This is the seventh in a series of guest columns debating whether Doña Ana County voters should approve a 1/4 percent gross-receipts tax increase to help fund Spaceport America.
By John L. Hummer
If you are someone who doubts a commercial space industry can be developed in Southern New Mexico or that such an industry can inspire and change the lives of future generations of children, just think about Kitty Hawk, N.C. It’s the birthplace of aviation and the place where Wilbur and Orville Wright made historic and successful manned flights on Dec. 17, 1903.
I would bet, following this historic event, there were skeptics throughout the townships surrounding Kitty Hawk who laughed at the thought of commercial aviation, let alone the development of an aircraft industry in North Carolina. So many unanswered questions.
Skeptics were wrong about the future of aviation, but they were right that North Carolina would not lead the development of the aircraft industry. The state failed to seize the opportunity to create a vibrant industry in the very birthplace of modern aviation.
However, 80 years ago, over 1,000 miles to the west in the then-tiny town of Wichita, Kan., a group of entrepreneurs and civic leaders saw and believed in the future of air travel. Clyde Cessna, founder of Cessna Aircraft, did what many said could not be done: He built a monoplane with a full cantilever design – one without supporting struts or braces. When the Cessna All Purpose plane took off on Aug. 13, 1927, the aviation world was forever changed. In 1932, in Wichita, Walter H. Beech founded Beechcraft and launched the Model 17 airplane. These are just two pioneers of the aircraft industry in Wichita, which is prominently known as the “Air Capital of the World.”
Wichita was my hometown. Growing up, I came to know families whose lives were inspired by the aircraft industry and, as a result, created generational opportunities for them and their children. Many of these Kansas families transitioned from rugged, low-paying farm work to the new and, at the time, “risky” aircraft industry that made planes for wealthy people to purchase and fly.
Sound familiar? This community took risks. They knew there were questions yet to be answered as they ventured down this path of hope and prosperity. This is what encourages me when thinking about the future aerospace industry in Southern New Mexico and the positive impact it will have to lift up our community.
How crazy was it in the 1920s to think that a small farming town in Kansas would become the largest producer of private aircraft? North Carolina lost the opportunity. Wichita seized it. And, yes, over the past 80 years, the community of Wichita has implemented various publicly funded and subsidized programs and incentives to support the growth of the industry. So did the federal government, through our tax dollars.
I truly believe that our opportunity in Southern New Mexico is less risky than Wichita’s vision in the 1920s. We have all the attributes needed for a commercial space industry – our ideal climate, open space, low density population, high elevation and an existing history in rocket propulsion at White Sands Missile Range. As for not having all the answers? In any election for a political candidate or referendum issue, there are always unanswered, yet-to-be-proven commitments. With this spaceport gross receipts tax election, it is reassuring to know there are safeguards in place so county commissioners can recede the tax if certain conditions are not met.
It will take an investment to make the spaceport a reality. The investment is the gross receipts tax – one penny out of every four taxable dollars spent, or $2.50 per month per taxpayer – combined with $140 million of state and federal money to fund the infrastructure. Las Cruces has already attracted such companies as Virgin Galactic, Starchaser, Up Aerospace and the X-Prize Cup based on their belief we will have a spaceport. More companies are seriously considering relocating to our community. If it could happen in rugged farmlands of South-central Kansas for the aircraft industry, surely we can make this happen in Southern New Mexico. Let us not do what North Carolina failed to do after Kitty Hawk.
I strongly support the tax investment. Thanks to the county commission, 25 percent of the tax will be dedicated to math and science education for our children. My reason for supporting the tax increase is to create a better future for my children and other families who proudly call Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico home. So, when in doubt about this investment, think of Kitty Hawk and Wichita. Think of our youth and think about creating a better future for our community and state. This is our time! Let’s seize this historic opportunity by voting for the spaceport gross receipts tax on April 3.
Hummer is a co-chair of People for Aerospace and a real-estate executive in Las Cruces.
If you are someone who doubts a commercial space industry can be developed in Southern New Mexico or that such an industry can inspire and change the lives of future generations of children, just think about