Featured Presentation
We were happy to welcome Deb Haaland to PVA to talk about her gubernatorial campaign. She told us a little about her background, how she is the daughter of veterans. Her mother had to leave the Navy when she got pregnant with Deb’s sister, and she subsequently spent 25 years working as a federal civil servant in the Bureau of Indian Affairs. When Deb was Secretary of the Interior under President Joe Biden, she had a hand in conserving 41 million acres of public lands across our country including sacred sites, tribally led conservation efforts, and community led conservation efforts. Now she is running for governor: so, what has she heard from the people? We’re worried about our healthcare in NM, the diminishing medical professionals. We’re worried about our children getting a good education, and we want them to have opportunities in NM when they graduate. We’re worried about the cost of living. Deb said she can relate to it all, and she’s very worried about the effect of the tariffs under this current president.
She took questions from the audience about oil/gas, education, law enforcement, and government transparency, and told us, “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves right alongside you. I want to be your next governor! Thank you.”
You can learn more about Deb and her platform on her campaign website.
Note: PVA does not endorse candidates or issues. We are happy to welcome all candidates for office and would give the same featured presentation spot to the other state gubernatorial candidates.
Unified Action for this month
Don Kurtz announced that the PVA Unified Action, which is an opportunity to bring all PVA participants together for a single impactful activity, will be to volunteer or contribute to a local candidate’s campaign. You should have received an email announcing this action after Thursday’s meeting; a reminder will be sent again in a couple of weeks.
This Action has proven to be enormously helpful to local candidates in past election cycles. Contact information for all candidates who spoke during Thursday’s meeting are included in their sections of this recap – please contact them to volunteer for their campaigns or to find out how to contribute to them online or by sending a check.
For more information, contact Don at donkurtz7@gmail.com.
Serious concerns about AI campus proposed for Doña Ana County
Daisy Maldonado of the Empowerment Congress sounded the alarm about a fast-moving proposal for the Doña Ana County proposal to approve a $165 billion bond for a Texas company’s plan to build Project Jupiter, complex of four large AI centers and a microgrid near the border. She called attention to water requirements of the project as well as concerns about what the company is promising and what actually appears in an agreement with the county.
Doña Ana County Commissioners have set a vote for the proposal at a:
Special Meeting of the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners
Friday, September 19, 9 am
Doña Ana County Government Center
845 N. Motel Blvd.
Daisy promised that the community would be active in opposition of that proposed approval.
For more information, contact Daisy at daisy@empowernm.org.
ProgressNow New Mexico raises additional concerns about Project Jupiter
Lucas Herndon, Energy Policy Director for ProgressNow New Mexico pointed out that the Jupiter Project would be exempt from provisions of the Energy Transition Act that sets New Mexico on the path to clean generation of electricity, allowing Jupiter to build and operate gas power plants until 2035. A nuclear power plant would be permissible as well. A Memorandum of Understanding detailing aspects of the project is available here.
Lucas urged all of us to attend the County Commission meeting on September 19 to show our strong disapproval of this initiative.
For more information, contact Lucas at lucas@progressnownm.org.
Rush to approve Project Jupiter is the opposite of good governance
Beth Bardwell pointed to the many ways the County Commissioners’ rush to vote their approval of Project Jupiter violates the basic principles of good and effective governance. This includes the Commission’s reluctance to examine and make clear to the public the implications of the project on clean air, clean land and clean water, and especially the lack of information about the newly incorporated companies that will benefit from the $165 billion in Industrial Revenue Bonds. And yet the County Commission, without any intervening work session or other opportunity for informed residents to ask questions, has scheduled a final vote on the bonds at a Commission meeting on September 19. Beth urges us all to ask questions, talk to our county commissioners and attend public meetings, including the Commission vote at 9 am on Friday, September 19 at the County Office Building on Motel Boulevard.
For more information, contact Beth at betbardwell@gmail.com.
KTAL, our community radio station + concerns about Project Jupiter
Peter Goodman reminded us of the 24-hour a day treasure awaiting us on our community radio station KTAL at 101.5FM on the radio dial. He urged us to take a look at KTAL’s weekly schedule, and urged us to listen to KTAL, support it, volunteer, or suggest a show, particularly a Spanish language show. Peter also expressed serious concerns about Project Jupiter, especially in regard to high water use in cooling the systems, which has been a problem nationally, and what seems to be a refusal by pro-Jupiter commissioners to require renewable generation for the project, which Peter views as a deal-breaker for the initiative.
For more information, contact Peter at peter@pgoodmanphotos.com.
Michael Harris, running for City Council, District 3
Michael announced that he is a candidate for the Las Cruces City Council District 3, where Becky Graham will be retiring at the end of the year. Michael was born and raised in Las Cruces, attended New Mexico State University, and has owned and operated a small technology firm for over ten years. He views government as being formed to pool our resources, help our neighbors, and protect one another from threats to ourselves and our community. As part of a long-term commitment to local governance he currently serves on the city Transit Board, one of several boards and commissions he has served on over the years. To learn more about Michael’s background and platform, visit his website.
For more information, contact Michael at michael@harris4LC.com.
Becky Corran, running for re-election, City Council, District 5
Becky Corran announced that she will be seeking re-election in Las Cruces City Council District 5. She took a few moments to note the powerful achievements by the Council over the past four years, which includes passing comprehensive zoning reform, built hundreds of new affordable housing units, established free fares on the municipal buses, and enabled hundreds of animals to be spayed for free, helping ensure that more animals leave the animal shelter alive than ever before. Becky also urged us to attend one of the many upcoming public sessions on how to spend the GRT revenue that will result from the GO bonds passed by our community in the last election. To find out more about Becky and her campaign, visit her website.
For more information, contact Becky at corranforlc@gmail.com.
Isaiah Tellez, running for City Council, District 3
Isaiah announced that he is a candidate for the Las Cruces City Council, District 3, where Becky Graham will be retiring at the end of the year. Isaiah was born and raised in Las Cruces, met his wife here, and has started numerous businesses, including as a realtor. As a councilor he would pay special attention to bringing more affordable housing options to the community, continuing the work of the current council while adding to it his own experience with the housing market. Isaiah also wants to continue the work of the present council in protecting families from the current administration’s practice of illegal detainment and deportation. For more information about Isaiah visit his website.
For more information, contact Isaiah at tellezlc3@gmail.com.
The Border Servant Corps + a question: do you like burritos?
Jennifer Kreie reminded us of the excellent work still being done by the Border Servant Corps that has been working for decades to support immigrants and refugees, work rooted in relationship and shared hope. You can find out more about what they do on the Border Servant Corps website and contribute to that work here.
Jennifer also if we liked burritos, and if so, invited us to this event in support of City Councilor Becky Corran’s re-election campaign:
Burritos with Becky
Saturday, Sept 6, 9-11am
Habaneros Fresh Mex, 600 E. Amador
For more information, contact Jennifer.
Parkinson’s Support Group continues its good work
Lynn Austin re-acquainted us with the many supportive activities available to participants in the local Parkinson’s Support Group, including pickleball, boxing (!) and line dancing. There is also a monthly meeting for those newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
For more information, visit the group’s website, or contact Lynn at laustin@interserv.com.
Greetings and an invitation from State Representative Doreen Gallegos
State Representative Doreen Gallegos’ legislative district aide Adam Sommers shared what Representative Gallegos has been up to, including planning an AI summit for later this year; he reminded us that he is available on Doreen’s behalf to provide assistance on any questions or issues we might have at the local, state and federal level.
For more information, contact Adam at Adam.Sommers@nmlegis.gov.
Bob Wofford, running for re-election to Las Cruces School Board, District 3
Current Las Cruces School Board member Bob Wofford has shrugged off a recent rattlesnake bite to announce that he will be running for re-election. He also strongly endorsed his fellow board members up for election, Patrick Nolan in District 1 and Pamela Cort in District 2. Bob says they have an excellent board right now, which has brought about significant progress in academic achievement, student engagement, Climate resilience and sustainability, and protection of LGBT and immigrant children. Bob also invited us:
Meet and Greet for Patrick Nolan, Pamela Cort, & Bob Wofford
Saturday, Sept 13, 5-7 pm
1877 Sedona Hills Parkway
For more information, contact Bob at bobwofford3lcps@gmail.com.
Pamela Cort, running for re-election to Las Cruces School Board, District 2
Pamela Cort is running for re-election to the Las Cruces School Board in District 2. Pamela comes from a family of teachers, was a classroom teacher for 31 years and in 2013 was the New Mexico Teacher of the Year. She is proud of what has been accomplished by the current school board and hopes that they will be able to continue working toward their common goal of doing the very best for each child in the district. She reminded us too of the importance of voting for the school bond issue that will be on the ballot – lots of benefit for the schools with no increase in taxes!
For more information, visit Pamela’s website or contact her at pamela.cort2lcps@gmail.com.
Sometimes public comments work!
Peter Ossorio was happy to provide proof that making a comment in a public process can make a difference – our over 8000 comments that were submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resulted in the first release of a family of Mexican wolves in almost 20 years. Peter also pointed to a larger issue for all of us, which is the importance of our speaking up and, as lawyers say, “making a record” – particularly at this time when there is a concerted effort to rewrite and erase history.
For more information, contact Peter at peterossorio203@gmail.com.
Greetings from State Representative Sarah Silva
Carlos Salmón, District Legislative Aide for Representative Sarah Silva, passed on Sarah’s apologies for not being able to join us in person. He reported that, in addition to dozens of one-on-one meetings Sarah has, over the past few months, attended or hosted over 50 community events in and around her district. She’s going to start door-knocking this fall to meet constituents in their homes.
Carlos invited us to follow Sarah on Facebook and other social media, and to send our email address to him at HD53.DLA@nmlegis.gov to get on her regular contact list.
Just in time! The College Democrats are back!
NMSU graduate student Jay Choate announced that the College Democrats are in action:
College Democrats Meeting
Friday, September 5, 1 pm
Breland Hall Room 179, NMSU
On a personal note, Jay voiced his opposition to the Jupiter Project, noting that many communities around the country have been misled by companies’ projections of their impact on area water supplies. He urged us to show up at local AI-related meetings to hold all parties accountable. He also expressed concern about the lack of health care practitioners in the state and urged us to advocate for interstate health care compacts to help address that shortage.
For more information email Jay at thejaychoate@protonmail.com
Patients Primero advocates for health care reform
Janet Nordmann talked to us as a member of the steering committee of Health Care Primero. Among the group’s goals are educating voters on the factors driving our health care shortage, developing partnerships to create strength for change, and collaborating with our legislators to enact comprehensive, sustainable legislation.
Janet urged us to attend this meeting:
League of Women Voters Forum on the Healthcare Crisis
Saturday, September 13,
DACC Workforce Complex
2435 E. Nevada
Dr. Arthur Berkson of the Doña Ana County Medical Association and Fred Nathan of Think New Mexico will be among the speakers.
For more information email Janet at janetnordmann@yahoo.com.
Time to end the genocide in Palestine!
Liz Bennett called on us to remember the absolute dire need to end the genocide in Palestine. She cited a CNN report that at least 59% of people killed have been women, children and the elderly, and a Guardian report that the Israelis’ own military data indicates that 83% of the recorded deaths have been civilians. She called our attention to H.R. 3565 in the U.S. House of Representatives, which would end arms transfers to Israel. She urged us to call Representative Gabe Vasquez and encourage him to support that bill. She also urged residents with concerns about ICE activities in our area to contact Mayor Eric Enriquez at eenriquez@lascruces.gov and to make public comment at the regular City Council meeting at 1 pm on Monday, September 15.
Save the Date for Democratic State Fall Conference!
Laura Simon, Vice President of the Federation of Democratic Women of Doña Ana County asked us to save the date of the evening of Friday, October 10 and the morning of Saturday, October 11 for the Democratic State Fall Conference, which will be held here in Las Cruces at the Stan Fulton Athletic Center on the NMSU campus. Candidates for office are very welcome – the cost for the event will be $50 per person and $1000 for a sponsored table.
For more information, or to get on the Federation email list, please send an email to Laura at misslaura555@gmail.com.
Update on Health Security for New Mexicans campaign
Davena Norris, a member of the Executive Committee for the Health Security for New Mexicans campaign shared some updates on how the campaign is going. Funding that went to the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee allowed them to hire experts to evaluate systemic causes of rising health care costs. Those reports have provided very good direction for potential steps forward. The campaign intends to introduce the Health Security Act again in the longer 2027 legislative session. There is an upcoming meeting:
Health Security for New Mexicans
Saturday, September 6, 1-2:30 pm
Frank O’Brien Papen Center
304 Bell Avenue
Finally Health Security for New Mexicans would like to hire an organizer for Southern New Mexico – if you or anyone you know is interested, or if you would like more information about Health Security for New Mexicans, email Davena at davena.norris@gmail.com.
Support for school board candidates and Las Cruces School Bond
Las Cruces school board member Ed Frank strongly endorsed his fellow board members running for re-election: Patrick Nolan, Pamela Cort, and Bob Wofford. He also urged us all to vote for the GO bond and mill levy that will be on the ballot in November as well. He explained that the bond and mill levy are essential for capital improvements and maintenance of school buildings, which would otherwise be unfunded.
For more information, contact Ed at lascruceslalo@gmail.com.
County Commission ends invocation
Jim Hoerst couldn’t be more pleased that the County Commission decided to end the opening prayer at their meetings. Here’s an article from the Las Cruces Bulletin about the vote. Then, Jim said that although it’s a controversial opinion, he is in favor of Project Jupiter. He said, “I started a Facebook group called Pro Jupiter. You want to talk about it? Let’s talk about it. $165 billion is the kind of economic development that changes a region for centuries.”
For more information, contact Jim at seattletags@gmail.com.
John Muñoz, running for City Council, District 6
John Muñoz said he was deeply affected by the shooting in Young Park earlier this year. He says now is the time to be engaged, be active in the community, and vote. You can read more about his goals at his Instagram page: @john.p.munoz and his Facebook page.
For more information, contact John at johnpmunoz@comcast.net.
Vote for the LCPS Bond
Jo Galván Nash encouraged everyone to vote for the LCPS Bond on this year’s ballot. First of all, she emphasized that there is no tax increase. This is to support kids, and keep them safe.
For more information, contact Jo at jogalvan.nash@gmail.com.
Patrick Nolan, running for LCPS School Board, District 1
Patrick Nolan got really good news on August 26 – he’s running for his re-election to the LCPS School Board unopposed! You can listen to Patrick speak about his goals on his Instagram page. You can also read more about him here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/reelect_patrick. Finally, Patrick quoted Robert F. Kennedy senior, referencing the “tiny ripple of hope” speech, where he said: “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
For more information, contact Patrick at patrickdnolan@gmail.com.
Posters of Resistance
Esther Minick announced the following event:
Posters of Resistance, Voices from the Las Cruces Streets
Reception: Friday, September 5, 5-8pm
Exhibition: September 5-September 27, 2025
Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
Vargas Art Projects, 221 N Main, Suite E, Las Cruces
Featuring creations by local activists who stood up for democracy, justice, and human dignity at recent rallies and marches.
For more information, contact Esther at pronag@aol.com.
Stop ICE
Jo Ann Bingel wanted to spread the word about a website that reports where ICE is. The website is StopICE.net. She also said you can report ICE agents here. The hope is to stop the kidnappings.
For more information, contact Jo Ann at yankeepirate@ymail.com.
Getting results at the City
Jim Wilcox admitted that he pestered the City of Las Cruces to hire an Active Transportation Coordinator. Then, he pestered some more. He is pleased to report that they have posted the position. He is also pestering the City for a weed ordinance; “get rid of the invasive species, and cultivate native plants,” said Jim, adding, “goatheads should be illegal!”
For more information, contact Jim at jimwilcox@comcast.net.
Gaza
Trent Scribner spoke about Las Cruces for Palestine which is a Las Cruces based group advocating for the liberation of fundamental rights for the Palestinian people. You can read about the group on their Instagram page. They will be doing a presentation about the “military-industrial complex and how weapons being used in the genocide in Gaza are tested here in our area.”
Las Cruces for Palestine
Saturday, September 13, 10:00 to 12:30
Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, Roadrunner Room
For more information, contact Trent at teechris@proton.me.
Happy Birthday, Representative!
Representative Nathan Small started out by praising NM for 50% renewable energy generation. He spoke about the housing situation, and gave a shout out to City Councilors Johana Bencomo and Becky Corran. “This session we dedicated (in the House) the single largest appropriation for housing. And we’re going to celebrate $11 million coming to Las Cruces next week. We’ve dedicated the most money to diversify our economy away from oil and gas.” Then, he explained why he strongly supports Project Jupiter. “I think that this is an opportunity to get the best infrastructure for southern New Mexico. This is an incredible opportunity to create clean jobs for the citizens of this county. I’m excited to dive into that discussion. There has been a ton of work, including with the microgrid legislation that does follow the Energy Transition Act. And as a sponsor and author of the Energy Transition Act, I’m very proud of that.”
For more information, contact Nathan at nathan.small@nmlegis.gov.
Labor Day rally, art, and a movie
Pam Hett announced Indivisible’s Labor Day Rally, which took place on Saturday, August 30, from 9am-11am, at Albert Johnson Park. She also announced the following:
- Posters of Resistance, Voices from the Las Cruces Streets
- Reception: Friday, September 5, 5-8 pm
- Exhibition: Sept 5-Sept 27
- Vargas Art Projects: 221 North Main Street, Suite E, Las Cruces
- Movie at the Fountain Theatre: Borderland: The Line Within
- September 8, 6pm, tickets are $15
- Email ILCimmigration575@gmail.com for tickets
For more information, contact Pam at Hettagency@gmail.com.
Public meetings about Project Jupiter
County Commissioner Shannon Reynolds said he always tries to look at community challenges from multiple angles. He is committed to clean water, and he also understands that the county needs proper infrastructure to attract business. Shannon said that Stack Infrastructure is the business behind Project Jupiter. He also announced a number of public meetings:
September 2, 5:30pm: Sunland Park Sports Complex
September 3, 5:30pm: TBD, possibly DACC West Campus
September 4, 10am: Hatch Senior Center, 510 East Hall, Hatch
September 4, 5:30pm: Sunland Park Sports Complex
For more information, contact Shannon at sreynolds@donaanacounty.org.
Postcard writing
Shirley Davis said she is looking for some more people to join the Blue CD2 postcard writing project. They are reaching out to inconsistent voters to get them motivated to vote in 2026 for Congressman Gabe Vasquez. You write 25 or 50 postcards and provide stamps. Let Shirley know if you want to help. Cheerleader Gayle Eads added, “Go Gabe Go!”
For more information, or to volunteer, contact Shirley at s_davis_mass@yahoo.com.
Medicaid cuts are hurting New Mexicans
Dr. John Andazola, family physician and Chief Medical Officer with La Clinica de Familia, spoke about the healthcare crisis. He said we need to protect primary care doctors, especially, and fight for Medicaid.
For more information, contact Dr. Andazola at jondazolamd@mac.com.
Tommy Black, running for City Council, District 6
Tommy Black, in introducing himself as a candidate for City Council District 6, stressed his commitment to helping young people succeed in life and to helping those who have served in our country’s armed forces. Tommy pointed to his own experience as “a bad little kid” that “nobody gave up on” and he wants to make certain that nobody gives up on young people and veterans now. He urged us to refer veterans who need help to him at the Las Cruces VA, where he works.
For more information, contact Tommy at djblack2002@yahoo.com.
Urging a no vote on Project Jupiter
Bernie Digman said that we don’t know enough about Project Jupiter and the potential for water depletion. He advised, “Either vote no or take it off the agenda.”
For more information, contact Bernie at berniekdigman@gmail.com.
Big win for New Mexico!
Mary Martinez White was happy to tell us that the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) has passed and been signed by the president. Learn all about it here. You can also visit the Department of Justice website. There are 19 types of cancer covered. The one time compassionate payment is $100,000, if you submit an application and qualify.
For more information, contact Mary at mwhite9409@gmail.com.
Young Democrats are movin’ and shakin’!
Allison Claire Neal-Wallace announced that the Young Democrats of NM have new leadership and progressive goals. She also let us know that she’s helping with Michael Harris’s campaign for City Council and you are invited to get involved. You can learn more about Michael at the campaign website. Finally, she warned us to not allow the mainstream news media to blame the trans community for the tragedy in Minneapolis.
For more information, contact Allison Claire at Allison@harris4lc.com.
Community meetings regarding the GRT funding
Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo said it’s time to love our community and support the GRT. She announced that there’s going to be a series of community meetings in September and October and she hopes we will attend at least one. “We need to make sure that our money is spent responsibly, equitably, and that it really touches on the infrastructure emergency in our community.”
For more information, contact Johana at jbencomo@lascruces.gov.
How does ICE know who to target?
Mr. Hernandez (sorry, we did not get his first name!) inquired about how ICE gets their information. He posited that perhaps an AI data center could be used to help ICE.
No email available.
Schools save money when they go to solar energy
Rocky Bacchus said he was working on an analysis for providing solar to the Las Cruces Public Schools. He needed the data from El Paso Electric, but the school district shut down the project. He said it’s zero cost to the district, with a potential savings of $50 million over 10 years. “There’s big money to be saved,” said Rocky, who hopes to encourage the school board to restart the analysis.
For more information, contact Rocky at Rockybacchus@gmail.com.
Be sure to vote for the LCPS Bond
Maria Flores, who was on the LCPS School Board for 13 years, reiterated that it’s important to vote for the LCPS Bond. “The schools need this money and it doesn’t cost more than what we already pay in taxes. So it’s a good thing for the schools. It keeps the schools alive.”
For more information, contact Maria at maflores54@gmail.com.
Dress the Child fundraiser
Mike Cook announced the following event:
34th Annual Charity Gala Dinner, Benefitting Dress the Child
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 5:30pm
NM Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
Tickets are $100, and all proceeds go toward new clothing and shoes for Mesilla Valley children. For tickets or questions, call 575-644-9469.
Concerned about Project Jupiter’s water consumption
Jonathan Delgado created a website called stopprojectjupiter.org. He would like to see people organize against Project Jupiter, by flipping the votes of two commissioners. “I am going to do everything in my power to stop this, folks. We have three and a half weeks. So it’s time to get some work done,” Jonathan said.
For more information, contact Jonathan at jonathandpolitics@gmail.com.
Welcome Jed from Montana!
Jedediah Smith just moved to Las Cruces from Montana! He said he is very happy to find a vibrant progressive community in Las Cruces. “I feel like I found my people once I moved down here from Republican Montana. One of the things I’ve noticed is it’s a lot hotter down here. And that’s why I want to talk about Project Jupiter.” Jed hopes the county commissioners decide to invest in people rather than the AI data center. He said to instead build the data center in Montana where it will freeze over.
For more information, contact Jedediah at jed@eliotsmith.org.