Featured Presentation
We invited local state legislators to PVA to tell us their thoughts on the 30 day session. We heard from Senators Carrie Hamblen and Bill Soules, and Representatives Micaela Lara Cadena, Joanne Ferrary, and Doreen Gallegos. Rep. Ferrary told us about the opening of Soteria Las Cruces, which is a residential community for individuals experiencing psychosis. Rep. Ferrary (who is retiring from office) also said she hopes the New Mexico Green Amendment, which recognizes the right to a clean environment, will be taken up by her colleagues and passed in the near future. Rep. Cadena gave us some insight about how Project Jupiter was able to be approved, saying that the “down and dirty details” are now coming out. She and Sen. Hamblen recalled how the 1% raise for state employees and educators suddenly disappeared from the budget, but through some creative maneuvering, they got it put back! Rep. Gallegos said she was proud to have worked on the medical malpractice bill and gave us some great news about the Early Childhood trust fund, which now has $11 billion. Sen. Soules chairs the Education Committee and said they passed the math bill, the literacy bill, a special education bill, and an 80-20 insurance split for educators. He also praised the start of the state providing universal early childhood education, which is a huge success and New Mexico is leading the country when it comes to this issue. Sen. Hamblen spoke about her focus on affordability, especially with regards to the housing crisis in New Mexico. She also said the organizers of Project Jupiter thought they would get little to no push back, but they obviously didn’t know Doña Ana County! We thank the legislators for their hard work and for coming to PVA to tell us all about it!
Isabel Jerabek, running for District Court Judge, Division 4
Isabel Jerabek spoke about her candidacy for District Court Judge, Division 4 in the Third Judicial District. A Las Cruces High School and New Mexico State University graduate, she has called this community home since childhood and returned here after law school — committed to serving the place she grew up. She has practiced family law in Doña Ana County for 20 years and has served as a domestic relations hearing officer for the Third Judicial District for the past 16 years. The Division 4 docket she would inherit includes 776 active cases, with the oldest case spanning more than six and a half years — a backlog she says demands deep experience and dedication. Isabel believes her combination of local roots, courtroom knowledge, and specialized family law background makes her the most qualified candidate for this role. She is asking for your vote and is actively seeking volunteers to support her campaign.
For more information, contact Isabel at isabeljerabek4judge@gmail.com.
Remarks on energy, rates, and Project Jupiter
Rocky Bacchus started out by clarifying that “microgrid” is not inherently a negative term — while Project Jupiter proposes an all-gas microgrid, microgrids can also be powerful tools for expanding solar and renewable energy, as is already happening in California. He flagged that significant electric rate increases are on the horizon, with El Paso Electric expected to file a rate case by the end of month that could bring roughly a 25 percent increase, based on what occurred on the Texas side of their service area. On the New Mexico side, he noted, the utility has already built solar-based microgrids of 150 megawatts each with battery storage, and is offering free batteries to customers on the El Paso side. His biggest concern about Project Jupiter is its sheer scale — at $165 billion, it dwarfs the state budget — giving its backers enormous potential influence over advertising and campaigns. He emphasized that local forums like PVA matter because grassroots engagement is one thing that money cannot simply buy. He closed by expressing pride in local legislators and voicing support for paying them for their service.
For more information, contact Rocky at rockybacchus@gmail.com.
Calm Impact & Reflective Leadership
Frank Lopez introduced Calm Impact, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides capacity building and leadership development for nonprofit organizations. He highlighted a striking reality facing the sector: 90% of executive directors nationwide are experiencing burnout, 80% feel their demands are never-ending, and 40% report being more stressed this year than last. To address this, Calm Impact runs a program called Reflective Leadership — a cohort-based experience focused on self-care for social justice and nonprofit professionals, now entering its fourth year. The program begins in May and concludes with a retreat. Frank encouraged anyone in the nonprofit space — whether an executive director or a supporter — to learn more by picking up a flyer or visiting calmimpact.org.
For more information, contact Frank at lopezfrankr@gmail.com.
In support of Vanessa Ordoñez for Sheriff
Diana Murillo, former Doña Ana County Commissioner for District 2 and former Mayor of the City of Anthony, spoke in strong support of Vanessa Ordoñez’s campaign for Sheriff. She drew on eight years of working alongside Vanessa, praising her performance as a police chief and expressing confidence that she will bring the same excellence to the role of sheriff. Under their shared leadership, the City of Anthony earned the distinction of being named the safest city in New Mexico — an honor it has now held two years in a row. You can visit Vanessa’s campaign website here.
Diana can be reached at diana_murillo@rocketmail.com.
Concerns over Mayor Enriquez and the Southwest Coalition for Life rally
Diane Starbuck described a rally held on March 14th by the Southwest Coalition for Life, an El Paso-based organization protesting the new Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Center on Lohman Avenue in Las Cruces. Diane explained that the event included a church service, a parking lot rally at Rio Grande Hematology and Oncology — where Diane says the group’s permission to be on private property was disputed and unverified by police — and a 1.7-mile march. Mayor Enriquez appeared as a featured speaker, using his mayoral title despite not attending in an official capacity. Diane raised further concerns about the Coalition’s campaign to pressure 57 construction companies and neighboring medical businesses into withdrawing support from the new clinic. She argued that the mayor’s involvement raises questions about business intimidation, separation of church and state, and the use of his position to oppose a health care facility and reproductive rights during a time of health care crisis in New Mexico.
For more information, contact Diane at deendrewribaudo@gmail.com.
Follow-up actions and ways to get involved
Edward Woods continued where Diane Starbuck left off, sharing steps already taken and actions the group is pursuing. He and Jim Hoerst have spoken at city council meetings opposing Mayor Enriquez’s involvement in the rally, and an IPRA public records request was filed seeking communications between the Southwest Coalition, police, the mayor, the city, and Rio Grande Hematology — though the city responded that the search needed to be narrowed. He also noted that a citizen’s complaint revealed a permit was filed by Eugene Samuels with Traffic and Special Events, granting the Coalition permission to use the parking lot, and that Edward plans to follow up directly with Dr. Rama at Rio Grande Hematology. He added that the mayor, though reportedly not present in an official capacity, arrived with a police escort.
For more information, contact Edward at tronadoratwo@gmail.com.
Separation of church and state and the mayor’s implied endorsement
Jim Hoerst, a separation of church and state advocate, described his solo counter-protest at the rally, where he stood on public ground across a drainage ditch from the Coalition — on private property — until police asked him to lower the volume on his speaker. His central argument was that Mayor Enriquez, by appearing at the rally, implicitly endorsed a boycott of a women’s health center, and that the location of a statement carries as much weight as its words — drawing a parallel to the Gettysburg Address. He noted that if the roles were reversed and someone were calling for a boycott of pro-life businesses, it would immediately be called religious persecution. He closed with a pointed historical reference: in 1960, John F. Kennedy pledged that if his religious beliefs ever conflicted with the public interest, he would resign — and Jim argued the same standard should apply to Mayor Enriquez today.
For more information, contact Jim at seattletags@gmail.com.
Rosenda Chavez-Lara, Division III Magistrate Court Judge, running for reelection
Judge Rosenda Chavez-Lara, running unopposed for reelection as Division III Magistrate Court Judge in Doña Ana County, shared highlights from her time on the bench. She has closed over 6,000 cases in roughly the past year and three months, was the first judge sworn in at Anthony, New Mexico, and regularly rides the circuit out to Anthony on Tuesdays and Thursdays to serve the southern part of the county. She participated in the Girls Can program in 2025 and 2026, using fun mock trials — including a spirited debate over whether Goldilocks got off too easy — to inspire young girls to consider careers in law, with a personal message that being brown, reading slowly, and still becoming a judge means it is possible for them too. She also volunteers as the “gopher” for free legal clinics, handling logistics so that attorneys can focus on serving the community up and down Doña Ana County. She closed simply: she loves her job and asks for your vote.
Judge Chavez-Lara can be reached at rosenda4judge@gmail.com.
Concerns about Las Cruces Utilities and drinking water safety
Lynn Moorer, said she has spent a year and a half researching Las Cruces Utilities, and she raised concerns about how infrequently the city tests drinking water for contaminants — reportedly only every three years, which she argues is not enough. She alleged that lead levels reported in official Consumer Confidence Reports do not match lab results she has reviewed, and that the city did no lead and copper sampling in 2025, meaning this year’s report will reflect outdated figures. She also alleged that pipe inspection reports have been falsified, that at least one elementary school with galvanized piping was not notified as required, and that the city removed several years of CCRs from its website after the public began raising questions. Her conclusion after extensive research: Las Cruces Utilities cannot be counted on as trustworthy in its inspections or reporting, and she recommends residents use a water filter if they are able.
For more information, contact Lynn at lmoorer3045@gmail.com.
Civil complaint against Project Jupiter
David Rutherford announced he is filing a civil complaint against the state over Project Jupiter, citing Article 2, Section 4 of the New Mexico State Constitution and pointing to similar lawsuits in Montana and Oregon that successfully pushed those states toward greater reliance on renewable energy. His goal is to compel Project Jupiter to abandon its microgrid gas model in favor of solar or other renewable energy sources. He is seeking co-plaintiffs and especially hoping to connect with a lawyer to help refine the legal language — anyone interested was encouraged to find him after the meeting.
For more information, contact David at vdavid65@gmail.com.
Ruben Reyes, running for Doña Ana County Assessor
Ruben Reyes said he is a 30-year veteran of the Doña Ana County Assessor’s Office, and is running for County Assessor on the strength of his experience — including certifications as a New Mexico appraiser, a GIS professional, and degrees from New Mexico State and Western New Mexico University. His top priority is launching a countywide reappraisal, something that has not been completed since 2008, which he says is essential to stabilizing the tax base and ensuring property values reflect the significant growth and development happening across the county. If elected, he pledged to actively reach out to smaller communities to make sure residents — especially veterans and people with disabilities — understand and claim the property tax exemptions available to them.
For more information, contact Ruben at rubenreyes22@yahoo.com.
Vanessa Ordoñez, running for Doña Ana County Sheriff
Vanessa Ordonez introduced herself as a candidate for Doña Ana County Sheriff and addressed concerns about her qualifications. She highlighted over 20 years of experience in both the military and law enforcement, including leadership roles, managing large budgets, and working with vulnerable populations on issues like mental health and substance abuse. She emphasizes her effectiveness as a leader, noting that under her tenure as police chief, her city (Anthony, NM) was ranked the safest in New Mexico.
Vanessa outlined her priorities if elected: tackling juvenile crime, improving officer training, and ensuring all community members—regardless of background—feel safe reporting crimes.
For more information, visit her campaign website.
Gina Montoya-Ortega, running for re-election for County Assessor
Gina Eugenia Montoya-Ortega, who is the current Doña Ana County Assessor, is running for re-election and asked for continued support. She emphasized her commitment to fair and equitable property valuation, noting that since taking office in 2023, her team has been identifying and correcting inaccuracies so all taxpayers pay their fair share.
She highlighted her focus on efficiency and responsible use of taxpayer money, sharing examples of cutting unnecessary costs, such as reducing expensive printing expenses and repurposing office materials. She also stressed the importance of stability in leadership to allow her team to continue improving and completing the progress already underway.
For more information, check out this YouTube video!
Timely reminder about No Kings Day Rally
Sherry Hulsey reminded us all of the No Kings rally at Johnson Park on March 28, from 10 am to noon at Johnson Park in front of the Branigan Library. She encouraged us to show up and to bring signs and a friend.
For pictures from the Rally, visit the Indivisible Las Cruces Facebook page.
Lori Martinez, running for State Representative, House District 37
Lori Martinez introduced herself as a candidate for House District 37, a position currently held by Joanne Ferrary, who is retiring. Lori shared her background as a nearly 30-year Las Cruces resident and a social worker with over two decades of service. Originally from northern New Mexico, she emphasized her deep ties to our community, her role as a mother, and her commitment to public service.
Lori described herself as a “working families candidate,” advocating for policies that prioritize local people, small businesses, and community resources over corporate and outside interests. She called for a shift away from “deficit thinking” in policy making toward approaches that build on New Mexico’s cultural strengths and community resilience. Highlighting the legislature’s role in protecting residents and reflecting the state’s diversity, she expressed a strong desire to continue that progress and invited us to be volunteers or contributors for her campaign. You can visit Lori’s campaign website here.
For more information email Lori at loriforhd37@gmail.com.
Fighting an effort to change ethics rules in US Department of Justice
Mary Beth Hulsey raised alarm about a proposed rule change in the US Department of Justice that would “…allow the Attorney General to shut down investigations by state bar associations when complaints of misconduct are filed against current or former DOJ attorneys, effectively insulating those officials from discipline even in cases of egregious misconduct,” as described in the article “The End of Ethics.”
Mary Beth urged us to submit comments in opposition to the rules change, which can be done using this link, and to do it before the April 5 deadline.
For more information, contact Mary Beth at maribethulsey@gmail.com.
Daisy Maldonado, running for Doña Ana County Commission, District 1
Daisy Maldonado asked us to support her candidacy in the Democratic Primary for Doña Ana County Commissioner, District 1. Central to her candidacy are concerns about Project Jupiter. She criticized the project—which includes an enormous data center, methane gas power plants, and large industrial revenue bonds enabled by the county — as having been approved without sufficient transparency, community input, or complete information. She feels strongly that the situation reflects a county commission disconnected from the people it serves.
She also shared her personal experience in opposing the project, explaining that her activism led to professional consequences when she refused to stop organizing against it. With this as clear evidence of her commitment and independence, she emphasized that her campaign is about standing up for local water, land, and community interests. Daisy is committed to being a commissioner who will prioritize residents and ensure more accountable, community-focused decision-making.
You can visit Daisy’s website here.
For more information contact Daisy at contact@daisy4dist1.com.
An update from Las Cruces Mayor Pro-tem John Muñoz
Pete Vargas relayed some news items that Mayor Pro-tem John Muñoz wanted to share with us, including a grant the City of Las Cruces received from the federal Safe Streets for All program to support innovative bike system design. He also wanted us to know that the city has filed a lawsuit against Memorial Medical Center, owned by Apollo Global Management, for breach of contract. John emphasized that this is not a reflection on the hard-working professionals at MMC, but rather on MMC not meeting expectations outlined in its contract with the City and County.
Also of note from John: two new all-electric buses will be joining the rapidly electrifying city bus fleet; the city’s EV car sharing program has quickly become the most advanced in the state, and the city’s Plugged in for Good program is busy helping emerging income families do energy-efficient home upgrades at low or no cost.
Pete also noted his own personal interest in pursuing federal recognition of the Piro/Manso/Tiwa Tribe and raising awareness about the community’s identity.
For more information, contact Pete at pavargas1158@gmail.com.
Happenings and Legislative Support at Branigan Memorial Library
Sandy Katayanagi told us about several upcoming events and developments at Branigan Library. Among the events will be a talk by Senator Bill Soules about his book on the New Mexico legislature called “The Sausage Factory” on Thursday, April 16 at 1:30 pm and a Pop Up book sale on Saturday, April 18 from 10:30 am to 4 pm, and. Both events will take place in the library’s Roadrunner Room.
She also noted that Representatives Joanne Ferrary, Angelica Rubio, and Nathan Small and Senators Crystal Brantley, Carrie Hamblen, Jeff Steinborn and Bill Soules apportioned capital outlay funds to a major renovation of the library. Sandy urged us to thank them for this important support.
For more information, contact Sandy at stkataya@yahoo.com.
Universal Healthcare, anyone?
Michael Harris, Las Cruces City Council, District 3, is excited about a Roots Leadership Program promoted by Representative Angelica Rubio, aimed at younger individuals. Running from April 20th to June 8th, the program offers hands-on training in agriculture, outdoor recreation, and non-profit work, along with advocacy skills development. It includes a stipend and transportation. For more information and/or to apply, go to nextgen-nm.org/application-en/
Michael also expressed appreciation for the legislature’s work in passing MedMal, calling it a meaningful first step toward healthcare reform in New Mexico. However, he emphasized the final goal is universal healthcare in New Mexico which should be considered in future legislative sessions.
For more information, contact Michael at michael@harris4lc.com.
Amanda Lopez Askin, running for New Mexico Secretary of State
Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda Lopez-Askin asked for our support in her candidacy for New Mexico Secretary of State, describing the moment as coming “full circle” after first stepping into the role of county clerk during the contentious 2018 election. Her qualifications are impressive, including her having overseen 12 elections over nearly eight years and having managed elections in one of the state’s most populous and politically challenging counties. She said she has successfully negotiated a wide variety of pressures, including election denialism, threats, and personal attacks, all the while steadily implementing improvements in service and remaining true to her strong commitment to protecting election integrity and access to the ballot.
She also reflected on her roots in Las Cruces, sharing personal memories of growing up locally and expressing pride in our community. She expressed optimism about her campaign and her goal of breaking a long-standing electoral barrier to electing candidates from Las Cruces to statewide office.
For more information, contact Amanda at amandajocelyn1@gmail.com.
Las Cruces Attorney, Unopposed in Upcoming Election, Continues Pro Bono work
Chrystian Gonzalez announced that he is currently running unopposed for Magistrate Court Judge Division 5, and that he was inviting the entire community and all candidates to a meet-and-greet event that he had already scheduled, emphasizing an open and welcoming atmosphere where attendees can ask questions, engage with candidates, and learn more about their platforms.
He also stressed his passionate commitment to community service through his work as a founding member of a Pro Bono Committee in the Third Judicial District. Chrystian described the committee’s work to date in providing free legal clinics throughout the area from Hatch to Organ to La Union and Santa Teresa, providing free legal advice to underserved residents. He expressed his intention to continue promoting volunteerism among attorneys, including if elected as a judge.
For more information, contact Chrystian at chrystianforjudge@gmail.com.
Former Mayor Pro-tem Gandara endorses County Commission Candidate
Former City Councilor and Mayor Pro-tem Kasandra Gandara introduced Angela Garcia as a candidate for County Commission District 1, highlighting her as a dedicated community leader, small business owner, and mother of two. She emphasized Angela’’s firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by working families, particularly through her experience running a childcare center and supporting parents and young children in the community.
Kasandra also pointed to Angela’s broader impact, noting her important role in advancing universal childcare efforts in New Mexico and advocating for accessible, high-quality early childhood care. She sees Angela as a leader whose work goes beyond policy to create meaningful overall change for families, positioning her candidacy as rooted in both practical experience and a strong commitment to the community’s future.
For more information, contact Kasandra at Kasandra4LasCruces @gmail.com.
Angela Garcia, running for Doña Ana County Commission, District 1
Angela Garcia introduced herself as a candidate in the Democratic Primary for County Commissioner, District 1, sharing her background as a lifelong New Mexican who grew up in a challenging environment in Albuquerque. Those early experiences shaped her commitment to improving the lives of children and families, motivating her work in early childhood education and advocacy. As the owner of early learning centers, including The Toy Box, she emphasized her passion for ensuring that every child has a strong start and that families are connected to the resources they need.
She said her decision to run for office is rooted in her having a positive impact at the state level and her desire to bring that same focus to county leadership. She highlighted transparency, accountability, and community input as core values guiding her work and leadership style. She asked for support in the upcoming Democratic primary and expressed her eagerness to engage directly with community members to earn their trust.
For more information contact Angela at Angela4countycommissioner@gmail.com.
Representative Joanne Ferrary, House District 37, Passes the Torch!
Rep. Joanne Ferrary thanked her supporters for over a decade of support dating back to 2012, and introduced Lori Martinez as her preferred successor for House District 37, highlighting Lori’s qualities as a genuine and capable candidate. She also noted that Lori serves as Executive Director of Ngage, a non-profit that supports other non profits in Doña Ana County such as Success Partnership & other Early Childhood Learning initiatives.
Joanne and her husband Rich are hosting a meet-and-greet fundraiser for Lori on Thursday, April 9th, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at their home, 6000 Moonrise Ave, Las Cruces 88012. Joanne closed by expressing gratitude to her community for their years of support.
For more information, contact Joanne at ferraryrep37@gmail.com.
Rafael Reyes, running for Doña Ana County Sheriff
Rafael Reyes said his platform is centered around 21st century policing, a framework developed during the Obama administration by leading policing experts, which outlines best practices organized into six key areas. His vision for the department focuses on earning public trust through regular community meetings, transparent performance metrics, and the establishment of a community advisory council to give residents a voice in how the department operates.
Rafael also emphasized innovation in de-escalation, prioritizing the preservation of life by introducing new training, tools, and standoff technology to help officers resolve situations without resorting to lethal force. He highlighted his commitment to building strong relationships with the labor union, drawing on his past experience working with federal agencies and the largest law enforcement union. Additionally, he plans to foster partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, leveraging his background as a federal agent and former director of the Alliance to Combat Transnational Threats (ACTT).
For more information, check out his platform at rafaelforDASO.com. He can be reached at rafaelfordaso@yahoo.com.
Impactful art exhibit coming in April
Mary Martinez White, who represents the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, an organization that has spent over 22 years raising awareness about what happened in New Mexico with the nuclear bomb testing at the Trinity Site and ensuring it is never repeated. She emphasizes that their work is ongoing and that it is critical for New Mexico to fully reckon with its history.
As part of their continued efforts, the organization is hosting a major art exhibit; the opening reception is on April 10th from 5-7:30pm at the National Hispanic Cultural Center Art Museum in Albuquerque. The exhibit will feature 32 artists from across New Mexico and beyond, showcasing 62 pieces of art — five times the scale of their previous exhibit at the Branigan Cultural Center in 2023. The opening reception begins at 5 o’clock, and the exhibit will remain open through January 2027 for those unable to attend opening night.
For more information, contact Mary at mwhite9409@gmail.com.
Exciting news for Las Cruces events
Rich Ferrary (husband of Representative Joanne Ferrary) was excited to share that the historic Alameda House went up for sale last year. As a board member of Ngage, he brought the opportunity to Executive Director Lori Martinez, suggesting that non-profits could potentially own and operate the venue as a way to generate funds to sustain their work.
Lori Martinez acted on the idea and partnered with CAFe to purchase the Alameda House, which is now under non-profit ownership. Once renovations are complete, it will be open to the public as an event and meeting venue, with proceeds supporting local non-profits.
For more information, contact Rich at golferbuds@gmail.com or 575 635 2404.
Support for Isabel Jerebek for Family Court Judge
Shirley Baca, community advocate and a former elected official, highlighted a key theme from the evening — the importance of children, family, safety, and community. She draws attention to an open position for a Family Court Judge in the Third Judicial District Court, Position Four, and urged the community to be aware that voting begins in about a month, well ahead of the June 4th primary election date. She announced her support for candidate Isabel Jerebek, citing Isabel’s 16 years of experience as a hearing officer and her work with the Domestic Violence Special Commission.
Shirley underscored the urgency of filling the position due to significant caseloads currently facing the family court, with hundreds of pending cases across the existing judges. She emphasized the need for someone like Isabel who can step in immediately and effectively handle complex family matters including child abuse and neglect, guardianship, and domestic violence. She closed by encouraging community members to get involved in Isabel’s campaign.
For more information, contact Shirley at baca2002@zianet.com.
Candidate Forums on KTAL Radio
Peter Goodman (who said he is not a candidate for any office!) agreed that the current family court system in Las Cruces is in a serious state of disrepair and needs good judges to help. Also, he announced a series of candidate forums which will be hosted on the KTAL radio program “Speak Up Las Cruces,” broadcast each Wednesday morning and re-broadcast Wednesday afternoons. Forums will be held for both the primary and general elections. Candidates are encouraged to provide their contact information to KTAL if they wish to participate. He also mentioned he is having a medical procedure on Monday and may be less available or communicative for a short period afterward.
For more information, contact Peter at peter@pgoodmanphotos.com.
Eugene Alvarez, running for Doña Ana County Sheriff
Eugene Alvarez said he has 21 years of law enforcement experience with the New Mexico State Police. After retiring, he worked for eight years as a substitute teacher at Santa Teresa Middle and High Schools in the southern part of the county, during which time he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration and a master’s degree in secondary education. He currently serves as a school resource officer at Gadsden Middle and High Schools.
Eugene said his key priorities include expanding programs already successful within the Las Cruces Police Department, such as a mental health response team, a violent crimes unit, and certified school resource officers. He pointed to the LCPD as a local model worth emulating, noting they already have certified officers in middle and high schools and security guards at every elementary school. Rather than looking to other states for solutions, he argued the county simply needs to collaborate with neighboring agencies that already have proven effective, progressive approaches to law enforcement.
For more information, contact Eugene at ecalvarez1@gmail.com.
Local historical events signifying America’s 250th
Jon Hunner, of the Doña Ana County Historical Society, announced plans to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the country’s independence with a series of community events. The first is a planning meeting on April 25th at the Branigan Memorial Library from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, open to anyone who wants to share ideas for how to mark the occasion and help coordinate so that events don’t overlap.
The Historical Society is also hosting a field trip on May 9th to the Paraje de San Diego, a historic campsite just north of Las Cruces along the historic Camino Real trail. This site was used for centuries by royal caravans preparing to cross the Jornada del Muerto, a grueling 90-mile waterless stretch of trail.
For more information, contact Jon Hunner at jonhunner@gmail.com or 575 571 7777.
Further info on Project Jupiter
Glenn Landers highlighted two significant recent decisions by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) regarding Project Jupiter. First, after receiving over 7,000 public comments — most calling for a hearing — the NMED agreed to hold one public hearing, an outcome Glenn credits in part to a letter from Representatives Cadena and Rubio. Second, the NMED announced it would take up to 90 additional days to evaluate the permit applications, citing the complexity of the submissions and the need to schedule the hearing. Glenn noted with some irony that while the public was given only 30 days to review and comment on the permits, the agency’s own experts require up to three times as long.
Glenn also revealed that the company behind Project Jupiter has indicated it plans to modify its permit applications, though no details have been shared publicly. He suspects the changes will amount to minor, cosmetic concessions intended to appear responsive to public concern, and doubts they will satisfy an informed community that has seen through the company’s extensive advertising campaign. Despite this skepticism, he views the NMED decisions as a meaningful victory and urges continued community organizing, collaboration with legislators, and coordination among advocacy groups to ultimately stop the project.
For more information, contact Glenn at glenn.landers@gmail.com.
David Mooney, running for State Representative, House District 38
David Mooney said he will run as a write-in candidate in the general election for State Representative in District 38, a position currently held by Republican Rebecca Dow. He said his decision to run is motivated by a feeling that his community is not being adequately represented in Santa Fe. A key moment that spurred his candidacy came in early November, when he witnessed a woman ahead of him in line unable to complete her grocery purchase because her SNAP benefits had not renewed — while the district’s current Republican representative was simultaneously voting against extending those benefits to New Mexicans. David has been involved in political campaigns as both an activist and a professional since the 2018 midterms.
David also pointed to broader economic threats facing the district and the state as reasons for his run. He cites Project Jupiter as well as a potential similar project in Sierra County — which falls within House District 38 — where a private equity interest is acquiring public utilities as examples of corporate forces trying to take advantage of New Mexico communities. He argues the state needs legislators who will stand up to corporate lobbyists and prioritize economic opportunity for local residents over profits for out-of-state shareholders, a role he says he is prepared to fill.
For more information, contact David at MooneyforNM@gmail.com or mooneyfornm.com.
Keeping an eye on Sierra County for possible data center
Jon Delgado spoke of his ongoing concern not just with Project Jupiter but broader AI infrastructure and expansion. He argues that the issue is not limited to a single project, pointing to the acquisition of thousands of acres near Truth or Consequences by an out-of-state private equity firm, with discussions involving major companies and even potential nuclear power generation. He said these developments indicate a continuing and expanding trend that communities need to pay closer attention to.
He contrasts Project Jupiter – which he says was difficult to oppose because it became public too late – with the new development in Sierra County, where it is early enough that it may still be addressed.
Jon also voiced support for David Mooney as a write-in candidate in the November general election for New Mexico House of Representatives, District 38, which covers Sierra County.
For more information, contact Jon at jonathandpolitics@gmail.com.
Nuclear Fusion: Not Yet Ready for Prime Time
William Morlan expressed concern about the enthusiasm for fusion energy brought up during the Legislative Recap. While acknowledging that fusion could be cleaner than fission, he argued that fusion technology is not yet viable because it doesn’t currently produce more energy than it consumes. He suggested that promoting fusion at this stage may be premature or even suspicious. He also pointed to the lack of infrastructure needed to support fusion energy, warning that, despite its promise, fusion is not yet a practical solution and should not be relied upon in current energy planning.
For more information, contact William at readheadeagles@gmail.com.
Important to Know Candidate Positions on Project Jupiter
Anastasia Walhovd said that candidates’ position on “Project Jupiter” would be her primary deciding factor for determining her support in the upcoming June primary. She will be looking at which candidates are actively speaking out against the project and notes that this issue is especially important to many young voters she has been speaking with.
She also highlighted some of the candidates she sees as taking a clear stance against Project Jupiter including Angelica Rubio, Daisy Maldonado, and David Mooney and expressed concern that many others have not made their positions known. Anastasia plans to write an op-ed to raise awareness about the Jupiter Project and invites others to let her know about candidates who are strongly opposed to it so she can make sure young voters know who they are.
For more information, contact Anastasia at amwalhovd@proton.me.
Shannon Reynolds, Candidate for County Assessor, Cites Accomplishments and Mistakes
Shannon Reynolds reflected on eight years of accomplishments while he was the Doña Ana County Commissioner for district 3. He highlighted significant improvements to emergency services. When he took office 8 years ago, Doña Ana County had a fire department rating of 10, causing homeowners’ insurance premiums to double or quadruple. This was brought back down to a rating of 5 within six months. The county also replaced the unreliable AMR ambulance service with a county-run system, growing the fleet to 16-17 ambulances staffed by EMTs and paramedics, and began placing full-time firefighters in stations around the clock. Additionally, he helped implement a college reimbursement program for emergency medical personnel and worked to eliminate 911 dead spots in the county by securing $1.6 million in funding through the MERVDA board.
Shannon also touted his work reducing the county’s legal liability, noting that a $17 million lawsuit was pending when he took office, but that total lawsuits have dropped to under $2 million over the past eight years. He acknowledged the controversy surrounding Project Jupiter, taking a measured stance by saying he may have made mistakes but appreciates the community’s willingness to come together and correct them. He closed by noting he was asked to resign his current position in order to run for county assessor, expressing hope that the community will support him in continuing to fix long standing problems in the county.
For more information, Shannon can be reached at shannondr@gmail.com.