Voters have several choices for Mesilla Board of Trustees [Las Cruces Sun-News, N.M.]

Feb. 25--LAS CRUCES -- Depending on a voter's priorities and perspective, there is an abundant choice of candidates seeking to fill two trustee seats in Mesilla.

All of the six candidates entered in Tuesday's municipal election -- Chris Alexander, Dennis Burn, Jesus Caro, Carolyn Dixon, Linda Flores, and Kathleen Foreman -- support preservation and keeping what has made Mesilla a nice place to live. But from there, opinions of how the town goes about addressing its future noticeably vary.

Some staunchly support the principle that Mesilla's historical significance should not be compromised by

Carolyn Dixon

growth. Others want to be more business friendly to stimulate Mesilla's sagging economy, where gross receipts taxes have fallen 26 percent in the past year. And there are those who aren't opposed to that, but want to move more cautiously.

"I bring a different perspective, I'm a business owner," said Foreman, whose Mesilla roots go back for generations. "Seventy-six percent of the town's budget is driven by gross receipts taxes raised by the business community. We're the engine that runs the train. I'd like to see more open communication with the businesses. There's better ways to generate gross receipts taxes if we're all willing to work together. I would like to see more out-of-the-box thinking, especially in coming up with better ways to market the town."

Foreman said the historical significance of what has made Mesilla "a special place" could be merged with technological advancements of the 21st Century that could make Mesilla more appealing to tourists and visitors from throughout the world. She said there is a need for more activities on the Mesilla Plaza, and restrictions placed on business owners need to be eased to allow them to maximize their profits, which would also increase gross receipts taxes.

"Leadership is

Jesus Caro

an attitude that needs to come from the top," she said.

Like Foreman, Carolyn Dixon can also claim deep roots to Mesilla. Her husband is a native of Mesilla and she has been a town resident for most of her life.

Dixon believes her degree in accounting would be especially helpful to the town as it shakes off the effects of a global economic recession that has created problems for Mesilla's chief industry, tourism.

"That skill has never been on the board before, as best as I can remember," Dixon said. "I feel that would be especially useful in this time and with the economy the way it's been. ... I'd like to look at the budget and see how the money is spent. Maybe there's a way to redirect funds from one to another. I'd also like to checkDennis Burn

staff to determine if the staff might need to be cut back."

Dixon, a volunteer at the Mesilla Visitors Center for five years before it was relocated to Mesilla Town Hall, said she also recognizes the importance of volunteerism to the town and the numerous positive benefits that could come from that.

"There's a lot of interest in the town," Dixon said. "There are citizens out there willing to help if they're asked."

Caro, the only incumbent trustee seeking re-election, said he is committed to forging a stronger working relationship with the new board of trustees.

"The biggest obstacle we've faced the last few years is that we haven't been able to sit down to work together," said Caro, who has been a trustee for 12 years. "We've had a

Chris Alexander

rough two years and too much one-way communication with a lot of last-minute stuff brought to the table."

Caro added there needs to be better communications between town officials and elected state officials who represent Mesilla. He also pledged to remain a strong supporter of Mesilla's historical importance.

"I'm probably more like the old guard," Caro said. "I don't like that many big changes. But by the same token, I have changed during the time I've been a trustee. I'm a little more open."

Alexander, whose family has lived in Mesilla for eight generations, has served on numerous boards, commissions and committees on behalf of the town. He didn't pull any punches in saying he would be a strong and strict supporter of preservation.

"I'm

Kathleen Foreman

gravely concerned about preservation because of urban encroachment," Alexander said. "The town's preservation ordinance needs to be revisited. The past board that approved it didn't really read what they were approving. It should be cut and dried about what you're approving, and the board that approved the ordinance didn't do that."

Alexander also believes town departments have been micromanaged by Mayor Michael Cadena, and he claimed the town has lost many employees because of that.

"The town of Mesilla has seen enough misjustice," Alexander said. "If you have a good, solid board, you can have control of the mayor."

Burn, a third-generation Mesilla resident, said his enthusiasm and business acumen could pay dividends as a trustee.

"I feel I could do a good job bringing in new ideas," Burn said. "I consider myself a quick study and a good listener. I'd bring new character and insight into the thought process."

Burn also readily supports initiatives for increasing gross receipts and enhancing relationships with town businesses. Given some hypothetical examples of stimulating business and services in Mesilla, Burn said he wouldn't have any problems with a small grocery store, pharmacy, or resort hotel coming to Mesilla, provided owners were willing to comply with the town's building design standards.

"Yes to all of that, write that down, yes," Burn said.

Flores, who ran for municipal judge two years ago and has a strong legal background, said she is inclined to take a slower, more careful approach to considering future issues that could affect the town. At the same time, she would be willing to defend town ordinances.

"I have critical skills that can be used," Flores said. "...That's why you have statutes and ordinances."

Flores added she would have difficulties in approving smaller lot sizes that could bring more density to Mesilla.

"I don't think I can jump on that bandwagon," Flores said."I feel when you start doing that, it's the beginning of the end in Mesilla."

Steve Ramirez can be reached at [email protected]; (575) 541-5452.

Trustee candidates

-- The two people who receive the most votes will be elected.

-- Trustees are elected at-large, meaning they serve all Mesilla residents.

-- Trustees are elected to a four-year term.

-- Trustees are paid an $8,000 annual stipend.

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