August 27, 2026 – Progressive Voter Alliance

Featured Presentation

Sylvia Ulloa explained the Vote for Change campaign which seeks to pass a constitutional amendment on the November ballot–the amendment would make it so state legislators would be paid. New Mexico is the only state where legislators receive no salary. You can see the salaries by state here. The campaign supports paying legislators for the following reasons:

To build a legislature that looks like New Mexico & works for New Mexico
To protect representation by reducing special-interest influence
To modernize the legislature
To tie legislator pay to the median NM household income
To open the door for working people to serve
To reduce corporate and lobbyist influence
To align government with the realities of everyday New Mexicans

You can find out more about the Vote for Change: Yes on 4! campaign by clicking here.

Branigan Library renovation and expansion on the November ballot

Jamie Blair, a Friend of the Branigan Library, shared exciting news: a long-awaited library renovation and expansion project will appear on the November 3rd ballot as a Go Bond request, and importantly, it will not raise taxes — it uses existing tax money. The two-year project would transform the 47-year-old facility into a much larger community hub with expanded meeting rooms, a café, a bigger children’s area, space for makers and crafts, a relocated Beardo’s used bookstore, and more room for librarians to serve the public. Jamie made the case that a vibrant library is also an economic asset — people scoping out Las Cruces as a potential place to live routinely check the library first — and that passing the bond is far more cost-effective than the growing expense of patching an aging building.

For more information, contact Jamie at TBMLFriends@gmail.com.

Parkinson’s resources, poll workers, and progressive veterans

Lynn Austin covered three topics in his remarks: first, he reminded attendees about the monthly Parkinson’s support group meetings and had flyers available at the door, along with a 15-page booklet covering Parkinson’s prevention, treatment, and the local Superfund site in Las Cruces. Second, he encouraged anyone interested in becoming a poll worker to see him after the meeting, noting that the signup process has been made simple and that workers are needed. Third, he pushed back on the assumption that military veterans lean politically conservative, naming five national progressive veterans organizations he personally belongs to — About Face, Common Defense, We the Veterans, Vote Vets, and Chamberlain Network — as evidence that the veteran community is far more politically diverse than many assume.

For more information, contact Lynn at laustin@interserv.com.

Vanessa Ordoñez, running for Doña Ana County Sheriff

Vanessa Ordoñez, returning to the meeting after winning the Democratic primary for Sheriff, began by thanking her supporters and acknowledged the competitive field of candidates. She focused her remarks on Flock cameras — the license plate reader system — noting that while the technology has genuine value, including recovering $2 million in stolen vehicles and helping locate missing persons and violent criminals, there are serious concerns nationally about officers misusing the system to track ex-partners and immigrants. She pledged that as sheriff she will do everything in her power to protect residents’ privacy and constitutional rights, and pointed to Bernalillo County Sheriff Allen’s recent decision to terminate the Flock contract as a model she is prepared to follow if the vendor does not meet her standards. You can visit Vanessa’s campaign website to learn more.

For more information, contact Vanessa at VanessaForSherriff@gmail.com.

Susie Kimble, running for County Commissioner, District 3

Susie Kimble, appointed in February by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to fill the District 3 county commissioner seat vacated by Shannon Reynolds, is now running to keep the position and emphasized that she is a registered independent. (You can find a map of District 3 here, shaded in gray. Not included on the map are the Chaparral precincts.) Susie described her approach to the role as focused on civility, responsiveness, and listening — regularly asking constituents what they think the county needs to do better, and actively working with Representative Silva on longstanding issues in the Chaparral area. She shared a concrete example of her advocacy: when healthcare provider YesCare went bankrupt and the detention center was at risk of losing all health services, she pushed back on a plan that would have left roughly 20 employees and their families — around 200 people — without health insurance for 10 to 12 days during the transition to a new provider. She closed by noting she remains a commissioner through the end of the year regardless of the election outcome, and encouraged anyone with county concerns to reach out to her directly.

For more information, contact Susie at skimble@donaana.gov.

Data center moratorium and political accountability

Julio Morales opened by urging support for Dave Mooney for District 38, then turned to the topic of a proposed data center moratorium being discussed in the state legislature, which he welcomed as good news. His main warning was that residents should be skeptical of politicians on both sides of the aisle who respond to moratorium calls with promises of “oversight” instead — arguing this is a deliberate tactic by corporate-aligned officials to defuse public pressure without actually stopping data center expansion. He contended that any politician unwilling to back a moratorium on such a consequential issue cannot be trusted to conduct meaningful oversight either. His closing message was direct: when elected officials offer weak alternatives to what constituents are demanding, voters should reject those officials at the ballot box.

For more information, contact Julio at juliomorales1803@gmail.com.

Cycling infrastructure and why it matters for Las Cruces

Jim Wilcox, the cycling representative on the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Active Transportation Committee, shared some discouraging news: Las Cruces is applying for a bronze bike-friendly community designation for the third time in ten years, with a bicycling infrastructure score of just 10 out of 100 and a ranking of around 12th in the state. He pointed out that a strong cycling infrastructure isn’t just for cyclists — it makes a community more attractive to new residents and corporations looking for healthy, productive environments for their employees. He also made an economic case: money spent locally by people on bikes stays in the community longer than dollars spent on gas, which leaves town. His ask was simple — even if you don’t ride a bike, mention cycling support the next time you speak with a legislator or local representative.

For more information, contact Jim at jimwilcox@comcast.net.

Gabe Vasquez for Congress campaign seeks volunteers

Field organizer, Lucca Wang, explained that Congressman Gabe Vasquez is in one of the most competitive congressional races in the country. Lucca said Gabe is being outspent two to one, so they are knocking on doors every weekend. The shifts are from 2-4pm and 4-6pm. Gabe’s Las Cruces office shares with the coordinated campaign and is located at 129 S. Main Street (across from Proofed Bread Company). To learn more about Rep. Vasquez, visit his campaign website.

For more information, contact Lucca at lucca@gabeforcongress.com.

“We’re proud of you, Tina!”

Mary Martinez White was proud to announce that Tina Cordova, chairwoman of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, has been invited to address the United Nations General Assembly about the continuing impacts from the Trinity Site detonation in 1945. She will speak on August 31, which is the International Day Against Nuclear Tests.

Mary also spoke about the ongoing exhibition at the National Hispanic Cultural Center Art Museum in Albuquerque, called “Nuclear Past, Present, and Future: Art in Action,” which is open until January 24, 2027. More on that here. And finally, the documentary, “First We Bombed New Mexico,” will be screened at the Fountain Theatre in Mesilla on September 27, at 6:30pm.

For more information, contact Mary at mwhite9409@gmail.com.

All about the New Mexico budget

Rep. Nathan Small reported that he was just at a Legislative Finance Committee meeting and it’s been a strong year for New Mexico’s budget. He said the state has $924 million in “new money” and that is important because it gives the state a way to fight against Trump’s attacks on the people. For example, Trump’s cuts to food benefits and health care go into effect in October and the state will be able to fully fund premium subsidies. Nathan said New Mexico is the only state doing that. He also said that displacing oil and gas as the state’s dominant revenue source is very close. Finally, Nathan spoke about public lands and said that the state just announced the opening of Mimbres Ranch Wildlife Management Area (WMA) which is high-desert grassland bordering the Gila National Forest and is now protected habitat for elk, mule deer, bear, the Mexican gray wolf, mountain lion, turkey, and quail. You can visit Nathan’s campaign website here.

For more information, contact Nathan at nathan.p.small@gmail.com.

Changes to selective service registration

Vickie Aldrich and Tim Reed reported that starting in December of 2026, the Selective Service System will automatically register citizens “assigned male at birth” between 18 and 26 years old, without their consent, for military induction. If there were a draft, people would only have 10 days to declare conscientious objection. Vickie and Tim advised that if you know any young men between 18 and 26, you can help them document a Statement of Conscience so they can be conscientious objectors to war. Vickie and Tim provided the following resources to help with that:

For more information, contact Vickie and Tim at mathstar@zianet.com.

Candidate fora on KTAL-LP 101.5FM

Peter Goodman spoke about all the great stuff to listen to on KTAL-LP community radio. You can listen live or check out the archives on their website. Peter said there will be candidate fora on Speak Up, Las Cruces on Wednesdays. You can view the schedule, donate, become an underwriter, or sign up to volunteer on their website, https://www.lccommunityradio.org/.

For more information, contact Peter at peter@pgoodmanphotos.com.

Will Jim be suing Donald Trump?

Jim Hoerst said the reason you may want to vote by mail is that it would give you standing to sue Trump in a class action lawsuit. He encouraged us to think of our friends who aren’t consistent voters and sign them up to vote by mail. You can sign up for an absentee ballot via the New Mexico Voter Information Portal at https://www.nmvote.gov/. The last day to register to vote by mail is October 19, 2026. Jim also spoke about Project Jupiter, saying that when they were shopping for locations for the data center they were told they could build their own power plant and that they could use a reasonable amount of water. Jim said he wants Project Jupiter’s side of the story to be told, as well. Finally, Jim supports both Lori Martinez and Rep. Sarah Silva.

For more information, contact Jim at seattletags@gmail.com.

Tents to Rents

Ann Gutierrez spoke about Community of Hope’s fundraiser called Tents to Rents. This website shows you the partners of the fundraiser, how much they have raised, and how you can help/donate. The mission of Tents to Rents is “to help individuals move from a tent to a rental home, transforming homelessness into housing and uncertainty into stability” and to “raise the funds needed to sustain Camp Hope, including insurance, tents, utilities, case management, and other operating expenses. These funds also help residents overcome the financial barriers to housing through security deposits, application fees, and move-in costs.”

For more information, contact Ann at egutierr@nmsu.edu.

It’s time for Empty Bowls!

Jane Grider announced that she is selling tickets for El Caldido’s Empty Bowls fundraiser. It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for El Caldido and is a collaboration with the Potter’s Guild of Las Cruces. Jane assured us that we can eat as much soup as we want–soup is being provided by 50 restaurants! Yum! The tickets are $25 and the event is Friday, October 9, 2026, from 11am-2pm, at St. Paul’s Methodist Church. Mark your calendar, you don’t want to miss it!

For more information, or to buy tickets, text Jane at 575-526-5620.

Dave Mooney, running for State Representative, District 38

Dave Mooney described the district he’s running for as “one big, beautiful district!” Click here to look at how gigantic it is! Dave has been talking to a lot of people in the district and he is finding that they are supportive of a data center moratorium. He said the people are certainly in favor of data center oversight. Dave also announced a joint fundraiser for himself, Lori Martinez, and Rep. Sarah Silva on September 24, from 12:30-2:30pm. You can read more about Dave on his campaign website.

For more information, contact Dave at mooneyfornm@gmail.com.

Rep. Sarah Silva, running for reelection for State Representative, District 53

Rep. Sarah Silva outlined the bills she is currently drafting. The topics include taxing AI data centers, banning dynamic pricing in grocery stores, definitions and regulatory foundations for geothermal, and lobbyist transparency. She is also supporting Susie Kimble for County Commission, saying Susie is her partner for solutions in Chaparral. Her campaign starts canvassing on September 5, and she welcomes volunteers.

For more information, contact Rep. Silva at sarahangelinasilva@gmail.com.

Support for a data center moratorium

Dylan compared the Project Jupiter deal to a time share presentation. He said you get told you have to sign up and do it quickly, before you know all the details. Dylan’s message was short and to the point: “It seems like I’m just being lied to and I feel like it is wrong,” he said, adding that a moratorium would provide time to think about the plan and work through all the details.

No email address available for Dylan.

Your connection at Las Cruces Village

Gayle Eads announced her support for Amanda Lopez Askin, who is running for Secretary of State. It’s difficult to run statewide, Gayle reminded us, adding that if Amanda is elected she will provide more visibility for Southern New Mexico. You can check out Amanda’s Facebook page here, and Gayle provided the address to send donations – it’s Amanda for NM, 202 Capri Arc, Las Cruces, NM, 88005. Also, Gayle lives at Las Cruces Village (formerly Good Sam’s) and said they have a no soliciting policy, so if you need to get campaign materials to willing voters, you can contact her and she will reach out to her neighbors.

For more information, contact Gayle at gayle.s.eads@gmail.com.

Act Now to join Project Jupiter Monitoring Committee/Support Moratorium

Jay Choate, a community member and political organizer, encouraged people to apply for the county’s Project Jupiter Community Monitoring Committee before the August 31 deadline. He emphasized the need for engaged members who will ask tough questions, bring in knowledgeable guests, and hold Project Jupiter accountable to its commitments. Jay also urged support for a moratorium on new data centers while the Legislature develops stronger regulations, arguing that a temporary pause would provide time to establish appropriate protections for communities.

For more information, contact Jay at thejaychoate@proton.me.

New heat pump incentives and an invitation to review PRC testimony

Rocky Bacchus highlighted a new state program that will provide approximately 2,000 home heat-pump installations statewide at low cost to qualifying low-income households. He asked us to encourage eligible local residents to apply. On Project Jupiter, Rocky said he is preparing sworn testimony for the regulatory proceeding and is seeking knowledgeable reviewers, particularly on emissions issues. Please contact him if you’re interested.

For more information, contact Rocky at rockybacchus@gmail.com.

News from the Border Servant Corps

Monica Blacker, speaking on behalf of Border Servant Corps (BSC), announced that the organization is once again operating 24/7 and has launched three programs. She invited community members interested in volunteering or learning more about the programs to speak with her and pick up informational flyers after the meeting.

For more information, contact mblacker@bscnm.org.

Support for Julia T. Brown for County Commission District 3

Dr. Carolyn Wilkins spoke on behalf of Julia T. Brown’s write-in campaign for District 3 County Commissioner, noting endorsements from State Representative Joanne Ferrary and Congressman Gabe Vasquez. She explained that many variations of Julia T. Brown will be accepted for the write-in vote so you don’t have to have it in a single exact form. Carolyn highlighted Julia’s education, work experience, and leadership qualities as she encouraged us to support her candidacy. We can visit Julia’s campaign website here.

For more information, contact Carolyn at revcwilkins@gmail.com.

Building an on-going process for Project Jupiter Accountability

Logan Adams encouraged us to apply for the Project Jupiter Community Monitoring Committee before the August 31 deadline. He emphasized how important the committee could be in providing an ongoing forum for raising questions, increasing public awareness, and examining Project Jupiter’s impacts on the community. Information about the Committee and an application form are available here.

For more information, contact Logan at logan@desertdocket.org.

Invitation to a fundraiser for Daisy Maldonado for County Commission

Cecilia Vargas announced a fundraiser for Daisy Maldonado on Friday, September 25, from 6–8 p.m., with the location to be announced. We can visit Daisy’s campaign website here. Cecilia also shared that she is working with Gary Camuñez on “Stop Project Jupiter” tee shirts and invited interested attendees to see her after the meeting.

For more information, contact Cecilia at ceciliaclv@gamil.com.

Lori Martinez urges action on vacant legislative seat

Lori Martinez, Democratic candidate for New Mexico House District 37, noted that the district’s legislative seat is currently vacant and urged attendees to contact county commissioners to request that they fill the vacancy promptly rather than wait until after the election. She emphasized the importance of maintaining representation during the interim and also announced plans for a joint fundraiser with fellow House of Representatives candidates Dave Mooney and Sarah Silva on Thursday September 24 while legislative committees are meeting locally.

For more information, contact Lori at loriforhd37@gmail.com.

Help offered on applications for county’s Community Monitoring Committee

William Morlan encouraged attendees to apply for the Doña Ana County Community Monitoring Committee, explaining that it will include 11 county residents—two from each commission district and one additional appointee. He especially encouraged people in the Santa Teresa–Sunland Park area to participate and offered to help attendees complete applications and determine their county commission district. Act now: applications are due August 31!

For help on the application or other information, contact William at redheadeagles@gmail.com.

Senator Steinborn will be filing microgrid oversight legislation

State Senator Jeff Steinborn thanked attendees for participating in the recent Project Jupiter listening session and said the community can still influence the project’s future. He announced renewed work on a “Microgrid Oversight Act 2.0,” which he said would address emissions, consumer protections, water use, and oversight of Project Jupiter and future large microgrids, even if a data-center moratorium is enacted. Jeff described passage of the legislation as a top priority for the next legislative session and emphasized the need to build sufficient support for it in both the House and Senate.

For more information, contact Jeff at polidub@aol.com.

Daisy Maldonado, running for County Commission, District 1

Daisy Maldonado, Democratic candidate for Doña Ana County Commission District 1, thanked everyone who supported her in the primary and asked for their continued support in the general election. She highlighted nearly 20 years of community work, including interfaith organizing, work in the colonias, sexual-assault advocacy, and her background in economics. Daisy also emphasized environmental and climate issues and proposed establishing a Doña Ana County Air-quality Board to give the county greater local control over air-quality standards and decisions.

For more information, contact Daisy at contact@daisy4dist1.com.

Opposed to Project Jupiter? Congratulate yourself!

Glenn Landers praised community organizing around Project Jupiter, arguing that sustained public pressure has significantly increased political attention and generated new proposals, including a moratorium, tax changes, and renewed microgrid-oversight legislation. Glenn also cited recent court actions temporarily halting an air-pollution permit and an emergency water well as evidence that the project can be challenged and affected. He encouraged attendees to recognize the progress made over the past year while acknowledging that the project’s ultimate outcome remains uncertain.

For more information, contact Glenn at glennlanders@gmail.com.