Miyagishima asks whether he should run for mayor

Las Cruces City Councilor Ken Miyagishima is asking for input on whether he should run for mayor.

Miyagishima, who over the last few months has stood alone on the council in opposition to the city’s rapid growth, has previously said he was considering running. On Saturday, he sent an e-mail to hundreds of people he communicates with weekly asking for their input.

The e-mail has the tone of one written by a candidate.

“Many of us share a vision of Las Cruces in which existing neighborhoods matter and where new development occurs through an inclusive and orderly process. I think you’ll agree that a better quality of life and economic development go hand in hand,” he wrote. “I believe we must protect our natural environment and do everything possible to preserve the lifestyle which has made Las Cruces such a great place to live.”

“I have had the pleasure of representing many of you as your city councilor. Recently it meant standing alone on the city council as I opposed the city’s current developer-driven, no-questions-asked policy of growth at any cost,” he wrote. “I have repeatedly called on the current mayor and my fellow colleagues to embrace a broader, community-based process for making these enormous decisions that greatly affect us all. Unfortunately they have ignored that call, opting for ‘business as usual,’ and giving in quickly as well as carelessly to the demands of powerful interests.”

Miyagishima wrote that “numerous people” have urged him in the last few months to run for mayor, stating that they “want me to provide the leadership for a dynamic, forward-looking Las Cruces, in which we take control of our own destiny.”

“My question to you is straightforward: Should I make this run for mayor?” he asked. “And, if I do, can I count on your active support?”

He’s likely to receive a lot of “yes” answers, as his e-mail list includes some of his most vocal supporters.

Miyagishima unsuccessfully challenged Mayor Bill Mattiace in 2003. Mattiace is seeking re-election this year. Four years ago, the mayor had 40 percent of the vote, Miyagishima had 25 percent, and three other challengers split the rest.

The climate has since changed. Approval in April of the gross receipts tax increase to help fund Spaceport America and in May of the annexation and master plan for The Vistas at Presidio, a massive development on the East Mesa, have galvanized citizens who think growth is out of control.

Candidate must file formal declarations on Sept. 25, so Miyagishima has several weeks to decide whether to run. His current term lasts until 2009, so he has nothing to lose by running for mayor.