Following some important victories in the past year, a group of activists in Southern Do\u00f1a Ana County, a place traditionally ignored by government, are working to organize area residents.<\/p>\n
Several met Saturday in Their goals are simple. Many spoke Saturday about the need for better infrastructure and less pollution in their communities. Almost all communities south of The county\u2019s colonias initiative, which has been recognized nationwide, has recently resulted in new sewer systems, street lights and paved roads in some communities. That has taught many residents about the important role government can play in their lives.<\/p>\n Last year, residents organized to recall four of five members of the And citizen activism in The New Mexico Progressive Alliance for Community Empowerment (PACE) helped organize Saturday\u2019s event. In addition to community activists, some volunteer firefighters and a couple of dairy owners attended.<\/p>\n They had a frank discussion about the current situation and the power players in their area. They ranked State Rep. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces, as a legislator who shares their values slightly more than the area\u2019s other legislators: sens. Mary Kay Papen and Cynthia Nava and Rep. Mary Helen Garcia, all Democrats from There is certainly a Democratic slant to the group. The vast majority of south-county residents (at least those who bother to register to vote) are Democrats.<\/p>\n