Important decisions like the recently approved minimum wage increase in Bernalillo County highlight the fact that we have elected officials who support limited government in a free market, as well as officials who believe government regulations and programs are the answer to our struggling economy. They often support a progressive socialist agenda and disregard input from businesses or citizens affected by their actions.

It is important that voters know we can change New Mexico’s position from poverty to one of prosperity, but this can only be accomplished by retaining probusiness officials and electing more of the same. Sometimes overlooked are commissions and bodies of authority at the city or county level. A great example is the upcoming election in Doña Ana County for positions on the Dona Ana Soil and Water Conservation District (DASWCD).

Doña Ana County is Fighting for Land Rights: The DASWCD is a locally elected government body that works to safeguard the land and resources of New Mexico from overzealous federal control.

Two individuals on this board, who are up for election on May 7, are Joe Delk and Jennifer Shoup. Mr. Delk has been on the board since 2008 and has served as chair since 2009; Ms. Shoup was appointed to the board in 2011. The New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC) encourages voters in Dona Ana County to understand their choices by getting to know the candidates. Delk and Shoup have shown they are probusiness and form a powerhouse team in support of our natural resources. Equally important, they stand against radical, progressive agendas that are harmful to New Mexico’s economy and our quality of life.

New Mexico needs probusiness leaders like Joe Delk and Jennifer Shoup on the DASWCD. They understand that growth of private sector business is the key to improving our economy and have a passion for protecting NM land, water and natural resources. For voting information in the upcoming DASWD election, please click here.

NMBC never tells voters how to vote, but we strongly encourage you to know your choices on candidates and issues and then exercise your right to VOTE. We absolutely can change this state and nation, but it requires action in the form of voting at the very least.

Market Fairness Act Not What It Seems: While the country is focused on other headlines such as the Boston bombings, the US Senate has been quietly and quickly pushing through a bill, known as the Marketplace Fairness Act (MFA). This bill would introduce a requirement for online and out-of-state retailers to collect sales tax.

Save the Date for a JUNE 20 BASH: The next NMBC BASH (Business and Social Hour) will be held on June 20. The BASH will feature ‘Job Interviews’ for City of Albuquerque Mayor. Current Mayor, R.J. Berry, as well as Pete Dinelli and Paul Heh have confirmed their interview at the BASH. Event sponsorships and limited seating available HERE.

Save the Date for a Las Cruces BASH: The NMBC will host a BASH (Business and Social Hour) in Las Cruces on July 11. More information to follow.

Correction: Last Wednesday in our email titled “Min Wage: Victory or Loss?” we stated incorrectly that criminal penalties were added to the new Bernalillo County Minimum Wage Ordinance. This language did not get published in time to meet country rules, so it was not included in the final ordinance. Sometimes we need to be thankful for government mistakes or ineptitude!

Become a member of the New Mexico Business Coalition Today and join our effort to make New Mexico a prosperous place for businesses and individuals.

Contact the New Mexico Business Coalition at (505) 836-4223 or nmbiz@nmbizcoalition.org for more information.