WEEK IN REVIEW

It has been a busy week in Las Cruces with a variety of events taking place. Perhaps the most anticipated was the "Groundbreaking Celebration" yesterday held at NMSU.

Approximately 1000-1500 persons attended the event where they were treated to the largest hot air balloon I've ever seen in the shape of the Space Shuttle. Those who attended the event stated that they could see the balloon from the freeway.

Many vendors and space industry representatives were present with booths and exhibits including NASA and the NM Department of Tourism "yellow bus."

Governor Richardson was the featured speaker and thanked the residents of Las Cruces and Dona Ana County for supporting the Spaceport America initiative by voting for the Spaceport Authority Tax in 2007. He said that the future will be changed in regards to future space travel. Other speakers included representatives from NMSU and the City of Las Cruces.

At noon the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce held their "Quarterly Luncheon" which was about "Spaceport America." Mr.Stephen Attenbourogh with Virgin Galactic presented the program and how the "new future of space travel will change the way we view space and commercial flight."

Grounding breaking events continue this morning as officials from state and local government attend the "official groundbreaking" at the site and in Truth or Consequences with more public events.

On Tuesday, the Rio Grand Rotary Club along with the Chamber hosted the annual "Association of Commerce and Industry" (ACI) legislative luncheon. ACI is concerned the "State Chamber of Commerce." Ratings of the state's legislators is presented and legislators are given the opportunity to answer questions regarding their voting records at the last legislative session. Legislators present were State Representatives: Andy Nunez, Joni Gutirrez, and Jeff Steinborn.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING IN LAS CRUCES

Tomorrow will be an historic day for Las Cruces and Dona Ana County when Spaceport America finally breaks ground for the new "airport of the future." The $200M project will be completed within 14-18 months according to the Spaceport Authority.

Events are planned for Las Cruces and Truth or Consequences to commemorate the coming of age...that's space age.

Starting at 5:00 p.m. the public is invited to attend a "Ground Breaking Celebration" on the campus of NMSU (on the "horseshoe" in front of Hadley Hall). The event is free to the public. Speakers will include Gov. Richardson, Representatives from Virgin Galatic, city and county officials, and NMSU Intermin President Pacheco. There will also be food and live Mariachi entertainment

Las Crucens and attendees at the ceremony in Sierra County will be able to get their first glimpse Friday morning of the WhiteKnightTwo mothership - part of Virgin Galactic's two-vehicle launch system. WhiteKnightTwo, will for the first time, fly over Las Cruces, Truth or Consequences and the spaceport site sometime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday, if weather permits.

You can watch a Webcast of the groundbreaking ceremony at the spaceport site starting at 11:00 a.m. at www.spaceportamerica.com.

ASSOCIATION OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ISSUES LEGISLATORS REPORT CARD

The Association of Commerce and Industry (ACI) has issued their Focus Report for the 2008 New Mexico Legislature and Legislators. ACI is considered to be the State Chamber of Commerce in New Mexico.

Today at noon, the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce and the Rio Grande Rotary will join together to hear representatives from ACI present their report at the Mesilla Valley Conference Center at Days Inn. Local Legislators will also be in attendance.

The State's economy remains extremely fragile. Many have lost their jobs. Lower petroleum revenues. The scandals in Santa Fe and other financial troubles certainly does not bear well for Dona Ana County. The concerning aspect of the ACI report is that many of our local legislators’ voting records this past session indicate limited concern and anti-business.

Here are the scores of Doña Ana County legislators when it comes to business issues:

High Score = pro-business positions
Low Score = anti-business positions

Doña Ana County Legislators

Senators:

Score Rank

100% - Dianna Duran (R) 1st of 42 (tied with 3 others)
82% - Mary K Papen (D) 20th of 42
47% - Mary Jane Garcia (D) 38th of 42
47% - Cynthia Nava (D) 39th of 42
43% - Stephen Fischmann (D) 40th of 42 - third worst in State

Representatives:

81% - Andy Nunez (D) 29th of 70
78% - Mary Helen Garcia (D) 32nd of 70
71% - Joseph Cervantes (D) 41st of 70
52% - Jeff Steinborn (D) 65th of 70
52% - Joni Gutierrez (D) 66th of 70
50% - Antonio Lujan (D) 67th of 70
47% - Nathan Cote (D) 70th of 70 – worst in State

Sierra County Legislators:
Senator:
88% - John Arthur Smith (D) 16th of 42

Representative:
81% - Diane Hamilton (R) 27th of 70

The constituents in the districts where their legislator received "failing grades" should be concerned and ask some tough questions of them. The voters must continue to hold our elected officials accountable and require our legislators to promote the a healthy business environment that impacts us all. Without business, government could not succeed.

The full report can be found at http://www.acinm.org/images/focus09-final.

THIS WEEK IN LAS CRUCES

There are a wide variety of community events this week. Please mark your calendars and try to participate. I believe that an informed public is vital to democracy.

TODAY

1:00 p.m. Las Cruces City Council meets at City Hall. Agenda items include: amendment to "red light camera" ordinance, agreement with the Texas Highway Department to move forward with a proposed "commuter" system between El Paso and las Cruces and other items.

TUESDAY

11:00 a.m. Open House at the Ramada Inn (University & S. Valley) for the new Las Cruces Convention Center.

11:30 a.m. Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce and the Rio Grande Rotary Club host the Annual Legislative Luncheon at Mesilla Valley Conference Center at Days Inn. Local legislators will be reporting on this years legislative session, new laws, and an overview of state government. Call the Chamber office at (575)524-1968 for reservations.

WEDNESDAY

NOON Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council luncheon at the Las Cruces Home Builders Association located behind Citizens Bank on North Main.

THURSDAY

11:30 a.m. Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon at Mesilla Valley Conferernce Ceneter at Days Inn. Call the Chamber office at (575)524-1969 for reservations.

5:00 p.m. Spaceport America will be holding a public event at NMSU (on the horseshoe) to celebrate groundbreaking events for the spaceport. This event is free and open to the public with representatives from Virgin Galatic, Gov. Richardson, and other "celebrities" with displays and other space events.

CORRECTION

MAYOR KEN MIYAGASHIMA'S EMAIL ADDRESS IS : mayor@las-cruces.org