The most dramatic change in the NM legislature in recent years has been the triumph of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. In 2017 progressive Brian Egolf replaced Republican Don Tripp as Speaker of the House. In 2020 three moderate Democrats were ousted from the Senate, replaced by progressives, leaving both chambers in progressive hands. Progressive clout in the House increased with the 2022 elections, and Egolf, who left the House voluntarily, was replaced by even more progressive Javier Martinez.
NM progressives come in four flavors, often mixed: (1) those who want to reverse the rise of what some describe as “crony capitalism” and other distributional inequities; (2) those concerned about identity politics, such as women’s rights, gay rights, ethnic equality, etc.; (3) environmentalists; and (4) gun control advocates. While versions of these can be found within the Republican camp, it is progressive Democrats who have tried to codify them through legislation.
Speaker Javier Martinez has spent two legislative sessions managing these factions, while at the same time accommodating the agenda of a sometimes-progressive governor, who wields a powerful veto stick, while fending off attempts by moderate Democrats and Republicans to quash parts of his agenda. Senate leadership appears to be an unstable alliance between politically correct progressives and more traditional moderates. As the primary election nears, it bears asking, how well have progressives fared? Are the primary elections likely to lead to any changes in direction?
Like their moderate Democratic and Republican counterparts when they were in power, following the governor’s lead progressives avoided issues voters most want fixed. No effort in either chamber exists to fix education, with plans and deadlines. Chunks of money were tossed at early childhood education but with no accountability. Accountability in higher education? Let them drink wine. A college president whose institution ties for last place in the US News and World Report rankings of Western regional universities will be remembered for his lavish junkets abroad and cases of $800 wine; and that he got away with it.
And while the state’s mental health system — destroyed by Governor Susana Martinez a decade ago — has received generous funding, again, no clear plan, no deadlines. Likewise, no urgency exists to raise to New Mexico’s ranking in health care above the normal bottom 10-15, where it stands now, or to address the demoralized workforce in much of state government.
The most striking thing about progressive rule is that legislative ambition has aimed only for modest change, sometimes change nobody knew was needed. The most predictable thing is that they, like previous regimes, have spent money like drunken sailors with record revenues thanks to the fracking many of them claim to detest.
Within a narrow lane of modesty, there have been modest achievements, not all of them “progressive” in tone. State cash reserves to cover a rainy day improved our fiscal standing. Anticipating the overturning of Roe v Wade, an ancient ban on abortions was eliminated; there will be no Arizona here. While they lost — by one vote — a generous paid-sick-leave bill, this popular issue is likely to remain on the progressive agenda. A gun control bill — 7-day waiting period — was passed, although public security, high on the voters’ list of priorities, was ignored so obviously that the governor has called a special session in July to deal with it. A few gestures at improving our tax code resulted in modest increases in corporate taxes and modest income tax reductions for all. Gaps in the coverage of the lottery scholarship were filled. All in all, this legislative record of progressives is not much different from legislative records of moderate leaders of the past twenty years, and Javier Martinez has proven to be surprisingly skilled at pragmatic-driven management.
Last year, when the bill mandating tampons for boys’ bathrooms in every school district in the state was signed into law, I predicted there would be a strong move to flip enough seats in the 2024 elections to form a coalition between moderate Democrats and Republicans in the House or Senate. They have done so before on several occasions. It appears I was wrong.
The tipoff came when Speaker Martinez made clear earlier this month, he would support all incumbent Democrats, progressive or moderate. This suggests two things: first, as he surveys the scene he sees no serious threat to his re-election as Speaker next year. Despite a handful of heated primary races between moderates and progressives, and a last-minute plea from Jeff Apodaca for Norteño Hispanics to elect his favorite candidates, Martinez is probably correct. Moderates challenging progressives and vice-versa will likely cancel each other out, give or take a seat or two, which he can afford. The Senate also appears to be headed back to progressive hands, although moderates may gain or lose a seat or two. And Republicans in the general election seem highly unlikely to acquire enough new legislators to be able to form a coalition with the handful of moderates left in the House.
Second, the Bullring lobbyists, whose money flows toward power, not ideology, have found most of their interests intact. They, not the national money for conservative or progressive causes, still determine the local terms of debate in legislative races. This is the real reason progressives refuse to tackle the longstanding failures of New Mexico state government, and why no statewide unified effort to reduce progressive power has emerged. My fellow Democrats, Speaker Martinez seems to say, let us all hold hands and await the probable outcome of the primary and general elections. Welcome to the land of entrenchment.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Jose Z. Garcia taught in the Government Department at New Mexico State University for nearly four decades. He was appointed Secretary of Higher Education by Gov. Susana Martinez in 2011 and served in that capacity for four years. He writes columns for El Rito Media, owners of the Artesia Daily Press and Rio Grande Sun.)
The Artesia Police Department (APD) has released information regarding a homicide that occurred Wednesday evening in the 700 block of West Champ Clark Avenue.
Around 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, APD and New Mexico State Police (NMSP) officers were dispatched to West Memorial Drive in front of Artesia General Hospital (AGH) to assist the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) on a high-risk stop. Deputies reported they had followed a vehicle to AGH from the scene of a shooting at 703 W. Champ Clark Ave.
ECSO deputies reported having heard gunfire, at which time they responded to the residence and observed one male subject, identified as 32-year-old Isaac Granado, had been shot. Granado was later transported to AGH, where he succumbed to his injuries.
During the traffic stop, three occupants of the vehicle were detained for questioning, and the APD’s Criminal Investigation Division was called to the scene to investigate. Officers were able to identify the suspect in the shooting — a 14-year-old male juvenile — as one of the occupants of the vehicle.
The juvenile, whose name was not released due to his status as a minor, was transported to the Artesia Detention Center on charges of second-degree murder, tampering with evidence and unlawful possession of a handgun by a person under the age of 19.
Anyone with potential information regarding this incident is urged to call the APD at 575-746-5000.
The Bulldog baseball team honored a pair of courageous brothers Friday by asking them to throw out the first pitch prior to Game One of their District 4-AAAA double header against Lovington at Brainard Park. Brothers Lukas, left, and Liam were attacked by a dog, and during the ensuing fight, Lukas jumped on little brother Liam to protect him. The boys were also presented with signed helmets by the team. Pictured with them are, from left, head coach JJ Ortiz, Rickey Armendariz and Nye Estrada.
Frankie Galindo sends a two-run home run over the fence in left Friday during Game One of Artesia’s double header against Lovington at Brainard Park. (TJ Palma – For the Daily Press)
As any student of America’s Game knows, the baseball gods are mightily unpredictable. But every once in a while, they give you exactly what you want. And for fans in Southeast New Mexico, that’s a District 4-AAAA showdown between Artesia and Goddard with all the marbles on the line.
Following a three-game sweep of Lovington Friday and Saturday (20-5 in five innings, 11-10 and 13-1 in five innings), the Bulldogs put themselves on a familiar collision course with the Rockets. Both now stand at 6-0 in the district, and both will be ready to battle it out this week for not only the D4 crown but a favorable seed in the fast-approaching Class 4A State Tournament as well.
The Diamond ‘Dogs got things started Thursday in Wildcat Country with a dominant five-inning run rule of their hosts, 20-5, that saw the boys in orange rack up 16 hits while scoring at least two runs in each trip to the plate.
The ‘Dogs plated their first three runs in the top of the first on a pair of errors and a two-RBI single to right by first baseman Rickey Armendariz, then made it 7-0 in the second on a big three-run homer over the fence in left by leadoff Nye Estrada and a stolen-base-turned-two-base-throwing-error.
The ‘Cats picked up their inaugural run in the home half on a Bulldog error that still resulted in the inning’s second out after batter Patrick Sanchez was caught trying to stretch it to two. But Artesia would break the contest wide open in the top of three, batting around and putting six more runs on the board.
Armendariz led off that at-bat with an infield single and came home on a three-base throwing error on a bunt by Jesse Armendariz. The latter then scored on an Ayden Huffman double to right-center, and both Huffman and Kaden Beauregard — aboard as a hit batsman — headed home on a two-RBI base hit from Estrada. Back-to-back RBI singles from Daelon Pacheco and Jett Fuentes made it 13-1.
With the run rule on the table, Artesia tacked on what turned out to be a helpful quintet of insurance runs in the top of four. A one-out triple by Estrada gave the ‘Dogs a runner in scoring position, and with two away, Jack Byers would single him home before scoring on a Fuentes base hit, and Armendariz would belt the team’s second homer of the night over the left-field fence to add three more, 18-1.
The Wildcats would make that 18-5 in the bottom half of the inning on RBI singles from Sanchez and Jayden Gutierrez and a two-RBI base knock from Auden Parades. But Artesia rounded out the 20-5 final in the top of the fifth on an Estrada RBI hit up the middle and an error.
Going the distance through five on the hill, the sophomore Byers struck out the first two Wildcat batters in the bottom of five but saw the bases loaded on a walk, a Ryan Wieser double, and a hit batsman. He’d buckle down and get the final batter looking, however, to end the threat and the game.
Byers had seven hits and three earned runs to his credit while racking up 10 Ks and walking just the one.
Estrada led the ‘Dogs at the plate, coming a double away from the cycle with a 4-5 showing that included two singles, a triple, a homer, and six runs batted in. Rickey Armendariz was 3-4 with a homer and five RBI, Pacheco 2-3 with one RBI, and Fuentes 2-5 with two RBI.
The series moved west to Brainard Park Friday for a double header, and Artesia spiced things up with a significant dash of suspense in the opener for their Little League Night crowd.
The ‘Dogs again bounded out to an early lead in the contest, taking two out of the bottom of the first on a Byers RBI double and an RBI infield hit from Fuentes, then making it 5-0 in the second when Morales and Jesse Armendariz doubled and singled, respectively, to lead off and were driven home by an Estrada two-bagger, and Estrada came the rest of the way on a double to left by Byers.
But the Wildcats weren’t going down without a fight this time, sending a jolt through the ballpark with a seven-inning top of the fourth that gave them a two-run lead.
Lovington batted around in their half of the inning, quickly picking up their first two runs on a single up the middle from Wieser and a homer to left by catcher Mika Pando. They continued to make contact as starting pitcher Estrada gave way to sophomore Morales, loading the bases on singles from Sanchez and Ethan Gonzales and a hit batsman before plating two more on a Fidencio Lujan two-RBI base hit. They’d bring their fifth, sixth and seventh runs home on an error and a two-RBI double to center from Wieser.
To their credit, the Bulldogs wasted no time shaking off the table turning, but from that point forward, the see-saw battle was on.
Artesia tied things up at 7-all on one swing in the bottom of the fourth, with Beauregard walking to lead off before Galindo delivered a two-run homer to left. Lovington took advantage of a string of Bulldog errors — three amidst pickoff attempts — in the top of the fifth, going up 8-7 with an unearned run, and the boys in orange reinstated the deadlock in the home half on a Beauregard RBI fielder’s choice.
The ‘Cats staged a two-out rally in the top of six to go up by two this time, 10-8, on a Wieser single and two-run tater from Pando, but the ‘Dogs again answered in kind, with Byers reaching on a one-out double down the left-field line before coming home on a clutch homer to left-center by Pacheco.
As the game entered its final inning, Artesia’s fourth pitcher of the outing — Beauregard — and his defense were able to hold the Wildcats scoreless in the top of seven on a fly ball to left, a strikeout, and a gun-down of Lujan by Galindo during an attempt to steal third.
That gave Artesia a chance to end it in regulation, and with one away, a single to left by Beauregard and walk-off RBI double to deep center by Huffman did just that, 11-10.
Byers finished 3-4 at the plate on the night with a trio of doubles and two RBI, while Estrada went 2-2 with a double and two runs batted in.
And with that scare out of the way, the ‘Dogs would leave nothing up in the air in the nightcap.
With the sophomore Pacheco on the mound, the boys in blue managed just a single run through five innings in the teams’ final outing. That came in the top of the third after Wieser walked with one away and was driven in by a double to right-center from Pando.
Lovington threatened with bases loaded and no outs in the first but went down on back-to-back strikeouts and a liner to Estrada at second. They’d leave a runner on third in the fourth and would again strand a trio in the fifth.
The ‘Dogs, meanwhile, went up 1-0 in the first on an RBI single from Morales before batting around in the second. There, Fuentes — on with a walk — crossed on a Jesse Armendariz infield single, and Huffman — aboard with a bunt single — scored on a double-steal. Armendariz then came around on a hit to left from Estrada, and both Galindo and Byers — on with singles — scored on RBI fielder’s choices from Morales and Rickey Armendariz.
The boys in orange made it 9-1 in the third on an Estrada RBI triple and RBI base hits from Galindo and Byers, and the Bulldogs would secure the 13-1 run-rule margin in the bottom of four on a wild pitch, a balk, and RBI doubles by Estrada and Byers.
Pacheco finished with four hits, one run and eight strikeouts through five, and Artesia was led at the plate by Estrada, 4-4 with a double, a triple and three RBI; Byers, 3-4 with a double and two RBI; Galindo, 2-3 with one RBI; and Jesse Armendariz, 2-2 with a double and one run batted in.
Goddard (18-5, 6-0) completed their series with Lovington April 17 and 18, winning by similar scores of 18-1, 10-2 and 8-5. The Rockets swept Portales Thursday and Friday by finals of 7-1, 4-1 and 8-1. The ‘Dogs (12-11, 6-0) went 16-2, 7-4 and 3-2 with the Rams in their series.
The Bulldogs and Rockets will open at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 2, with a 5 p.m. game at Brainard Park before moving to Roswell Friday for the 5 and 7 p.m. double header at the Launch Pad.
The Artesia Aquatic Center welcomed more than 200 community members during an evening open house Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The aquatic center offered free admission, facility tours, discounted season passes and hosted a snow cone vendor. Guests also learned about the new and existing amenities, classes and swim team options available to the public, including after-hour facility rentals and a summer swim team coached by Lady Bulldog swimmer Rose Greenwood, a member of the 2024 district title-winning team.
Aquatic center staff plan to continue building excitement for the summer season with upcoming “soft opening” dates May 11,12, 18, 19, 25 and 26, during which the outdoor portion of the facility will be open. The official opening of the outdoor pool will occur Memorial Day, May 27.
Noteworthy changes going into effect this year include the prohibition of outside food and drink at the aquatic center, with the exception of sealed water bottles and baby food or formula. During a recent city council meeting, the City of Artesia expressed these changes are meant to address the aquatic center’s fiscal losses to ensure operation maintains the current standard.
Concession stand staff have been required to complete food handler certifications to allow the aquatic center concession stand to begin offering pizza, hot dogs, chili dogs and more.
Currently, summer season passes at the Artesia Aquatic Center can be purchased at $200 for a family of four, $100 for single adults and teens, and $60 for seniors and children. This includes access to both indoor and outdoor pools but does not include tumbling or fitness classes. Senior adults aged 55 and over can enjoy “Senior Day” the first Friday of June, July and August, when admission for this age group will be half price.
To learn more about the after-hour nighttime rentals, regular party rentals, summer swim team, swim lessons, tumbling or fitness classes, or to purchase season passes, visit the Artesia Aquatic Center during business hours: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays, or noon – 6 p.m. Sundays, or call to speak with a staff member at 575-745-8525.
To stay up to date on changes to rules, hours of operation or class schedule follow the Artesia Aquatic Center on Facebook.
On Saturday, March 23, the Casey White Foundation held the 11th Annual Smoking Clays Shoot at the Eddy County Shooting Range, a fundraiser benefitting Boy Scout Troop 228, the Artesia Special Olympics team, and the Mitty Runyan College Scholarship Program for graduating seniors of Artesia High School going into either vocational or agricultural fields.
The shoot attracted 109 participants, not including nearly 15 volunteers and the members of Boy Scout Troop 228 who also played a role in the event. Overall, the foundation raised more than $30,000 with this fundraiser, thanks to contributions from numerous local companies and benefactors. Attendants ate a barbecue lunch and won prizes for shooting and from raffles and other activities. The jovial crowd mingled freely, united and excited for the day to culminate in fund distribution benefitting the greater Artesia community.
Out of these funds, $7,000 was directed to a first-time scholarship program, awarded to seven Artesia High School graduating seniors, each of whom will receive $500 per semester in the coming school year. Scholarship recipients include Ryan Thomas, Omar Salais, Braden Fuentes, Raegan Rodriguez, Addysen Folmar, Bailey Virden, and Bryce Bain.
$12,000 or more will be directed towards Boy Scout Troop 228, who will use most of the funds to attend a summer camp at Camp Geronimo in Payson, Ariz.
According to Scoutmaster Jeremy Kern, “Last year the Foundation helped 25 youth from Artesia and Southeast New Mexico attend the National Jamboree.” This trip included a train ride on the Amtrack Commanche, two days in Washington, D.C., which included “half a day at the Arlington National Cemetery, all the monuments, and the Smithsonian Natural History Museum… tours through Congress, outside of the Supreme Court and the Pentagon,” followed by two weeks at Summit Behtel Scout Reserve where “the 15,000 scouts in attendance assisted in creating thousands of flood buckets for disaster relief.”
Boy Scout Troop 228 currently has 15 registered members and is open to any youth aged 10-18. Interested persons can contact Troop 228 by reaching out to Kern at 575-513-8307 or via email at scouttroop228artesia@gmail.com.
The remaining funds will assist the Artesia Special Olympics team with travel expenses, allowing members to attend state sporting events.
Casey White, former Fire Chief of Sun Country Volunteer Fire Department, organized the Casey White Foundation in 2015 with the goal of “encouraging youth in extracurricular activities and helping to make that possible with funding”, reported Foundation treasurer Brenda Cosper. Those who now operate the Foundation do so with a determination to honor White’s legacy and continue to make his vision a reality.
By that metric, this year’s shoot was a monumental success. “It means everything to have community support. Without that, there would be no Casey White Foundation”, said Cosper. Cosper and Kern agreed the generosity of the community led to the highlight of the day: awarding the scholarship to all seven students who applied, rather than being forced to choose recipients due to lack of funds.
Those interested in involvement with the Casey White Foundation can learn more by emailing caseywhitefoundation@gmail.com or by reaching out to Kern at the number listed above, Cosper at 575-626-1227, or Tabatha Moreau at 575-308-3892.
The vehicle involved in a fatal wreck Wednesday afternoon at 26th Street and Compress Road is towed from the scene. (Danny Scott – Daily Press)
The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) have released additional details regarding the fatal wreck that occurred Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of 26th Street and Compress Road.
First responders were dispatched in the early-afternoon hours of Wednesday, April 24, to the intersection in reference to a two-vehicle wreck. According to the NMSP, a 2006 Toyota was travelling south on 26th and a 1999 Chevrolet pickup truck was oncoming northbound. For reasons yet to be determined, the vehicles collided.
The driver of the Toyota, identified as 29-year-old Adrian Franco, was ejected from his vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. The driver of the Chevrolet suffered no apparent injuries.
The wreck remains under investigation by the NMSP.
The affected area of 26th Street was closed to through traffic until just after 6 p.m.
Eddy County Commission Chair James Bowen opened the April 16 Eddy County Commission meeting by apologizing for “dropping the ball” on the proposed review of plans for a new Eddy County Complex that would include a new courthouse, new detention center, and new administration/facilities building.
“A project of this magnitude should receive public input and the public should be involved in the decision making on this,” said Bowen.
The commission voted to table the motion until the completion of two town hall meetings, one at the Eddy County Courthouse and one in Artesia. The Carlsbad meeting will run from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at the courthouse and may be joined via Zoom at us06web.zoom.us/j/89892439843. Artesia’s meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 29, at City Hall and can be joined via Zoom at us06web.zoom.us/j/86910912818.
In the previous several days, many Eddy County residents voiced their objection to building a new courthouse, including hundreds of emails, phone calls and social media posts. The current courthouse was built in 1891.
“Thank you for everybody that reached out,” said Bowen. “I spoke to 500 of you in the last 48 hours. Not one person was in support of anything going forward with the courthouse. It made me realize that I dropped the ball in not having a public town hall. I hope what we’ve done today rectifies that. I hope holding the meeting in the courthouse will allow everyone to see what we’re talking about. I encourage people to show up.”
“The public opinions matter very much,” said District 5 Commissioner Sarah Cordova. “We didn’t do our due diligence and get public input before this came out. The Detention Center has been a very big issue to me. We desperately need some changes in our detention center for our employees’ safety and the residents’ safety. Transparency is the most important thing we can do. Please make the time to come to the upcoming town hall meetings.”
District 2 Commissioner Jon Henry said the slowdown is necessary to make sure all potential possibilities are looked at.
“I also want to be clear this commission has no intention of selling or tearing down the current courthouse,” he said. “It’s an incredibly importance piece to Carlsbad. We would also never stop any use of the front lawn. I think we do need to have more community understanding and discussion.”
“I was born and raised in Carlsbad,” said District 1 Commissioner Ernie Carlson. “The courthouse is a centerpiece of the community and it’s a historical building. I would never vote to do anything that would degrade it, sell it, or tear it down. We need to do something that makes sure there’s preservation funding for that courthouse in the future.”
District 3 Commissioner Fred Beard commented, “That magnificent old building will still be closed to the public as long as it’s a courthouse. That is requisite security under state law; you’ve got to keep that place shut down. That courthouse is a museum. The southwest architecture in that thing is magnificent.”
An Otis resident spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting regarding the opening of bids to tear down the Otis gym. He said he doesn’t see any structural issue and asked to hold a town hall meeting regarding the subject before May 7.
The resident said he had heard the county plans to build a $600,000 splash pad at that location. Carlson said the Otis gym was brought to the commission about five years ago and the board was informed at that time it wasn’t repairable.
“The vote was to divest ourselves of that property,” said Carlson. “That was advertised and there wasn’t a single person to protest the Otis gym at that time. It wasn’t something that was done behind the scenes.”
Henry shared that the money for the splash pad is capital outlay money from Santa Fe.
The commission voted to change the county website address to end with the .gov domain. Eddy County currently has a .us domain of co.eddy.nm.us, which was originally issued to state and local governments. Now, .us domains are available to any U.S. citizen or foreign entity affiliated with the U.S.
Since 2023, the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), part of Homeland Security, began promoting that state, local and tribal governments register for a .gov domain since it is associated with official government information. This means all the county email addresses will change and anywhere these addresses are listed will be updated, such as business cards, which have a replacement cost of $230-$240 each for 500 cards.
The commission also voted to explore options for a new Eddy County logo. Eddy County Manager Roberta Gonzales brought forth the proposal to change the logo at the same time as the change to the .gov domain so as to make all the changes at once with business cards, letterhead, emails, marketing and branding tools, digitizing for embroidery, etc. The next steps would be putting together drafts of a new logo and have the commission vote on them.
Eddy County Sherriff Mark Cage reported three cadets will graduate from the Law Enforcement Academy next month. They also have 10 certified applicants to choose from right now and will be fully staffed fairly quickly.
“We are doing something right in Eddy County,” said Cage. “I’ve never seen this.”
The sheriff’s department has two deputies and the commander of the drug task force receiving awards from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. New Mexico was also awarded the national High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) award and Cage recently attended the awards ceremony. He said the award is due in large part to the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force who do incredibly good work. Cage also encouraged everybody to think about and act on creating secure parking at the courthouse for judges.
Eddy County Fire and Rescue Chief Joshua Mack reported the county has 30 first responders, 30 basic EMTs, eight advanced EMTs, and seven paramedics for a total of 48 licensed personnel. Mack also reported there are 10 staff actively testing and seven in classes right now.
The commission approved an over-hire for the Eddy County Payroll Manager position. The current payroll manager will be transitioning to a new position on Jan. 1, 2025, and this will allow the county to hire a new payroll manager by July 1 and provide six months of training.
The commission also approved a budget adjustment of $1 million for civil site and utilities design on the Corrales/West Loop intersection at U.S. 62/180 (National Parks Highway) in Carlsbad.
The commission voted to award RFP 24-02 to Emulsified Sealing Services for Eddy County and partnering counties.
Eddy County recognized the following employees with service awards:
Timothy Howard, Sheriff’s Office – 20 Years
Raymond Wissiup, Sheriff’s Office – 10 Years
Danny Smith, Sheriff’s Office – 5 Years
Garrett Silva, Sherriff’s Office – 5 Years
Michelle Boudrie, Sherriff’s Office – 5 Years
Gilberto Ramos, Public Works – 15 Years
Patricia Carrasco, Finance – 15 Years
Kenneth Dewey, Detention Center – 10 Years
The commission approved the following:
Resolutions:
R-24-34; G23SN0017A Region VI Drug Task Force Modification #2 – Pecos Valley DTF (Companion resolution to A-24-39)
R-24-35; G23SN0017A Region VI Drug Task Force Modification #3 – Region VI Admin (Companion resolution to A-24-40)
R-24-36; Eddy County Donation of Land Parcels to NMDOT (Companion resolution to A-24-41)
Twenty years after the creation and dedication of the three bronze sculptures that make up what locals call The Derrick Floor, the grassy knoll at Sixth and Main streets is transforming from a simple, historic landmark into a lively and interactive playground and picnic area.
In honor of the upcoming centennial celebration of the Illinois No. 3, the inaugural Artesian well, Artesia MainStreet (AMS) has distributed funds provided by a local benefactor to update The Derrick Floor park, which will now be named Oil Patch Plaza.
Referenced by AMS Executive Director Morgan Fox as “the brainchild of Elisabeth Jackson,” former director of the AMS, the Oil Patch Plaza will feature larger than life musical play equipment and five picnic tables.
Fox expressed the play area is meant to be as inclusive as possible for all ages, sizes and physical ability levels. As a result, most of the play equipment and two of the picnic tables will be ADA accessible. Though there will be no permanent shaded coverings over the tables or equipment, AMS will keep umbrellas close by for use during events and public gatherings, wind permitting. Irrigation will also be improved to ensure the area is as hospitable as possible.
The color scheme of the giant chime, xylophone and various drums complements local artist Kirsten Mauritsen’s topographical mural, installed last September on the Oil Patch Plaza pumphouse, the unofficial beginning of the Oil Patch project. The Artesia Arts and Cultural District (AACD), a part of AMS, will also be installing a new student mural on the west side of the Plaza pumphouse.
Though the student has not yet been announced, AMS and AACD hope for the mural to be completed in time for the Oil Patch Plaza’s grand opening on June 15, when the Plaza will host the “Kid Zone” section of the Centennial Celebration, featuring a water slide, snow cone truck, food trucks and foam fun.
Until the grand opening, excited or curious residents can view the area with caution but should avoid playing until construction is complete and all equipment has passed final inspections.
These projects and events are just the beginning of a lively summer at the Plaza. The Oil Patch Market, a farmers’ and makers’ market open to all artisans and food growers, will occur weekly on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to sunset beginning June 4 through Aug. 6.
AMS is currently offering free registration to two nonprofit booths and two booths manned by kid-creators, hoping to build excitement for the market before it begins. Inquiry forms are available now at artesiamainstreet.com/farmers-market.
(TJ and Jennifer Palma – For the Daily Press)(TJ and Jennifer Palma – For the Daily Press)(TJ and Jennifer Palma – For the Daily Press)(TJ and Jennifer Palma – For the Daily Press)
Most people would struggle to write their life story in a single word, but CJ Stroud has no such trouble: Perseverance.
It’s what got him through the various trials and tribulations in his life en route to where he is today: the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year-winning quarterback of the Houston, Texans, an AFC South champion, a Pro Bowl selection, and a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist. It’s what continues to guide him through setbacks and adversity.
“To me, it comes down to this word that’s really been my life, my testimony,” Stroud told the crowd gathered Saturday at Bulldog Pit. “Everybody has a story; everybody’s going through something. […] But you can’t go through anything in this life by yourself. It takes prayer and communication.”
Stroud often credited his faith for his successes during his speaking engagement, a Red Zone event organized by local churches, businesses, individuals and the My Ashleah Foundation. When asked how he rebounds from setbacks as both an athlete and a man, Stroud said focus is key.
“That mindset that you won’t be denied no matter what life throws at you.”
Stroud said he once felt that playing football was his purpose but realized with the help of a friend that it’s merely his passion.
“You cannot be greedy or selfish with what God’s called you to be,” he told the crowd. “So I cannot ever in my life let my passion take over my purpose.”
The former Ohio State standout noted that, after his father was incarcerated when he was 11, his life could have taken another very different path. He credits his family, coaches, teachers, mentors and God with guiding him along the right one.
Artesia High School head football coach Jeremy Maupin was on hand for the event and noted that the program’s motto for the 2025 season will center around the concept of “culture.”
“We’re already part of a culture, we’re continuing to build a culture… how important is a culture in a locker room, and how do you build and maintain that year in and year out?” Maupin asked Stroud.
Stroud said that, in his mind, it boils down to two things: the people and the standard.
“What people do we have in the system and what standard are we holding each other to,” he said. “I want to be held accountable for everything, and that’s the standard.”
Stroud, a high school point guard and pitcher in addition to quarterback, also encouraged young athletes not to feel pressure to limit themselves to a single sport.
“Playing multiple sports is really a cheat code,” he noted. “There are a lot of good things about playing point guard — having the defender inf ront of you, being able to read the defense, make accurate passes, just like playing quarterback.
“In baseball, as a pitcher, there were different arm angles, different types of throws. […] If any of y’all kids out here are listening, play multiple sports. All things with a ball and a dream will get you to where you want to be when you add God into that, and that’s why I’m here today.”
Stroud also praised Artesia as a community that cares about its youth, saying he could “feel the love” the moment he arrived in town.
“The fact that you guys are pouring into the young people, that’s what we need,” he said. “It takes the younger generation to rise and to be the leaders, and it just keeps snowballing things. Social media has made it to where that stuff just hasn’t been cool anymore, and I challenge everybody in here to give back and give to the Lord. Even if it’s not much, not much in His eyes is a lot.”
Stroud, who has a long history of giving back to communities and individuals in need, also heads the CJ Stroud Foundation, launched by his mother. More information and options for donation can be found at cjstroudfoundation.com.
The Primary Election Series: What’s it all about?
The most dramatic change in the NM legislature in recent years has been the triumph of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. In 2017 progressive Brian Egolf replaced Republican Don Tripp as Speaker of the House. In 2020 three moderate Democrats were ousted from the Senate, replaced by progressives, leaving both chambers in progressive hands. Progressive clout in the House increased with the 2022 elections, and Egolf, who left the House voluntarily, was replaced by even more progressive Javier Martinez.
NM progressives come in four flavors, often mixed: (1) those who want to reverse the rise of what some describe as “crony capitalism” and other distributional inequities; (2) those concerned about identity politics, such as women’s rights, gay rights, ethnic equality, etc.; (3) environmentalists; and (4) gun control advocates. While versions of these can be found within the Republican camp, it is progressive Democrats who have tried to codify them through legislation.
Speaker Javier Martinez has spent two legislative sessions managing these factions, while at the same time accommodating the agenda of a sometimes-progressive governor, who wields a powerful veto stick, while fending off attempts by moderate Democrats and Republicans to quash parts of his agenda. Senate leadership appears to be an unstable alliance between politically correct progressives and more traditional moderates. As the primary election nears, it bears asking, how well have progressives fared? Are the primary elections likely to lead to any changes in direction?
Like their moderate Democratic and Republican counterparts when they were in power, following the governor’s lead progressives avoided issues voters most want fixed. No effort in either chamber exists to fix education, with plans and deadlines. Chunks of money were tossed at early childhood education but with no accountability. Accountability in higher education? Let them drink wine. A college president whose institution ties for last place in the US News and World Report rankings of Western regional universities will be remembered for his lavish junkets abroad and cases of $800 wine; and that he got away with it.
And while the state’s mental health system — destroyed by Governor Susana Martinez a decade ago — has received generous funding, again, no clear plan, no deadlines. Likewise, no urgency exists to raise to New Mexico’s ranking in health care above the normal bottom 10-15, where it stands now, or to address the demoralized workforce in much of state government.
The most striking thing about progressive rule is that legislative ambition has aimed only for modest change, sometimes change nobody knew was needed. The most predictable thing is that they, like previous regimes, have spent money like drunken sailors with record revenues thanks to the fracking many of them claim to detest.
Within a narrow lane of modesty, there have been modest achievements, not all of them “progressive” in tone. State cash reserves to cover a rainy day improved our fiscal standing. Anticipating the overturning of Roe v Wade, an ancient ban on abortions was eliminated; there will be no Arizona here. While they lost — by one vote — a generous paid-sick-leave bill, this popular issue is likely to remain on the progressive agenda. A gun control bill — 7-day waiting period — was passed, although public security, high on the voters’ list of priorities, was ignored so obviously that the governor has called a special session in July to deal with it. A few gestures at improving our tax code resulted in modest increases in corporate taxes and modest income tax reductions for all. Gaps in the coverage of the lottery scholarship were filled. All in all, this legislative record of progressives is not much different from legislative records of moderate leaders of the past twenty years, and Javier Martinez has proven to be surprisingly skilled at pragmatic-driven management.
Last year, when the bill mandating tampons for boys’ bathrooms in every school district in the state was signed into law, I predicted there would be a strong move to flip enough seats in the 2024 elections to form a coalition between moderate Democrats and Republicans in the House or Senate. They have done so before on several occasions. It appears I was wrong.
The tipoff came when Speaker Martinez made clear earlier this month, he would support all incumbent Democrats, progressive or moderate. This suggests two things: first, as he surveys the scene he sees no serious threat to his re-election as Speaker next year. Despite a handful of heated primary races between moderates and progressives, and a last-minute plea from Jeff Apodaca for Norteño Hispanics to elect his favorite candidates, Martinez is probably correct. Moderates challenging progressives and vice-versa will likely cancel each other out, give or take a seat or two, which he can afford. The Senate also appears to be headed back to progressive hands, although moderates may gain or lose a seat or two. And Republicans in the general election seem highly unlikely to acquire enough new legislators to be able to form a coalition with the handful of moderates left in the House.
Second, the Bullring lobbyists, whose money flows toward power, not ideology, have found most of their interests intact. They, not the national money for conservative or progressive causes, still determine the local terms of debate in legislative races. This is the real reason progressives refuse to tackle the longstanding failures of New Mexico state government, and why no statewide unified effort to reduce progressive power has emerged. My fellow Democrats, Speaker Martinez seems to say, let us all hold hands and await the probable outcome of the primary and general elections. Welcome to the land of entrenchment.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Jose Z. Garcia taught in the Government Department at New Mexico State University for nearly four decades. He was appointed Secretary of Higher Education by Gov. Susana Martinez in 2011 and served in that capacity for four years. He writes columns for El Rito Media, owners of the Artesia Daily Press and Rio Grande Sun.)