Think of the spaceport’s benefits and vote for tax

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This is the ninth 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 Bill McCamley As a professional economic and community developer, I would like to respond to recent concerns regarding the spaceport gross receipts tax: • Public funding for economic development is nothing new. Tax funding pays for airports, seaports and – right here in Doña Ana County – roads and industrial parks that assist in developing jobs. Precedent has been set because of the benefit that communities receive. • The spaceport project is worth one penny for every four dollars spent. Continue Reading

Our troops sacrifice a great deal while serving, and they shouldn’t have to sacrifice more as veterans

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By Bill McCamley My father retired from the U.S. Army after serving for 25 years that included two tours of duty in Vietnam. There is one topic that always gets him frustrated and angry: the situation our soldiers face when they return from serving overseas, from Vietnam then or Iraq-Afghanistan now. The truth is that we are failing those who have served America. It is utterly shameful, and we must demand that the federal government take action. Health care is the most pressing problem for veterans. Continue Reading

Growth is going to happen, so it’s important to work together and make sure it’s done well

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By Bill McCamley If you ask residents about their biggest local concern, they will likely reply with the issue of growth management. More people are moving here as word of our great weather, wonderful food, friendly people and low cost of living spread across the country. But as growth happens, how can we ensure that it affects our community positively? A moratorium on growth is not a compelling option from either an economic standpoint or a philosophical one. A moratorium would hurt many working people who rely on construction, real-estate or other related businesses for their livelihood. Continue Reading

Bipartisanship is essential to America’s progress

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By Bill McCamley The recent passing of President Gerald Ford reminds many of a time when partisanship was not the all-encompassing force that it is today. He described an era when, as minority leader of the House of Representatives, he could have intense discussions with his counterpart from across the aisle while maintaining a relationship when those discussions were over. This allowed them to work on the things upon which they agreed to better America. Why is partisanship so damaging? As George Washington put it, it is harmful because of “the alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge.” Today, it is political strategy rather than pure revenge that drives most partisanship. Continue Reading

It’s time to think about real family values

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By Bill McCamley The holiday season is a period to reflect and to enjoy some time with our families and friends. So it’s good time to talk a little bit about family values. What do you think of when you hear that term? All too often, it has been defined by a very narrow set of issues and by one political party. Whatever your political leanings, when you’re sitting down with your family members for a holiday meal after church, or synagogue, or mosque, take a look at them and ask yourself whether you’ve ever worried about what would happen if someone you love got really sick. Continue Reading

‘It has everything to do with blind partisanship’

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By Bill McCamley This is a guest column Doña Ana County Commissioner Bill McCamley submitted in response to a column by county Republican Party chair Sid Goddard published Sunday in the Las Cruces Sun-News. You can read more about the situation by clicking here. Everyone should read Republican Chair Sid Goddard’s piece in last Sunday’s Las Cruces Sun-News because it clearly highlights the difference between partisan campaigning and actual governing. If you don’t have time to go back, it basically said this: “The Democratic chair, Melinda Whitley, wrote some biased comments in an e-mail to supporters. New Mexico’s economic indicators aren’t good. Continue Reading