By Mike Cook
Doña Ana County Commissioner Shannon Reynolds announced March 1 that he would be seeking reelection for a second four-year term representing District 3 on the commission in the June 7 Democratic primary.
Reynolds said a number of significant ordinances, projects and accomplishments were made during his first term on the commission: Doña Ana was the first county in New Mexico to declare a state of emergency at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in rapid access to federal and state funds. The county provided more than $9 million for rental, utilities, and mortgage assistance countywide.
The Short-Term Rental Ordinance, Cannabis Trade Ordinance, and ordinances that update fire and building codes were also significant accomplishments, Reynolds said.
“The Doña Ana County Fire Department’s (ISO) insurance rating went from 10 to between 5 and 7, which reduced homeowners insurance premiums,” Reynolds said. “Efforts are still ongoing to continue to improve the ratings for additional savings for homeowners while continuing to provide the maximum possible fire protection.”
Reynolds said the county commission has also strengthened its partnerships with the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA), the Santa Teresa-based Border Industrial Association “and other local opportunities that help the county capitalize on the area of commerce. existing external and investment zone promotions. Coordinating and strengthening these partnerships leads to a more consistent and productive outcome with the border areas economic development strategy developed by the county,” he said.
“While much has been accomplished over the past few years, many more projects and improvements need to be addressed and completed,” said Reynolds, including “the continued improvement and expansion of affordable high-speed Internet access throughout (the count) ;
put in place sustainable development policies that contribute to the quality of life and long-term economic growth; and the endless need for road repair and construction.
Reynolds said his EDGE certifications as a public servant, county commissioner and ethics advocate provide him “a broader and deeper understanding of what it takes to meet the needs and challenges of a community in the midst of growth like the county of Doña Ana”.
Reynolds, 69, has resided in Doña Ana County since 2015 and also lived in Las Cruces from 1987 to 1990. Reynolds and his wife, Maggie, “were eager to return to make Las Cruces their permanent home,” said Reynolds. he declared.
Reynolds said the county commission District 3, as redesigned after the 2020 census, includes southeast Doña Ana County, including the neighborhoods of Las Alturas, Telshor, Foothills, Talavera, University Hills, Tortugas, the NMSU campus and White Sands Missile Range, with the addition of Chaparral residents.
Contact Reynolds at shannondr@gmail.com.