The first presidential campaign that I can remember was Clinton vs. Bush when Clinton's campaign said "It's the economy stupid." What a great slogan; it's non-elitist, simple, and right.

During Clinton's administration I grew up a little. I graduated High School, went to NMSU where I studied Journalism then Government, and I changed my philosophy on life from liberal to utilitarian to "postmodern" (what ever that means).

"It's the economy stupid."

These may be the words of my generation. So when I received an email on economic conditions in southern NM I thought I'd share it and talk about local steps to help improve the economy.

The following information came from New Mexico State University. The recession comments are based on averages so we don't really know if they still hold true.

Current Conditions in Southern New Mexico

July, 2009

· The Las Cruces economy is in a severe recession, with employment falling by 3.2 percent compared to twelve months ago. Job growth(establishment survey) was down 2.7 percent.

· Unemployment in Las Cruces was also up sharply to 6.5 percent, a 2.3 percent rise from a year earlier.

· Every industry except education and health services saw a decline, with natural
resources and construction down an eye popping 15.6 percent in May compared to May 2008. Transportation and warehousing, and information services both fell by more than 10 percent. Key industry manufacturing fell by 9.7 percent.

· Financial activities, other services, and government saw no change in employment.

· New Mexico continues in recession also, having seen a decline in employment by 2.8 percent in the last 12 months. Jobs loss was 2.4percent. Santa Fe and Albuquerque both lost jobs as well.

· Government (up 1.1 percent) was the only industry to see year-over-year growth.

· Construction (down 14.2 percent), manufacturing (-11.6 percent) and natural
resources (-8.1 percent) were hardest hit statewide.

· Statewide unemployment was up sharply a year-to-year 2.6 percent increase to 6.5 percent. Nationally, unemployment increased 3.9 percent to9.1 percent during the same period.

So what does this all mean?

Not only is DAC an important employer, but today, more than ever, we need to be concentrating on how our decisions impact the economy. It is the economy stupid, and we need to think about how each and every decision affects employment, paychecks, and basic survival. I promise to pound this phrase into my head over and over even if it means calling myself stupid.

Three basic things that I am focusing on:

LEDA - This is the Local Economic Development Act. It allows money to flow from the state, to the county and then directly into economic development project. DAC needs to pass a LEDA ordinanace and we are working to get this done in fall 09.

MVEDA - The Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance. This is the central front for attracting new businesses into our region. They hold the key to our economic prosperity and we need to support them. On 7/28 we will be passing our final budget with $100k of funding for MVEDA. Earlier in the year there was some questioning of cutting our support. I for one will not let that happen.

Flexibility - We need to work with businesses in the community and be flexible to help them create new jobs, start new projects and get our people working again.

Although I think the sun's a little brighter today, this impact of this recession isn't going to go away anytime soon. That doesn't mean that we should just sit by and wait for the federal government to magically solve the problem. It means that it is up to all of us to do our part.