Thursday, May 21, 2009

LAW ENFORCEMENT TO ENFORCE DUI LAWS

Southern New Mexico law enforcement agencies are joining forces Memorial Day Weekend to crack down on drunken driving through Operation Lockdown, an effort aimed at keeping highways safe throughout the holiday.

Dozens of law enforcement agencies throughout New Mexico and Arizona will be out in force this Memorial Day weekend. Several dozen sobriety check points are scheduled in the entire region. Their mission: to combat drunken and dangerous driving. Six counties in Southern NM including Dona Ana County will be part of the targeted areas.

NM State Police Capt. Richard Williams stated: “We’re about to enter a very critical time for traffic safety, this is a problematic time for local and state law enforcement agencies”. DUI's contribute to the majority of traffic fatalities during holiday periods, especially Memorial Day.

Capt. Williams continued...“This is not acceptable and we as law enforcement need to do something about it. We have made tremendous progress toward improving traffic safety over the last several years.”

Let me remind you that if you drink and drive, be prepared to pay the price...arrest and jail time.

Hope you and your family have a safe and terrific Memorial Day weekend. Don't become a statistic this year.

UNITED WAY GALA

The United Way of Southwest New Mexico is holding their Silver Spur Gala on Saturday, May 30, from 6 p.m. to midnight at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage
Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road.

Tickets are $55 per person or $100 per couple, and the evening will include cooked-to-order steak dinners, a custom sundae bar and live music and dancing. Dress is cowboy/cowgirl casual. To RSVP call 575-524-7561.

Please support this great agency that provides assistance to other community based agencies who assist families and individuals in the area.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

DR. MANUEL PACHECO NAMED INTERIM NMSU PRESIDENT

The Board of Regents of NMSU unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Manuel T. Pacheco as New Mexico State University's new interim President at a special meeting held today.

At age 67, Dr.Pacheco will take the helm on June 1st and will receive a base salary of $325,000 which includes use of the President's residence near the University Golf Course. His contract is for one year and will be expire upon appointment of the permanent President.

Under the agreement of Dr. Pacheco's hire, he will not be able to apply for the NMSU President and he has expressed no desire to apply.

Interim President Dr.Waded Cruzado, will be returning to her prior position as the University's Executive Vice President and Provost. In resuming her old positions will now allow her, if she desires to apply for the permanent President position.

Monday, May 18, 2009

MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS

On Monday, May 25, 2009 our nation and community will celebrate MEMORIAL DAY when we honor the men and women of the United State Armed Forces who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this Nation.

Here is the schedule for local events that day:

8:00 a.m. The Garrison Flag will be raised at Veterans Memorial Park located on Roadrunner Parkway. It will be raised at half staff until noon.

8:00 a.m. A Riverside Ceremony of the laying of a memorial wreath into the Rio Grande will be held on the west side under the Picacho Bridge, sponsored by VFW Post 3242 Ladies Auxiliary.

9:00 a.m. A memorial service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, sponsored by VFW Posts 3242 and 10124

11:00 a.m. Veterans Memorial Park – sponsored by Veterans Memorial Wall Committee and the NM National Guard. The short ceremony includes the color guard and taps. The Marine Corps League El Perro Diablo will also participate at this service. The names of over 4,000 men and women who have killed in Afghanistan and Iraq will be posted.

5:00 p.m. The lowering of the Garrison Flag at Veterans Memorial Park.

All events are free and open to the public. Let me encourage you to attend and participate at least one of this important events.

For more information regarding these events please contact: Dolores Archuleta, Mayor Pro-Tem at (642-1680).

TODAY'S CITY COUNCIL MEETING

CITY BUDGET CRUNCH

At today's City Council meeting there were a number of items on the agenda which included an update on the current city budget and presentation by Dr. Mark Sutter, City Finance Director explained the adjustments being made to meet the deficits facing the city due to shortfalls in Gross Receipt Tax (GRT), Lodging Tax, and other revenue sources.

I wish to compliment the city's finance department and senior staff for their concern for keeping the city's budget under control. All departments have been required to cut their budgets by 5% which will be reflected in the mid-FY 2009 - FY 2010 Budget. Las Crucens should beware that under the leadership of Mr. Terrence Moore, City Manager and all Department Directors, have worked together to meet City Council directive to cut spending, personnel hire freeze and other measures to ensure non-wasteful spending.

LAS CRUCES "CONVENTION" CENTER

The City Council passed unanimously a resolution to award a the contract to build the new "Convention" center to Jaynes Construction from Albuquerque. The estimated cost $21,779,602.00. The 55,000 square foot center will include an 15,000 square foot Exhibit Hall, a Ballroom that is 10,000 square feet, breakaway meeting rooms, and a commercial size kitchen. The "convention" center will be able to accommodate between 1200 - 1500 individuals. Groundbreaking Ceremonies are tentative scheduled for June 15, 2009 with construction beginning shortly thereafter. Completion is anticipated for the Fall of 2010.