mountains.

60 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN DOÑA ANA COUNTYCOUNTIES EDUCATION PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS MESILLA VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGES GADSDEN INDEPENDENT CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS DOÑA ANA COMMUNITY COLLEGE – 3850 Stern Drive, SCHOOL DISTRICT CENTRAL CAMPUS 4950 McNutt Road, Las Cruces, NM 88001 575-525-8515 3400 S. Espina St., Sunland Park, NM 88063 Las Cruces, NM 88003 575-882-6200 mvcsonline.com www.gisd.k12.nm.us 575-527-7500 dacc.nmsu.edu MISSION LUTHERAN SCHOOL HATCH VALLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 204 Hill St., Hatch, NM 87937 2752 N. Roadrunner Pkwy. P.O. Box 790, Hatch, NM 87937 575-532-5489 DOÑA ANA COMMUNITY COLLEGE– 575-267-8200 www.mlschool.net EAST MESA CAMPUS www.hatchschools.net 2800 N. Sonoma Ranch Blvd., CHARTER SCHOOLS Las Cruces, NM 88011 LAS CRUCES PUBLIC SCHOOLS 575-528-7000 505 S. Main St. Ste. 249, ALMA D’ARTE CHARTER Las Cruces, NM 88001 HIGH SCHOOL 575-527-5800 402 W. Court Ave., DOÑA ANA COMMUNITY COLLEGE– lcps.k12.nm.us Las Cruces, NM 88005 GADSDEN CENTER 575-541-0145 1700 E. O’Hara Rd., PRIVATE SCHOOLS www.almadarte.org Anthony, NM 88021 ACTON ACADEMY 575-882-3939 1730 Tierra de Mesilla, LA ACADEMIA Las Cruces, NM 88046 575-449-4796 DOLORES HUERTA MIDDLE SCHOOL DOÑA ANA COMMUNITY COLLEGE – www.actonlascruces.com 400 W. Bell Ave., SUNLAND PARK CENTER Las Cruces, NM 88005 3365 McNutt Road, CORNERSTONE 575-526-2984 Sunland Park, NM 88063 CHRISTIAN ACADEMY www.academianm.org 575-874-7780 5301 Cortez Drive, [email protected] Las Cruces, NM 88012 575-532-0902 J. PAUL TAYLOR ACADEMY DOÑA ANA COMMUNITY COLLEGE – www.cornerstn.org 402 W. Court Ave., Building 2, WORKFORCE CENTER DESERT SPRINGS Las Cruces, NM 88005 2345 E. Nevada Ave. CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 575-652-4621 Las Cruces, NM 88001 2010 E. Wisconsin Ave. www.jpaultayloracademy.org 575-527-7776 575-571-7709 dscalions.org LAS MONTAÑAS CHARTER DOÑA ANA COMMUNITY COLLEGE – LAS CRUCES ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL CHAPARRAL CENTER 1755 Avenida de Mercado, 1405 S. Solano Dr., 755 Prescott Anthony Drive Mesilla, NM 88046 Las Cruces, NM 88001 Chaparral, NM 88081 575-521-9384 575-636-2100 575-824-2000 lascrucesacademy.org www.lasmontanashigh.com HOLY CROSS SCHOOL AND ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL NEW AMERICA SCHOOL UNIVERSITIES 1331 N. Miranda St., 207 S. Main St., NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY Las Cruces, NM 88005 Las Cruces, NM 88001 1780 E. University Ave., 575-526-2517 575-527-9085 Las Cruces, NM 88003 www.lascrucescatholic newamericaschool.org/newmexico/ 575-646-0111 school.com campuses-lascruces nmsu.edu

Custom Training Custom Learning

The Workforce Development and Career Readiness Department provides opportunities for:

Non-credit training programs

DACC Workforce Center - 2345 Nevada Ave. Industry-recognized certifications Las Cruces, NM 88001 On-line and classroom-based professional development Commercial Drivers Licensing and CDL Training 575-527-7776 Lifelong learning and career exploration dacc.nmsu.edu/ctp Kids College and Career Camps [email protected]

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 61 COUNTIESDOÑA ANA COUNTY

GO bonds produce APPROVED GO $150 million for city, BOND ITEMS • Senior citizens centers: Anthony Senior Community Center: $238,700; Betty McKnight Multipurpose NMSU projects Center (Chaparral), $100,000; Mesilla Community BY MIKE COOK Center, $111,500; and Munson Senior Center (Las Cruces), $58,000. ity and statewide general ob- approval). • Higher education, special schools and tribal schools: ligation (GO) bond elections The projects would be paid for with NMSU has more projects on this bond than any other Cin 2018 will provide more local property tax funds, which will New Mexico college or university. NMSU-Las Cruces, than $150 million in increase about $105 per $25 million for improvements to the College of funding for City of year for a person who Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences; Las Cruces and New owns a house valued at NMSU-Doña Ana Community College, $1.7 million for Mexico State Univer- $150,000. infrastructure improvements campus-wide, including sity projects. The July election was A Las Cruces the first large-city elec- roof repair and replacement. vote-at-home election tion conducted entirely • Public libraries: For academic ($4 million), public in July and August by mail. It drew a 25 school ($4 million), tribal ($750,000) and public generated $35.6 percent turnout from libraries ($4 million) statewide. Purchases could million, as city voters among eligible city vot- include print, non-print and electronic resources, approved four GO ers, which is 2.5 to three collaborative resources, broadband internet bonds to pay for major city initia- times the average for city elections. equipment and furniture, as well as resource tives, including city parks and sports For more information on the city acquisitions and information technology. fields improvements (generates $16.9 GO bond election, visit www.las-cru- million, approved by 57 percent), ces.org and enter go-bond-2018 in • Public school buses: $6.137 million for public school new and upgraded recreation trails the search box. buses. ($2.7 million, 57.5 percent approval), As part of the Nov. 6 general • Constitutional amendments: Amendment 1 gives the a new fire station to replace the one election ballot, New Mexico voters state legislature authority to provide for appellate on Valley Drive to serve west Las approved four statewide GO bond Cruces ($6.2 million, 69.5 percent issues, which will be paid for through jurisdiction by statute. Amendment 2 creates an approval) and a new animal services statewide property tax. independent state ethics commission. center ($9.8 million, 67 percent

Las Cruces’ legislative priorities BY MIKE COOK

he Las Cruces City Council approved a five-story downtown parking garage; • $850,750 for Las Cruces Police Department “Top 10 List” of city projects for which it • $1.2 million for septic system improve- equipment, including 55 mobile data terminals Twill seek capital outlay funding from local ments in the Hacienda Alameda Acres and and SWAT vehicles; legislators during the 2019 session of the New Mexi- Hacienda Acres areas; • $900,000 for a Las Cruces Fire Department co Legislature. • $890,000 for park improvements, includ- digital communications system; and The projects would cost a total of $12.9 million. ing lighting and security cameras at Veterans • $1.42 million for road and flood control Legislators and the governor usually receive and Gomez parks and on Plaza de Las Cruces improvements on Van Patten and McFie ave- funds at each session to pay for local capital and in the downtown parking lot behind Rio nues. projects. Doña Ana County legislators often Grande Theatre; The 10 items were culled from the city’s pool the capital outlay money they receive to • $2 million for landscaping of medians on earlier list of 29 capital outlay requests totaling jointly fund requests from the city, the county Roadrunner Parkway and Lohman Avenue; almost $42.22 million. and other governmental entities and organizations. • $1.1 million for four Las Cruces Interna- Doña Ana County is represented by eight In 2014, the city received $8 million in tional Airport projects, including improve- members of the New Mexico House of Rep- capital outlay funds, city Grants Administrator ments to runways, taxiways, roads and parking resentatives, including six whose districts are Amy Johnson Bassford said, but it received $0 areas, including landscaping and signage; entirely in the county, one who represents parts in 2017. The city received $2 million this year, • $1.1 million for improvements to the water of Doña Ana and Otero counties and one who she said. tank near the airport; represents parts of Doña, Grant and Sierra The city’s top capital outlay projects list for • $850,000 for improvements to Branigan counties; and five state senators, including four 2019 includes: Cultural Center, including interior and exterior whose districts are entirely in Doña Ana Coun- • $2.5 million for the design phase of a repairs; ty, one whose district includes parts of Otero,

62 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN Eddy and Doña Ana counties and one whose district includes parts of Doña Ana, Hidalgo, Luna and Sierra counties. City legislative lobbyist Larry Horan said the legislature will have significant additional money to spend in the 2019 session because of increased oil and gas revenues. “The state really is rolling in dough,” Horan said at the Dec. 17 council SAVING YOU GREEN meeting. But, he said, the funding requests legislators receive for capital outlay WHILE BEING GREEN will exceed funds available. Exactly how much each legislator will receive in capital outlay funds won’t be known until late in the 60-day session, which begins Jan. 15, Choose to use natural gas. Power plants use natural gas 2019, Horan said. to generate electricity, but lose over 60% of that energy Mike Cook may be contact at [email protected]. in transmission. When you use natural gas appliances 90% of the possible energy is being used. Leww waste is better for you, your pocketbook, and the environment.

Naturally a better deal for New Mexico.

ZIA NATURAL GAS COMPANY New Mexico’s Natural Choice 575-526-4427 | 1-800-453-5546 3700 W. Picacho Ave., Las Cruces www.ziagas.com

DACC works for students, business and a stronger New Mexico

dacc.nmsu.edu 575-527-7710 @DonaAnaCC

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 63 STRONG COMMUNITY YOUR business is OUR business! 150 E Lohman, Las Cruces NM 88001

The Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance brings new jobs and new opportunities that help our entire community grow. When It comes to improving our future, MVEDA Matters! Richard Coltharp, Publisher - Las Cruces Bulletin

JOBS OUR REGION YOU

277 E. AMADOR, STE. 304 LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO 575-525-2852 MVEDAMATTERS.COM

64 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN HERE’S TO A GREAT 2019! “As mayor of Las Cruces, my fellow members of City Council and I look forward to working with Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham, our southern New Mexico delegation and lawmakers from across the state this legislative session. Las Cruces is a dynamic city and together we can continue to enhance its many great qualities.” – KEN MIYAGISHIMA, Mayor Of Las Cruces

CITY OF LAS CRUCES TOP CAPITAL PROJECTS $2.5 million $1.2 million $890,000 $2 Million

Downtown Parking Garage Septic System Improvements Parks Improvements Median Improvements Design a 400 space, multi-level and Continue replacing septic systems Improve lighting and install security cam- on Major Roadways mixed-use parking structure on City- located within Las Cruces city limits eras at Plaza de Las Cruces, Veterans To address environmental and social is- owned lot in the Downtown area. Will to help reduce potential public health Park and other parks to increase guest sues for residents. Provide harvesting of help serve as an economic driver to the impacts caused by proximity to public safety and deter incidents of vandalism. storm water, increase shade and improve fast-developing “Heart of the City.” water supplies. driver experience.

$900,000 $850,750 2019 REQUESTED LEGISLATION • Establish and maintain a Neurodegenerative Disease Registry. • Share detailed GRT data from exporting businesses with local governments to improve efforts to support said businesses by improving their supply chain from local sources and assisting them to identify other markets in which to export their products. • Share detailed GRT data from individual businesses with local governments to Fire Department Police Department Equipment improve enforcement of business licensing, tax payments, and the analysis of Communications Systems Tactical vehicles; incident command economic market data. Make fire department compliant with 911 and mobile operations command vehi- • Create a study group with representation from NMML and the New Mexico center; upgrade 22-year-old communica- cles and mobile data terminals. Association of Counties to develop a tax reform plan for the State of New Mexico. tion system to P25 Digital. Includes en- • Review of the physician reimbursement rates in New Mexico. cryption for high security communications. • Allow New Mexico produced spirits to be sold at establishments licensed to serve $1.42 Million beer and wine. $850,000 • Establish outdoor recreation as a priority and create a New Mexico Office of Outdoor Recreation. • Review the enforcement of existing regulations to improve physician reimbursement rates in New Mexico, specifically, but not limited to: » Capitation distribution requirements under NMAC:8.308.20.9; » Credentialing of physicians within the required 45-day period by managed care Road & Flood Control organizations. Branigan Cultural Center Improvements » Payment of interest on late payments to physicians. Improvements As prioritized by the Pavement Manage- » Retroactive adjustment by the health care insurance within 18 months. ment Program. Reconstruct roads and Eliminate water penetration; repair • Continued adequate legislative funding for the State Attorney General’s Office improve flood control. Includes side- related to the water litigation for TX v. NM & CO. walls, roof and parapets. Replace lintels walks, curb and gutter, drainage, street and window trim; re-glaze windows and lighting, signage and paving. • Undertake a financial and operational feasibility study for the development ofa repair interior mural. behavioral health hospital for southern New Mexico, inclusive of the state’s participation in conjunction with municipal and county governments. $1.1 million $1.1 Million • Develop a statewide healthcare-for-all solution by designing a public-option buy-in for healthcare coverage, modeling on Medicaid or similar plan model. • Enact the End of Life Options Act, allowing for open and accessible options for the terminally ill, mentally competent adults seeking control over their own deaths. • Better ensure the safety of students in Las Cruces schools by improving mental health services, and providing a secure, weapons-free environment for learning.

Airport Water Tank Rehab Airport Improvements ® Adjacent to Las Cruces International Improvements to non-FAA covered areas City of Las Cruces Airport – supplies water and water pres- of Las Cruces International Airport to help MOUNTAINS OF OPPORTUNITY sure to the airport and West Mesa area. increase air traffic. las-cruces.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Stuart C. Ed, City Manager • 575/541-2076 • [email protected] • Lawrence Horan, Lobbyist • 505/859-2895

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 65 EVERY VOTE COUNTS.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding our elections, please visit our office or give us a call.

Sincerely, Amanda López Askin, Ph.D. Doña Ana County Clerk

845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88007 (575) 647-7428 DACElections.com

66 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN DOÑA ANA COUNTYCOUNTIES New Mexico State University welcomes new leadership BY MIKE COOK PHOTO BY STEVE MACINTYRE PhD in the same projects in six years, not 12,” Floros said. Floros’ field from Stanford successes include record enrollment, nearly University. 100 percent graduate placement and a major “I am inspired increase in philanthropic giving. As a result, the and humbled,” K-State ag college is consistently rated among Arvizu said. “It’s a the top five in the nation. great honor to be at Part of the reason he wanted to come to the helm of my alma NMSU, Floros said, was that, like K-State, m at e r.” NMSU is a land-grant-university. Arvizu grew up in “The land-grant mission was definitely an Alamogordo, played attraction to me,” Floros said. “Working for a first-chair trumpet university whose mission is really to educate in the Alamogor- the masses, retrain the workforce, reach out to do High School the communities … that’s why I’m in aca- Band and attended demia.” NMSU on a music In addition to education, research and out- New Mexico State University President Dr. John D. Floros, left, and Chancellor scholarship. Being reach, Floros said he and Arvizu must “bring Dr. Dan E. Arvizu share a few words during their inauguration ceremony, Nov. a member of the a lot of different disciplines together, a lot of 15, 2018, at Corbett Center on campus. (Photo by Steve MacIntyre) Aggie Pride Band different minds, a lot of different approaches was “one of my most (to meet) the challenges we’re facing in society, ew Mexico State University will greet rewarding experiences on campus,” Arvizu from food to natural resources to water to the 2019 session of the New Mexico said. He played in both the marching band energy.” NLegislature with a new leadership and orchestra at NMSU, along with studying Since 2008, 12 million jobs have been created team. Dr. Dan Arvizu became NMSU’s second engineering. in the U.S., Floros said. “99.5 percent have gone chancellor June 1, succeeding Garrey Car- The new chancellor said he plans to “take full to people with higher education degrees – at ruthers. Dr. John Floros became NMSU presi- advantage of what we already have in place,” least four-year degrees,” he said. “Those are the dent of NMSU’s main campus in Las Cruces a and will meet with NMSU students, staff and numbers we need to get out to the public. It’s month later. It’s the first time the NMSU system faculty and community members and leaders higher education that drives this country.” has had both a chancellor and a president. to learn more about NMSU and “hopefully take “We have to change with the times,” Floros Arvizu lived in Alumni and Garcia halls the institution to another level.” said. “We have to figure out what that change when he was a student at NMSU, he said, and When Floros arrived at Kansas State Uni- means to us. We have to be ahead of that “would walk the length of the campus daily” versity in 2012, he set 12-year goals to increase change.” to attend classes at the engineering center near student enrollment and student success in its Floros said he can help NMSU “connect Hadley Hall. He graduated with a Bachelor college of agriculture, where he was the dean agriculture to arts and sciences, engineering, of Science degree in mechanical engineering and director of extension. education” because his connections to agricul- in 1973 and went on to earn a masters and a “We accomplished every single one of these ture “go back to birth.”

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JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 67 Santa Teresa: N.M.’s Economic Engine New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will spend a lot of her time attending ground breakings, ribbon cuttings and grand openings for new and expanded businesses in the southern Doña Ana County industrial hub of Santa Teresa. Santa Teresa should rightly be high on her radar, because it is the state’s shining star of job creation and enhanced interstate and international trade for the State of New Mexico. All of that growth is good for every corner of the state, and it is critical that the New Mexico Legislature continue funding infrastructure investments that will allow the growth to continue unabated. The elected officials and management team of Doña Ana County are committed to shep- herding Santa Teresa toward its full potential. To do that, we need help from the Legislature to continue to make improvements to major arterials that are enabling ever-growing heavy truck traffic. We need commitments to help us build out the Doña Ana County International Jetport at Santa Teresa to accommodate more frequent and longer-range cargo movement. And while we celebrate recent announcements of more than 1,000 new jobs being created in just the last six months through Admiral Cable and Stampede Meats, we await even further an- nouncements relative to the dynamic growth in southern Doña Ana County. Every investment made by the New Mexico Legislature in Santa Teresa will have an im- mediate and far-reaching positive effect on the undeniable economic momentum that is un- derway and unwavering. We implore the 2019 New Mexico Legislature to join us in continuing to invest in Santa Teresa and its promise for the state and region. From enhanced GRT revenue to job creation and explosive trade growth, Santa Teresa keeps proving that every dollar invested there has a positive outcome for New Mexicans of every political affiliation. The engine of economic prosperity and eventual self-sufficiency is humming loud and clear in Santa Teresa. Working closely together, we can make it sing!

68 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHERN DOÑA ANACOUNTIES COUNTY Southern Jetport is a growing hub Doña Ana County BY ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH County challenged with growth

BY ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH

oña Ana County Public Informa- “Hundreds of trucks are coming in and out tion Director Jess Williams calls the of there,” he said. “It creates tremendous strain Dsouthern part of the county a soup. He, on existing roads. It’s critical we build it up and and many others, consider the area around the continue to have a plan to keep up with the Santa Teresa Border crossing the home of New infrastructure needs.” Mexico’s economic engine. Supporting CRRUA is “a huge component “Over the course of the next 25 years it will in making sure we can support the industrial not surprise me if Santa Teresa is the second growth that continues to grow in Santa Teresa,” or third largest city in the state of New Mexi- Williams said. n Santa Teresa, on Airport Road, the Doña co,” Williams said. “We have the airport which One of the biggest issues in the area is that Ana County airport — also known as the serves Santa Teresa planes, the Union Pacific the industrial park is full, Williams said. That IInternational Jetport — serves as a hub for rail hub for intermodal rail travel and a four- slows growth down a little bit. A lot of the com- the busy industrial area. Jetport Manager Bill lane highway which not only connects to I-10 panies want a building already in place. Provance and a single maintenance person are but also goes directly to the border.” The Rio Grande Valley is historically agricul- the only county personnel there, but the place Doña Ana County Jetport Manager Bill tural, Williams said. buzzes with activity and grows daily. Provance calls the area an inland port and said “That’s its base and New Mexico State Uni- The building where Provance has his office about 50,000 semi-trucks pass through every versity is a land grant institution. But things is also the Santa Teresa HAZMAT Response year and the number will continue to grow. are shifting. What we are seeing in the south Facility. Legislative appropriations have been Williams said a family on the Mexican side of valley is farmers are making choices about the used to help fund an expansion of the facility the border crossing owns the land and plans to best use of their land,” he said. “Some are con- and the county is looking for more funding to develop it in conjunction with what is happen- tinuing farming, and some are subdividing to finish the project and build a third apparatus ing on the American side. developers. That is a push-pull that is going to bay for emergency response vehicles. “As the soup begins to cook, you are going happen any time we see an area developing as “It was originally planned to be a 24-hour, to see more and more residential development, rapidly as Santa Teresa. It will be up to the indi- planned facility with four dorm rooms,” more commercial development to support the vidual farmers what is the best value, whether Provance said. “It serves as a fire station, residential development, and you are going to they want to continue a heritage or whether HAZMAT facility and aircraft recovery. Ac- see a city spring up,” Williams said. “There is they want to establish a hefty bank account for tivity (in Santa Teresa) is ramping up and we nothing happening anywhere that is as bright their heirs.” are finally catching up. The industrial park is for New Mexico’s future as the Santa Teresa The exponential growth began as soon as the growing by leaps and bounds.” region and the growth we are seeing and the border crossing was approved and constructed, The second phase, recently completed, cost growth we are continuing to see. So, getting Williams said. $1.3 million and included new offices, refur- the state to partner with us to invest in Santa “It began when the county began to build its bished exterior and expanded space. Teresa is critical.” industrial parks in the southern area near the The airport has 165 airplanes based there Current projects in the area around Santa port of entry,” he said. “It took off like lightning and 20 of those are jets, giving the facility the Teresa include money for the Camino Real when Union Pacific put in its rail hub (2014), “jetport” title. It sees an average of 200 to 250 Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA), which that was lightning. That gave us all of the soup.” operations every day. is responsible for the management and main- Doña Ana County owns all the land under tenance of the Sunland Park and Santa Teresa the facility and the fire station, customs build- water and waste water system and improving ing and three hangars. The rest of the struc- Airport Road and Industrial Road, both phased tures are private but under long-term leases, projects. including the National Weather Station based “The roads initiative is separate from the leg- there. islative initiatives,” Williams said. “The county Provance said the current 9,550-foot-long has dug into our cash reserves; we have identi- runway is being rebuilt this summer, in three fied about $10 million, and we are doing some phases. road improvements in the county and a lot of “The center section is built only to them in the southern part are self-funded.” 20,000-pound airplanes and we have two Since Union Pacific went live with its trans- 80,000-pound airplanes here,” he said. port hub, he said the county has railroad cars The Gulf Stream G5, one of the transporting tractor trailers. 80,000-pound planes, that’s what $45 million ■ CONTINUED ON PAGE 72

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 69 70 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 71 SOUTHERNCOUNTIES DOÑA ANA COUNTY

■ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 69 looks like,” Provance said. But the 80,000-pound designation is not only needed for the planes housed at the airport, it could bring a plethora of business to the area. At one point it was designated as a reliever airport for El Paso Airport, he said. “When we can get the runway built up, it will be designated up that way again,” he said. “An air cargo study that showed if we had the capa- bility, organizations like FoxConn could fly three 737s a day to offload computer parts, and drive them across the border.” Currently, the computer parts land in Los Angeles, and are trucked from Los Angeles to Santa Teresa to cross the border. Provance said the FoxConn plant builds 50,000 Dell computers a day and ships them all over the world. The crosswind runway, part of the master plan update, would provide a runway for small airplanes landing during times the New Mexico winds keep them for coming down at the facility. He said small airplanes cannot legally land there when the winds are stronger than 20 miles per hour. “That project will be done in phases also,” he said. “The first will be about 6,000 feet long that will handle the planes we have here, but it will be built to handle 100,000-pound airplanes. Eventually we want it to be 12,000 feet long and 150 feet wide and handle the 757.” The jetport is home to a busy flight school and a maintenance hangar with its services booked through December. “Every hangar is full,” he said. “We have a waiting list of 34 people.” The facility is used by the Army to practice landing and take off for heli- copters. The El Paso Police Department conducts driving and motorcycle classes there. The CIA practices driving skills there on the “heavy ramp,” a large concrete area. Barnett’s Harley Davidson out of Las Cruces can be found there, working its bikes on the ramp sometimes during special events. The War Eagles Air Museum is also a tenant.

72 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN GRANT COUNTYCOUNTIES

LEGISLATIVE Grant County PRIORITIES • HB2 appropriations: County aims for facility improvements - Restore funding for Detention Center to original $5 million BY ELAINE STACHERA SIMON - Reimbursement of travel expenses to sheriff’s department for transportation rant County is home to some of the New Mexico face) is the escalating cost of state prisoners wildest and most beautiful land and related to caring for detainees at the county - Emergence Medical Services funding darkest skies in New Mexico – the detention center who suffer from issues relat- G • Behavioral health Gila National Forest. The Gila comprises 3.3 ed to substance abuse and mental illness. million acres, including the Gila Wilderness, According to District 38 Rep. Rebecca Dow • Tax reform the first designated wilderness area in the (R-Grant, Hidalgo, Sierra), an important • Fire protection United States. Adjoining the Gila Wilderness function of the legislature is ensuring that • Forfeiture Act Reform is the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, established it “prioritizes what the county brings to us.” in 1980 and named for pioneering ecologist Water and fire issues are always a concern. Aldo Leopold, author of A Sand County People in this region are “very individualis- QUICK FACTS Almanac. The Black Range is contained tic,” though, and “don’t want more regulation within the 202,016 acres of Aldo Leopold in their day-to-day lives,” Dow said. Rather, PEOPLE Wilderness, as is approximately 33 miles of they’ll come together to solve a problem. Population: 27,687 (2017) the Continental Divide. Dow gives the example of watershed resto- Households: (2013-2017) 11,879 Silver City is the county seat for Grant ration necessary for the prevention of cata- Median household income: $40,470 County. Not only is Silver a great “jumping strophic fire. She notes that “an eclectic group (2013-2017) off” point for exploring the Gila or the Con- representing the far left to the far right” came Persons below poverty level: 20.3% tinental Divide, but it’s home to Western New together with assistance from a mediator “in BUSINESS Mexico University, which houses the world’s order to plan and prioritize where fire hazard Total employer establishments: 602 (2016) largest permanent collection of Mimbres mitigation needed to occur.” Total employment: 6,909 (2016) pottery, it’s one of the “100 Best Art Towns in “We had everyone from monks from the Total non-employer establishments: America,” and it has been the location for the monastery to Sierra Club representatives, 1,531 (2016) Tour of the Gila road cycling event for more farmers, and ranchers,” said Dow. Total firms: 1,930 (2012) than 30 years. Dow adds that improving early childhood When it comes to ensuring the disparate education is always a priority, a dearth of GEOGRAPHY needs of the county are met, a group of local research about improving and updating best Land area (square miles): 3,962 stakeholders called the Prospectors comes practice in foster care is ongoing. Persons per square mile: 7.4 together to ensure that all perspectives have a Fort Bayard is a historical community trea- Source: www.census.gov place at the table. According to Grant County sure that needs to be saved, Dow said. Santa Planning Director Michael “Mischa” Larish, Clara is ready to take over the ownership and the Prospectors are “non-partisan, non-lob- management of the town, and Dow believes it bying representatives from the school district, needs to be given the opportunity to do so. different nonprofits, businesspeople, and “There is a story to be told at Fort Bayard, county, city, and municipal representatives and there is economic opportunity,” she said. who come together to educate the legislature “The buildings are amazing, and other forts as to what community needs are.” in New Mexico have had success incorporat- Included in this year’s presentation to the ing RV parks, trails, restaurants, breweries legislature are five capital outlay requests: and hotels.” • New patrol vehicles for the Grant County Sheriff’s Department • Repair and renovation of the Grant County Administration parking lot in Silver City • Repair, and renovation of the roof for the Grant County administrative facility • Planning, property acquisition and construction of runways at the Grant County Airport • Funding to renovate and equip the termi- nal building at the Grant County Airport. One significant challenge noted in the leg- islative funding application that Grant Coun- ty faces (and that other counties throughout

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 73 COUNTIESGRANT COUNTY GRANT COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS GRANT COUNTY COMMISSION COMMUNITIES Grant County Administration Center DISTRICT 3 BAYARD 1400 Highway 180 E, Alicia Kay Edwards Silver City, NM 88061 575-654-4364 City Population: 2,185 P.O. Box 898, Silver City, NM 88062 [email protected] Incorporated in 1938, Bayard is nestled in the foothills 575-574-0000 of the Gila and Mogollon mountains. DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT 1 CLIFF Billy Billings Chris M. Ponce 575-574-0092 Census-designated place 575-574-0021 [email protected] Population: 293 [email protected] Primarily a farming and ranching community, the post office was established in 1894. In 2017, “Wom- DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 5 Javier C. Salas Harry Francis Browne an-Ochre,” a 1955 painting by Willem de Kooning worth 575-574-0022 575-654-4396 $165 million that had been stolen from the University of [email protected] [email protected] Arizona Museum of Art in 1985, was found hanging on the wall in the home of a recently deceased couple in Cliff. SILVER CITY TOWN COUNCIL HURLEY 101 W. Broadway St. DISTRICT 2 P.O. Box 1188 Lynda D. Aiman-Smith Census-designated place Silver City, NM 88062 575-597-7032, 575-519-1680 (cell) Population: 1,210 575-538-3731 [email protected] The town of Hurley was constructed by the Chino Min- ing Company. The Chino Mine is one of the largest open MAYOR DISTRICT 3 pit mines in the world. Ken Ladner Jose A. Ray, Jr. 575-313-3990 575-313-4944 [email protected] [email protected] PINOS ALTOS [email protected] Census-designated place Population: 198 DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 4 Spanish for “tall pines,” Pinos Altos is in the Gila Na- Cynthia Ann Bettison Guadalupe “Lupe” Cano tional Forest. When three miner 49ers stopped to take 575-597-7031 575-597-7034 [email protected] a drink in Bear Creek in 1860 and discovered gold, the [email protected] town of Pinos Altos was born. With a Main Street that looks like an Old West movie set, many buildings have been restored with original 1800s memorabilia and artifacts.

SANTA CLARA Village Population: 1,800 EDUCATION Santa Clara celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2018. Originally named Central City, the name was changed PUBLIC SCHOOLS SILVER CONSOLIDATED PRIVATE SCHOOLS to Santa Clara in 1996. Santa Clara is the home of Fort SCHOOLS GUADALUPE MONTESSORI Bayard National Cemetery, placed on the National Reg- 2810 N. Swan St., SCHOOL ister of Historic Places in 2002. Silver City, NM 88061 1731 N. Alabama St., 575-956-2000 Silver City, NM 88061 SAN LORENZO www.silverschools.org 575-388-3343 Census-designated place www.guadalupemontessori.org Population: 97 COBRE CONSOLIDATED Located in the Mimbres Valley, the hills surrounding rural SCHOOL DISTRICT UNIVERSITIES/ San Lorenzo boast an abundance of birdlife and wildlife. 900A Central Ave., COLLEGES Nearby, the San Lorenzo Canyon Recreation area offers Bayard, NM 88023 WESTERN NEW MEXICO opportunities for hiking and primitive camping. P.O. Box 1000, Bayard, NM 88023 UNIVERSITY 575-537-4010 1000 W. College Ave., Silver City, SILVER CITY www.cobre.k12.nm.us NM 88062 Town, County Seat P.O. Box 680, Silver City, NM 88062 Population: 9,647 CHARTER SCHOOLS ALDO LEOPOLD CHARTER 800-872-9668, 575-538-6011 Home to Western New Mexico University, Silver (as it’s SCHOOL wnmu.edu known to locals) is famous for its thriving culture of arts 1422 U.S. Highway 180 East, and music, festivals, and as the gateway to the Gila Silver City NM 88061 National Forest. 575-538-2547

74 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN HIDALGO COUNTYCOUNTIES

LEGISLATIVE Hidalgo County PRIORITIES Seeks road improvements, ambulance • Purchase of a new ambulance • Road improvements to Glen Acres BY TRACY ROY to include drainage issues • Road department truck purchase ast year, Hidalgo County was hit hard for entertainment, doctor visits, etc.” by a strapped budget while dealing With residents needing to drive a long • Ambulance shelter purchase to Lwith bad roads, unhappy teachers and distance to conduct the business of their lives, house ambulance in remote area not much hope for help. However, due to a roads in need of repair remain an issue across reauthorization of funds, it was able to com- the sprawling, rural county. plete renovations at its fairgrounds. Hidalgo’s legislative priorities include “We had electrical upgrades and renova- requests for capital outlay funds to purchase QUICK FACTS tions completed over the past two years,” said a road department truck and make road PEOPLE Hidalgo County Manager Tisha Green. “Our improvements to Glen Acres, which include Population: 4,302 (2016 estimate) fair was without lighting issues this year and correcting drainage problems, according to Households: 1,858 (2011-2015, appreciated by citizens. The project is now County Manager Green. 5-year survey) complete and closed.” Other priorities include the purchase a Median household income: $34,444 The county may fare better with funding new ambulance and a shelter to house it in a (2011-2015) for new projects this year due to a financial remote area. Persons below poverty level, percent: windfall at the state level, and officials are Last year, Hidalgo County Commission 26.7 percent (2011-2015) looking to fund three of four projects on its Chairwoman Marianne Stewart said that an- priority list. other concern for the county is securing PILT BUSINESS Additionally, a focus on fixing education funding (Payment in Lieu of Taxes). PILT is Total employer establishments: 100 (2015) woes during the 60-day legislative session a program in which the federal government Non-employer establishments: 207 (2015) could help repair the county’s teacher short- pays counties compensation for the property Total number of firms: 250 (2012) age. taxes lost due to federal ownership of land. GEOGRAPHY “Teacher shortages are a very real problem, In New Mexico, roughly a third of the land Land area (square miles): 3,436.86 not just in Hidalgo County, but statewide,” is owned by the federal government. In Hi- Persons per square mile: 1.4 (2010) said Stephen Lucas, superintendent of Lords- dalgo County, those funds amount to about Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov burg Municipal Schools. “Pay is an issue, $700,000 and relied on by the county, Stewart as well as the remoteness of the region. The said last year. upcoming legislative session can help address “Myself and all three commissioners plan pay issues, but it takes a very special type of on visiting Santa Fe during the legislative person to live and be happy in a rural, remote session to discuss and request assistance that area. Here, we think nothing of driving a cou- is needed in the bootheel of New Mexico,” ple of hours to get to Las Cruces or Tucson Green said. EDUCATION PUBLIC SCHOOLS LORDSBURG MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS 401 W. 4th St., Lordsburg, NM 88045 575-542-9361 www.lmsed.org

ANIMAS INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS #1 Panther Blvd., Animas, NM 88020 575-548-2299

UNIVERSITIES/ COLLEGES HIDALGO LEARNING CENTER, WESTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY 520 West Second St., Lordsburg, NM 88045 575-542-3315 wnmu.edu/ExtUniv/ Hidalgo_Learning_Center.shtml

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 75 COUNTIESHIDALGO COUNTY HIDALGO COUNTY ELECTED COMMUNITIES OFFICIALS ANIMAS LORDSBURG HIDALGO COUNTY Census-designated place City, County Seat COMMISSION Population: 2,531 Population: 240 305 Pyramid St. Located on Interstate 10, Lordsburg is the Founded around 1753 by the Spanish, Lordsburg, NM, 88045 Animas became part of the newly indepen- county seat and most populous town in dent country of Mexico in 1821. A ranching Hidalgo County. The area dates back to the 1880s, when the arrival of the Southern TISHA GREEN, COUNTY MANAGER community, it is located in the area sold Pacific Railroad brought with it railroad 575-542-4428 to the United States with the Gadsden workers, farmers, ranchers, miners and [email protected] Purchase of 1853. The name probably came merchants. The town received publicity in from the Spanish for souls, or lost souls the classic 1939 Western, “Stagecoach,” JOEL A. EDWARDS, POSITION 1 and may refer to the numerous people who starring John Wayne. 575-74-0291 died during the early days of Apache-set- [email protected] tler conflict. RODEO JAN C. HATCH, POSITION 2 Census-designated place 575-94-4436 Population: 101 COTTON CITY [email protected] Census-designated place One mile from the Arizona border on Population: 393 state Highway 80, Rodeo is New Mexico’s westernmost town. Founded in 1902 as a JOEY MORA, POSITION 3 The Cotton City area was centered around rail stop, it once was an important shipping 575-313-4012 a cotton gin for many years. The region has point for livestock. The town today is home [email protected] had a strong farming base, growing chile, to the Chiricahua Art Museum and the Chir- cotton, beans and corn. Cotton City is icahua Desert Museum. included with Animas for mail and educa- tional services. Gas and food are bought LORDSBURG CITY COUNCIL elsewhere. VIRDEN Village Mayor: Rulene M. Jensen 409 W. Wabash St., Population: 154 Lordsburg, NM 88045 GLEN ACRES Established by the New Mexico Mining 575-542-3259 Census-designated place Company as Richmond in 1916, this site along the Gila River was chosen to build Population: 337 ROBERT BARRERA, MAYOR a stamp mill. In 1912, Mormons leaving Glen Acres is a golf and country club Chihuahua during the Mexican Revolu- SUSIE COLE subdivision next to Lordsburg. The city of tion entered into talks with the company, ERNEST GALLEGOS Lordsburg is working to incorporate the eventually purchasing the area for $50,000 area in order to include it in water and and renaming the town Virden in honor of IRENE GALVAN sewage services. NMMC president Ernest Virden. EDDIE LOPEZ RODNEY PLOWMAN ROXANN RANDALL

76 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN LINCOLN COUNTYCOUNTIES

QUICK FACTS Lincoln County PEOPLE Population: 19,395 (2017 estimate) Long-delayed projects move Households: 7,902 (2013-2017, 5-year survey) front and center Median household income: $42,145 (2017) BY MARTY RACINE Persons below poverty level: 15.8 per- cent (2017) PHOTO COURTESY DIANNE STALLINGS/RUIDOSO NEWS top the list Lincoln County BUSINESS commissioners are sending for Total employer establishments: consideration of funding in the 677 (2016) 2019 legislative session,” reporter Total employment: 5,080 (2016) Dianne Stallings wrote in the Total non-employer establishments: Oct. 26, 2018, Ruidoso News. 1,863 (2016) “Commissioners also includ- Total firms: 2,794 (2012) ed a $3.8 million shortfall in dollars for the replacement of the GEOGRAPHY county-owned Lincoln County Land area (square miles): 4,831 Medical Center in Ruidoso.” Persons per square mile: 4.2 (2010) The $3.8 million shortfall is Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov due to “missing philanthropy” A new headquarters for the county’s emergency medical that had been expected to raise services was built in the first phase of the hospital project. $5 million of the $35 million project, according the News. EDUCATION prawling Lincoln County, from the alpine Presbyterian Healthcare Services PUBLIC SCHOOLS peaks of Sierra Blanca at 12,000 feet to the is expected to raise $1.2 million as part of its CAPITAN MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS Spiñon and juniper country sloping toward contract leasing the hospital from the county. 519 Smokey Bear Blvd., Capitan, NM 88316 the wide horizon, has many personalities. The hospital vote followed the voicing of P.O. Box 278, Capitan, NM 88316 The main attraction is the Ruidoso area, an concerns about including a big-ticket item on 505-354-8500 outdoors oasis known for camping, hunting, the legislative list. www.capitantigers.org mountain biking, quarter-horse racing and “Commissioner Lynn Willard said with hiking during its relatively cool, green sum- a big-ticket item, if other smaller projects CARRIZOZO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS mers; and, in a good snow year, for top-shelf were left off, the county ‘could come up with 800 D Ave., Carrizozo, NM 88301 skiing and snowboarding. nothing,’” Stallings wrote. P.O. Box 99, Carrizozo, NM 88301 And year-round, flatlanders, many from She continued: “Commissioner Dallas 575-648-2346 West Texas, are attracted to the casinos that Draper, sitting in as chairman in the absence cms-k12-mt.schoolloop.com dot the area between Ruidoso Downs and the of (chairman) Preston Stone, said the list will adjoining Mescalero Apache Reservation. contain two other less expensive options for CORONA MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Below Ruidoso, the sparsely settled towns funding and he’s comfortable with adding a 531 Franklin St., Corona, NM 88318 hold onto the secrets to history — the boom- large ticket for the hospital.” P.O. Box 258 and-bust mining towns, the daring escape of In the same meeting, some projects were 575-849-1911 Billy the Kid, the infamous Lincoln County removed from Lincoln County’s capital www.cpscardinals.org War, the Apache raids that built venerable outlay request, including replacement of the Fort Stanton, the legend of Smokey Bear… Hondo Senior Center for $480,436 because HONDO VALLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS even the “Roswell” UFO crash that is actually the county received a Community Devel- 111 Don Pablo Lane, Hondo, NM 88336 traced to Corona at the northern edge of the opment Block Grant for that work, Stallings 575-653-4411 county. wrote. www.hondoschools.org For all its beauty, Lincoln was mostly A $400,000 land acquisition item also was settled long ago, and infrastructure has removed because it was not ready under new RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS always been an issue – even in Ruidoso, with guidelines from the Southeastern New Mexi- 200 Horton Circle, Ruidoso, NM 88345 its aging water lines and its main reservoir co Economic Development District. 575-630-7000 of Grindstone Dam that required structural According to the Ruidoso News, Lincoln www.ruidososchools.org repair several years ago. County Manager Nita Taylor said about 25 Those concerns have shifted in 2019 to projects are on the full Infrastructure and UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES construction and renovation projects that Capital Improvements Proposal (ICIP) and EASTERN NEW MEXICO have been discussed for years. with the removal of the Hondo Senior Center UNIVERSITY-RUIDOSO “Expansion of White Oaks Volunteer Fire and land acquisition, other items, including 709 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345 Department station for $225,000 and the Lin- repaving three miles of county roads for 575-257-2120 coln County Detention Center for $550,000 $500,000, moved up the roster. www.ruidoso.enmu.edu

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 77 COUNTIESLINCOLN COUNTY LINCOLN COUNTY COMMUNITIES ALTO LINCOLN Census-designated place State historical site Population: 1,213 Population: 51 Located in the Lincoln National Forest, five Seventeen structures comprise the Lincoln miles north of the village of Ruidoso, this Historical Site, with adobe and stone golf course community is at 7,300 feet and buildings preserved as they were in the received its name from the Spanish word late 1800s and representing the factions “high” because of its elevation. involved in the Lincoln County War (1878- 1881). A National Landmark since 1960, CAPITAN Lincoln is the historical home of Billy the Village Kid and holds an annual festival featuring Population: 1,413 an open-air enactment of “The Las Escape Located north of the Lincoln National of Billy the Kid.” Forest, Capitan was founded in the 1890s and incorporated in 1941. It is both the RUIDOSO birthplace and final resting place of U.S. Village Forest Service mascot Smokey Bear. Population: 7,756 This mountain resort town is a popular CARRIZOZO destination for desert dwellers seeking Town, County seat cool temperatures and green scenery in the Population: 936 summer and skiing in the winter. Located in Carrizozo was founded in 1899 and grew the Sierra Blanca mountain range, the village to prominence as the main railroad access takes its name from the Rio Ruidoso, which for the county. The town experienced means “noisy river.” The impressive Spencer significant population growth in the early Theater attracts world-class performances of decades of the 1900s, but as significance music, dance and drama. of railroad transport diminished, the population gradually declined. Carrizozo RUIDOSO DOWNS has a burgeoning art district downtown and City is known statewide for a cherry cider drink, Population: 2,583 often found in rural convenience stores. Formerly known as Hollywood and Greentree, this city that adjoins Ruidoso CORONA draws visitors to The Ruidoso Downs Race Village Track, Billy the Kid Population: 160 Casino and the Hubbard Museum of the Corona was established as a stagecoach American West. stop in the 1850s, then a railroad town in 1903. Located on U.S. Highway 54, Corona SAN PATRICIO Town is where the famous 1947 UFO crash was Population: 564 first reported and is actually closer to the This community, at 5,400 feet, is home to crash site than Roswell, which was made a Benedictine spirituality center and the famous by the incident. Hurd-La Rinconada Gallery owned by artist Michael Hurd, which displays original works FORT STANTON of art by the Wyeth and Hurd families. State historical site The historic town was part of the Lincoln 41 Population: County War and is located on the Rio Billy the Kid, Kit Carson and Black Jack Ruidoso between Hondo and Glencoe. Pershing all spent time at Fort Stanton. Built in 1855, Fort Stanton is now one of WHITE OAKS the best-preserved military installations Ghost town Population: Undetermined from New Mexico’s frontier era. Having Located on the outskirts of the Lincoln served as a tuberculosis hospital National Forest, White Oaks began as a and a WWII internment camp, it now gold boomtown in 1879 when gold and encompasses 240 acres of historic trails, coal were discovered nearby. During its buildings and hosts regular living history heyday, it boasted 50 different businesses, programs. including four newspapers, two hotels, three churches, a sawmill, a bank, an HONDO opera house, livery stables and saloons Census-designated place and gambling houses. By the early 1900s, Population: 341 the mines had dried up and the town In the 1880s, Spanish settlers founded La was almost — but not completely — Junta (“the junction”) where the Rio Bonito abandoned. Listed on the National Register and Rio Ruidoso converge to form the Rio of Historic Places, one of the town’s saloons Hondo. The name was changed to Hondo remains open – the No Scum Allowed (“deep”) after the river. Saloon.

78 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN LINCOLN COUNTYCOUNTIES ELECTED OFFICIALS LINCOLN COUNTY DISTRICT 5 VILLAGE OF RUIDOSO COMMISSION Elaine Allen COUNCIL 300 Central Ave., P.O. Box 338, P.O. Box 74, Lincoln, NM 88338 313 Cree Meadows Dr., Carrizozo, NM 88301 575-653-4251 Ruidoso, NM 88345 Phone: 574-648-2394 [email protected] Phone: 575-257-4343

DISTRICT 1 RUIDOSO DOWNS Lynn D. Crawford, Mayor 575-258-4343 Preston Stone, Chair CITY COUNCIL P.O. Box 484, Capitan, NM 8836 123 Downs Drive, [email protected] 575-808-0729 Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346 Rafael “Rifle” Salas [email protected] 575-378-4422, [email protected] 575-808-0430 Gary Williams, Mayor [email protected] DISTRICT 2 575-378-7068 Dr. Gary Jackson Lynn Willard [email protected] 109 Nogal Place, Ruidoso, NM 88345 575-973-2885 575-404-1794 Judith Miller, Mayor Pro-Tem [email protected] [email protected] 575-378-4823 Joseph W. Eby 575-937-4847 575-808-0114 DISTRICT 3 [email protected] [email protected] Dallas Draper, Vice Chair 113 Alpine Village Road, Shane Walker Tim Coughlin 575-626-7099 Ruidoso, NM 88345 575-937-5469 575-937-4790 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Jimmy Romero Susan Lutterman 575-973-7094 575-973-8338 DISTRICT 4 [email protected] [email protected] Tom Stewart P.O. Box 515, Alto, NM 88312 John Cornelius 575-973-7363 575-937-0918 [email protected] [email protected] Choose a Nationally Recognized Hospital – It Matters!

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JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 79 COUNTIES LUNA COUNTY

QUICK FACTS PEOPLE Luna County Population: 24,078 (2017) Households: 9,088 (2013-2017, 5-year Deming, county focus on the basics estimate) Median household income: $27,602 BY RICHARD COLTHARP (2017) Persons below poverty level: 28.3 ike much of New Mexico, the folks in mation technology facilities – and purchasing percent a tire shredder to improve solid waste and Deming and Luna County are continually BUSINESS working to improve infrastructure, educa- environmental issues,” Juarez said. L The shredder may not be the glitziest item Total employer establishments: 382 tion and the economy. on anyone’s legislative priority list, but it’s (2016) Community leaders have begun some spe- Total non-employer establishments: 982 cific projects in these areas and are hopeful needed and quite practical. “We have quite a few tires built up,” Jasso (2016) some state funds can be available for others. Total number of firms: 1,353 (2012) “We are working with the University of said. “It affects us at the landfill too. No mat- New Mexico School of Architecture and the ter what you do with whole tires, they always GEOGRAPHY Woodbury school in California on an incuba- come back to the surface.” Land area (square miles): 2,965 tor project,” Deming Mayor Benny Jasso said. Jasso said the cost of the shredder is Population per square mile: 8.5 (2010) “Students have designed several concepts. around $800,000. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov/quickfacts This will be part of our West side of Deming Both Juarez and Jasso said they hope some revitalization project.” capital outlay money can come back in the The project will enable fledgling business form of road improvements and mainte- to rent space at a reduced rate and allow nance. EDUCATION them access to classes from Deming Luna “We have a lot of road projects here in Deming,” Jasso said. “We’re hoping to capture PUBLIC SCHOOLS County Economic Development and Western DEMING PUBLIC SCHOOLS New Mexico University. some of the monies for the roads. “Cedar Street runs along I-10, on the south 1001 S. Diamond Ave., Deming opened its Early College High Deming, NM 88030 School in the fall of 2018 and is supported side, but does not connect,” Jasso said. “We really need to do that. It would be a good 575-546-8841 by four primary entities: Deming Public www.demingps.org Schools, the City of Deming, Luna County economic boost to us if we can connect.” The city and the county are working to- and Western New Mexico University. Jasso UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES said the school is off to a great start. gether on this project, as well as on additional recreational facilities,” Juarez said. MIMBRES VALLEY LEARNING CENTER “We’re working to support them,” he said. (WNMU) “They are probably going to need more room. The recent Port of Entry Expansion in southern Luna County, connecting the 2300 E. Pine St., We’re trying to figure out how each entity can Deming, NM 88030 help make that happen.” Village of Columbus on the New Mexico side to Palomas on the Mexico side, has created 575-546-6556 Glory Juarez, Luna County’s interim man- wnmu.edu/ExtUniv/deming ager, said the county is actively working with additional, accompanying projects, which its area partners. will bring construction activity to the region. “The county, in collaboration with the City These include a study on the 36-mile of Deming and Village of Columbus, will be corridor of New Mexico Highway 11 between seeking funding to improve infrastructure – Columbus and Deming, diversion berms in roads, drainage, diversion berm, expansion of Columbus to protect the Port of Entry, and a recreational facilities, improvement of Infor- Border Economic Development Plan.

80 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN LUNA COUNTY COUNTIES LUNA COUNTY COMMUNITIES COLUMBUS DEMING Village Population: 1,609 (2017 estimate) City Population: 14,183 (2017 estimate) South of Deming 30 miles and three miles The Luna county seat, Deming is the largest north of the U.S.-Mexico border, opposite city in the county and is home to nearly 60 the Mexican village of Puerto Palomas, percent of its population. Founded in 1881 Chihuahua, stands Columbus, the sec- and incorporated in 1902, Deming began ond-most-populous town in Luna County. as a main port of entry near the Mexican In 1916, the town was attacked by Mexican border and has grown into an agricultural revolutionary Francisco “Pancho” Villa, kill- center and transportation hub. Tourism and ing eight soldiers and 10 residents, in what retirement are also major industries. historians refer to as the Battle of Colum- bus. Columbus Elementary School serves schoolchildren from both Columbus and its neighbor to the south, Palomas, by busing students across the border.

ELECTED OFFICIALS LUNA COUNTY DEMING CITY COUNCIL COMMISSION 309 S. Gold Ave., Ste. 3, 700 S. Silver Ave., P.O. Box 1838, Deming, NM 88030 Deming, NM 88031 575-546-8848 Phone: 575-546-0491 www.cityofdeming.org DISTRICT 1 MAYOR Barbara Reedy Benny L. Jasso 575-544-5976 575-546-8848 [email protected] DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 2 David L. Sanchez Linda Smrkovsky 575-546-3155 575-494-0512 [email protected] [email protected] DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 3 Roxana Rincon John Sweetser 575-546-8848 575-546-7597 [email protected] [email protected] DISTRICT 3 Joe Milo, Mayor Pro-Tem 575-546-7385 [email protected]

DISTRICT 4 Victor Cruz 575-546-8848 [email protected]

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 81 COUNTIESOTERO COUNTY

LEGISLATIVE Otero County CONCERNS • Timberon Fire Station: $750,000 to Stability, growth are priorities build a new 8-bay, 9,000 square feet fire station to replace the one with BY JENNIFER GRUGER structural issues that limit its use. • Alamo Street Repaving: $1.25 olloman Air Force Base (HAFB), ed to interlocking the communities here with million to resurface this heavily commercial airline possibilities, the base.” traveled road outdoor adventure and newly elect- Oliver, along with Rene Hatfield, chair of H • Emergency Operations Center: ed officials are all at the center of economic the Otero County Economic Development development in Otero County. Council, cited numerous formal inqui- $115,000 was received last year The Otero County Commission continues ries from new medium to large businesses to finish remodel on the existing with a three-member commission this year looking at Alamogordo as a destination for building. An additional $50,000 is with Lori Bies in District 3 joined by two establishing new or expanded locations and being requested to purchase and newly elected Commissioners, Couy Griffin credit the Air Force base as one reason for an install equipment in District 2 and Gerald Matherly in District apparent uptick in interest. • Riata Road Pecos Crossing: $2 1. County Manager Pamela Heltner reported At New Mexico State University – Al- million to construct a bridge/ a number of priorities for the county and amogordo, Dr. Ken Van Winkle, president roadway and stabilize a current low- economic stability and growth were consis- of the campus cites two bachelor’s degree water crossing through an arroyo tent topics during the election season. programs available completely onsite in Al- for the safety of the citizens that The communities of Cloudcroft, Tularosa amogordo: one in nursing and the other in el- traverse that road and Alamogordo all have new members on ementary education. In process are associates • Detention center expansion: $18 their city councils, with Tularosa also electing degrees in computer science, allied health, IT million for three-phase project new mayor Margaret Trujillo. Each com- and business management technology, as well secured by general obligation funds munity reported efforts to expand tourism a medical assistance and phlebotomy certif- efforts to bring attention to this culturally icate program. Van Winkle explained that and historically significant area. The City of he initiated a pilot program that eliminated Alamogordo is focused on promoting the fees for airmen, spouses and families for QUICK FACTS “Adventures for Life” brand and developed these and other programs in order to show PEOPLE a mobile app for visitors to the area. Search this unique community that they matter. Population: 65,817 (2017) “Alamogordo, New Mexico” on the App Store Acknowledging there are other post-second- Households: 23,043 (2012-2016) for Apple or Google Play for Android. ary educational offerings to airmen and their Median household income: $41,502 The 49th Wing at Holloman Air Force families, Van Winkle pointed out, “We’re the (in 2016 dollars) Base, home to the MQ-9 Reaper remotely campus that is only six miles away.” Persons below poverty level: piloted aircraft and F-16 Viper as well as 30 Along with tourism and marketing the 20.5 percent tenant units (units who work on the base outdoor lifestyle of the Southwest, improved but don’t work directly for the Wing) has a housing options, education and healthcare BUSINESS new commander, Colonel Joseph L. Campo. expansion continue to be the focus for Hol- Total employer establishments: 962 (2016) G.B. Oliver, interim executive director of the loman Air Force Base and the communities Total non-employer establishment: Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce, said of throughout Otero County. 3,298 (2016) Colonel Campo, “We have someone dedicat- Total number of firms: 3,918 (2012) GEOGRAPHY Land area (square miles): 6,613.21 Persons per square mile: 9.6 (2010) Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov

82 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN OTERO COUNTYCOUNTIES Otero County has its eye on the skies EDUCATION BY JENNIFER GRUGER PUBLIC SCHOOLS ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS n 2018, F-16 Viper fighter jet squadrons units, under the 19th Air Force, the num- 1211 Hawaii Ave., became a permanent mission at Hollo- bered air force responsible for flying training Alamogordo, NM 88310 man Air Force Base (HAFB), due in large across the Air Force. 575-812-6000 I www.aps4kids.org part to the efforts put forth to respond to the Additionally in 2018, the Alamogor- need for a skilled workforce to handle main- do-White Sands Regional Airport completed CLOUDCROFT MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS tenance on the planes, according to Lance a $5.25 million project using federal, state 10 Swallow Place, Grace, executive board member of MainGate and local dollars adding a 2,200-foot runway Cloudcroft, NM 88317 United and Chairman of the White Sands extension. This expansion provides an F-16 P.O. BOX 198 Airport Advisory Board. MainGate United is alternate emergency landing capability for 575-601-4416 a subcommittee of the Alamogordo Cham- the U.S. Air Force and meets requirements www.cmsbears.org ber of Commerce. That group is working for the BAe-146 U.S. Forest Service fire sup- with the community and civilian contractor pression aircraft upgrade. Due in part to the TULAROSA PUBLIC SCHOOLS AECOMM to beef up the workforce. runway extension, along with other favorable 504 First St., “Getting the maintenance people here data points, Grace said “Alamogordo is now Tularosa, NM 88352 turned out to not be a problem. The workers the only community in New Mexico that has 575-585-8800 who took those jobs love it here!” Grace said. the economic ability to support regional jet www.tularosak12.us Information provided by Arlan Ponder, service (commercial air service) that is not NM SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND director of media relations for HAFB, 49th currently doing so.” VISUALLY IMPAIRED Wing Public Affairs, confirms that as of late Movement in the direction of adding com- 1900 N. White Sands Blvd., 2018, HAFB is also now home to MQ-9 mercial air service with airplanes that could Alamogordo, NM 88310 Reaper and sensor operator (enlisted per- handle 50-100 passengers and include flights 575-437-3505 sonnel who control the cameras on Remotely to international airports is underway. www.nmsbvi.k12.nm.us Piloted Aircraft) formal training unit. The As the communities in Otero County con- 49th Wing saw the transfer of the base’s flying tinue efforts to expand housing and improve PRIVATE SCHOOLS training mission to Air Education and Train- the quality of education, these developments ST. FRANCES CABRINI CATHOLIC ing Command (AETC). combine to make the area more appealing to SCHOOL The transition, effective Oct. 1, 2018, aligns businesses looking for new locations to build (Formerly known Father the wing and all co-located units, which hosts new operations or expand existing opera- James B. Hay Catholic School) MQ-9 Reaper and F-16 Viper formal training tions. Grades PreK – 6 1000 E. Eighth St., Alamogordo, NM 88310 575-437-7821 www.fjbhcatholic.org

IMAGO DEI ACADEMY Growing connectivity: Tularosa network Classical Christian School K-12 1100 Michigan Ave., gets $18 million loan from USDA Alamogordo, NM 88310 575-434-3903 ssistant to the Secretary for Rural According to a 2018 report by the Federal www.imagodei.academy Development Anne Hazlett has Communications Commission, 80 percent announced the U.S. Department of the 24 million American households who LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY A Private, Catholic, Grades K-12 of Agriculture is investing in infrastructure lack reliable, affordable, high-speed internet 3001 Thunder Road, projects in a dozen states to improve e-con- are in rural areas. USDA’s investments in Alamogordo, NM 88310 nectivity in rural communities, according to broadband infrastructure are helping trans- 575-434-0352 a news release. form rural America, providing innovation www.legacychristianacademy-edu.com “In the modern economy, rural broadband and technology to increase economic com- is a lifeline to quality of life and economic petitiveness and opportunities, the USDA UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES opportunity,” Hazlett said. “With that impact, news release said. NEW MEXICO STATE USDA is fiercely committed under the lead- USDA is investing $91 million through the UNIVERSITY-ALAMOGORDO ership of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue Telecommunications Programs. The 19 proj- 2400 North Scenic Drive, on expanding access to e-Connectivity in ects will benefit more than 27,000 businesses Alamogordo, NM 88310 rural America.” and households in 12 states. 575-439-3600 Tularosa will build 176 miles of fiber-optic In New Mexico, the Tularosa Basin www.nmsua.edu facilities, construct new fiber-to-the-prem- Telephone Company Inc. will use an $11.8 PARK UNIVERSITY ises (FTTP) facilities, and upgrade digital million loan to improve telecommunications 49th FSS/FSDE 596 4th St. subscriber line (DSL) and FTTP electron- for nearly 10,000 customers in the Carrizozo, Building 224, Suite 213, ics. The improvements will enhance services Cloudcroft and Tularosa exchanges. Holloman AFB, NM 88330 and provide subscribers voice and higher 575-479-2337 broadband speeds. www.park.edu/campus-centers

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 83 COUNTIESOTERO COUNTY OTERO COUNTY COMMUNITIES ALAMOGORDO HIGH ROLLS-MOUNTAIN PARK MESCALERO SUNSPOT City, County Seat Unincorporated Community Census-designated place Unincorporated community Population: 31,248 Population: 834 (2010) Population: 1,338 Population: 674 Mayor: Richard Boss Located at the southernmost tip of Mescalero was originally called Located at an elevation of 9,200 Home to the oldest zoo in the the Sacramento Mountains, High Blazer ’s Mill and was the location feet, Sunspot is named after the Southwest, Alameda Park Zoo, as Rolls includes a general store, a of a famous gunfight during the nearby National Solar Observatory well as the New Mexico Museum post office, an elementary school, Lincoln County War. The Mescale- on Sacramento Peak, which is open of Space History and the Clyde M. two churches and occasionally a ro Apache Tribe operates tribal most days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tombaugh Planetarium. Its culture bar. It has many local attractions, enterprises including Inn of the Sunspot has no gas station, grocery and economy are augmented by including a Cherry Festival and Mountain Gods Resort & Casino, store or restaurant. nearby Holloman Air Force Base. Apple Festival. Ski Apache, Casino Apache Travel THREE RIVERS BENT Center, Mescalero Forest Products HOLLOMAN AFB Unincorporated community Unincorporated community and Mescalero Cattle Growers. 119 Census-designated place Population: Population: 119 (2010) The community is home to the 50- 21,000 Active Duty, A cross at the top of Round Moun- Population: NEWMAN acre Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, tain commemorates an 1868 battle Guard, Reserve, retirees, DOD civil- Unincorporated community which contains more than 21,000 in which soldiers and Tularosa villag- ians and their family members Population: Unavailable glyphs dating from 900 to 1400 AD. ers defeated Apache warriors. Established in 1942, six miles west Newman, just north of El Paso, of Alamogordo, the base was Texas, was a small railroad town TIMBERON BOLES ACRES named in honor of Col. George and yard. It was named after Texas Census-designated place Census-designated place V. Holloman in 1948, a pioneer real estate developer Henry L.E. Population: 348 Population: 1,638 (2010) in guided missile research. Total Newman. Considered a resort and retirement Listed in Sperling’s best places to economic impact is more than $480 community, high in the Sacramento live, Boles Acres has an unemploy- million per year. OROGRANDE Mountains, Timberon has a golf ment rate of 5 percent. The median Unincorporated community course, lodge and airstrip. home price is $118,700. LA LUZ Population: 52 Census-designated place Established as a mining town in TULAROSA CHAPARRAL Population: 1,615 1905 and named Jicarilla Junction Village Population: 2,930 (2017) Unincorporated community Founded in 1719, La Luz is the old- due to its proximity to the Jicarilla Mayor: Margaret Trujillo 14,631 Tularosa received its name from the Population: est settlement in the Tularosa Basin. Mountains, the town was renamed The population of Chaparral, includ- Spanish description of red reeds ed in the Las Cruces Metropolitan It lies on the eastern edge of the Orogrande (Spanish for big gold) that line the Rio Tularosa. It is well Statistical area, has grown rapidly in Tularosa Basin and on the western in 1906. It is a semi-ghost town known for its display of luminarias recent years. flank of the Sacramento Mountains. that does offer a functioning gas on Christmas Eve. station/convenience store. CLOUDCROFT MAYHILL WEED Village Population: 688 (2017) Unincorporated community PIÑON Unincorporated community Mayor: Dave Venable Population: 80 Unincorporated community Population: 63 Located high atop a forested Surrounded by the Lincoln National Population: 71 Nestled on the east slope of the “island” in the arid desert, Cloud- Forest, Mayhill is almost entirely The town is in the piñon-juniper Sacramento Mountains at 7,047 croft’s elevation (8,600 feet) brings residential, with several vacation shrub lands habitat with an altitude feet, Weed was founded in 1884 by a relatively mild, wet summer that homes as well as farms and ranch- of 6,060 feet. The population George and Elizabeth Lewis. It was makes this Alpine village a popular es. The population density is two remained stable between 2000 and named after William H. Weed, who seasonal destination. people per square mile. 2010. opened a branch store there. ELECTED OFFICIALS OTERO COUNTY Richard A. Boss, Mayor DISTRICT 5 Patrick Garcia, Mayor pro-tem COMMISSION 575-214-0024 Alfonso “Al” Hernandez 575-585-2771 [email protected] 575-921-3632 1101 New York Ave., Robert Sainz, Trustee [email protected] Alamogordo, NM 88310 575-585-2771 575-437-7427 DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 6 www.co.otero.nm.us Jason Baldwin, Mayor pro-tem Dusty Wright CLOUDCROFT 575-921-1093 2945 Desert Breeze Ct., DISTRICT 1 VILLAGE COUNCIL [email protected] Alamogordo, NM 88310 201 Burro Ave., Gerald Ray Matherly 575-430-3395 Cloudcroft, NM 88317 575-437-7427 DISTRICT 2 [email protected] P.O. Box 317 DISTRICT 2 Nadia Sikes 575-682-2411 Couy Dale Griffin 575-491-7910 TULAROSA [email protected] Dave Venable, Mayor 575-437-7427 VILLAGE COUNCIL [email protected] 705 St. Francis Dr., DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 3 Tularosa, NM 88352 Bill Denney, Mayor Pro-tem Lori Bies Susan Payne 575-585-2771 [email protected] [email protected] 575-491-2011 Margaret Trujillo, Mayor Cindy Voight, Trustee [email protected] 575-585-2771 [email protected] ALAMOGORDO CITY COMMISSION DISTRICT 4 Janie Portillo, Trustee John Tieman, Trustee 1376 E. 9th St., Josh Rardin 575-585-2771 [email protected] Alamogordo, NM 88310 575-434-0720 Jeni “Bebe” Flores, Trustee George Mitchell, Trustee 575-439-4205 [email protected] 575-585-2771 [email protected]

84 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SIERRA COUNTYCOUNTIES Sierra County Leaders optimistic about growth, improvements

BY RICHARD COLTHARP

ruth or Consequences Mayor Steve partners who have an interest in the wildlife management company hired to improve operations Green and Sierra County Manager preservations, B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sports- and efficiencies.” TBruce Swingle are bullish on their man Society) Nations being one of them,” TAKING FLIGHT region heading into 2019. Swingle said. “I think the community and Virgin Galactic has been the focus of much For Green and Swingle, the reasons for region as a whole realizes the significance of the Spaceport America discussion in the last optimism are more tangible than ever. of the lake at Elephant Butte, not only to the decade, and some have criticized the state’s expense The Spaceport America Visitors Center is economy, but the environmental aspects of on the project. up and going in downtown Truth or Con- wildlife and fishery.” Swingle, Green and others, though, remain sol- sequences. The southern road to Spaceport The reservoir has historically been the No. idly positive about Spaceport America’s future and, America, connecting the facility to Interstate 1 recreational destination in the state, gener- perhaps more important, its present. 25 and enabling efficient access from Doña ating as much as 90 percent of the budget for Most New Mexicans don’t realize the impact Ana County, is complete. Virgin Galactic, the entire New Mexico State Parks system. the spaceport has already had on Sierra County in Spaceport America’s primary tenant, made a With tourism driven by the lake, the hot recent years. successful space test flight with its SpaceShip springs, Spaceport America, as well as the ■ CONTINUED ON PAGE 86 Two in California in December 2018. New arts and T or C’s burgeoning downtown, activity in T or C’s downtown, and increased community leaders want to make sure tour- QUICK FACTS popularity of its signature hot springs spas, ists are taken care of and want to return. has lifted economics and energy in the “We’re really thrilled with our active PEOPLE county’s largest city. The New Mexico State MainStreet organization,” Green said. “And Population: 11,116 (2017) Veterans Home has added a $26 million, 59- we received a USDA grant for hospitality Households: 5,400 (2013-2017, bed, memory care unit at its campus in Truth training, which is for all types of businesses 5-year survey) or Consequences. that interact with visitors, and also to treat Median household income: $29,690 “I am optimistic about a lot of things hap- our own citizens as visitors, and give them a (2017) pening now, and on the horizon,” said Green great experience.” Persons below poverty level: of T or C, which, which welcomes a brand Another key priority for the region has 26.6 percent new city manager, Morris Madrid, appointed little to do with tourism. in late December. “Our No. 1 focus is funding the next phase BUSINESS “We’re ecstatic,” Swingle said about the of the construction of the hospital,” Swingle Total employer establishments: 217 activity at Spaceport America. said. “That is the region’s sole capital outlay (2016) Even one of the more troubling aspects of request.” Non-employer establishments: 713 the region — the drought and its effect on Just as with the reservoir’s joint powers (2016) Elephant Butte Reservoir — has hope in the commission, the region’s four municipalities Total number of firms: 837 (2010) future. A joint powers commission, compris- collaborate on the hospital as owners of Sier- GEOGRAPHY ing the City of T or C, Sierra County, the City ra Vista Hospital. T or C and Sierra County Land area (square miles): 4,178 of Elephant Butte and the Village of Wil- each own 40 percent. The City of Elephant Persons per square mile: 2.9 (2010) liamsburg, is continuing its efforts to create a Butte owns 15 percent, and Williamsburg, 5. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov minimum pool of water for the reservoir. “All four entities have supported resolu- “We have been able to identify additional tions to be unified in our request for capital outlay,” Swingle said. The 60-year-old hospital already has a new EDUCATION emergency room and other improvements. PUBLIC SCHOOLS The $5.2 million request will go toward debt TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES on the $26 million loan that made those MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS 180 N. Date St., upgrades possible and future upgrades easier Truth or Consequences, NM 87901 to do. 575-894-8166 “We’re really excited about this,” Green torcschools1.schooldesk.net said. “Being an older community, healthcare becomes a very important part of the mix.” UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES “We are moving in a very positive direction WESTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY financially and professionally,” Swingle said GARDNER LEARNING CENTER of Sierra Vista Hospital, which employs about 601 Sunset St., 230 people. “And the region’s been very forth- Truth or Consequences, NM 87901 coming in supporting the hospital and the 575-538-6369 extended.wnmu.edu/torc

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 85 COUNTIESSIERRA COUNTY

■ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 85 “Numerous (non-Virgin) launches ABOVE AND BELOW are occurring,” Swingle said. “We have At street level in T or C, things are ELECTED OFFICIALS five companies working at Spaceport hopping, literally and figuratively. SIERRA COUNTY COMMISSION America now, and there are 10 or 11 The popular T or C Brewing Co. has 855 Van Patten, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901 working that the spaceport has signed “helped the drumbeat of downtown,” 575-894-6215 nondisclosure agreements with. There is Green said. “When I came in 2000, there www.sierraco.org a lot of activity, and companies continue were like 16 empty storefronts. Now James Paxon, District 1 to hire. We’re excited. Virgin Galactic is we’re down to two or three. Now you 575-894-6215, [email protected] moving folks into the area as we speak. can’t get a parking place on Broadway Even though I believe it’s only at about on Saturday night. Kenneth Lyon, District 3 3 percent of capacity, the spaceport has “And a couple of our spas have done 575-894-6215, [email protected] continually grown its gross receipts and major upgrades. It’s encouraging to see employees year over year. Our county is investment in your own community by Frances Luna, District 3, Vice chair receiving much more in gross receipts existing businesses who had suffered 575-894-6215, [email protected] tax than we’re putting in, and our hotels through hard times. It’s very satisfy- and restaurants are full from the activ- ing as an elected official. Other people TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES ities.” realize there is good opportunity for in- CITY COMMISSION Now that Virgin has had a successful vestment in T or C, and there are things 505 Sims St., Truth or Consequences, NM 87901 spaceflight test, the much-anticipated on the horizon to happen. People are 575-894-6673 private citizen flights are closer than starting to say, ‘Let’s take a look at Truth www.torcnm.org ever to taking off here in New Mexico. or Consequences.’” Steve Green, Mayor In December 2018, Virgin founder Below the street, infrastructure prob- [email protected] Richard Branson cautiously predicted lems lurk. that, after some further examination of “We are always trying to find funding Sandra Whitehead, Mayor pro-tem equipment and operations, probably by sources for that,” Green said. “We want [email protected] mid-2019, “We will move the operation to build stronger infrastructure to at- Kathy Clark, Commissioner to the spaceport in New Mexico. Then tract new businesses and new residents [email protected] I will then go up, and we’ll do another to the community. set of tests. If every box is ticked, we will T or C has a USDA grant phasing in Rolf Hechler, Commissioner start to be able to take members of the an upgrade to the wastewater treatment [email protected] public up.” plant, which was out of compliance do Paul Baca, Commissioner OTHER LEGISLATION to change in schedule regulations. [email protected] Swingle said Sierra County is on “We’re replacing potable water lines board with several other counties and and sewer lines,” Green said. “The pipes ELEPHANT BUTTE CITY COUNCIL legislators who want to modify two state are very old, and the lack of rain has 103 Water Ave., Elephant Butte, NM 87935 tax ordinances. made the ground really dry, and lost 575-744-4892 “One is cleaning up correctional facil- some of support the pipes were resting www.cityofelephantbutte.com ity gross receipts tax verbiage,” Swingle on. The pipes angle down, creating more Eunice Kent, Mayor said. “The current language creates an leaks.” [email protected] accounting nightmare for us and for Back above ground, Healing Waters (the New Mexico Finance Authority). Plaza, in the heart of downtown, is a Kim Skinner, Mayor pro-tem We need to resolve these accounting new feature in the community, celebrat- [email protected] problems.” ing Truth or Consequences’ hot springs Gerald LaFont, Councilor The other ordinance needing modifi- and centrally positioned for local events. [email protected] cation, Swingle said, regards the taxing “The geothermal waters bubble up, of emergency medical services and and it ties everything together,” Green Edna Trager, Councilor behavioral health. said. “It fronts right on the Sierra [email protected] “The current language does not allow Grande Lodge property and is right Travis Atwell, Councilor you to use money for infrastructure,” behind the visitors center, where the [email protected] Swingle said. “But the tax is initiated at Spaceport America tours start.” the local level and local governments FURTHER ON THE HORIZON know more of the needs. We hope legis- Another potential economic boon is VILLAGE OF WILLIAMSBURG lators will allow us to use the money for still awaiting approval from state and TRUSTEES its intended purpose.” federal overseers: the Copper Flat Mine. 309 Veater Road, Williamsburg, NM 87942 Emergency services and behavioral The project would re-open a 575-894-6385 www.villageofwilliamsburg.com health often cannot be performed with- long-dormant mine six miles northeast out proper buildings and infrastructure, of Hillsboro. It would bring an estimated Deb Stubblefield, Mayor Swingle said. For example, a communi- $175 million in taxes, 270 direct jobs [email protected] cations center is necessary for dispatch- and 1,300 indirect jobs, Swingle said, ing emergency services. from construction and operation. Majorie Powey, Mayor Pro-tem [email protected] “To have key infrastructure exempted “It would absolutely be a game-chang- was likely not the intent of legislature,” er for Sierra County,” he said. Guillermo Hernandez, Trustee Swingle said. [email protected]

86 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SIERRA COUNTYCOUNTIES SIERRA COUNTY COMMUNITIES ARREY ENGLE MONTICELLO Census-designated place Census-designated place Census-designated place Population: 232 Population: Unavailable Population: 135 The community just south of the Caballo Res- Once a cattle town that formed around a rail At its peak, Monticello had more than 5,000 ervoir is where farming begins in the Mesilla station, Engle saw its greatest growth during people living along the banks of the shallow Valley, producing chile, pecans, onions and the construction of the Elephant Butte Dam. Alamosa River. Founded by ranchers and other crops. The name Arrey is believed to Today, it serves as a gateway to Ted Turner’s farmers, it is best known today for its organic refer to French settlers in the 1800s. Armendaris Ranch and Spaceport America. farms, including an award-winning balsamic vinegar. CHLORIDE HILLSBORO Ghost town Population: 11 Census-designated place TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES A mining town known by a couple different Population: 124 (2010) City Population: 6,103 names in its early days, the name Chloride Now a quaint small town, gold and silver The county seat and commercial hub, Truth — based on the high-grade silver ore found mines once made Hillsboro the county seat or Consequences is a city that is constantly there — stuck and became official in 1881 in 1884 and it reached a population of 1,200 trying to reinvent itself. Originally named Hot when a post office was established and re- by 1907. Glimpses of its colorful past can still Springs, the city agreed to change its name mained open until 1956. At its height, it had be seen, including the former courthouse and in 1950 to that of a popular national radio more than 1,000 people living there. Some old jail where a controversial trial was held for the show that became an early television show. An structures remain. accused killers of Col. Albert Fountain and his attraction always has been its access to hot CUCHILLO 8-year-old son. springs that are featured in bathhouses and Census-designated place hotels. In recent years, that has been com- KINGSTON plemented by a funky eclecticism downtown Population: 35 Census-designated place and the town’s position as the closest fully Named for a nearby creek and a local Apache Population: 32 chief, Cuchillo Negro (Black Knife), the Hispan- Another town that rose and fell with a nearby developed area to Spaceport America. ic farming and ranching community flourished silver mine, Kingston was touted as one of UPHAM from 1880 to 1930 because of its location be- the largest and most developed towns in the Unincorporated community tween silver mines and the railroad in Engle. A territory, with Mark Twain, Butch Cassidy and Population: Unavailable few historic buildings have survived. The Sundance Kid among its notable visitors. Uninhabited, unincorporated community ap- CUTTER It’s often referred to as a ghost town, though proximately 30 miles east of Truth or Conse- Census-designated place a few hardy souls remain. quences. Its known for its proximity and route to Spaceport America. Population: Unavailable LAKE VALLEY A railroad station 20 miles east of Truth or Census-designated place WILLIAMSBURG Consequences, Cutter once had more than Population: 63 (2016 estimate) Village Population: 437 3,000 people living there during the mining The mining town of Lake Valley was founded When Hot Springs changed its name in boom, but now only a railroad sign remains. in 1878 after silver was discovered. Almost 1950 to Truth or Consequences, a group of DERRY overnight, it blossomed into a major settle- residents moved down the road in protest, Census-designated place ment with a population of 4,000. Today, all naming itself after the first mayor, Dr. Thomas Population: 49 that remains is a ghost town, though a few Williams. Today, the relationship to T or C is A companion farming community to Arrey, it is folks carry on in the statistical census area. friendlier, with T or C contracted to provide the southernmost community in Sierra County The Bureau of Land Management has restored utility service to the village. with much of its corn and alfalfa grown for the schoolhouse and chapel for a self-guided, interpretive walking tour. WINSTON dairies. Census-designated place ELEPHANT BUTTE LAS PLACITAS Population: 59 (2016 estimate) City Population: 1,341 Census-designated place Some miners found Chloride to be too rowdy, Supported by the water sports that its name- Population: 576 so they moved a couple miles south, forming sake reservoir attracts, the city of Elephant Also called Placitas or Placita, the town re- Winston, named after Frank Winston, a local Butte’s fortune rises and falls with the waters, portedly was founded by the Sedillo family in miner, businessman and legislator. A flood but “New Mexico’s Diamond in the Desert” the 1840s, with a schoolhouse, dance hall and in the 1950s wiped out many of the town’s has seen its population balloon to 3,000 when the San Lorenzo Catholic Church built in 1916 buildings, but Winston’s home survived, and a all the summer homes are occupied. as its main features. general store is still open seven days a week.

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 87 COUNTIESSOCORRO COUNTY Socorro County The old and the new converge in Socorro BY RICHARD COLTHARP

he longest-running entities in Socorro are hosting at least one rodeo or soccer event. to a million dollars in colonias funds a month probably the San Miguel Church, New Like everyone else in New Mexico, both the before. Because it was a natural disaster, and TMexico Tech and the Capitol Bar. city and county have infrastructure needs in because a flood mitigation study had been Socorro Mayor Ravi Bhasker may not be the form of roads and street maintenance. done, the county is eligible for more FEMA quite as established as a local institution, but Now that the county has its detention center, funds to use for future flood prevention. he’s getting close. In November 2018, Bhasker completed two years ago, officials are looking “It had a devastating impact, but on other was elected mayor for his eighth consecutive toward saving costs within operations. hand it’s helping us push to a better solution in term since 1990. “The biggest thing we’re looking for is doing the future,” she said. Over the last couple of centuries, there has some energy efficiency,” Walsh said. “We’re Walsh said the detention center is a great im- been periodic talk that Socorro, so centrally looking at solar panels for our detention center, provement from the old one, with more options located in the state, would be a nice home for which has our highest electricity expense, for classification, and inmate separation, which the state capitol. Other than the naming of the since it runs 24-7. So, we’ll be looking for some improves the safety of inmates as well as staff. famous bar, which has been around since 1896, money for solar, the planning and feasibility. However, the nature of the building cannot there hasn’t been much action on that front. Fortunately, we built the detention center so prevent another issue, which detention centers Periodically, though, Socorro does become a that it can take solar power.” statewide are feeling. center of attention in New Mexico. In the county’s other buildings, other “We are the de facto mental health facilities Take, for instance, last summer. measures will be needed. The courthouse, for in New Mexico,” Walsh said of county deten- “We got to do something really cool in example, which was built in 1940, needs new, tion centers. “We’re not seeing that abate at all. June 2018,” Socorro County Manager Delilah energy-efficient doors and windows. We really need some major substance abuse Walsh said. “Socorro hosted the state counties “Those are our two largest buildings,” Walsh and behavioral health services. It’s taking in- conference for the first time. We got to show said. “If we can reduce those energy costs, it carceration before some of these people can be off our community, as well as the university. At really helps the bottom line of our budget. seen by a medical professional. Inmate medical the rodeo arena we had dances and a barbecue. “Our priority goal is to look at operational prescription needs are skyrocketing, and we Every hotel room was booked for the first week expenses and get leaner operationally, so we don’t have the funding for it.” of June. It had a really big impact. The restau- can put money where it is most needed.” Another long-awaited project for the county rants were packed, and we were able to pull off Another infrastructure weakness was ex- is the construction of the Veguita Health Cen- a good conference.” posed during a summer flood. ter, which should be finished in early 2019. Socorro is also the center of attention for “The roughest part of our year was the major “That is our highest poverty area,” Walsh days at a time for first responders from all over flooding we had throughout the region,” Walsh said. “And there are no close health services. the country, who use the resources of New said. “San Antonio was one of the hardest hit They are 45 minutes from the nearest doctor.” Mexico Tech’s Energetic Materials Research are a s .” and Testing Center. The first responders come In July 2018, flash flooding from the box in for classes and training with dozens of peo- canyon upstream knocked big poplar trees into ple at a time, giving the entire community an culverts under Interstate 25, blocking them. QUICK FACTS economic boost. Instead of flowing through the arroyos, the wa- And the City of Socorro Rodeo and Sports ters used U.S. Highway 380 as a conduit, hitting PEOPLE Complex is also a center of attention. homes and farms. Population: 16,798 (2017 estimate) It’s hard to find a weekend now that’s not The county had already been awarded close Households: 4,698 (2013-2017, 5-year survey) Median household income: $34,037 Persons below poverty level: 28.3 percent BUSINESS Total employer establishments: 229 (2016) Non-employer establishments: 746 (2016) Total number of firms: 961 (2012) GEOGRAPHY Land area (square miles): 6,646.68 Persons per square mile: 2.7 (2010) Source. U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov/quickfacts

88 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOCORRO COUNTYCOUNTIES MRGEDA helps region move EDUCATION PUBLIC SCHOOLS SOCORRO CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS forward, promote counties 700 Franklin St., Socorro, NM 87801 575-835-0300 www.socorro.k12.nm.us he Middle Rio Grande Economic there’s a greater threat to the region’s eco- Development Association continues nomic sustainability than mental health and MAGDALENA MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS to progress in its promotion of Sierra substance abuse.” 201 Duggins Drive, Magdalena, NM 87825 T P.O. Box 24 County, Socorro County, Catron County and part In the area of arts, last fall’s Mid Rio 575-854-2241 of Valencia County. Grande Film Festival in Socorro showed and www.magdalena.k12.nm.us The group formed a couple of years ago promoted films about the region, awarding to capitalize on their joint strengths, which prizes and providing an outlet for New Mexi- PRIVATE SCHOOLS include: co filmmakers. ALAMO NAVAJO COMMUNITY SCHOOL • Agricultural business “We completed an agribusiness study to P.O. Box 5907, Alamo, NM 87825 • Recreation, tourism and the arts measure capacity for Socorro and Sierra 575-854-2525 • Healthcare counties,” said Socorro County Manager Del- www.ansbi.org • Forest products and renewable energy ilah Walsh. “Socorro County has capacity for • Technology and workforce education livestock production for commercial use and CHARTER SCHOOLS From a healthcare standpoint, grants Sierra has same potential for farm products, COTTONWOOD VALLEY CHARTER SCHOOL from the Con Alma Health Foundation and such as chile and vegetables. We really could P.O. Box 1829, Socorro, NM 87801 Presbyterian Medical Services are helping justify a processing facility for Sierra and 575-838-2026 www.cottonwoodvalley.org MRGEDA’s regions identify substance abuse livestock processing for Socorro. and treatment voids. “I think we’re seeing the positive aspects UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES “Now we are developing strategies to fill and more active development of our MRGE- NEW MEXICO TECH INSTITUTE OF those voids. There’s absolutely unprecedent- DA,” Walsh said. “We are starting to see the MINING AND TECHNOLOGY ed work being done for rural New Mexico,” fruits of those labors, developing areas in our 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801 said Sierra County Manager Bruce Swingle. community where business can grow.” 575-835-5620 “We’re working on all cylinders. I don’t think www.nmt.edu

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 89 COUNTIESSOCORRO COUNTY SOCORRO COUNTY COMMUNITIES ABEYTAS ESCONDIDA POLVADERA SAN ANTONITO Census-designated place Census-designated place Census-designated place Census-designated place Population: 63 (2016 estimate) Population: 47 (2016 estimate) Population: 414 Population: 94 This agricultural community is Just south of Escondida, Lake Es- A farming community on the west San Antonito is an agricultural on the western bank of the Rio condida has fishing, camping and bank of the Rio Grande north of community along state Highway 1. Grande at the northern end of picnic areas, and is an increasingly popular recreation spot. Socorro, Polvadera was founded Socorro County. in the 1620s but abandoned in SOCORRO LEMITAR 1680 after the Pueblo Revolt, City Census-designated place when the native people revolted Population: 8,751 (2014 estimate) ALAMO Population: 327 (2016 estimate) against Spanish colonists. The county seat of Socorro Coun- Census-designated place About seven miles north of Socor- ty is home to the New Mexico Population: 1,085 ro sits this agricultural community. Institute of Mining and Technolo- While Hatch remains the Chile Alamo is the largest communi- SAN ACACIA gy, better known as New Mexico ty on the Alamo Navajo Indian Capital of the World, the reputa- Tech. With about 2,000 students, tion of Lemitar’s chile is green and Census-designated place Reservation. it has a reputation as one of the growing. Population: 44 Fifteen miles north of Socorro, best technological schools in LUIS LOPEZ the nation, and as an important BINGHAM east of Interstate 25 and just Census-designated place west of the Rio Grande, lies San research center, especially for Census-designated place 265 astronomy. Socorro’s location Population: Acacia, once a thriving railroad Population: Unavailable This community, a few miles south along Interstate 25 echoes back Halfway between Carrizozo and of Socorro, is named for Capt. town. The San Acacia Butte was to the 1600s, when the main San Antonio on U.S. Highway 380, Luis Lopez, who in 1667 was a guidepost for traders along the north-south route was El Camino Bingham is known for its rock and mayor of the Piro Pueblo along El Camino Real. The community Real, and Socorro was an import- mineral shop, where visitors can the Rio Grande. Since 2000, it has is now largely deserted, though a ant stop along the way. The Piro still buy Trinitite, the glass formed had a population growth of 244 few families remain. Indians, who inhabited the area at nearby Trinity Site, the location percent. as far back as the 1200s, provid- of the first atomic bomb blast. MAGDALENA ed support and sustenance for Village SAN ANTONIO the colonists of Juan de Oñate, Population: 913 (2014 estimate) Census-designated place who named the area Socorro, CHAMIZAL More accustomed to attention Population: 165 meaning “help” in Spanish. In Census-designated place as the closest community to the For a small place, there’s a lot New Mexico’s territorial days, Population: 100 (2016) Very Large Array, Magdalena going on in San Antonio, which Fort Craig, south of Socorro, Ten miles north of Socorro lies made national headlines after the sits just east of Interstate 25 became a Civil War outpost and Chamizal, an unincorporated state’s severe drought resulted in on U.S. Highway 380. In a state saw the 1862 Battle of Valverde. History remains an attractive part community off NM State Road the town’s well running dry. The that boasts about its green chile village redrilled the well, which of Socorro’s present-day culture, 408 with an area of 0.442 square cheeseburgers, this tiny burg miles. did get the water flowing again, including the San Miguel Mission but it was pumping only about just may have the very best. The Church, Socorro’s historic plaza a quarter of what it previously legendary Owl Bar & Café is on and even the Capitol Bar, which CLAUNCH produced. Mining (silver and zinc) the north side of Highway 380 was established in 1896. Census-designated place and a railroad spur brought the and the Buckhorn Tavern is on the village a period of prosperity. The south. Devotees of each restau- Population: Unavailable VEGUITA spur’s strategic location made it a rant’s burgers will debate the This community, named for the destination for cattle drives. Cow- Census-designated place Claunch Cattle Co., in northeast boys from all over the Southwest qualities with gusto. San Antonio Population: 263 (2016 estimate) Socorro County along state High- drove cattle to Magdalena to load is also a gateway to the Bosque A farming community just east of way 55, sits almost directly in the on the trains, earning Magdalena del Apache National Wildlife the Rio Grande at the northern tip center of New Mexico. the nickname “The Trail’s End.” Refuge. of Socorro County.

To our legislators: Thanks for your support SOCORRO COUNTY COMMISSION

Joe Gonzales, District 1 Martha Salas, District 2 Manuel Anaya, District 3 PO Box I • 210 Park Street Antonio Ray Martinez, District 4 Socorro, NM 87801 Glen Duggins, District 5 575-835-0589 County Manager - Delilah Walsh www.socorrocounty.net

90Walsh | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOCORRO COUNTYCOUNTIES Socorro’s New Mexico ELECTED OFFICIALS SOCORRO COUNTY COMMISSION Tech mines faculty, Socorro County Annex, 198 DISTRICT 3 Neel Avenue, Manuel Anaya Socorro NM 87801 575-835-0589 x1113 staff and alumni 575-835-0589 575-418-0234 (cell) www.socorrocounty.net [email protected] for new mascot DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 4 Glen Duggins Joe Gonzales, District 1 575-835-0589 x1114 575-835-0589 x1111 ast fall, Socorro’s New Mexico Tech community elected Miners as the offi- 505-385-4029 (cell) cial mascot for the university. [email protected] [email protected] More than 1,500 people voted – students, employees, and alumni. L DISTRICT 2 Miners received more than 60 percent of the vote. Roadrunners was a DISTRICT 5 distant second, followed by Isopods, Bighorns and Burros. Martha Salas Ray Martinez In August 2018, NMT President Dr. Stephen Wells and the Board of 575-835-0589 x1112 575-835-0589 x1115 Regents put forth an initiative to adopt an official mascot. While Miners 505-550-2722 (cell) 575-418-7261 (cell) was widely considered the mascot of the university for decades, no pre- [email protected] [email protected] vious administration or board action had formalized it. Alumni, faculty, staff, and students submitted suggestions for four weeks, then cast ballots SOCORRO CITY COUNCIL online for five finalists. 111 School of Mines Road, All of NMT’s club sport teams will use the new mascot as their official Gordon “Gordy” Hicks Socorro, NM 87801 575-835-2973 team name. 575-835-0240 [email protected] As to the look of the newly-formalized mascot, NMT’s Office of Com- www.socorronm.gov munication and Marketing is working with several design options from Toby Jaramillo artists both in the Socorro community and around the state. Ravi Bhasker, Mayor 575-835-0350 575-835-0240 575-517-9680 [email protected] [email protected]

Mary Ann Chavez-Lopez Michael Olguin Jr. 575-418-7015 505-269-1072 [email protected] [email protected]

Deborah Dean Peter D. Romero 505-507-1665 575-418-7656 [email protected] [email protected]

Nick Fleming Anton Salome 575-835-2744 575-518-8866 [email protected] [email protected]

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 91 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE WSMR testing essential for new technologies

BY ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH

outhern New Mexico’s economy owes “There are people here with 25 to 30 years much to the U.S. military and facilities of knowledge,” he said. “They created a lot of MILITARY BASES Sworking together to keep the country the capability we have. They engineered this safe. White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) and stuff. “ AT A GLANCE Holloman Air Force Base (HAFB) occupy Between the expanse of land available for a substantial amount of land between Las exercises and experimentation and the prox- HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE Cruces and Socorro. Fort Bliss, based in Texas, imity to Fort Bliss, McGregor Range, HAFB Branch: Air Force includes range space in New Mexico. and Cannon Air Force Base (near Clovis), Established in 1942 as Alamogordo During a Greater Las Cruces Chamber of WSMR is set up for just about anything, in- Commerce Military Update Luncheon on cluding the ability to conduct live air missions Army Airfield Sept. 5, 2018, WSMR Brig. Gen. Gregory for live tests of U.S. capabilities. Land Area: 59,639 acres Brady talked about the changing mission of “This really gives us a lot of options,” San- Commander: Colonel Joseph Campo, the Army to focus chez said. “Really, on new technolo- the sky is the limit Commander of the 49th Wing gy. Brady assumed on coming up with Website: www.holloman.af.mil command of White ideas on how we can Sands Missile Range use the range.” on Aug. 10, 2018. WSMR also WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE Brady replaced welcomes the public Branch: Army Brig. Gen. Eric L. into its confines Established in 1945 Sanchez who ran several times a year. 3,200 square miles, the range begin- The annual Bataan Land Area: ning Aug. 25, 2016. Death March event spanning five counties. During a 2017 in March recreates Largest military installation in the US. interview, Sanchez a harrowing forced Brigadier General, Gregory said he has never seen the kind of community march in the Philippines during World War II. Commander: support as southern New Mexico provides the The other commemoration on the range “Greg” Brady, Commanding General range. is the Trinity Site, where the first test of the Website: www.wsmr.army.mil “I’ve been all over the world and had many atomic bomb took place July 16, 1945. The site jobs and I’ll tell you the support that we get is open to the public twice a year, on the first from the local communities is unmatched,” Saturdays in April and October. FORT BLISS Sanchez said. “Alamogordo, Las Cruces, El HAFB now trains approximately 170 new Branch: Army Paso — even the little town of Mesilla — they and requalifying F-16 pilots per year before Established as military post of El Paso are very supportive and work with us closely sending them to their operational units. in 1848. The post’s first troops arrived and we appreciate that greatly.” Former Lt. Gov. John Sanchez has said “In the What Sanchez started, a shift in the Army’s midst of a severe fighter pilot shortage, Hollo- in 1849. In 1853 the installation relo- mission at WSMR, Brady will continue. man has been chosen to play the pivotal role.” cated and it was officially renamed Fort “(WSMR) started with the atomic bomb, The F-16 training mission influx is fortu- Bliss in 1854. then based on the great amount of land we itous for the community as the German Air had, it became the missile test center for the Force, training pilots at Holloman since 1992, Land Area: 1,700 square miles. The Unites States and other countries as well,” is in the final stage of withdrawal. The Torna- Army’s second largest installation. Sanchez said. “Really, there is nowhere else in do pilot training mission will end this year as Major General, Patrick E. the United States that you can do the testing it has become easier to take the Tornados to Commander: that goes on here.” Germany and train at home. Matlock, Commanding General WSMR offers the U.S. Department of De- Located in El Paso, Fort Bliss is home to the fense capability to test against different threats, 1st Armored Division, which returned to U.S. he said, as well as test-driving new technology. soil in 2011, after 40 years in Germany. Fort Sanchez said WSMR leases facilities in addition Bliss is comprised of approximately 1.12 mil- to land. lion acres of land in Texas and New Mexico. “There could be 20 to 30 smaller things go- Despite plans that could cut the Army’s ing on at the same time — microchips, circuit strength from the 565,000 soldiers it had in boards, you never know what,” Sanchez said. 2011 down to 165,690, Fort Bliss serves as a “You can walk into any one of these build- regional training center. There are 32,836 total ings and you will see someone doing tests on military on Fort Bliss; 12,128 total civilian something.” workers on Fort Bliss; and 40,384 total family One of the strong assets at WSMR, Sanchez members. More than $6 billion has been said, is the personnel available for DoD to take invested in the installation during the most advantage of years of knowledge. recent base realignment and closure process.

92 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE Space exploration is a joint effort

BY ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH

n 2018, the local race for space became more of The top priorities for capital outlay are a payload a joint effort to continue to move toward space integration processing facility, an additional hangar Iexploration and commercialization. In New and a visitor’s center on site. Mexico that effort shines as our Spaceport America Patricia Hynes, curator of the International becomes a hub for businesses related to space. Also, Symposium for Personal and Commercial Space- the long-awaited southern road to Spaceport was flight, has long worked to help grow the commer- officially opened on in October 2018. cial space industry. But the purpose of the sympo- The road was finished in July, said Spaceport sium, held yearly in Las Cruces, is shifting, she said. American Director of Site Operations Chris Lopez. “The industry is going to go forward,” she said Construction had started in January after the Doña during the conference. “When I hear Neil Degrasse Ana County commissioners chose Mountain States Tyson talking about Elon Musk and why NASA is Construction of Albuquerque to do the work. going to use Musk’s rocket to go to Mars, I think we “It’s another proud New Mexico company we are connecting the dots.” were proud to work with,” Lopez said. “And I can’t Hynes is adamant about New Mexico’s role in the say thank you enough for Doña Ana’s leadership space industry. role and our partnership with Sierra and Doña Ana “I want people to remember the space industry counties. This is a great example of multiple agen- started in New Mexico with White Sands Prov- cies working together.” ing Grounds and we haven’t fought hard enough The road, which was mostly funded by the Space- to keep our space heritage. But we are starting port Authority, will be maintained by both counties to get champions — Las Cruces, the county, in their own jurisdictions. the Spaceport ambassadors, business people. “We’ve been working for several years — BLM, People who care what is going on in space industry the state land office, ranchers along the road — to need to lead and encourage the people who aren’t get this road completed,” Lopez said. “Some folks engaged yet.” have been working on it so long they can’t remem- Commercial capability is being developed by ber, over 10 years.” SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, Sierra Neva- Sierra County will still get Spaceport America da – all of whom come to International Symposium business, Lopez said, as the official visitor’s center is of Personal and Commercial Spaceflight (ISPCS), in Truth or Consequences. she said. They partner with the government but Spaceport authorities are seeing positive feed- maintain their own customer bases. back and seeing an increase in activity and supplies “We were able to commercialize because individ- coming from the southern side. Virgin Galactic is ual companies recognized the value,” Hynes said. ramping up activity in the area in preparation for “The reason is to bring the industry together to bringing employees and their families to the area. help grow that partnership.” Spaceport CEO Dan Hicks gave presentations The Space Festival, hosted by Las Cruces and to two legislative interim committees in Octo- numerous other organizations in southern New ber 2018. He said he will request an additional Mexico, celebrates the history and future of space $700,000 in the annual operating budget for the in the state. The next festival will take place April spaceport. Additional state funding last year 11-14, 2019. allowed the spaceport to add 10 new positions, “2019 is an extremely exciting year for space including four aerospace engineers. tourism in Las Cruces,” said Phil San Fillipo, direc- If the state approves the additional funding, most tor of economic development for the City of Las of it will go to new staff, Hicks said. Cruces. HELP US COWBOY UP AGAINST CANCER

Since1982,Cowboys forCancer Research has been raising fundsfor cancer research specifically in NewMexico.Through the effortsofC4CR andcaringpeoplelikeyou,endowments and ongoing cancer research projects have beenestablishedatbothNew Mexico StateUniversityand the University of NewMexico Cancer Center. Ourannualfundraisers in Las Cruces includeanAugust golf tournament, aSeptemberteam roping and an October dinner/dance.Wealso nowhavepurple-themed merchandise,aspurple represents ALL cancers,inhonor of ALL survivors,ALL caregivers,ALL who havelost their battle.

To learn more, visit our websiteatwww.c4cr.com, or call 575-642-5696. LC5-XNSP45502

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 93 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE National Monument infrastructure improvements enhance visitor experience

ational parks have experienced record-breaking visitation, with park’s accessible Interdune Boardwalk trail and restoration of the porch more than 1.5 billion visitors in the past five years. Across the poles of the historic Spanish pueblo-adobe visitor center are in progress. Ncountry, the combination of aging infrastructure and increased Other past improvements include new vault restrooms and picnic visitation has put a strain on park roads, bridges, campgrounds, water shelters in the dunes area, new museum exhibits added in 2010, new lines, restrooms and other services. This has led to an $11.6 billion interpretive signage added to road pull-offs and hiking trails and develop deferred maintenance backlog nationwide. education curriculum for K-12 students. Revenue from entrance fees goes directly to the National Park Service White Sands has charged an entrance fee since 1937 and the current to ensure a quality experience for all who visit. In White Sands National rate of $5 per person has been in effect since 2016. The park is one of Monument, 80 percent of entrance fees stay in the park and are devoted 117 National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee; the other 301 to spending that supports the visitor. national parks remain free to enter. In April 2018, the National Park Service announced service-wide fee The National Park Service has a standardized entrance fee structure, increases for all parks that charge entrance fees. Therefore, White Sands with four groups based on park size and type. Some parks not yet aligned will modify its entrance fees to generate extra funding for infrastructure with the other parks in their category will raise their fees incrementally and maintenance needs. Effective Jan. 1, 2019, the entrance fees to the and fully incorporate the new entrance fee schedule by Jan. 1, 2020. park will be $20 per vehicle, $10 per person and $15 per motorcycle. All the money received from entrance fees remains with the National Park Service with 80 percent of the revenue staying at White Sands National Monument. Entrance fees at White Sands, totaling $4.6 million in the last 10 years, has enabled rehabilitation of the monument’s 1930s era sewage system and replacement of all cedar rail fences. Currently, needed repairs to the

Kids love exploring and learning about the animals at White Sands on the Dune Life Nature Trail. the community newspaper for Las Cruces, New Mexico

1740-A Calle De Mercado Las Cruces, New Mexico 575-524-8061 www.LasCrucesBulletin.com

94 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JEFF Witte Ag secretary works to grow New Mexico’s plate

BY MIKE COOK

e grow the plate.” Doña Ana County, for example, is the That’s how New Mexico leading pecan-producing county in the W Sec. of Agriculture Jeff Witte world, Witte said. That benefits farmers, described the state’s ag industry in a equipment dealers, cold-storage facilities recent interview. and processors. “We grow everything on the plate,” Witte Chile production in the county also said, from cattle raising in Roosevelt, boosts New Mexico’s image and attraction SECRETARY OF Curry and Chavez counties and tomatoes in to visitors, he said, because the state is Bernalillo, Rio Arriba and Santa Fe counties known throughout the world for its chile AGRICULTURE to apples in Lincoln and Otero counties and and chile products. pecans and chile in Doña Ana County. Doña Ana County also produces a huge YEARS IN OFFICE: Eight Witte also anticipates the 2019 legislature crop of summer onions, as well as cabbage AGE: 55 will have a full plate as it incorporates “a lot and lettuce, alfalfa and dairy cows, he said. of new faces and new ideas and revisits old Among the bills he will follow during the BIRTHPLACE: Santa Fe, New legislation” during what promises to be a 2019 legislative session, Witte said, is the Mexico (grew up on a ranch session of “tremendous excitement” as the pub bill that state Sen. Bill Soules, D-Doña near Stanley, New Mexico) new governor and legislators look at poli- Ana, plans to re-introduce. It would allow EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in cies to move the state in a forward direction, restaurants with beer and wine licenses to agricultural business management, he said. also sell New Mexico-distilled spirits in master’s degree in agricultural economics, Agriculture produces 15-17 percent of designated areas if locally approved. both from New Mexico State University. the state’s gross domestic product, Witte That could help the state’s wine and OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: said, and along with oil and gas and tourism microbrew industries “continue to grow and Director of governmental affairs for the is one of the top three industries in New expand,” Witte said, and increase sales of New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Mexico. barley, hops and wine grapes. Ag contributes not only to food produc- “It creates an economy and a social atmo- tion and economic development, he said, it’s sphere,” he said and contributes to “enter- CONTACT INFORMATION also a vital part of “maintaining an atmo- tainment tourism.” ADDRESS: 3190 Espina St (NMSU main sphere of open space.” After years of fiscal constraints, Witte campus), Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003 “Every county has got a component of said 2019 will be an opportunity for the ag PHONE: 575-646-3007 agriculture,” Witte said. industry to continue building in the state, EMAIL: [email protected] For many, it’s their primary economic re-engage with the business community, driver, and it is “vitally important in rural expand international trade and enhance the WEBSITE: nmda.nmsu.edu New Mexico,” he said. its worldwide footprint.

JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 95 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE After bill passage, hemp touted as potentially lucrative industry BY MICHAEL SCANLON

ew Mexico farmers will have a promis- 0.3 percent of the psycho- ing new cash crop to consider in 2019, active agent THC, it will be Nnow that the state has finalized rules destroyed (visit www.nmda. to cover the cultivation of a long-banned plant. nmsu.edu). “I love growing hemp,” said New Mexico NMSU President John farmer Jill Browning, who bought farmland Floros said the university is in four years ago in Colorado to get started in the a unique position to support hemp business. “Hemp is just a phenomenal New Mexico farmers, “not plant. It provides so much opportunity.” only to grow the right vari- Browning, who lives in Santa Fe and has a eties in the right place, but farm at Estancia, is chairwoman of the New also to support an industry Mexico Hemp Association. She noted a large that will grow beyond just and growing commercial market for CDB oil, growing hemp, an industry with its potential health benefits. Overall, sales that will take the raw material New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte speaks at a news of industrial hemp products are expected to and transform that into final conference on Nov. 29, 2018, at New Mexico State University as NMSU double in the next three years. products, from industrial Board of Regents Chairwoman Debra Hicks and NMSU President John Strict federal regulations have stymied the products, to cosmetics to food Floros look on. The news conference was to announce new rules that growing of hemp, a genetic relative of mari- to pharmaceuticals – you will allow New Mexico farmers to grow hemp. juana, in the United States since 1970. But as name it.” states began to legalize marijuana for medical He said the university can help hemp hemp farming gets underway. — and even recreational – purposes, Congress growers address agronomic issues, create new “The Department of Agriculture also will passed a measure in the 2014 federal Farm Bill varieties, and help with chemistry, engineering, have the laboratories available to test the hemp allowing states to regulate the cultivation of biology and marketing. to make sure that it complies with regulations,” hemp. Colorado was the first state to liberalize “We are prepared to put a Center of Excel- Hicks said. “This is an economic driver for marijuana laws, which opened the door for lence together to support our farmers,” Floros New Mexico. We have adjacent states that have Browning and others to plant the crop there. said. already incorporated hemp, but … we are in In 2017, the New Mexico Legislature passed University Chancellor Dan Arvizu said those a prime position when we have the Center for a bill, which took effect last summer, calling endeavors are a natural fit for NMSU. Research Excellence, we have the Department on the state Department of Agriculture to “One of the things we are very, very focused of Agriculture, we have our farmers and our establish a set of rules for growing hemp. The on is how our university system can actually growers who are already here.” New Mexico State University Board of Regents encourage economic development,” Arvizu Hemp, like marijuana, is a member of the approved the rules on Nov. 29, and the state said. “One of the ideas we had, based on the cannabis sativa family. The plants are similar in expects to begin issuing licenses to prospective competencies and capabilities that we have, is appearance, but, unlike marijuana, hemp con- hemp-growers by early next year. to look very carefully at how we reduce the risk tains negligible amounts of the psychoactive “Industrial hemp is not new to New Mexico,” to investment in our communities and bring compound tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. said state Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte. “In investors who can see a way to get a valuable Browning said the plant’s oil and fiber have fact, we grew it back in the (19)20s and 1930s. return on their investment. many potential commercial uses, and her Colo- But it’s a band new opportunity, and we’ve got a “It is a partnership between the state, the rado operation has been profitable. lot of farmers and processors out there that are university, the business community, farmers, so “To monetize hemp right now, the main excited about the opportunities. that we can bring them a full suite of compe- way to do that is to grow it for the CDB oil,” “The potential upside is tremendous,” Witte tencies and capabilities to reduce the risk to Browning said. “It is an expensive business to said, adding that other states already have their investment. So, a Center of Excellence for get started with. So, we started off slow and we hemp programs. “The return with some of the New Mexico State plays a role as a catalyst.” built up. We started with just a couple of acres, varieties are $10,000 per acre. In New Mexico The legislation that paved the way for the then 20 acres, then 40 acres, and this year 70 we haven’t done it in a long time, but this … new crop passed the state Legislature in 2017 acres. can be a viable crop.” but was vetoed without explanation by Gov. “There’s been industry reports that the mar- Officials said it’s too early to estimate the eco- Susana Martinez. Last spring, the state Su- ket for CDB will not be satisfied for at least 10 nomic impact of the crop in Doña Ana County preme Court found the veto improper because years. here is definitely a market for the CDB. I or elsewhere in New Mexico because the state Martinez did not explain the reason for it, and think relatively quickly, there’ll be markets for has yet to begin issuing licenses and there are allowed the measure, along with other vetoed other hemp products.” many variables. bills, to take effect. She said there are three different kinds of The new rules establish licensing require- With that ruling, the state Agriculture De- hemp plants. Grain plants are primarily grown ments, set caps on fees, and spell out inspec- partment promptly began developing rules. for the seeds, which have a variety of uses; CDB tion, sampling and testing requirements. If a NMSU Regents Chairwoman Debra Hicks plants for oil; and fiber plants. sample of hemp is found to contain more than said the department will play a key role as “Our plants, once we extract the extract the

96 | SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE leaf material and the bud material, we can Education and the budget use the stems for things like making hemp pellets for your fireplace. If you have a pellet stove it burns hotter and burns with less New Mexico spends about 44 percent conditions,” the report said. a s h .” of its current $6.3 billion budget on K-12 “Most state funding for public school A crop takes about four-and-a-half education. operational costs comes from the state months to mature. Browning hopes to grow “The New Mexico public school funding general fund,” according to www.nmlegis. about 200 acres of hemp in New Mexico formula is based on a model developed gov. “State funding for schools also in- next spring. by the National Education Finance Project cludes the public schools’ share of interest “When you grow hemp, genetics matter, (NEFP) in the late 1960s and early 1970s,” earned on land grant permanent fund, your farmer matters, your nutrients matter, according to the New Mexico Public Edu- the depository for certain income earned weather conditions matter,” she said. “Any- cation Department’s (NMPED) April 2016 through activity on state trust land, and body can grow a plant with anywhere from report entitled “How New Mexico Public other income from state trust land desig- 2 percent CBD to 16-17 percent CDB and Schools are Funded.” nated to benefit public schools.” keep the THC level at or below .3. You sell As a result of the work of the state Advi- “Public education is the largest share of by the percentage of CDB. Right now, the sory Committee on School Finance, “the the state’s operating budget,” according going rate for Grade A hemp is $3 to $5 per 1974 New Mexico Legislature enacted the to www.nmvoices.org. “In most states, ed- percent. That’s $50 per pound. Public School Finance Act, which has been ucation is funded primarily with local (city “At the beginning of planting season, we widely acclaimed as one of the most inno- and county) property taxes. New Mexico’s hope for 1,000 pounds per acre. Sometimes vative of the school finance plans currently funding system is much more centralized, it’s more, sometimes it’s less. being used across the country,” according with the vast majority coming from state “What I see here in New Mexico is an to the NMPED report. income and gross receipts taxes. Hawaii opportunity for people who aren’t going to The intent of the act “is to equalize fi- is the only other state with a similarly cen- be farmers that are going to be on the sci- nancial opportunity at the highest possible tralized tax system.” ence side of this or the innovation side and revenue level and to guarantee each New start applying new techniques and come up Mexico public school student equal access with something great. And it’s going to be to programs and services appropriate to from New Mexico. I think there’s just a lot of his or her educational needs regardless potential here.” of geographic location or local economic

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JANUARY 2019 | LAS CRUCES BULLETIN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE | 97 2019 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE ADVERTISER INDEX A E P AARP...... 13 El Paso Electric...... 16 Pioneer Bank...... 55 Advanced Care Hospital of Presbyterian...... 97 Southern New Mexico...... 79 F R Allen Theaters...... 27 First American Bank...... 22 Rehabilitation Hospital of Aprendamos...... 13 Southern New Mexico...... 79 G B Greater Las Cruces S Bank 34...... 28 Chamber of Socorro County...... 90 BlueCross BlueShield of NM...... 7 Commerce...... 64 Sunpower...... 9 Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine...... 57 H T Haciendas at Third Judicial District Attorney...... 33 Grace Village...... 13 C Thomas Branigan Memorial Library...... 59 Casa de Peregrinos...... 59 Heritage Hotels & Resorts...... 24 Century Bank...... 15 L U Citizens Bank...... 55 UNM Cancer Center...... 99 City of Las Cruces Mayor’s Message..... 65 Las Cruces Public Schools...... 14 City of Socorro...... 89 M V City of Sunland Park...... 70, 71 Vescovo Toyota...... 33 Memorial City of Truth Village of Hatch...... 72 or Consequences...... 87 Medical Center...... 3 Community Foundation Mountain View Regional of Southern Medical Center...... 100 W New Mexico...... 8 Mesilla Valley Economic Wells Fargo...... 5 Cowboys for Cancer Research...... 93 Development Alliance...... 64 Z D N Zia Natural Gas...... 63 Donã Ana Community New Mexico Department College...... 61, 63 of Agriculture...... 95 Donã Ana County Bureau New Mexico Lottery...... 12 of Elections...... 66 NM State University...... 2 Doña Ana County, Santa Teresa...... 68

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