Here is a video from the launch. You need to go about 1 hour and 7 minutes into the video to view the actual launch. It was a live video so it has not been edited yet. You can learn more about this great learning opportunity for high school and college youth at their website: http://www.launchnm.com/

In my efforts to learn about and increase awareness of this disorder, I've come to realize that PTSD affects anyone who has suffered from a traumatic event. I focused on returning veterans because of my specific experience, but it is important for all of us to know that this information has broad applications across society.

Following the lead of the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners in 2009, momentum is picking up at the state and national levels to designate a day each year as PTSD Awareness Day.

I believe that at the community, state and federal levels, we have a collective obligation to educate ourselves on PTSD symptoms and to be unrelenting in referring those who are symptomatic to places where they can seek fellowship and counseling from others who have ‘been there’ and understand the inherent challenges of re-adapting to normal life after living through significant trauma, such as the horrors of war.

The symptoms of PTSD are difficult to deal with because retreat and withdrawal are a part of the disorder. Other symptoms include avoiding social situations, self-isolation, loss of hope for a full and rewarding future, and irritability. Anyone who thinks that their friend or loved one is suffering from PTSD should seek professional help in how to approach the subject immediately.

             If you have a loved one who experienced a traumatic event and is suffering from these symptoms, you need to know that PTSD is very real and that you are not alone. It will be worthwhile and rewarding to seek help to find pro-active ways to approach the subject. There are therapists who can help you understand how to help those you love. Don't make the mistake that I and so many others did in thinking that it will go away on its own.

             When it comes to veterans, we are fortunate in southern New Mexico to have the Las Cruces Vet Center and the Veterans’ Service Center as resources. But the fact that those resources are in place does not mean that all veterans are aware of them. They should be. The Las Cruces Vet Center , (575) 523-9826, is located at 230 S. Water St. , in downtown Las Cruces . The Veteran Services Center , (575) 524-6220, is located at 2024 E. Griggs Ave. , in Las Cruces.

              For non-veterans, counseling is available through churches, private therapists and various non-profit organizations. For veterans and non-veterans alike, PTSD has the proven ability to wreck lives, and many of its victims are reluctant to reach out. I believe that reluctance on their part translates to responsibility for the rest of us to pay attention, speak up and point sufferers toward help.

              On Tuesday, April 27, the Doña Ana County Government Center will proclaim April 28 as the Second Annual PTSD Awareness Day in Doña Ana County . I urge you and your readers to join us in reaching out to our returning warriors and others who suffer in hopeless silence.

Project Home is a collaborative initiative with Las Cruces Shuttle and Taxi by which a person or group who has been drinking can call (575) 524-TAXI to be picked up for a discounted ride home. For up to two people, the taxi fee is a flat $5 to any destination within Doña Ana County . For up to four people, the flat fee is $10. Grant funding pays the balance of the transportation charges.

Silvia Sierra, director of the Doña Ana County Health and Human Services Department, said the pilot program will run through June 30 or until available funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. At that point, the data will be compiled to determine whether additional grant funding should be applied for and dedicated to continuation of the program.

"There are no perfect solutions to Doña Ana County 's DWI problem," Sierra said. "We're hopeful this program will become another tool that residents will use on the infrequent occasions when they find they have had too much to drink and need to get home safely."

DWI Prevention Coordinator Jesus Ruben Segura said the program does have limitations.

"These taxi rides are only authorized to get people home," he said. "You can't use the program to take you from your home to some place where alcohol is served, and you can't use it to go to the store. It's called Project Home, because the focus is purely on getting people safely home if they suspect they've had too much to drink."

The program is available on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays from 5:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.

I will specifically address my effort to update our drainage and infrastructure plan.

The town hall meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, 2010, in the Butterfield Community Center , east of Las Cruces .

I worked with them to produce this video on colonias from a youth perspective. Dona Ana County has 37 designated colonias. That's more than any other county in New Mexico which has a total of 141. The state of NM just passed the Colonias Infrastructure Act which will appropriate about $10 million per year to colonia infrastructure.

At Dona Ana County we have started comprehensive infrastructure planning for the non-incorporated areas of the county. This will ensure that we are a good investment for this money, which means that the day when Dona Ana County colonias are no longer thought of as incomplete communities is in sight.

Las Cruces and Dona Ana County are moving forward quickly with recycling improvements and expansions, evidenced this month by the signing of a five-year single stream recycling contract between the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) and Friedman Recycling in Northeast El Paso.

"We've made enormous recycling strides in the past year throughout our community, but this is a milestone - it's the biggest thing that's happened in recycling in Las Cruces in 15 years!" says Patrick Peck, Director of the South Central Solid Waste Authority.

"Single stream recycling means residents don't have to separate cardboard from plastics from metals, anymore! Single stream makes it much easier: you mix all your recyclables together and put them in the bin. The separating is done at the plant.

"We are moving quickly toward curbside recycling, but are still in the drop-off phase of recycling, with bright blue recycling bins available to the community: SIX Commercial locations in Las Cruces , THIRTEEN Schools , EIGHT Community Collection Centers throughout the County, and FIVE State Parks ."

All recycling bins are in the process of being retrofitted, with larger openings to accommodate the mixed - or single stream - recyclables. But residents can start single stream recycling NOW. Peck adds, "We are sending FIFTY tons of recyclables a week from Las Cruces and Dona Ana County to Friedman Recycling, and that's before we've really geared up."

WHAT'S RECYCLABLE: Aluminum and tin cans, cardboard, newspapers, office paper and mixed papers, junk mail and magazines, catalogues and phonebooks, #1 and #2 plastics (milk jugs, detergent bottles, soda and water plastic bottles).

NEW STICKERS reflecting Single Stream Recycling

Will be fixed to recycling bins at Sam's Club

2711 N. Telshor (by the gas pumps)

Tuesday, February 2nd @ 10 a.m.

For more information or other recycling questions, please call the South Central Solid Waste Authority at (575) 528-3800.

My New Year's Resolution this year is to lose weight and get in better shape. In my motivational conversations with myself I refer to it as "Getting Fit in 2010."

I recently realized that we are doing this at Doña Ana County , too.

On Tuesday, Jan. 5, the county held its first strategic-planning meeting. It was the first time in recent history that the commissioners sat shoulder to shoulder with upper-level management to talk about our priorities.

At this meeting, we prioritized the list of non-mandated projects in the county. We then developed commission goals for staff. Department heads are currently taking these goals and developing department-level goals and objectives.

There were 6 commission goals:
1. Develop revenue streams
2. Develop community partnerships
3. Identify ways to invest in staff and resources
4. Increase organizational efficiencies
5. Set up a process for following-through
6. Continue to preserve and enhance the health and public safety of the communities we represent

These goals are meant to help the county continue providing excellent services while addressing a shortage in gross-receipts tax. The ultimate long-term outcome will be that you have a county government that provides quality services for the least possible amount of taxes.

Another step in getting fit is an independent review of each department. In 2009, the commission was tasked with fixing internal issues in the Health and Human Services Department. We contracted an organizational specialist to help us.

As a result of this review - and its positive results - we have decided to expand it county-wide. Each department's organization will be independently reviewed to determine if there are more efficient ways to accomplish its goals.

Together, the strategic planning process and the organizational review constitute an internal renewal that we have never before seen in Doña Ana County . The results of this process will be a more efficient organization that continues to provide quality services even when the economic times are tough. I am hopeful that seeing this through will continue to inspire me to fulfill my individual goal of getting fit in 2010.

Until now I've never felt the feeling of losing jobs for a small rural community. Our rural communities need jobs, benefits, paved roads, and everything else that comes with economic development. The community of Berino lost this the other day.

I feel horrible because the effects of this lose could be felt for years to come. This was our opportunity to prove to businesses that we mean what we say when we ask them to come here. I don't want this trend to continue.

I need your help. On December 14th the commission will be making a decision on another company interested in moving into DAC. Only this time we aren't talking about 50 jobs over 5 years, we're talking about 175. If we lose this project we will be sending a strong message to other businesses that we don't want them.

The company produces wind towers used to generate wind power. Its current location in Texas isn't fit for their existing needs and won't meet future demands. They pay well and provide benefits. Their hope is to use the Local Economic Development Act to access state economic development dollars. The county commission must approve if this is to happen.

These state dollars are the state's commitment to economic development. If the state is going to spend money this way then I will do everything I can to get that money spent here in DAC. If the state makes this commitment and we don't try to access it, then someone else will and has.

For us in DAC this shouldn't be a debate over how the state has decided to spend its money. That is a debate for the state to have. For what ever reason they have made this decision and it is up to us to try to access it or someone else will.

We are all busy trying to make it through the rest of this year. I know. I'm one of those people. For a second, think about those people praying that they will find a job this year or early next year.

The December 14th meeting is at 9:30am. This is the second item on the agenda. If you can attend to voice your support for economic development, our chances to succeed will increase. If cannot attend, please consider calling your commissioner to voice your support.

These are our opportunities for economic recovery. Please help.

I have decided to start a comic to try and easily update folks on the most important issues that I am working on. K & The Commish is meant to be a fun way to let you know what I'm doing and give you a little bit of humor related to my personal life. In each comic I will post something funny or interesting.

Here is the first one. Enjoy.

Prepare your family for H1N1 by educating yourself!

H1N1 is serious and we all need to be prepared. Please read the following very carefully and spread the word to others. H1N1 isn't going away so we need to be prepared by being educated.

The predominant symptoms for H1N1 are fever, cough and/or sore throat. If you have these symptoms, stay home until 24 hours after your fever breaks without using a fever-reducing medicine.

Click here for a Flu Decision Chart

If you have these symptoms and are in one of the following high risk groups call your health provider for consideration for antiviral mediations -

• Children younger than 2 years of age.

• Adults 65 years of age and older.

• Persons with the following conditions:

Chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological (including sickle cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus); Immunosuppression, including that caused by medications or by HIV; Pregnant women; Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin
therapy; Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

The priority groups for H1N1 flu vaccination are:
pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact, children 6 months through 4 years of age, and children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions.

People, especially those at high risk for complications from seasonal and H1N1 flu should get two vaccines this fall: one for seasonal flu and one for the H1N1 flu.

To protect yourself from flu, wash your hand frequently, cover your cough with tissue or your arm and stay home when you are sick.

Click here for more information

Having a movie shot in LC is great because money will be pumped into all the businesses that these temporary residents use. However, the shut down on 70 illustrated something much more important, the need to finish and pass the county and city comprehensive transportation plan.

Here are a few videos with my thoughts:

On the first day of shooting I used Twitter to keep people posted on what traffic was like. Here are some of the tweets:

Hwy 70 between Sonoma and Roadrunner closed between 6:30am and 6:30pm on Oct 6, Oct 11-14 and Oct 17-25 (except 23). Huge delays!

Hwy 70 update: A resident who lives on east mesa just told me she's been on 70 for 32 minutes and has made it 3 miles (maybe).

Hwy 70: It took a friend 1.5 hours to get from Mesa Grande to Roadrunner (between 7:20 and 8:40am)

Hwy 70: Another resident, after sitting in traffic for 30 min, turned around and went east to Baylor Canyon

Hwy 70: One resident went north around Las Colinas to Del Rey and went back east to his gym on Sonoma Ranch Blvd

Like the Las Cruces Sun-News editorial board, I thought these issues had been worked out when the commission held its work session in April. The school districts said then that they planned to integrate existing spaceport-related programs into their plan, and I simply asked them to put that into a written contract.

There should be no confusion about the fact that the local school districts will get this money to help educate their students. We are all interested in seeing that this money contributes to the opportunities that children have with spaceport-related industries.

It is inaccurate, however, to claim that the county has no stake in the funds once they are collected and allocated. In fact, state law holds the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners accountable for ensuring that all monies allocated do, in fact, go directly toward spaceport-related curricula. As a commissioner with the responsibility for seeing that this law is followed, I am simply seeking written contracts with the school districts that reflect this commitment.

I’d rather be too cautious than irresponsible. In my business experience, I have learned that you always put the specifics into the contract, especially when long-term agreements are on the table.

The school boards seem to want Doña Ana County to agree to a long-term agreement with no long-term oversight. I can agree to that only if there is a written contract in place that shows clear and specific connections between their proposed curricula and spaceport-related industries and projects.

Unless the law is changed to hold the districts accountable for how the monies are used once allocated, Doña Ana County cannot abdicate its responsibility. I, therefore, eagerly await presentation of a spaceport-specific curricula contract for Doña Ana County and the school boards to negotiate in good faith, with an audit or review of the curricula every five years. This will ensure that the money is being properly allocated toward spaceport-related educational efforts.

I also believe it is in the best interests of all parties for the school districts to find ways to channel some portion of the funding toward existing workforce training opportunities to which students can avail themselves at New Mexico State University and Doña Ana Community College.*

No one is suggesting that Doña Ana County should write the curricula or dabble in its execution within the districts. I am, however, committed to seeing binding contracts in place that ensure each tax dollar allocated from this fund does, in fact, enhance education programs directly related to spaceport-relevant fields of study. That’s what I said in April, and I haven’t changed my position, although I remain open to further discussion of this important matter.

*A previous version of this article did not specifically say that it is the school districts that should channel money to existing programs. That was always my intent. I updated it for clarification.

That's why I've encouraged and worked with our Community Development Director to develop and pass a Local Economic Development Act (LEDA). LEDA is established in New Mexico law and communities who pass it can benefit from money from the state. Without it, that money goes somewhere else.

DAC's LEDA passed by a vote of 5 - 0. Now our local economic development agencies and the state department of economic development can start providing the same level of incentives to companies considering DAC as they offer up north.

The next step is to expand DAC's economic development plan. This is an important step so that we can identify how the county will fulfill the goal of attracting economic based jobs as well as companies who provide conveniences  desired in our communities.

I requested the work session shortly after I hosted an Aug. 13 public meeting at Oñate High School to discuss the proposed Moongate Stormwater Diversion Channel, which is one part of a much larger stormwater diversion and containment strategy designed to help protect property on the East Mesa from flooding during heavy seasonal rains. The community’s adverse reaction to the Moongate proposal was strong and unequivocal.

While no one argues that drainage is a serious issue on the East Mesa , there is a lot of dissention about how – or whether – additional steps should be taken to address it proactively. For more than 15 years, the Doña Ana County Flood Commission and Public Works Department have worked together to design and obtain funding for a multi-faceted drainage-interception and channeling system that would move water away from populated areas and allow it to flow to Isaac’s Lake , where it has traditionally accumulated during heavy rains.

Fast growth on the East Mesa has complicated the planning, because many areas of land that were available 15 years ago for the diversion channels are now developed. Construction of the Moongate channel, for instance, would have required purchase of several private properties for construction.

Further complicating the matter is the proliferation of private roads on the East Mesa that act as drainage channels due to development in and around arroyos that used to drain the water to Isaac’s Lake. Doña Ana County cannot legally maintain or improve these private roads, which complicates the goals of controlling drainage.

Some residents pointed out at the Aug. 13 meeting that the Moongate channel project would not address flooding issues along Weisner Road . They’re right. It wasn’t designed for that purpose. It was designed as part of a system of projects that would move water to the north before allowing it to flow to Isaac’s Lake .

Should we move forward with this system of projects? That’s the big question, and its answer grows more complicated by the ongoing growth of the East Mesa and the accompanying proliferation of private roads to support the development.

I don’t have the answers, but I believe we must set aside 15-year-old plans and engage in a new discussion about what to do and in what scope and in what timeframe to address an issue that is not going to go away by itself. I am hopeful that the Sept. 15 work session will be well-attended and productive. I am hopeful it will be a discussion about realistic expectations and workable solutions for the long term.

Count me in as one of those people concerned with the findings in this audit. My concern led me to request a performance review of management and an independent legal investigation into many of these findings. After an exhaustive investigation that included the legal opinions of two independent attorneys I am convinced that there is no corruption in HHS and no fraud has taken place on the part of county employees.

Regaredless, any one finding in an audit is serious and must be fixed. In addition, management should know that if any of these findings are repeated in the same department it would be unacceptable.

A little history

A few years ago the county commission established an internal audit department to perform an independent audit of the county. I'd like to thank those commissioners and County Manager Haines for having the kind of foresight to know that no one is perfect and that we need help identifying our faults.

The process they created is the most transparent way for us to identify problems and provide guidance to management for solving them. The internal auditor is independent of county management and reports directly to the BOCC as our employee. This is the best way that we can ensure that findings are discussed and addressed. After all, we are engaged in this discussion right now as a result of it.

Where we go from here

It is important to me that we learn from this audit and make ourselves better. Our HHS department does great work in our community and we should never forget that they are tasked with difficult jobs and play a necessary and important role in strengthening the health of our community. They have also grown from around 10 employees at the turn of the century to over 50 today. This isn't an exucse, it is a reality that almost guarantees problems. This audit is meant to teach us how we can do an even better job and we need to look at it that way.

When I first learned of these findings I asked our county manager to address these findings with a comprehensive plan that explains each finding, and that gives us specific time frames within which each issue will be resolved. Many of his responses have been laid out in the report, but I want more then that. I have requested that we get management reports at every meeting regarding our progress until all issues have been fixed. After this time we will send our internal auditor back into the department to verify that all issues are worked out.

My intent with this action is to be totally transparent and to ensure that the public can be confident that we are spending tax dollars properly.

Let me reiterate that a repeat of these findings in this department would be unacceptable. I am glad that so far management has been more interested in solutions than excuses. I also want to make it clear that these internal audits are not meant to be punative and I will not take any personnel action for the sake of appearances. I am interested in solutions and action. It is my belief that our management, led by Mr. Haines, has a good plan and I am here to support him with what ever he needs.

Management asked for this type of process, to make Dona Ana County a better county. Well, now we know what we need to do in HHS in order for that to happen. My instruction is to get to work and solve these issues.

Considering that this has been a set amount for MVEDA for several years, you may not think this is significant. However, if you've been paying attention you know that this was a hard fought battle. MVEDA's funding was almost cut by 40%. 

It's hard to believe that DAC would consider reducing its commitment to economic development during a recession, but that's exactly what was being proposed earlier this year. What a huge mistake that would have been.

Think like a business

There is a simple business principle that when times get tough you increase your commitment to marketing. Over the next few years watch how many small business make the mistake of cutting back their marketing and go out of business.

How does this relate to DAC and MVEDA? Well MVEDA is the marketing arm of economic recruitment for DAC. It's the only group out in the business world who is actively recruiting new economic based jobs for Dona Ana County. Imagine how competitive this environment is right now. It shouldn't take much convincing that just about every economic development agency and every community who is seeing job loss (in other words everyone) has stepped up their efforts making it harder then ever to close a deal. And we almost cut our funding.

Saying all of that, I must admit that I am very concerned about the future. Companies looking to relocate have more options today then ever before. They are being bombarded by recruitment efforts. Our chances of landing deals are slimmer then ever. And next year we are going to rehash the same old argument over the necessity of funding MVEDA. So what are we to do?

Here is my plan

We need to develop a larger economic development plan for DAC. It was a surprise to me that we currently do not have a comprehensive ED plan. Until now we have relied on MVEDA to be our ED plan. We are seeing that this is no longer enough. We can't rely on MVEDA alone to solve all our problems.

There are ED issues in our colonias that need satisfying in order for them to step into the 21st century. We have policy issues that need to be worked out including both setting up a way for DAC to use state incentives for companies to locate here, and strengthening our quality of life. There are also issues throughout our county regarding convenient access to grocery stores, restaurants, recreational activities and other businesses that are not economic based (meaning they bring dollars in and keep them here).

We need a comprehensive plan that addresses all of these issues. And it needs to includes the commercial real estate, developer, and business communities in an effort to work with residents to identify specific needs and find solutions. At the same time we need to increase our commitment to MVEDA's economic base recruitment efforts so that there are more dollars spent within the county that stay in the county.

One of the most clear issues to me is the need for better jobs in Dona Ana County. It was clear long before this current recession. Maybe it's so clear because I've heard so many clichés throughout my life regarding jobs and keeping young people here. Well, I'm not just going to talk about it. I plan to do something about it.

He has asked his readers to respond to a simple question "How do you identify yourself politically?"

He has started posting responses and I encourage you to start taking a look at them. 

The reason I am is because I think it's important to understand the wide range of different perspectives on our political system.  It's the existence of these legitimate perspectives that keeps me up late at night.  I toss and turn thinking about how to account for them in my decisions.

Sometimes I think people don't have enough time, or choose not to spend enough time reflecting on the wide range of different perspectives out there. Our political system lends itself to this problem because it creates false dichotomies. After all, it is easier to assume that there are only two options out there.  That is an error that we should all try to avoid.

As a decision maker, I think this is one of the best exercises I can do and that is why this new feature is so important to me.  Click on the website name above to take a look and see what you think.

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.

In April the DAC commission unanimously supported my effort to increase awareness of PTSD and its effect on our returning Veterans.  Shortly after, Congressman Harry Teague introduced legislation to establish manditory screening for PTSD. He named the legislation after a friend of mine.

Almost two years ago I lost a good friend to PTSD.  He took his own life while suffering and struggling with his new reality. 

Click here to read the column I wrote on my experience.

The following press release came from Congressman Harry Teague's office regarding his efforts.  I am very proud to have Harry as my Congressman and my friend.  Thanks Harry!

Washington, DC – Thursday, The House of Representatives approved a Congressman Harry Teague sponsored amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to create a post-deployment mental health screening pilot-program.  The adoption of the amendment is seen as a key victory in advancing the fight to make more mental health services available to service members.  Earlier this month, Congressman Harry Teague introduced the Kyle Barthel Veterans and Service Members Mental Health Screening Act a bill calling for mandatory and confidential mental health assessments for service members.  That legislation was named in honor of a Las Crucen who, after returning from service in combat struggled with PTSD and ultimately took his own life.

“Our veterans need and deserve the best care our nation can offer and that includes mental healthcare,” said Congressman Harry Teague, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.  “The program we are establishing with this amendment is a step in the right direction toward stemming the tide of tragic incidents associated with PTSD.”

The amendment would require the Defense Department to conduct a demonstration project at two military installations – active duty and reserve – to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of providing face-to-face post-deployment mental health screening between a soldier and a mental health provider. The two year project will include a combat stress evaluation conducted by a qualified mental health professional within 120 to 180 days after the date the soldier return from combat theater, as well as follow-up phone calls over the next two years.

In 2008, 143 Army soldiers committed suicide – the highest rate since the Army began keeping record in 1980. According to the June 2007 report of the Department of Defense Task Force on Mental Health, 38% of soldiers, 31% of Marines and 49% of National Guard members report psychological symptoms 90-120 days after returning from deployment. 

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

While much of the storm is off in the future, when combined with current conditions it will permanently transform Dona Ana County’s economy.   

Specifically I’m talking about the following:

The Santa Teresa International Border Crossing

The Dona Ana County International Airport

Access to I-10 and I-25

The relocation and expansion of Union Pacific’s railroad station

What will be one of the largest electronic manufacturing campuses in the world 

And a new port in northern Baja

Considering the dramatic affect that this list will have on our future, we need to be very aware of what is currently happening and where we are going.

Punta Colonet

Located in northern Baja, this new port will become to Mexico what the New York and New Jersey port is to the United States.  In other words, this port will be massive.

While it may seem logical that a port of this size would look to enter the U.S. at the closest international border crossing, southern California’s congestion and the strategic location of Santa Teresa may make it more efficient right here.    

So what do they see in southern Dona Ana County?

Union Pacific

Union Pacific is relocating its fueling station out of downtown El Paso and into Santa Teresa with plans on expanding into a block swap and inter-modal station. 

Why does this matter?  It matters because it will make railroad trade coming out of this area more efficient.  The railroad will someday be able to avoid both downtown El Paso and downtown Juarez, and the open land offers room for growth and minimal utility conflicts. 

Our location is currently the northern end of the Sunset Line which starts in San Diego.  The route then opens up to the north, east and southeast.  When you factor in the interstates, the international airport and the border into the equation, Santa Teresa could become one of the most efficient locations to start your trade in the United States. 

Foxconn

The world’s largest manufacturer of electronics sees the potential for profit here. 

In fact, they have invested in 240 hectors west of Juarez where they’re planning a manufacturing campus complete with dormitories, restaurants and recreation areas.  They are planning to employ 10k employees in the next 2 years, and word on the street is they are looking to employ 30k in the long run.  By the end of their first year they will already employ over 5k.

Where are we going?

When you combine the expansions of these companies into Dona Ana County with the airport, the border crossing, and the interstates you get something that exists nowhere else in the United States or Mexico.  It truly is the perfect storm for the future of U.S./Mexico trade. 

As manufactures look for the most efficient place to produce and distribute to the U.S. the Juarez/Santa Teresa area is destined to be at the top of the list. 

To make this work we need to pay more attention to security on the border and consider more self imposed security measures.  We also can’t forget that there are legitimate concerns with NAFTA in the United States, and we cannot ignore that manufacturers choose Mexico for its cheap labor. 

While I am not about to enter into a lengthy examination of the pros and cons of NAFT in this article, it seems like only yesterday (actually 1998-1999) that I was studying the affects of NAFTA with Neil Harvey at New Mexico State University.  Funny the way it is that today I am continuing to study this from a more unique position. 

Dona Ana County's Role

And from my position today I’m looking at what Dona Ana County can do to benefit.  Most pressing is the need for the county and Sunland Park to step up the efforts to finalize the utility and land management organization that will serve Santa Teresa. 

In addition, the county needs to coordinate with other organizations.  They include the New Mexico Department of Economic Development, the New Mexico Border Authority, the International Business Accelerator and the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (among others). 

Together we need to continue to recruit and market ourselves to the industries that are looking for a U.S. base of operations.  And we need to be prepared to offer housing and commercial space for companies looking to work on the U.S. side of the border. 

To succeed it will take the hard work of each organization listed above and we all need to be committed to finding the right way to benefit from our unique position in this perfect storm.

Time is of the essence as the board meets. Skeptics throughout the county wonder exactly how they, their friends and neighbors will benefit from this “new space” industry which they are paying for with their tax dollars. 

Meanwhile many members of the business community work tirelessly to attract new business, spread the word on how others can benefit and hope that their faith will prove true, and the future of southern New Mexico will fill tomorrow’s history books with success and prosperity. 

The board has met several times and is in the process of finalizing the bonding process so that Spaceport America can officially start and construction jobs will start coming to southern NM.  One thing is for sure, we are years away from significant job growth and we all need to be patient with judging the success or failure of this project.