There are many issues that need to be worked out in our center. This meeting is about listening and trying to understand whay you all are experiencing. 

While I feel that many things have been done to improve our center over the past 3 years, I really want to hear from those of you who have experiences. The only way we will ever improve is if we hear from you. 

After this meeting, and others, the commission will hold a second meeting as a group to address the issues and talk about how we move forward. 

Please attend. 

Over the past 3 years I've met too many people who, when it rains, rather than curling up on the couch with a good book, put on their coats and dig berms or move sandbags to keep their homes from flooding. And when the rain is gone, they face the challenge of removing standing water so that their kids don't get hurt playing in it.

I think today's weather illustrates better than anything else why we need hard working commissioners willing to listen and understand the issues that residents are facing in Dona Ana County.

A Record of Hard Work

During my first year on the commission I worked with staff and developers to pass our Substantial Completion Ordinance. This prevents new homes from being built in subdivisions without adequate infrastructure.

After that I worked with the residents of the East Mesa to identify their storm water issues and how to solve them. The residents and I started a new storm water control plan that will soon replace the existing 25 year-old plan.

In addition to these projects, I've prioritized making Dona Ana County a better organization. Through the strategic planning process that I helped start, and the ethics training that I asked for, I believe we are getting more accountable and efficient.

When people look at the work that I've done over the last three years they will see a record of hard work and an ability to work with a broad spectrum of interests. There is too much divisiveness in politics today and I believe that if we put the right people in the room together, we consistently accomplish good things.

Considering all of this, I have decided that I will be a candidate for the District 5 seat on the Dona Ana County Commission.

Redistricting

Many of you may be wondering why I am running for the District 5 seat while I have been representing District 4 for the past 3 years. Simply put, redistricting has moved my home into District 5.

I supported the redistricting plan knowing that it would make any reelection bid more challenging, but it was the right map to ensure the commission districts aligned best to the county's changing needs and population shifts. I've decided to seek the District 5 seat because there's more that I can do for the county, and I invite the voters of District 5 to look at my record of leadership and hard work. I want to earn their votes and continue the work that needs to be done.

More Work to be Done

Many of these projects are not complete and I feel like we need commissioners who are ready to put in the hard work needed to get them done. I've proven that I'm willing and able to do that hard work.

I know this will be a challenge, but I'm confident that I can prove to the residents in District 5 that I am the best person for the job. The residents of the north need a commissioner who values their participation in projects like comprehensive planning, and I have the experience and work ethic to make sure that their input is heard and acted upon by the commission as a whole.

Since taking office in 2009, I’ve made this road a priority, and in 2010, the Spaceport Board followed suit and prioritized its design and construction.

A plan has since been developed to fund the project using the Spaceport’s limited budget, and agreements have been reached between Sierra County and Doña Ana County allowing Doña Ana County to design, construct and maintain the road in perpetuity. A separate agreement with the federal Bureau of Land Management has been reached to allow traffic over significant BLM land holdings.

The final step before construction can begin is completion of a comprehensive environmental assessment to ensure that the road design and implementation does as little damage as possible to the historic Camino Real, which traverses the desert between Interstate 25 and the Spaceport site.

I know there are frustrations among many Doña Ana County residents about the slow pace of the road’s construction. My feeling is that it’s more important to do the project right than to do it fast. Many of us voted for the gross-receipts tax to fund construction of Spaceport America. Almost as many of us voted against it. 

Now that the facility is a reality and commercial space flights are taking place, it’s my feeling that we need to pull together to make sure Doña Ana County reaps every possible benefit from the investment we’ve made in our treasure.

The southern road is a critical component, and it’s coming together. I’d have liked to have seen it happen sooner, but I’m satisfied that it will happen in time for Doña Ana County to see maximum benefit.

While much of the storm is off in the future, when combined with current conditions it will permanently transform Dona Ana County’s economy.   

Specifically I’m talking about the following:

The Santa Teresa International Border Crossing

The Dona Ana County International Airport

Access to I-10 and I-25

The relocation and expansion of Union Pacific’s railroad station

What will be one of the largest electronic manufacturing campuses in the world 

And a new port in northern Baja

Considering the dramatic affect that this list will have on our future, we need to be very aware of what is currently happening and where we are going.

Punta Colonet

Located in northern Baja, this new port will become to Mexico what the New York and New Jersey port is to the United States.  In other words, this port will be massive.

While it may seem logical that a port of this size would look to enter the U.S. at the closest international border crossing, southern California’s congestion and the strategic location of Santa Teresa may make it more efficient right here.    

So what do they see in southern Dona Ana County?

Union Pacific

Union Pacific is relocating its fueling station out of downtown El Paso and into Santa Teresa with plans on expanding into a block swap and inter-modal station. 

Why does this matter?  It matters because it will make railroad trade coming out of this area more efficient.  The railroad will someday be able to avoid both downtown El Paso and downtown Juarez, and the open land offers room for growth and minimal utility conflicts. 

Our location is currently the northern end of the Sunset Line which starts in San Diego.  The route then opens up to the north, east and southeast.  When you factor in the interstates, the international airport and the border into the equation, Santa Teresa could become one of the most efficient locations to start your trade in the United States. 

Foxconn

The world’s largest manufacturer of electronics sees the potential for profit here. 

In fact, they have invested in 240 hectors west of Juarez where they’re planning a manufacturing campus complete with dormitories, restaurants and recreation areas.  They are planning to employ 10k employees in the next 2 years, and word on the street is they are looking to employ 30k in the long run.  By the end of their first year they will already employ over 5k.

Where are we going?

When you combine the expansions of these companies into Dona Ana County with the airport, the border crossing, and the interstates you get something that exists nowhere else in the United States or Mexico.  It truly is the perfect storm for the future of U.S./Mexico trade. 

As manufactures look for the most efficient place to produce and distribute to the U.S. the Juarez/Santa Teresa area is destined to be at the top of the list. 

To make this work we need to pay more attention to security on the border and consider more self imposed security measures.  We also can’t forget that there are legitimate concerns with NAFTA in the United States, and we cannot ignore that manufacturers choose Mexico for its cheap labor. 

While I am not about to enter into a lengthy examination of the pros and cons of NAFT in this article, it seems like only yesterday (actually 1998-1999) that I was studying the affects of NAFTA with Neil Harvey at New Mexico State University.  Funny the way it is that today I am continuing to study this from a more unique position. 

Dona Ana County's Role

And from my position today I’m looking at what Dona Ana County can do to benefit.  Most pressing is the need for the county and Sunland Park to step up the efforts to finalize the utility and land management organization that will serve Santa Teresa. 

In addition, the county needs to coordinate with other organizations.  They include the New Mexico Department of Economic Development, the New Mexico Border Authority, the International Business Accelerator and the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (among others). 

Together we need to continue to recruit and market ourselves to the industries that are looking for a U.S. base of operations.  And we need to be prepared to offer housing and commercial space for companies looking to work on the U.S. side of the border. 

To succeed it will take the hard work of each organization listed above and we all need to be committed to finding the right way to benefit from our unique position in this perfect storm.

In April the DAC commission unanimously supported my effort to increase awareness of PTSD and its effect on our returning Veterans.  Shortly after, Congressman Harry Teague introduced legislation to establish manditory screening for PTSD. He named the legislation after a friend of mine.

Almost two years ago I lost a good friend to PTSD.  He took his own life while suffering and struggling with his new reality. 

Click here to read the column I wrote on my experience.

The following press release came from Congressman Harry Teague's office regarding his efforts.  I am very proud to have Harry as my Congressman and my friend.  Thanks Harry!

Washington, DC – Thursday, The House of Representatives approved a Congressman Harry Teague sponsored amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to create a post-deployment mental health screening pilot-program.  The adoption of the amendment is seen as a key victory in advancing the fight to make more mental health services available to service members.  Earlier this month, Congressman Harry Teague introduced the Kyle Barthel Veterans and Service Members Mental Health Screening Act a bill calling for mandatory and confidential mental health assessments for service members.  That legislation was named in honor of a Las Crucen who, after returning from service in combat struggled with PTSD and ultimately took his own life.

“Our veterans need and deserve the best care our nation can offer and that includes mental healthcare,” said Congressman Harry Teague, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.  “The program we are establishing with this amendment is a step in the right direction toward stemming the tide of tragic incidents associated with PTSD.”

The amendment would require the Defense Department to conduct a demonstration project at two military installations – active duty and reserve – to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of providing face-to-face post-deployment mental health screening between a soldier and a mental health provider. The two year project will include a combat stress evaluation conducted by a qualified mental health professional within 120 to 180 days after the date the soldier return from combat theater, as well as follow-up phone calls over the next two years.

In 2008, 143 Army soldiers committed suicide – the highest rate since the Army began keeping record in 1980. According to the June 2007 report of the Department of Defense Task Force on Mental Health, 38% of soldiers, 31% of Marines and 49% of National Guard members report psychological symptoms 90-120 days after returning from deployment. 

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

During Clinton's administration I grew up a little. I graduated High School, went to NMSU where I studied Journalism then Government, and I changed my philosophy on life from liberal to utilitarian to "postmodern" (what ever that means).

"It's the economy stupid."

These may be the words of my generation. So when I received an email on economic conditions in southern NM I thought I'd share it and talk about local steps to help improve the economy.

The following information came from New Mexico State University. The recession comments are based on averages so we don't really know if they still hold true.

Current Conditions in Southern New Mexico

July, 2009

· The Las Cruces economy is in a severe recession, with employment falling by 3.2 percent compared to twelve months ago. Job growth(establishment survey) was down 2.7 percent.

· Unemployment in Las Cruces was also up sharply to 6.5 percent, a 2.3 percent rise from a year earlier.

· Every industry except education and health services saw a decline, with natural
resources and construction down an eye popping 15.6 percent in May compared to May 2008. Transportation and warehousing, and information services both fell by more than 10 percent. Key industry manufacturing fell by 9.7 percent.

· Financial activities, other services, and government saw no change in employment.

· New Mexico continues in recession also, having seen a decline in employment by 2.8 percent in the last 12 months. Jobs loss was 2.4percent. Santa Fe and Albuquerque both lost jobs as well.

· Government (up 1.1 percent) was the only industry to see year-over-year growth.

· Construction (down 14.2 percent), manufacturing (-11.6 percent) and natural
resources (-8.1 percent) were hardest hit statewide.

· Statewide unemployment was up sharply a year-to-year 2.6 percent increase to 6.5 percent. Nationally, unemployment increased 3.9 percent to9.1 percent during the same period.

So what does this all mean?

Not only is DAC an important employer, but today, more than ever, we need to be concentrating on how our decisions impact the economy. It is the economy stupid, and we need to think about how each and every decision affects employment, paychecks, and basic survival. I promise to pound this phrase into my head over and over even if it means calling myself stupid.

Three basic things that I am focusing on:

LEDA - This is the Local Economic Development Act. It allows money to flow from the state, to the county and then directly into economic development project. DAC needs to pass a LEDA ordinanace and we are working to get this done in fall 09.

MVEDA - The Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance. This is the central front for attracting new businesses into our region. They hold the key to our economic prosperity and we need to support them. On 7/28 we will be passing our final budget with $100k of funding for MVEDA. Earlier in the year there was some questioning of cutting our support. I for one will not let that happen.

Flexibility - We need to work with businesses in the community and be flexible to help them create new jobs, start new projects and get our people working again.

Although I think the sun's a little brighter today, this impact of this recession isn't going to go away anytime soon. That doesn't mean that we should just sit by and wait for the federal government to magically solve the problem. It means that it is up to all of us to do our part.

He has asked his readers to respond to a simple question "How do you identify yourself politically?"

He has started posting responses and I encourage you to start taking a look at them. 

The reason I am is because I think it's important to understand the wide range of different perspectives on our political system.  It's the existence of these legitimate perspectives that keeps me up late at night.  I toss and turn thinking about how to account for them in my decisions.

Sometimes I think people don't have enough time, or choose not to spend enough time reflecting on the wide range of different perspectives out there. Our political system lends itself to this problem because it creates false dichotomies. After all, it is easier to assume that there are only two options out there.  That is an error that we should all try to avoid.

As a decision maker, I think this is one of the best exercises I can do and that is why this new feature is so important to me.  Click on the website name above to take a look and see what you think.

Considering that this has been a set amount for MVEDA for several years, you may not think this is significant. However, if you've been paying attention you know that this was a hard fought battle. MVEDA's funding was almost cut by 40%. 

It's hard to believe that DAC would consider reducing its commitment to economic development during a recession, but that's exactly what was being proposed earlier this year. What a huge mistake that would have been.

Think like a business

There is a simple business principle that when times get tough you increase your commitment to marketing. Over the next few years watch how many small business make the mistake of cutting back their marketing and go out of business.

How does this relate to DAC and MVEDA? Well MVEDA is the marketing arm of economic recruitment for DAC. It's the only group out in the business world who is actively recruiting new economic based jobs for Dona Ana County. Imagine how competitive this environment is right now. It shouldn't take much convincing that just about every economic development agency and every community who is seeing job loss (in other words everyone) has stepped up their efforts making it harder then ever to close a deal. And we almost cut our funding.

Saying all of that, I must admit that I am very concerned about the future. Companies looking to relocate have more options today then ever before. They are being bombarded by recruitment efforts. Our chances of landing deals are slimmer then ever. And next year we are going to rehash the same old argument over the necessity of funding MVEDA. So what are we to do?

Here is my plan

We need to develop a larger economic development plan for DAC. It was a surprise to me that we currently do not have a comprehensive ED plan. Until now we have relied on MVEDA to be our ED plan. We are seeing that this is no longer enough. We can't rely on MVEDA alone to solve all our problems.

There are ED issues in our colonias that need satisfying in order for them to step into the 21st century. We have policy issues that need to be worked out including both setting up a way for DAC to use state incentives for companies to locate here, and strengthening our quality of life. There are also issues throughout our county regarding convenient access to grocery stores, restaurants, recreational activities and other businesses that are not economic based (meaning they bring dollars in and keep them here).

We need a comprehensive plan that addresses all of these issues. And it needs to includes the commercial real estate, developer, and business communities in an effort to work with residents to identify specific needs and find solutions. At the same time we need to increase our commitment to MVEDA's economic base recruitment efforts so that there are more dollars spent within the county that stay in the county.

One of the most clear issues to me is the need for better jobs in Dona Ana County. It was clear long before this current recession. Maybe it's so clear because I've heard so many clichés throughout my life regarding jobs and keeping young people here. Well, I'm not just going to talk about it. I plan to do something about it.

I requested the work session shortly after I hosted an Aug. 13 public meeting at Oñate High School to discuss the proposed Moongate Stormwater Diversion Channel, which is one part of a much larger stormwater diversion and containment strategy designed to help protect property on the East Mesa from flooding during heavy seasonal rains. The community’s adverse reaction to the Moongate proposal was strong and unequivocal.

While no one argues that drainage is a serious issue on the East Mesa , there is a lot of dissention about how – or whether – additional steps should be taken to address it proactively. For more than 15 years, the Doña Ana County Flood Commission and Public Works Department have worked together to design and obtain funding for a multi-faceted drainage-interception and channeling system that would move water away from populated areas and allow it to flow to Isaac’s Lake , where it has traditionally accumulated during heavy rains.

Fast growth on the East Mesa has complicated the planning, because many areas of land that were available 15 years ago for the diversion channels are now developed. Construction of the Moongate channel, for instance, would have required purchase of several private properties for construction.

Further complicating the matter is the proliferation of private roads on the East Mesa that act as drainage channels due to development in and around arroyos that used to drain the water to Isaac’s Lake. Doña Ana County cannot legally maintain or improve these private roads, which complicates the goals of controlling drainage.

Some residents pointed out at the Aug. 13 meeting that the Moongate channel project would not address flooding issues along Weisner Road . They’re right. It wasn’t designed for that purpose. It was designed as part of a system of projects that would move water to the north before allowing it to flow to Isaac’s Lake .

Should we move forward with this system of projects? That’s the big question, and its answer grows more complicated by the ongoing growth of the East Mesa and the accompanying proliferation of private roads to support the development.

I don’t have the answers, but I believe we must set aside 15-year-old plans and engage in a new discussion about what to do and in what scope and in what timeframe to address an issue that is not going to go away by itself. I am hopeful that the Sept. 15 work session will be well-attended and productive. I am hopeful it will be a discussion about realistic expectations and workable solutions for the long term.

That's why I've encouraged and worked with our Community Development Director to develop and pass a Local Economic Development Act (LEDA). LEDA is established in New Mexico law and communities who pass it can benefit from money from the state. Without it, that money goes somewhere else.

DAC's LEDA passed by a vote of 5 - 0. Now our local economic development agencies and the state department of economic development can start providing the same level of incentives to companies considering DAC as they offer up north.

The next step is to expand DAC's economic development plan. This is an important step so that we can identify how the county will fulfill the goal of attracting economic based jobs as well as companies who provide conveniences  desired in our communities.

Like the Las Cruces Sun-News editorial board, I thought these issues had been worked out when the commission held its work session in April. The school districts said then that they planned to integrate existing spaceport-related programs into their plan, and I simply asked them to put that into a written contract.

There should be no confusion about the fact that the local school districts will get this money to help educate their students. We are all interested in seeing that this money contributes to the opportunities that children have with spaceport-related industries.

It is inaccurate, however, to claim that the county has no stake in the funds once they are collected and allocated. In fact, state law holds the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners accountable for ensuring that all monies allocated do, in fact, go directly toward spaceport-related curricula. As a commissioner with the responsibility for seeing that this law is followed, I am simply seeking written contracts with the school districts that reflect this commitment.

I’d rather be too cautious than irresponsible. In my business experience, I have learned that you always put the specifics into the contract, especially when long-term agreements are on the table.

The school boards seem to want Doña Ana County to agree to a long-term agreement with no long-term oversight. I can agree to that only if there is a written contract in place that shows clear and specific connections between their proposed curricula and spaceport-related industries and projects.

Unless the law is changed to hold the districts accountable for how the monies are used once allocated, Doña Ana County cannot abdicate its responsibility. I, therefore, eagerly await presentation of a spaceport-specific curricula contract for Doña Ana County and the school boards to negotiate in good faith, with an audit or review of the curricula every five years. This will ensure that the money is being properly allocated toward spaceport-related educational efforts.

I also believe it is in the best interests of all parties for the school districts to find ways to channel some portion of the funding toward existing workforce training opportunities to which students can avail themselves at New Mexico State University and Doña Ana Community College.*

No one is suggesting that Doña Ana County should write the curricula or dabble in its execution within the districts. I am, however, committed to seeing binding contracts in place that ensure each tax dollar allocated from this fund does, in fact, enhance education programs directly related to spaceport-relevant fields of study. That’s what I said in April, and I haven’t changed my position, although I remain open to further discussion of this important matter.

*A previous version of this article did not specifically say that it is the school districts that should channel money to existing programs. That was always my intent. I updated it for clarification.

Having a movie shot in LC is great because money will be pumped into all the businesses that these temporary residents use. However, the shut down on 70 illustrated something much more important, the need to finish and pass the county and city comprehensive transportation plan.

Here are a few videos with my thoughts:

On the first day of shooting I used Twitter to keep people posted on what traffic was like. Here are some of the tweets:

Hwy 70 between Sonoma and Roadrunner closed between 6:30am and 6:30pm on Oct 6, Oct 11-14 and Oct 17-25 (except 23). Huge delays!

Hwy 70 update: A resident who lives on east mesa just told me she's been on 70 for 32 minutes and has made it 3 miles (maybe).

Hwy 70: It took a friend 1.5 hours to get from Mesa Grande to Roadrunner (between 7:20 and 8:40am)

Hwy 70: Another resident, after sitting in traffic for 30 min, turned around and went east to Baylor Canyon

Hwy 70: One resident went north around Las Colinas to Del Rey and went back east to his gym on Sonoma Ranch Blvd

Prepare your family for H1N1 by educating yourself!

H1N1 is serious and we all need to be prepared. Please read the following very carefully and spread the word to others. H1N1 isn't going away so we need to be prepared by being educated.

The predominant symptoms for H1N1 are fever, cough and/or sore throat. If you have these symptoms, stay home until 24 hours after your fever breaks without using a fever-reducing medicine.

Click here for a Flu Decision Chart

If you have these symptoms and are in one of the following high risk groups call your health provider for consideration for antiviral mediations -

• Children younger than 2 years of age.

• Adults 65 years of age and older.

• Persons with the following conditions:

Chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological (including sickle cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus); Immunosuppression, including that caused by medications or by HIV; Pregnant women; Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin
therapy; Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

The priority groups for H1N1 flu vaccination are:
pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact, children 6 months through 4 years of age, and children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions.

People, especially those at high risk for complications from seasonal and H1N1 flu should get two vaccines this fall: one for seasonal flu and one for the H1N1 flu.

To protect yourself from flu, wash your hand frequently, cover your cough with tissue or your arm and stay home when you are sick.

Click here for more information

Until now I've never felt the feeling of losing jobs for a small rural community. Our rural communities need jobs, benefits, paved roads, and everything else that comes with economic development. The community of Berino lost this the other day.

I feel horrible because the effects of this lose could be felt for years to come. This was our opportunity to prove to businesses that we mean what we say when we ask them to come here. I don't want this trend to continue.

I need your help. On December 14th the commission will be making a decision on another company interested in moving into DAC. Only this time we aren't talking about 50 jobs over 5 years, we're talking about 175. If we lose this project we will be sending a strong message to other businesses that we don't want them.

The company produces wind towers used to generate wind power. Its current location in Texas isn't fit for their existing needs and won't meet future demands. They pay well and provide benefits. Their hope is to use the Local Economic Development Act to access state economic development dollars. The county commission must approve if this is to happen.

These state dollars are the state's commitment to economic development. If the state is going to spend money this way then I will do everything I can to get that money spent here in DAC. If the state makes this commitment and we don't try to access it, then someone else will and has.

For us in DAC this shouldn't be a debate over how the state has decided to spend its money. That is a debate for the state to have. For what ever reason they have made this decision and it is up to us to try to access it or someone else will.

We are all busy trying to make it through the rest of this year. I know. I'm one of those people. For a second, think about those people praying that they will find a job this year or early next year.

The December 14th meeting is at 9:30am. This is the second item on the agenda. If you can attend to voice your support for economic development, our chances to succeed will increase. If cannot attend, please consider calling your commissioner to voice your support.

These are our opportunities for economic recovery. Please help.

Las Cruces and Dona Ana County are moving forward quickly with recycling improvements and expansions, evidenced this month by the signing of a five-year single stream recycling contract between the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) and Friedman Recycling in Northeast El Paso.

"We've made enormous recycling strides in the past year throughout our community, but this is a milestone - it's the biggest thing that's happened in recycling in Las Cruces in 15 years!" says Patrick Peck, Director of the South Central Solid Waste Authority.

"Single stream recycling means residents don't have to separate cardboard from plastics from metals, anymore! Single stream makes it much easier: you mix all your recyclables together and put them in the bin. The separating is done at the plant.

"We are moving quickly toward curbside recycling, but are still in the drop-off phase of recycling, with bright blue recycling bins available to the community: SIX Commercial locations in Las Cruces , THIRTEEN Schools , EIGHT Community Collection Centers throughout the County, and FIVE State Parks ."

All recycling bins are in the process of being retrofitted, with larger openings to accommodate the mixed - or single stream - recyclables. But residents can start single stream recycling NOW. Peck adds, "We are sending FIFTY tons of recyclables a week from Las Cruces and Dona Ana County to Friedman Recycling, and that's before we've really geared up."

WHAT'S RECYCLABLE: Aluminum and tin cans, cardboard, newspapers, office paper and mixed papers, junk mail and magazines, catalogues and phonebooks, #1 and #2 plastics (milk jugs, detergent bottles, soda and water plastic bottles).

NEW STICKERS reflecting Single Stream Recycling

Will be fixed to recycling bins at Sam's Club

2711 N. Telshor (by the gas pumps)

Tuesday, February 2nd @ 10 a.m.

For more information or other recycling questions, please call the South Central Solid Waste Authority at (575) 528-3800.

I worked with them to produce this video on colonias from a youth perspective. Dona Ana County has 37 designated colonias. That's more than any other county in New Mexico which has a total of 141. The state of NM just passed the Colonias Infrastructure Act which will appropriate about $10 million per year to colonia infrastructure.

At Dona Ana County we have started comprehensive infrastructure planning for the non-incorporated areas of the county. This will ensure that we are a good investment for this money, which means that the day when Dona Ana County colonias are no longer thought of as incomplete communities is in sight.

In my efforts to learn about and increase awareness of this disorder, I've come to realize that PTSD affects anyone who has suffered from a traumatic event. I focused on returning veterans because of my specific experience, but it is important for all of us to know that this information has broad applications across society.

Following the lead of the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners in 2009, momentum is picking up at the state and national levels to designate a day each year as PTSD Awareness Day.

I believe that at the community, state and federal levels, we have a collective obligation to educate ourselves on PTSD symptoms and to be unrelenting in referring those who are symptomatic to places where they can seek fellowship and counseling from others who have ‘been there’ and understand the inherent challenges of re-adapting to normal life after living through significant trauma, such as the horrors of war.

The symptoms of PTSD are difficult to deal with because retreat and withdrawal are a part of the disorder. Other symptoms include avoiding social situations, self-isolation, loss of hope for a full and rewarding future, and irritability. Anyone who thinks that their friend or loved one is suffering from PTSD should seek professional help in how to approach the subject immediately.

             If you have a loved one who experienced a traumatic event and is suffering from these symptoms, you need to know that PTSD is very real and that you are not alone. It will be worthwhile and rewarding to seek help to find pro-active ways to approach the subject. There are therapists who can help you understand how to help those you love. Don't make the mistake that I and so many others did in thinking that it will go away on its own.

             When it comes to veterans, we are fortunate in southern New Mexico to have the Las Cruces Vet Center and the Veterans’ Service Center as resources. But the fact that those resources are in place does not mean that all veterans are aware of them. They should be. The Las Cruces Vet Center , (575) 523-9826, is located at 230 S. Water St. , in downtown Las Cruces . The Veteran Services Center , (575) 524-6220, is located at 2024 E. Griggs Ave. , in Las Cruces.

              For non-veterans, counseling is available through churches, private therapists and various non-profit organizations. For veterans and non-veterans alike, PTSD has the proven ability to wreck lives, and many of its victims are reluctant to reach out. I believe that reluctance on their part translates to responsibility for the rest of us to pay attention, speak up and point sufferers toward help.

              On Tuesday, April 27, the Doña Ana County Government Center will proclaim April 28 as the Second Annual PTSD Awareness Day in Doña Ana County . I urge you and your readers to join us in reaching out to our returning warriors and others who suffer in hopeless silence.

Tomorrow the BOCC will be voting on one of the most important resolutions that we ever have. This resolution will create mandatory annual ethics training for all county employees and county elected officials. 

Mandatory ethics training is important because every one can use a refresher course on the difficult issues surrounding ethical decision making. And, let's face it, many industries have mandatory continuing education, government employees should have it too. As an employer we should continue to invest in our employees to make them better. Helping them think through their decision making not only makes them more ethical and accountable to tax pays, but better people. 

Annual because ethics training isn't something that you do once and it's over... you're magically ethical. No, ethical decision making is something that people need to practice to get better at. Annual training will be a continuous reminder to employees and elected officials that we work for the tax payers of Dona Ana County and we need to hold ourselves to the highest of all standards. 

All employees and all elected officials because no one is perfect and no one should be singled out. 

Many folks have expressed concern that this training will cost way too much for us to be able to afford on an annual basis. My first response would be that ethics training is far too important to blow off because of cost. My second, and more important response is that it's FREE. The NM Association of Counties has qualified ethics trainers who will come down every year and provide most of the training for us. I realize that there certainly is a price for an employee's time while they are in the training, but that is nothing compared to the greater good of having a well trained staff. 

Thanks for reading!

I think it was Anderson Cooper who first introduced me to the subject, but it was the director of the local GLBTQ Center who challenged my to think about it on a local level. So I did. And now, I am wrapped up in an effort to educate and engage people on the subject.

This effort started with a resoluiton, a simple resolution, passed by the county commission, endorsing community wide efforts to tackle bullying. I sent a copy of this resolution to the director of the GLBTQ Center to get his input. It was positive. However, his email ended with a simple question: What next? And it was a question that I didn't know if I would be able to answer by myself, but together with him and support from county Public Information Director Jess Williams, we answered it.

We held a community forum on December 4th. This forum included a panel of participants that we identified who would be able to offer constructive comments on where we are as a community, where we want to be, and how we can get there. I would characterize this meeting as a mild success. Mild because we may not have answered my predetermined questions, but we did identify a road map to improving our community's effort.

The participants in our forum included 15 panelists from organizations including all three public school districts in DAC, gay & lesbian youth groups, religious leaders, NMSU, the Las Cruces Bulletin & NMSU Round Up, and Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima. Together we discussed the subject with 30 or so members from the public. We identified the need to educate adults, engage neighborhoods, and build communities.

And that's where we are now. We're taking a step forward to try and educate the community on the dangers of bullying. Attempting to teach parents, churches, bosses, and other leaders that bullying has negative outcomes in our youth, not to mention in adult relationships. We came together to talk about saving the lives of our youth and recognized that in order to do that effectively we much engage our adult population.

We are moving forward. Mayor Miyagishima and I are committed to involving the city and county to engage our community. Members from the panel will be grouping up in the weeks ahead to come up with mission for this group and the mayor and I will be taking resolutions to our respective organizations to cement it in our community.

This is a step forward.

Like health care reform or not, it is a good idea to get to know all sides of the story, and this story is really long. 

They built their facilities for the environment they function in and focused on what was perceived to be the most likely weather crisis. In this part of the world, that is a heat crisis not a cold one. Obviously, we rarely see a severe cold crisis like the one we recently experienced. We now know that was a mistake, and as dramatic shifts in weather patterns continue, we must address it.

From my point of view, the biggest problem was that EPE's crisis plan is out-dated. It needs to be updated with specific attention paid to decision justifications for rolling blackouts, communications, and facility design parameters.

We (the county commission) requested a presentation from EPE to answer common questions and concerns. They appeared before the commission on Feb. 7th. Here is my assessment of their appearance.

Rolling Blackouts

One of the most common questions that I received came down to how decisions were made when conducting the rolling black outs. Many grids saw no loss and others saw more than others. Here is their response:

EPE has what they call a Load Shed Plan. This is the plan that they use to conduct rolling blackouts in situations like this.

The first point is that if you saw no power outages, you probably are on the same grid as an emergency facility. You may not think that you are, but you probably were. If you saw no outages, and insist that there is no way you are on the same grid as an emergency facility, your grid is at the bottom of the priority list. This means that your grid demands such a small amount of electricity, that including you in any grouping made no sense. I'll try to explain a little more.

Based on the number of generators functioning, EPE knows the maximum amount of megawatts they can generate. Their system sees fluctuations in demand. If there is a need for 30 more megawatts then they are generating, they have a list of all circuits based on the amount of MW needed to keep it online. They create groupings of these circuits based on how much electricity they need to conserve.

The demand can change on a minute to minute basis. Sometimes they have as much as 15 minutes advance notice, and sometimes immediate action is taken. They make those decisions based on how much is needed to conserve.

Outside of this explanation, they did not have a clear answer to how the decisions were made in grouping specific circuits together. So for instance, if they need to conserve 30 MW, they have multiple options to come up with that number. How they did that is yet to be answered beyond keeping essential services open and not grouping the same areas together. But I asked, and was told we would get an answer.

Rates

A second question pertains to any rate increases based on the problems from this event.

First, all rate increases must be approved by EPE's regulatory body, the Public Regulation Commission. This is the governing body for all utilities in NM. You elect a PRC Commissioner every 4 years and I suggest you let your commissioner know if you have concerns or problems with what's been happening.

EPE said that they have no plans to pursue a rate change based on the problems experienced. They see any new costs as a part of doing business. I think the truth behind that statement is that their costs did not increase dramatically because of the event. With generators shut down, they saved on costs. Those costs were essentially used to purchase power from other companies at market price.

Blackouts for Multiple Hours

They had a problem with the circuits being closed from a central point. They have a central command point. When conducting rolling outages they close a circuit and every 45 minutes would shift to another. When that shift took place, they would leave the first one closed until the next one was closed. There was a problem with this process that required personnel actually going to the facilities to get the job done.

State of the Facilities

EPE claims that the problems were the result of weather and not inadequate facilities. Demand did not shift dramatically during the situation. It was the cold weather that shut down the facilities because they were not prepared for severe cold.

They're preparing a formal report which is being demanded by TX and NM. It will include an review of the design parameters and what to do to prepare for future cold weather. While the city of Las Cruces and Dona Ana County have both reqeusted the report, it is the PRC who can make it happen. EPE says they will come back to both the city and county to present the findings once the report is complete.

Communications

One concern that I heard repeatedly is that EPE did not communicate well during the crisis. EPE admits that this was one of the biggest problems and they are working to improve. This is difficult. If a decision is being made to shit down one circuit, and that decision was made 5 minutes before it takes place, who do they need to communicate with and how? That's one of the situations they are trying to solve with a new communications plan.

Participation

Someone asked me about the Mall and Walmart. These businesses did not scale back when community wide requests were made to conserve. I think we all agree that the government does not need the authority to tell businesses when and how to run their business. However, we need more participation from them during a crisis.

Take this example and look at general residents. Many of us did not follow the suggestions to conserve. For what ever reason, many people did not buy into the need to conserve or saw it as someone else's problem.

A way to solve this problem, or at least make inroads, is to create an open process moving forward. EPE needs to have a community wide process for evaluating their response, listening to the public, and engaging to develop a better plan. Doing this will create more community buy in on the crisis response. A series of community meeting ought to be held. Future updates ought to be made to city and county government. And EPE ought to include what they hear in these meetings in their response.

It may be easy to say that this is EPE's problem and walk away. However, I believe, for what ever reason, we will see more extreme fluctuations in temperature in the future. It will take the entire community to buy-in to the need to conserve during crisis's. This includes businesses and individuals. It needs to be socially unacceptable for us to ignore these requests. That includes governments. If EPE requests that the county closes, residents should not react harshly toward the county for agreeing to do so.

If we address problems as a community we will be prepared to address future crisis's as a community.

For the last two year I have also served on the Regional Tax District Borad. This board oversees the use of the GRT being collected in Dona Ana County and Sierra County. I have resigned from this position to serve on the authority. 

One of the crucial elements in the entire spaceport project is economic development. I will be paying close attention to how the spaceport authority works to develop economic opportunities in NM. 

The following is a presentation given by the spaceport to the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce Commercial Space Comittee. 

Facility To Bolster Economy

Union Pacific Railroad is constructing a state-of-the-art rail facility in the southern part of the state. With an overall economic impact of $500 million for the New Mexico economy, Union Pacific's investment in the project totals more than $400 million.

The facility will create 3,000 jobs during the construction phase from 2011 to 2015, and will eventually be headquarters for more than 600 permanent jobs. While these jobs are not necessarily New Mexico residents, they will pay NM income taxes and the opportunity is huge for those NM residents looking for jobs. 

For the first time ever, southern New Mexico will have a key inland port, positioning the Santa Teresa area as a strategic focal point for goods movement in the southwestern U.S. This opens up countless new ancillary opportunities for economic growth Santa Teresa. It also adds to the growth in transportation opporunities in Santa Teresa which started with the Dona Ana County International Airport, then the border crossing, and now rail. 

The opportunities for future economic development resulting from this project are huge. 

About The Project 

The site for the facility is located just west of the Santa Teresa Airport, and will incorporate:

Fueling Facilities - Located along the busy "Sunset Route" between El Paso and Los Angeles, this fueling facility will enhance commerce and goods movement in the state of New Mexico.

Crew Change Buildings - This facility will eventually serve as home base for Union Pacific employees operating long-haul trains out of the area. 

Intermodal Block Swap /Switching Yard - Enhancing capacity and efficiency, this new switching yard will incorporate the latest engineering techniques for improved efficiency and throughput.

Intermodal Ramp - This regionally focused intermodal ramp will permit both local and regional businesses more immediate access to the efficiencies of freight trains.

Immediate Economic/Jobs Impact

Upon completion, the project will have generated $500 million in economic impact in New Mexico, creating thousands of jobs and fostering a new economic base for the Southern region of the state.

With construction anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2011 and continuing through 2014, the region will see impact as soon as this year, with substantial upside for many years to come.

Competitive Global Economy Demands Efficiency 

The construction of the Santa Teresa facility will permanently position Southern New Mexico as a crucial component of the historic "Sunset Route," one of the oldest and most critical rail corridors in American history, securing New Mexico's future as a leader in the goods movement industry.

Union Pacific's initial plans for capital spending in 2011 total $3.2 billion in support of America's freight transportation needs and to continue enhancing the safety and efficiency of its 32,000-mile network.

The resulting improved rail capacity benefits everyone. It allows freight rail service to grow, helping to build a cleaner environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, freight trains are nearly four times more fuel efficient than trucks.

Since being elected to the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners in 2008, I've made plenty of difficult decisions. In each case, I strove to put the greater good of my constituents above any personal feelings I might have had about the issue at hand. A lot of politicians say they do this, but to me they were never empty words.

On July 6, the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners met in work session to hear the recommendations of our Redistricting Advisory Committee. That committee was appointed precisely to take the political interest of the commissioners out of the redistricting equation. Going into the meeting, I was nervous, because one of the options up for consideration would move my residence into District 5, rendering me unable to run for re-election in District 4 in 2012 if it were implemented.

Sure enough, that was the option that the committee recommended and on August 9 the BOCC unanimously approved the plan. 

I had a discussion recently with a friend on the subject of redistricting and he reminded me of a conversation that we had years ago when we agreed that every politician should have to pass a series of tests in order to earn our vote. The first test is whether or not they are willing to do what's right no matter what. If I had argued for changing the map after agreeing to depoliticize the process, I would have failed that first test and not deserved my own vote. He said, "if you do that I don't know if I can vote for you." And he was right.

Under the New Mexico Constitution, an elected official must live within the district he or she represents. The only exception is when the redistricting process moves an elected official out of the original district. In those rare cases, the official is allowed to serve out the term, but must either run anew in the new district or give up the seat entirely.

I have represented District 4 with fierce pride and determination since taking office, and I will not lose focus of the work that remains to be done between now and Jan. 1, 2013, when the new District 4 Commissioner will be sworn in. I hope that person will continue the momentum that's been established toward cleaner communities, flood-management planning and road improvements. I hope that person will get to know as I have the incredibly diverse people of the district, and take their priorities to heart.

It's too early to decide whether I'll run in the new district or simply become a community activist in the private sector. What I can say with certainty is that I will not fade away into the background. Whether as an activist within my beloved District 4 or as a candidate in a new district, I will continue to work toward a county government that is both ethical and transparent in all that it does while being genuinely responsive to the needs of its residents and taxpayers.

August 8 was a bittersweet day for me. In one sense, I felt as if something I love was being torn away from me. In another sense, I am extremely proud of the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners for creating a process and seeing it through. What happened proves that the important work of the county isn't about any one individual, and it never should be.

A Better Plan for Dona Ana County. 

The short term changes will slightly modify the existing code. This will allow us to solve some immediate problems that arose when investigating allegations against Commissioner Benevidez, and give us time to think through a more thorough revision of the code. 

These short term changes focus on cutting out generalizations and making it more clear what is expected from employees and elected officials. 

Fortunately, for the long term changes we have enlisted a partner - New Mexico State University. Former Governor and Dean of the College of Business, Gary Carruthers has volunteered to help us sculpt a code of conduct that will be a model for the rest of the state. Stay tuned to future blogs for more information on that project.