Cruces District 4 council candidates discuss issues

Aaron Henry Diaz and Nathan Small, the candidates for the District 4 seat on the Las Cruces City Council, answer NMPolitics.net’s questions on topics ranging from growth and development to ethics reform to quality of life and sustainability

The District 4 seat on the Las Cruces City Council is up for grabs on Nov. 8, and Aaron Henry Diaz is challenging incumbent Nathan Small for the seat.

As was the case with candidates for the District 1 and District 2 seats on the council, NMPolitics.net asked Small and Diaz a series of questions on topics ranging from growth and development to ethics reform to quality of life and sustainability.

Here are the questions, grouped by category, and the candidates’ responses:

Growth and development

The questions: Four years ago the primary issue in the Las Cruces election was the city’s growth. What has the city done in the last four years related to growth and development that you agree with, and what have you disagreed with? Do you support the city’s implementation of impact fees? Why or why not? Has the city adequately kept up with the need for police and fire coverage? If not, how could it do better? Do you believe that attracting retirees to Las Cruces is a major economic strategy that should continue, or is there something else the city should focus on as retirees from other areas are having a more difficult time selling houses and moving? What does the city need to do in the next four years about growth and development, and what would you do as a councilor to make it happen?

Nathan Small

“I have been honored to represent District 4 since November 2007. Since then, we have nearly quadrupled the Street Maintenance Budget, pushing stalled street projects forward. I have gathered neighborhood, business and educational leaders to promote local industry and District 4 businesses. We have placed greater emphasis on shared decision making and working to initiate revitalization and infill efforts along key Las Cruces streets. Collaborative projects like Picturing El Paseo, the Community Blueprint model, and continuing work along Main Street and Picacho showcase this collaborative process.

“Growth and development throughout the City continue, slowed by the national recession. The City has worked to help pick up the pieces from irresponsible deals made at the height of the housing bubble. City-initiated lawsuits have led to settlements, relieving residents of persistent flooding and other safety challenges. Master Plan amendments for developments on the eastern and western margins of the City are valuable course corrections from earlier plans and goals that were unreachable after the recession.

“At times, I have disagreed with changes that appeared to give more benefit to private developers and provide less public benefit. However, I have supported most of the Master Plan amendments. I have also supported efforts at streamlining some development processes through a supplementary code that incentivizes resident-friendly features like lower utility costs, better transportation options, and cleaner living environments.

“I take very seriously my commitment to existing neighborhoods. Currently, for flood control projects, there is citywide competition for a limited pool of money available through the Flood Control Fund. Some improvements that are essential to safe traffic flow, like arroyo crossings, have swallowed some of these limited funds, which are then not available for other projects in the city. The El Molino Flood Control Project, for example, had been on the books for over a decade. I am proud that, by pooling resources, we finished Phase V this year and have identified funding for the final two phases. Still, it is disappointing that a project that brings real benefits to local residents took so long. I believe part of the reason was the competition for limited city resources, which saw extensive investment in areas with new development instead of finishing El Molino. I voted for the implementation of impact fees in part to correct this imbalance in funding for flood control projects.

“Impact fees are currently in use for water and wastewater service, as well as for construction of new parks. I supported the ordinance for the public safety impact fee scheduled to take effect in 2012 and the Roads and Drainage fees that are scheduled to take effect in 2013. Without the streets and drainage impact fees, Las Cruces had to spend $2 million to finish Sonoma Ranch Boulevard, and, as noted, the El Molino Flood Control project still has not been finished over 10 years after it began. Putting existing neighborhoods at the back of the line because new areas don’t have adequate infrastructure is unacceptable. Measured impact fees should help our community avoid the large, unfinished infrastructure projects in new areas that draw resources from other parts of the city.

“I am also proud that we are finally moving forward with Fire Station 7 on the West Mesa. It was one of my biggest priorities upon entering office in 2007, due to the outsized insurance and fire protection costs businesses pay on the West Mesa. I credit the Fire Department for aggressively pursuing grants and innovative strategies that have allowed us to begin construction and put in place a hiring plan that opens this station in early 2012. We are also in the process of adding a fire and police station on the East Mesa, hopefully as part of a public safety campus that includes a new 911 call center. Site and space requirement studies are already underway and initial funding allocations have been made for this Public Safety Campus. Hiring and retaining more firefighters and police officers to staff additional facilities is already underway, and must remain a key priority.”

Aaron Henry Diaz

“As a native Las Crucen, I value all the beauty and pleasure that our city has to offer. Our diverse valley has always been a natural destination for families and individuals looking for both a relatively affordable cost of living and an exceptional quality of life; it is important to balance both as we continue to grow.

“The city council’s implementation of impact fees on new growth is unfortunate as it makes housing less affordable for new homeowners and young families in our community. It will also negatively affect economic development and job opportunities in Las Cruces. There is a shared responsibility that both our city and private entities have when it comes to future growth, but the implementation of what is essentially another tax on consumers is irresponsible and simply bad timing. I will work vigorously to find a solution that we as a community will be proud of.

“While my opponent and other members of council have continuously promoted and voted to finance special pet projects that only benefit a few, I will work from day one to increase resources and personnel for our police and fire departments simply because nothing else matters unless we are all safe. Our police and fire departments are amongst the finest in our region and have continued to offer quality services even in the midst of tightening budgets. If we as a council are serious about public safety, we will invest more into those respective departments by doubling our gang task force unit, commencing bicycle policing in areas most affected by increasing crime, working with our various neighborhoods in District 4 to educate and implement neighborhood watch programs, and working with the county to build a new MVRDA 911 emergency dispatch center that not only benefits Las Cruces but our region as a whole.

“Retirees contribute significantly to our community and we should continue to be an attractive destination for them, but if we are going to continue to be a diverse and dynamic community we must do a better job at attracting new industry and business to our area as well as promoting our existing industries that call Las Cruces home. Las Cruces is a great place to live and work but, unfortunately, a significant segment of our younger population is moving by necessity, seeking sustainable employment opportunities elsewhere. New Mexico State University, Doña Ana Community College and various vocational/trade schools provide our area with a skilled and educated workforce ready to lead and innovate in our building, manufacturing, agriculture and renewable energy industries as well as contributing to our burgeoning space-related industry. I will work vigorously to promote and attract diverse industries to relocate to Las Cruces, specifically to our West Mesa Industrial Park.”

Campaign and ethics reform

The questions: In the last two election cycles we’ve seen political committees get involved in Las Cruces elections and push back against disclosure by laws by, at least initially, not filing finance reports with the city. At a state level and in Albuquerque, there have been efforts to reform campaigns by instituting contribution limits and public financing and increasing transparency by requiring more frequent campaign reporting. Other ethics reforms have included webcasting and limits on gifts elected officials can accept.

Yet in Las Cruces, we’ve seen no structural reform. We don’t require frequent campaign reporting. We have no limits on contributions. Advertising doesn’t have to state who paid for it.

Does Las Cruces need to tackle campaign and ethics reform? Why or why not? Have you done anything to promote reform in the past? What specific reforms would you propose if you’re elected, if any? Do you support tougher reporting requirements and more frequent reporting deadlines? Do you support contribution limits and/or public financing? Are you concerned about recent political action committee involvement in city elections? Why or why not? If you are concerned, what should be done about it?

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Aaron Henry Diaz

“The city should seriously move towards making the electoral process more transparent and accessible for its citizens. I fully support campaign and ethics reform, but we must approach this with a tempered and local perspective that will not make the process complicated. The adoption of fair contribution limits and more frequent financial reporting are two measures that could significantly improve transparency in our local campaigns. I’d also like to see campaign reporting available online at the city’s website.”

Nathan Small

“The City has done much over the last four years to promote accountability and government transparency. The City provides live broadcast, webcasting and online archives of all Council meetings and work sessions, and regular written and e-mail communication from elected officials and city administration are read widely in our community. A revamped website, increased emphasis on shared decision making, and enhancement of public participation strategies have all increased accountability and involvement.

“Still, I believe Las Cruces should tackle campaign reform. There is real potential for unlimited amounts of money to influence local elections based on infrequent reporting requirements, lack of donation limits, and increasing outside interest in local elections. To address these and other issues, I support formation of a Citizen Campaign Commission. This Commission should contain balanced political and geographical representation from across the City, and be charged with producing reform recommendations for City elections. From addressing the potential influence of special interests and opaque sources of money to the current absentee ballot request process (out of step with state processes) there is significant work for such a committee. Forming the committee after the upcoming election would give it time to gather public input and pursue reforms free from the pressures of an impending local election, and also allow significant time for formal consideration and passage of campaign reforms.”

Quality of life and sustainability

The questions: The city has made an intentional effort in the last few years to focus on quality of life and sustainability. What would you do as a councilor to ensure that the city is planning for its future? Please identify specific initiatives or proposals you want to implement in the next four years.

What specific measures would you support to ensure the city has enough water in the future? Do you support the city’s strategy of purchasing surface water rights? Why or why not?

Do you support the new curbside recycling program? Do you support turning driving lanes on city streets into bike paths, as was done on Solano? In these economic times, should the city be spending money on adding parks and bike and walking trails, as it has done during the last four years? Should the city buy the old Las Cruces Country Club to turn it into a park? Do you support the use of red-light cameras? On all of these questions, why or why not?

Nathan Small

“I believe strongly in building community. It is through this frame that I visualize improvements over the next four years that will keep Las Cruces moving forward. The first step is maintaining a strong and secure budget. Our most recent budget contained twice the amount of required reserves, making significant cuts in some areas while investing more in others such as street maintenance. Continuing these sound budgeting practices is a key part of planning for our future.

“Water is arguably the most limiting resource for our community and our region. A detailed, 40-year water plan is in place, but I believe we should consider expanding that planning timeframe. Collaboration with local stakeholders like Elephant Butte Irrigation District is critical to ensuring water security for City residents into the future. Since EBID is central in all surface-water-related discussions, it is proper for Las Cruces to be working closely with them, and further to be pursuing a responsible program of purchasing surface water rights.

“I voted for and support the curbside recycling program. Over 70 percent of City households are believed to be participating, and I have spoken with numerous residents whose garbage cans now fill more slowly while the recycling bins fill much faster. Diverting recyclable materials from landfills into a system where they end up again as useful products is not only good environmentally, but also principled resource use in difficult economic times. The large number of recyclable materials has directly aided in this program’s success and made it a real benefit for City residents.

“Las Cruces passed a Complete Streets resolution in June 2009. Complete Streets focuses on the full breadth community residents who use City streets and sidewalks. Not every resident owns or has access to a car. An outstanding example is along El Paseo, which used to have the highest pedestrian crash rate in Las Cruces. Increased numbers of pedestrians combined with poorly designed infrastructure made for a dangerous streetscape that discouraged shopping at nearby stores and restaurants. Through identified funding and the Picturing El Paseo project, intersection rehabilitation is planned, median improvements are scheduled, and we know how important Complete Streets are for safety, commerce, and quality of life. I support targeted efforts at increasing bike and pedestrian facilities along City roadways. Along Amador, this meant Shared Use signage since the road width was insufficient to allow for bike lanes. Along Solano, there was the opportunity to add a bike lane. Monitoring data have showed smoother and safer traffic flow through Solano after the introduction of the bike lane. In most cases, Complete Street improvements are made during other street maintenance, whether during utility and/or pavement rehabilitation so that time and money is used in the most efficient way possible.

“As noted above, it is critical to maintain a strong and sound budget. We have done so, while slowly adding to Las Cruces’ recreational facilities. One example is the new Shotgun Range. Funded with an initial State Appropriation, the range was built through close collaboration between the City and numerous private volunteers and organized groups. Over 3,000 volunteer hours, tens of thousands of donated dollars, plus extensive in-kind work and contributions led to the unveiling of an outstanding range that is already serving large numbers of local and regional families. Another example is the Highway 292 Walking Trail, where collaboration between Las Cruces, State Representative Joni Gutierrez, the Town of Mesilla, EBID, and the Friends of Tierra Verde Landscaping have begun work on a long overdue walking trail that will serve local residents. Leveraging these collaborative partnerships to bring a high quality of life to our residents, while keeping a sound budget, is a hallmark of a strong city that is moving forward.”

Aaron Henry Diaz

“I would advocate for the reprioritization of public safety as previously stated. It would also be diligent to begin a comprehensive review of our city’s infrastructure, identifying specific areas in which roads and utilities are in need of major improvements. District 4 is in desperate need of such maintenance that must be commenced soon. As our city continues to grow, more responsibilities will be incurred and our existing neighborhoods will continue to be ignored.

“It is important that we work with our business, academic and neighborhood leaders in identifying ways to improve economic development in Las Cruces and our region as a whole. By partnering with our local professionals and experts, we can increase business activity by streamlining policy and procedure that would make Las Cruces a lucrative area to do business once again. Increased economic activity and business opportunities provide the city with higher GRT revenues and an expanded tax base that will securely finance essential city departments and services that are currently underfunded and overlooked.

“We live in a fertile, plentiful valley surrounded by majestic mountains and enchanting desert landscapes. This reason alone makes our city an attractive place for families to grow and newcomers to lay new roots. Water is the most precious commodity we must consider and account for as we grow; for this reason, I support our current water conservation efforts and would like to expand our water reclamation efforts. The purchasing of surface water rights by the city is a worthy investment practice that should be continued. The city’s own water usage should be more responsibly maintained and managed. Like many locals, I have noticed numerous locations where city water consumption (city sprinkler systems) is wasted by watering the pavement and undeveloped areas; this must be stopped immediately.

“My brothers and I have actively recycled since we were kids in the neighborhood. The city curbside recycling program is convenient and should continue to operate at this time. I also understand that there are residents who choose not to recycle or simply cannot afford the additional recycling service on their on their city utility bill. For this reason, I would advocate for an ‘opt-out’ period for such residents to remove curbside recycling from their bill. This would give time for the city and or its contractor to pick up the blue cans from residents who choose not to partake in the program.

“I support the responsible development of bike and pedestrian paths in areas where they could be useful, but it is my priority to advocate for more funds to be allocated to road maintenance and traffic flow improvements in my district and Las Cruces as a whole. Everyone uses our roads; only a few use bicycles for daily transportation. Aren’t there existing traffic ordinances that protect cyclists’ rights on our shared roads?

“The city should be more responsible with the people’s tax dollars during economic times like this. The building of new parks, recreational bike and pedestrian paths, as well as bicycle commuter lanes, are novel projects that we all support but are irresponsible to undertake at this time. Instead of incurring more expenses on these new projects, we should look to refurbishing our existing parks and recreational infrastructure. Las Cruces is home to many premiere youth sports leagues and teams, senior and special Olympic events, and high school and college athletic events; we attract thousands of visitors throughout the year for various recreational tournaments. We can use a percentage of revenue collected in our lodger’s tax to increase our investment in the parks and recreation department. This will increase the ability of that department to better maintain and improve our existing facilities, in turn making Las Cruces’ parks and recreational facilities the best in our region.

“We must take a balanced approach in improving the quality of life in Las Cruces by supporting parks and recreation as well as cultural and artistic outlets for our citizens, young and old. The revitalization of our downtown has opened and expanded our successful farmers market while also improving the awareness of our arts community there. I’d like to prioritize the move of our Museum of Nature and Science to our downtown space, strengthening our central location for curious minds to visit and explore our existing museum of art and Branigan Cultural Center.

“The red-light cameras here in Las Cruces, while created with good intentions, have grown to be widely unpopular and unsuccessful. The fact that there was never a third-party study conducted on existing red-light programs (Redflex provided their own study) should have given a ‘yellow light’ to city councilors to proceed with caution. The bulk of revenue that is collected by issued citations goes directly to Redflex. I also have concerns with our fundamental right of due process, which in my humble opinion is violated by this program. I fully support ending our contract with Redflex and suspending our red-light camera operations.”