Commentary: After Nov. 3’s Las Cruces election results, we can move on and not see outside money for a few months. No more nasty, degrading attempts by low-grade right-wing version of “gotcha” from GOALWestPAC, among others. We have seen what happens when proud folks forget reality and walk upright under kneeling snakes with false points. People are resting or sleeping, and at least one dog will get the loving attention that was overshadowed for something called an election.
Congratulations continue to be in order for Mayor Ken Miyagishima’s re-election, Greg Smith’s re-election in District 2, and the election of new councilors Kasandra Gandara in District 1 and Jack Eakman in District 4. These wins, tight as they were, show Las Cruces generally rejected a load of outside money this time. Voter turnout was consistent with the 2011 mayoral-council elections, but a 19 percent turnout is nothing to be proud of. Crucens still need to wake up and vote for their community. We have a long road to go for further recovery. Remember, elections next year, also.
A big thank you is in order for all the candidates’ campaign volunteers and staff for their hard work, but especially to Angelica Rubio for her daily pushing and butt-kicking to get us all out for Kasandra. Close numbers kept us on our toes for much of the evening. Thanks to everybody who worked; for the winners, it paid off. Particularly, thank you voters for coming out.
And let’s not forget the management team at the Sun-News for their assiduous coverage and for Diana Alba-Soular and Heath Haussamen for good, straight reporting. Las Cruces continues onward and upward.