SUSANA MARTINEZ MAKES IT OFFICIAL

Dona Ana County District Attorney Susana Martinez was introduced this afternoon by Trevor Wax, the brother of Ashly Wax who was slain four years ago but her boyfriend in her front yard. His words of introduction lead to loud cheers from the assembled supporters and Democrat on-lookers or perhaps supports were there to listen to the words from the newly declared candidate for Governor of the State of New Mexico in 2010.

Surrounded by family and friends, Martinez began by thanking Robert Estrada, owner of Roberto's Restaurant where the event was held and his long standing dedication to the community by assisting others in their times of need. She than announced that she would be seeking the Republican nomination for Governor of the State of New Mexico in 2010.

Martinez is in her 4th-term as the District Attorney for Dona Ana County and eluded to her tenure of "crime and corruption" fighting as the D.A.

There were elected officials from both the City and County in attendance at the event which included: County Commissioner Oscar Vasquez-Butler, City Councilor Dolores Connor, Sheriff Todd Garrison, Magistrate Judge Olivia Nevarez-Gracia,and others spotted were the the Mayor's personal advisor, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish local campaign leader, and former Mayor, Bill Mattiace to name a few. There was a wide cross section of community, business and political representatives in attendance.

Martinez stated that she is a "team builder" and will continue to fight "against crime and corruption in the State level." She went on to say that..."New Mexico deserves better than to be at the bottom 48/49 in national ratings when it comes to education."

Her concerns about business licensing and the long wait times for obtaining any business licenses in New Mexico is unacceptable and she will take a serious look as to how New Mexico deals with the business community.

However,in her remarks to the more than 80 attendees, she said that her number 1 concern is for "public safety." She will remove any more schemes like "pay for play" being any part of New Mexico government.

She stated in her position as the District Attorney, she makes many decisions on a daily, even hourly bases that "affect peoples lives." She intends to treat all citizens of New Mexico "with respect and irregardless of economic or social status."

"People should take more personal responsibility in their lives in making their communities a safer place to live" she continued.

She said that "Is is not what is said, but what is done."

Martinez will now try to move forward with her fundraising efforts and traveling around the State to build a "teamwork" effort in her bid for Governor.

Martinez will be facing several Republican challenges in the future which include Allen Weh, Janice Arnold-Jones, and others. The GOP is still waiting for a possible challenge from former Congresswoman, Heather Wilson who in the past has hinted at a possible race for Governor.

[Just as a note...Gregg Zanetti, who was the only GOP declared candidate for Governor announced today that he is no longer seeking the GOP nomination for Governor in the June 2010 primary. He noted that family concerns were his primary reason for leaving the race.]

DA SUSANA MARTINEZ TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR

Doña Ana County District Attorney Susana Martinez, a Republican, will formally announce Friday that she is running for Governor in 2010 according to un-named sources.

Susana has foregone forming an exploratory committee and will make her announcement at a news conference to be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 17th at Roberto's Restaurant.

Susana who celebrates her birthday today has not confirmed nor denied her decision to run according to sources close to here.

Susana Martinez is Hispanic woman who was raised in El Paso. She has a proven election record of winning against her Democrat opponents by the Democrat cross over vote. As the County's chief prosecutor, she has developed a reputation among lawyers and law enforcement as "tough on crimes." She has been an advocate for strong legislation to protect children and women from abuse. She is serving her third term as the D.A.

New Mexico Democrats are facing daily legal challenges with "pay to play" charges and other ethical violations, Susana will be a new fresh face with strong legal experience and will probably be the "Poster Child" for legal reform for the State of New Mexico.

Susana will face challenges herself with fundraising, voters in Albuquerque and the Eastern part of NM who primarily vote "white male."

Susana is married to Chuck Franco who currently serves as the "Under Sheriff" for Dona Ana County.

LEWIS HARRY EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

I attended the Las Cruces Rio Grande Rotary Club today and part of their program included a young man by the name of Lewis Harry who is working on his "Eagle Scout" designation with the Boys Scouts of America.

Lewis' Eagle Project is to design and build a central gathering area for the "Hope First Housing Project." This area will consist of a 12x12 pavilion with concret and stone pathways leading from the housing project to the pavilion.

His plans to begin the project on August 29th.

Th projected budge is approximately $4,500.00 which he will need to raise. He is asking for donations from the community to help him complete this worthwhile project.

Lewis is a member of BSA Troop 64.

If you are able to help with a monetary donation or materials, you can send them to the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope/ADOBE Inc. P.O. Box 6875 Las Cruces, New Mexico 88006 or you may contact Lewis at (575) 523-7834.

As an Eagle Scout myself, I ask that you help Lewis complete his project and earn this important recognition.

OPTIMIST TO HOLD FUNDRAISING EVENT

The Las Cruces Noon Optimist Club is having its 4th Annual "Kids Count" Golf Fundraiser Tournament on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at Sonoma Ranch Golf Course. Registration starts at noon, tournament starts at 1:00. It's four person scramble. Each player tees off and all four play from the best shot until the ball is holed. People can sign up as at team ($500) or single ($125) or two-person team ($250) and be matched-up. Make checks payable to Noon Optimist Club of Las Cruces. To register or for questions, call Marcos Archuleta at Sonoma Ranch at 575-571-9975 or 575-521-1818. All proceeds go to benefit local youth and youth programs. For more information about the Optimists, see www.optimist.org. There is also an after-party event at The Game Sports Bar & Grill at 6:00 open to all golfers and significant others.

(If you would like to advertise (free) your non-profit event on my blog, please forward details to www.ron@roncamunez.com.)

DONA ANA COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

The Regular Meeting of the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. in the Doña Ana County Commission Chambers, 1st Floor, Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 North Motel Boulevard, Las Cruces.

For their agenda go to www.co.dona-ana.nm.us.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA FOR MONDAY, JULY 12th

The Las Cruces City Council will hold a Work Session on Monday, July 13, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. The Work Session is to be held in the City Council Chambers, 200 N. Church Street, Las Cruces, NM.

AGENDA

1. Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance - Strategic Direction for Fiscal Year 2009/2010.

2. Farmer's & Craft Market Representatives - Downtown Main Street Design Process.

3. Update from the Broadband Advisory Committee.

4. *Ancillary Assistance to the Juvenile Citation Program.

Let me encourage you to please attend City Council meetings. There are important issues that are being presented and ordinances being passed with little input from the citizens. The lack of community involvement certainly will lead to passing frivolis and loss of rights due to non-participation.

CONGRESSMAN HARRY TEAGUE IN LAS CRUCES TODAY

Congressman Harry Teague will be hold a "town hall meeting" today in Las Cruces. The event is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall located at 1185 E. Madrid (east of Apodaca Park Baseball Field).

In a press release the "Congressman is in Las Cruces to hear from his constituents..."

This will be an opportunity for voters in Las Cruces and Dona Ana County to question Congressman Teague of pending legislation, social security benefits, VA Benefits, and his past voting record.