Candidates discussed economic development and other issues at the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce and Las Cruces Home Builders Association candidate forum.
Two Candidates for the Dona Ana County Commission attended the forum. Isabella Solis, the Democratic Candidate for District 4 says the county needs to be more welcoming for small business.
“I would like for the county government to be a better facilitator for small businesses,” Solis said. “To be able to have a good friendly attitude, to be inviting so people want to come in and start their businesses. I think it needs to start there.”
Kim Hakes, the Republican running for the District 5 seat says the county needs to work on regulations, attitude, and taxes.
“Regulations are needed because you need some referee to make sure no one takes unfair advantage,” Hakes said. “But you’ve got to be careful with our regulations and make sure they are reasonable, and that they don’t stop business, and that they compete well with El Paso and those are also in our area.”
Several New Mexico legislative candidates also attended.
In the race for House District 36, Incumbent Republican Andy Nunez says economic development can come with regulatory reform.
“We need to get regulatory reform,” Nunez said. “Down to where businesses can stay in business, and expand, and bring in new businesses. So, if we have all these rules and regulations that we have, we’re not going to get it done. And the tax system that we have, we need to keep tabs on it, and not get too much more taxes on people.”
His opponent, Democrat Nathan Small, says making the state more accountable can raise investments.
“At a basic level,” Small said. “New Mexico is known as being a somewhat corrupt state. We have a lack of ethics and accountability legislation. We need an independent ethics commission. We need to close the legislative to lobbyist loophole. We need greater lobbying reporting. What that does is inspire greater confidence for greater investment. Secondly, we need to value and recognize the importance of public education.”
Early Voting is currently underway, and Election Day is November 8th.
