Rep. Gutierrez announces re-election bid

State Rep. Joni Marie Gutierrez, D-Mesilla, has announced that she will seek a third term as the representative of District 33.

Gutierrez said in a news release that she wants to continue her service to improve the quality of life for constituents in communities stretching from Fairacres through west Las Cruces to Mesilla and San Miguel.

“I have been an advocate for families facing mental health challenges, for conservation of our environment and for consumer protection,” she said.

Gutierrez said she has targeted funds toward eliminating the city sewage treatment plant’s smell that has branded Las Cruces as “stink town.”

“It is my goal to keep after that problem until it is totally solved,” she said. “Through my neighborhood meetings and other contacts with constituents, I know their priorities and I share their goals of keeping their communities unique while enhancing their opportunities.”

Gutierrez successfully introduced legislation to enhance recreational opportunities by reducing liability obstacles so multi-use trails could be established on major irrigation rights-of-way. She is now teaming with Las Cruces City Councilor Nathan Small to develop a master plan for Valley Drive that will explore paths, lighting, landscaping and other amenities.

“Valley Drive is the major north/south corridor of west Las Cruces,” Gutierrez said, “and it should be a showcase for the beauty of the valley.”

She also secured funds for a master plan for the community of San Miguel. Gutierrez said she has a strong commitment to protecting farms, farmland and water rights.

Gutierrez secured funding for community projects including drainage and flood control, roads, the local Court Appointed Special Advocate program, Community Action Agency, parks and cultural opportunities including the “We are Enron” play premiere at NMSU.

She also successfully sponsored a consumer protection bill to require that gift cards retain their full value for five years to thwart the common practice of negating or reducing values of gift cards if not used in shorter periods of time.

Gutierrez currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee and the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee. She also serves on the Health and Human Services Interim Committee.

“My district has the gems of our community, from the pecan farms to downtown,” Gutierrez said. “I want to continue to make my district even better.”