Deming Eyes (I's as in Issues, Insights, Information, and Interests, get it) is a service of swnm.com. It is designed to inform and involve subscribers so that they can help improve the community. The column presents issues, offers some insights, and provides information on organizations which help shape community attitudes, policies, and the local economy. The column also seeks input in the "interests" section to be more responsive and to be more empowering.
ISSUE: The number one concern in Luna County, according to an extensive, but not random, survey is the creation of living wage jobs. There are many issues with respect to the effectiveness, efficiency, and even sincerity of public and private efforts to address the concern.
INSIGHT: The aforementioned survey was part of an application that helped Deming earn the designation of Federal Enterprise Community. As an enterprise community, Deming is eligible for $250,000 a year over ten years to help address unemployment, poverty, and associated conditions. The city of Deming is the fiscal agent. The city receives the funds from the US Department of Agriculture. The funds are to be spent according to plans implemented and administered by the Mimbres Valley Authority, set up for the purpose. Progress is tracked using "benchmarks." The benchmarks are supposed to be accessible on line, although they do not appear to be so yet. An important aspect (to the funding USDA) of enterprise community initiatives is community participation. The enterprise community offers residents a significant opportunity to influence programs and progress in creating living wage jobs and in addressing other needs.
INFORMATION: The Mimbres Valley Authority is chaired by Elizabeth Burr (County designee) whose term expires in 2002. MVA is co-chaired by Teresa Molina ( City Designee) whose term expires in 2003. The secretary is Rena Bulsterbaum (Community Update designee) whose term expires in 2002. Others are Bob Beckett ( Senior Center designee - 2003), Norma Gomez (Village of Columbus designee - 2001), Dan Anderson (Public Schools designee -2001), and Jean Vinson (Chamber of Commerce desingee- 2003). Marie Bollier is the paid coordinator and her office is co-located with the EDC in Morgan Hall.
The various defining documents are available in Morgan Hall for public review.
Monthly meetings are required and can be held upon 72-hour notice. Emergency meetings may be held upon 48 hours notice.
INTERESTS: What are your views? What ISSUES matter to you? What is your opinion on such issues? What questions would you like to see addressed in INSIGHTS? What do wish INFORMATION on? We will record your views and desires in a future INTERESTS section. For now, you may wish to respond to the following questions:
1. Do agree that living wage job creation should be the community's number one concern?
2. If not, what would you suggest that concern be?
