Presentation on Las Cruces’ First Consolidated Election
Amanda Lopez and Lindsey Bachman from the County Clerk’s office presented on September 26th and spoke about the upcoming consolidated election which means that Las Cruces will sort of fold all of their elections, including municipality, into one this Election Season. They also gave a little more information on rank choice voting. On Election day, you go to a polling location and you rank you first, second, and/or third choice but they wanted to let everyone know that you don’t just keep ranking people unless you actually want them to have your vote. You don’t have to rank more than one candidate if you don’t want to. An easier way to think of rank choice voting, according to Amanda, is to think of it as an instant run off.
Same day(ish) registration/voting will only be offered during early voting beginning October 8th
Same Day Voter Registration will be available at the Dona Ana County Clerk’s Office, Las Cruces City Hall, and Dona Ana Community College Sunland Park during this limited period.
A PVA member asked just how secure are the ballots and our votes? Lindsey explained how secure it is through printing off ballots fresh off of the printer, to scanning ballots electronically without internet use, and even absentee ballots are hand counted. Machines are checked randomly and regularly as well.
The Celebrating Democracy event will be on October 8th from 10:00-2:00 pm at the Dona Ana Government Center. There will be food trucks, the candidates will be there, and you can practice Rank Choice Voting on a real machine at this fun event!
Important Dates:
Registration Deadline: October 8th
Federal Absentee: September 21st – October 31st
Absentee: October 8th – November 2nd
Early Voting: October 8th – November 2nd
For more information please check out: DACElections.com
Unified Action
The Unified Action for September is:
volunteer time for a candidate or campaign-related activity
and/or
make a contribution to a candidate of your choice
When you have done the Action, please tell us, “I did it!”
The PVA executive committee will determine the next Unified Action at their October 10, 2019 meeting. Suggestions for a Unified Action can be communicated to Cheryl Frank or any member of the Executive Committee.
Recap
Tackle the Climate Crisis
Gayle Eads spoke about an upcoming event on November 18th at 5:30 pm titled Next Step to Tackle Climate Crisis planning meeting. It is to help build the enthusiasm from the Climate Crisis Rally and to help convince NMSU students to take the lead. She needs your help reaching interested teachers and educators in all schools in Las Cruces. On November 18th at NMSU they will plan a program that begins in the schools in January and follow up on Earth Day to help bring awareness and change.
Please contact her at Gayle.s.eads@gmail.com to help tackle climate crisis!
Speak Up, Las Cruces
Peter Goodman from KTAL radio announced a segment named “Speak Up, Las Cruces!” which airs on Wednesday from 8:00-10:00 am on 101.5 FM (or you can visit www.lccommunityradio.org).
He is asking you to tune in and to donate to Las Cruces Community Radio at their website OR become a member and/or volunteer your time and skills to the show!
Think you missed a great segment that you were interested in? Visit their archives here: https://www.lccommunityradio.org/archives
Want to plan your schedule around a specific segment? Check out their schedule here: https://www.lccommunityradio.org/schedule.html
The Chosen One Has Spoken
Earl Nissen, the Chosen One, spoke about the Crisis Triage Center and brought a letter he wrote to *redacted* about the status of the Crisis Triage Center and questions of his that were recently answered. The letter went over the basic facts of what has happened with this center since 2013 and the various ups and downs of this center. It is currently not being used for it’s intended purposes and people who are mentally ill are being thrown in jail rather than being treated for their illnesses. His email also stats that The Commission before this one took the position that mental health providers were to come from New Mexico only. Some national groups had answered and RFP in 2017 but that Commission turned them down. The Triage Center was and has never been officially opened since there has been no program as of this date. There are funds available to open and run the Triage Center ($2 million from the Telshor Fund) but nothing is being done presently to utilize the building for it’s intended purposes.
HB33 for LCPS Technology (and more)
Karen Trujillo and Brigitte are encouraging everyone to vote yes on HB33 which the Public-School Builds Act on the ballot (early voting starts on October 8th through November 6th). This will renew an existing mill levy to support Las Cruces Public Schools and will not increase current school rate on property taxes. It’s $10 million every year for six years and it helps pay for the incredibly important technology students need to thrive in the future. It is crucial for the students and schools to vote yes on HB33 and it doesn’t hurt tax payers.
Keep Ken
Vi Cauthon supports keeping Mayor Ken Miyagishima. Some of his accomplishments include keeping the city in good financial shape, he has helped put solar on City buildings and LED lights all over the city, he has supported the homeless with shelter, and under his care Las Cruces has been named the best run city in the nation! She said there is simply no reason to vote for anyone else!
Keep Ken Fundraiser
Rosemarie said that Ken really listens to anyone and enjoys having conversations and he definitely wants to hear from you at his fundraiser! Rosemarie Sanchez announced the Ken Miyagishima for Mayor fundraiser, which will take place on October 13 from 3:00-5:00 pm at 3931 Tiger Woods.
Ken is THE Las Cruces leader, our downtown area is thriving, the City Counsel works better with him, he’s a humanitarian, and Rosemarie wants your help reelecting him.
Public Banking
Elaine Sullivan wants to bring Public Funds home and to do this with the benefit of a statewide public bank. What is a Public Bank you ask? A Public bank is an independent, chartered bank owned by the people through their representative government. It’s operated as a for-profit bank on our behalf by professional bankers, where state revenues, taxes, and fees are deposited. It is able to make loans to sate or local governments ar lower interest rates and fees than commercial lenders, able to increase money available to small businesses and entrepreneur borrowers by partnering with community banks for larger loans and loan guarantees. Public banks are accountable to the people through an independent public board, subject to state and federal banking regulations, and can efficiently run with no stockholders, branches, tellers, ATM’s, retail services or expensive advertising and marketing. Public banks maximize profits from interests and fees – keeping more of our public funds working here in New Mexico.
Story Time with Cheryl
As a child, Cheryl remembers growing up in Chicago where snow days sometimes prevented her from going to school as well as her dad, Ed Frank, from going to work as a teacher. One day on a chilly snow day, Cheryl remembers how her dad took the time and effort to shovel not only their sidewalk but how he did it for the whole block. Shocked and bewildered young Cheryl asked her dad, why? He simply replied that he did it because he was out there and some of their neighbors were older, so why not?
Cheryl Frank thinks this is exactly the type of person we need for Las Cruces Public School’s needs. She is encouraging everyone to reelect her father, Ed Frank, for school board district 5. Good things are happening at Las Cruces Public Schools and we need people with good character as well as those who have experience in education on our school board.
Carrie Hamblen and Camp Hope
Carrie Hamblen announced an event that took place on October 2nd for her fundraiser to kick off her campaign for NM Senate, District 38 at Amaro Winery.
She also took a minute to talk about Camp Hope and Tents to Rent. 35 people live in camp hope, awaiting placement for their Own home or apartment. Camp Hope, or “Tent City,” is located directly behind the offices of Mesilla Valley Community of Hope (MVCH). One of the biggest challenges Camp Hope faces is that it does not qualify for any state, federal, or foundation funding. It is only through community donations that services, necessary items like toilet paper, and food are purchased because of the generous residents of Las Cruces. In response to the lack of funding options, the Tents to Rents (T2R) fundraiser was created in 2016 with the goal to move people who are homeless and living in tents at Camp Hope into their own apartment or house.
Before the meeting, Carrie found out from their audit that 91 cents of every dollar goes to community planning classes and helps everyone in Camp Hope. She thanks everyone for their continued support and donations because it helps people move from Camp Hope into their very own apartment!
For more information visit: http://www.mvcommunityofhope.org/camp-hope-2/
And http://www.mvcommunityofhope.org/tents/
Representative Rudy Martinez is getting ready for campaigning. He thanked everyone for doing the good work they do, working hard towards the upcoming session, help educational system, and for helping seniors with transportation. He has a long term plan for getting transportation for veterans through the services department and transportation department.
Road Runner Review
Linda Hall announced the Road Runner Review event taking place on November 17th from 5:00-9:00 pm at the Rio Grande Theater. They’re celebrating two years on the radio with Gene Keller, Teresa Tudury, Chris Sanders, CW Ayon, Doug Adamz, and the Cosmic Troubadours~ Marty Racine and Rob McCorkle. It’s a fundraiser for KTAL Community Radio and it will be an evening of entertainment, food, and fun! It’s $25 a ticket and there will be a silent auction and cash bar as well.
Reelect Kassandra for District 1
Kassandra is the candidate for District 1 and she announced her canvassing event on September
30th at 5:00 pm at Apodaca Park. It’s her goal to help the aging population with services and getting them to the doctor and wants to continue to great work for Las Cruces.
Visit: Facebook.com/KasandraForLasCruces
And KasandraForLasCruces.com
Dona Ana Soil and Water Conservation Elections
Lucas Herndon spoke about the upcoming supervisor positions that will be determined at the upcoming election. He supports and is asking everyone to support three candidates: Fernando Clemente, Christ Cardenas, and Kurt Anderson. There needs to be a more fair system in place and he knows these three (who were in the room!) can do it if we can help get them there.
For more information check out: www.DACSoilandWater.com
Or visit their twitter and Facebook pages @DACSoilAndWaterConservationDistrict
Dona Ana Soil and Water – Position 2
Fernando Clemente is running for position two in the Soil and Water election coming up. He thanked everyone for their support and he already feels like a winner in life because of it. As a small business owner, water biologist, water life manager for public and private lands in New Mexico, he feels qualified for the job and excited to create real change for the state of New Mexico as well as the people and wildlife who live here.
Dona Ana Soil and Water – Position 5
Chris Cardenas is running for position five in the upcoming Soil and Water election. Chris is a local attorney who feels that preservation of nature has been ignored due to the heavy use of gerrymandering and feels that by electing him, he can make real change with new concepts and ideas such as greenhouses, wetland conservation, and help change the quality of soil by helping prevent erosion. He is having his DAWSWCO Campaign Kickoff Party on October 11th from 6:00-9:00 pm at 602 N. Alameda at the Cardenas Law Firm. He feels we need to innovate and modernize policy to address old problems with new perspectives and also stated that we need to encourage community building through education.
New Mexican Pride 2019
Shannon Reynolds announced the Southern New Mexican Pride 2019 Celebration that was on October 5 from 5:00-10:00 PM at the Downtown Plaza. He said he would help candidates with a booth at the celebration if they were interested.
Shannon is also throwing his support behind Joy Goldbaum, he really feels that she is the best and right choice for Las Cruces Municipal Presiding Judge.
Antoinette Reyes
Joseph Yaroch encouraged everyone to visit AntoinetteReyes.com for announcements of 3 upcoming campaign events such as Veterans Meet and Greet and more! He supports Antoinette Reyes for City Council District 4. In the three years he has worked beside her, he has found her to be the most studious and diligent person he knows. She does her homework and has access to knowledge, expertise, and he knows she will use that for the betterment of District 4!
For more information: AntoinetteReyes.com
Facebook/AntointteReyes4NM
Discussion on Local Law Enforcement and Mayoral Forum
Greg White announced an upcoming event on the Discussion on Local Law Enforcement and the Mayoral Forum which will take place on October 8th and 12th at the Brannigan Library. Major Law Enforcement, such as Miguel Dominguez, Kim Stewart, Erick Lopez, and more will be there. This will be a great opportunity to speak to local law enforcement and find out local crime rates, how they address/work with ICE and domestic violence issues.
The Mayoral Forum will be on October 15th and you can submit progressive questions that might be answered at the forum!
Shelly Nichols Shaw for District 1
Shelly Nichols Shaw held a Meet and Greet at the Lions Club. She is running for City Council District 1. AS a retired teacher, small business owner, and Mayfield High and NMSU graduate, she feels she can continue to help, serve, and educates others by actively participating in our community – including Dona Ana Communities Unites, United Prevention Coalition of Dona Ana. Early Childhood Coalition, Partners in Policy Making, and more! Shelly will use her voice for the City of Las Cruces and Dona Ana County to help address public health, safety, disabilities, and other concerns in our community and surrounding area.
Public Banking
Sharon Shoemaker Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity is a statewide educational nonprofit. The Alliance promotes investment and management of public funds for local benefit. New Mexico’s revenue is now largely invested outside of the state which means we are missing out on opportunities to support the needs and concerns of New Mexico Communities. The Public Bank is a financial instrument that enables a thriving State of New Mexico through expanded economic development and infrastructure enhancements.
Sharon has been crossing state to gather more information on gaps associated with lack of capital. We know small businesses have trouble getting started and/or can’t get small loans. It can also invest in local economic and community development, such as roads, buildings, parks, water and air safety, broadband and help transition to sustainable energy.
How you can help: They need contacts in other parts of the state and they are hoping you can help them.
For more information, please visit: www.aflep.org
Your Friendly Neighbor, Ed Frank
Ed Frank (aforementioned snow shoveling expert) is a candidate for School Board- District 5 and he is asking everyone to reelect him and support his campaign. He said he doesn’t believe the achievements he’s helped with are his, so much as the achievements of the school board, and he would love the school board to continue the great work and progress done. To do so, he is seeking volunteers to knock on doors and to address envelopes for him.
For more information visit: EdFrank4LCPS.com
Big Wins for Hunger Strike
Eric Walkinshaw talked about Casa de Peregrinos and the 24-hour Hunger Strikes fundraising results. They raised $14,000 and someone donated $10,000. They raised an average of $1,000 an hour. He thanked everyone from PVA and Charueine Tipton.
PACE Vote
Rocky Bacchus announced an upcoming PACE vote on October 22nd at 9:00 am at the Dona Ana County Building. He is asking everyone to come and help support PACE which will be voted on by the County Commission. As a reminder, PACE would save people money who don’t qualify for Solar. Big banks don’t want this because of a greed issue but Rocky thinks our community can be 80% solar because solar is 50% of the cost of electric. He wants the County Commission to give clean energy a fair chance.
Our Environment Needs Us
Yvonne Flores announced a few items. Maggie’s Reception which was on September 27 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the house of Dr. Roberto Lozano
She also announced the Climate Change Series which took place on October 2nd from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Farm and Ranch Museum. Climate Change legislation at the deferral level is not going to pass. We need our locally elected officials, state and federal officials to move which is why she is encouraging everyone to vote for Maggie Toulouse Oliver. Together we can make the city greener possibly have electric busses and charging stations to promote clean energy.
Dona Ana Soil and Water – Position 1
Kurt Anderson announced that he is a candidate for Dona Ana Soil and Water Commission supervisor 1 and he is asking for your vote! He’s a retired Astronomy professor and student of Climate Change. Locally, we deal with drought and rising temperatures and he has ideas on how Dona Ana Soil and Water can change. He feels DASW needs to be more proactive in watershed protection and conservation. He is asking you to support himself as well as Chris Cardenas and Fernando Clemente.
Early elections are starting on October 8th and election day is November 5th.
Update from Xochitl Torres
Linda Cisneros from Xochitl Torres Small’s office spoke on behalf of Xochitl stating that the President uses foreign support to get reelected which puts our country at risk on this cusp of a historic revolution. National Security is important and there needs to be careful deliberation when we hear relevant testimony about Ukraine. Americans have the right to hear what is going on truthfully and be able to voice their concerns.
Neomi Martinez-Parra for Senate
Neomi Martinez-Parra announced her kick-off campaign for Senate District 35. A former teacher, she took time off to help her family but as things have changed politically, she has chosen to run instead of complaining. She is running because she cares about healthcare, education, preschool (which has been linked to lower dropout rates), and she is asking for your vote. Progress affects everyone.
For more information: https://neomi4nmsenate.com/
How New Mexicans are Addressing Climate Change
Rene Romo announced the Climate Change event that happened on October 2 at 6:00 PM at the Farm and Ranch Museum titled New Mexico at the Crossroads: How the State and its biggest City and NMSU are addressing Climate Change.
It was an opportunity to hear from representatives of Governors Climate Change Task Force and Albuquerque’s plans to reduce GHG emissions and promote renewable energy development. It was a chance to ask questions about how important organizations and institutions are taking to address climate change in the absence of leadership by the Trump administration.
Joy for Presiding Judge
Luis Guerrero announced a Meet and Greet opportunity on October 1st for Joy Goldbaum. He hopes you share his love for canvassing because if you do, he is asking people to help volunteer for her and support local candidates as well.
Soil and Water Elections
Craig Fenske endorsed Kurt Anderson, Fernando Clemente, and Chirs Cardenas for the elections of supervisor positions for the Dona Ana Soil and Water Conservation District. All Dona Ana county residents south of Radium Springs may vote on all three supervisor positions. Election day is coming so make sure to vote early from October 8th onward or Election Day November 5th.
Building a Great City
Pat Aguirre announced a fundraiser for Mayor Ken Miyagishima’s reelection campaign on October 13 from 3:00-5:00 pm. She is asking you to join her and support Ken with a suggested donation of $40 but any and all contributions are accepted gratefully. According to Pat, you won’t regret getting to know Ken!
Presiding Judge Joy
Judge Joy Goldbaum is asking for support in her campaign for Municipal Court presiding judge with early voting coming up soon! It is her goal to provide more support and treatment options instead of jail for nonviolent misdemeanor defendants. She feels that the court can help mental health crisis with many more treatment options and treatments rather than incarnation for nonviolent crimes and she wants to bring that change for the City of Las Cruces.
Public Banking in New Mexico
Gill Sorg also brought up the idea of a New Mexico Public State Bank. He mentioned North Dakota’s State Bank and how it has ran for 100 years and survived and thrived during some of the worst financial crises in America. In 2017, the bank of North Dakota recorded its 14th consecutive year of record profits with $145 million in net earnings. The bank of North Dakota has helped the citizens there maintain a low unemployment rate, supplemented state government budget revenue, enable a robust network of community banks in the state and high credit availability even during economic crises.
Public banks worldwide hold% of public funds, including taxes, fees, and fines.
For more information visit: www.aflep.org
Anna Age Eight Summit
Bill Soules announced the Anna Age Eight Summit which will take place on December 3 all day at the Convention Center. ACES are preventable and they are working toward a near future when adverse childhood experience and trauma are a thing of the past.
The Mayor Candidate Forum at Onate on October 2nd was ran by Students from 6:00-8:00pm.
For more information about Anna Age Institute visit: https://www.annaageeight.org/