Heath Haussamen / NMPolitics.net
Las Cruces City Hall
In the first all-mail election under a new state law that consolidates local elections, a high number of voters turned out in Las Cruces to approve funding several construction projects through property tax increases, in addition to reform of the city’s recall process for elected officials.
Some 15,383 ballots, or just over 25 percent of about 60,500 the county clerk’s office mailed to eligible voters, were returned by mail or in-person before Tuesday’s 7 p.m. deadline, according to unofficial numbers posted online.
The tax increase — about $70 per year on a property worth $100,000, or $105 on a property worth $150,000 — will go to bonds that will fund:
• The building of a new recreation complex on the city’s east side, new dog parks, and improvements at existing parks at a cost of $16.9 million. This bond was approved by 57 percent of those who cast ballots.
• The expansion of the city/county animal shelter at a cost of $9.8 million, which was approved by 67 percent of voters.
• The replacement of a fire station on Valley Drive at a cost of $6.2 million, which was approved by 70 percent of voters.
• Upgrades to the city’s hike/bike trails, including completing a loop around the city, at a cost of $2.7 million, which was approved by 58 percent of voters.
“This bond election is an historic investment by the community,” City Manager Stuart C. Ed said in a news release. “It’s the first city GO Bond election in 25 years and only the third in the city’s history.”
Added Mayor Ken Miyagishima, “It’s good to see Las Crucens pass these very worthy projects.”
The tax increases will expire when the bonds are paid off, which is expected to happen in 10-15 years — unless voters approve the continuance of the taxes down the road to fund other projects, which often happens.
Five of six proposed reforms to the city’s recall process also passed easily, with each being approved by at least 65 percent of voters. The changes mean:
• Petitioners will have 60 days to gather signatures to justify a recall.
• Those seeking a recall must present evidence of misconduct or violation of oath of office to a district judge, who will rule on whether the recall can proceed.
• The city clerk will have an additional five days to review petitions.
• The City Council will be allowed to review petitions for compliance with the city’s charter.
• People who signed a petition will have seven days to request that their names be removed.
Voters killed one proposed change to the recall process. It would have eliminated the allowance that petitioners could correct mistakes and get new signatures for up to 15 days after the city clerk rejected the validity of their petition. More than 52 percent voted against this proposal.
The proposed changes to the recall process came in response to a failed effort in 2015 to recall three city councilors who supported a successful effort to raise the city’s minimum wage.
As part of a new law that consolidates most local elections into one, large contest held every other November, all special elections held by local governments like cities and school districts must be conducted by mail. Las Cruces’ was the first in New Mexico, and the 25 percent turnout was impressive. By comparison, turnout was 6.6 percent in a $50 million bond election for the Las Cruces Public Schools in February, and turnout for area bond elections is historically less than 10 percent.
The last mayoral election in Las Cruces saw turnout of 19 percent.
“Although there is no silver bullet for increasing voter participation, it is encouraging to see that so many found value in participating in this vote-at-home election,” Doña Ana County Clerk Scott Krahling said in a news release.