County Commissioner Shannon Reynolds announces re-election campaign

Doña Ana County Commissioner Shannon Reynolds announced March 1 that he will be a candidate for re-election to a second four-year term representing District 3 on the commission in the June 7 Democratic primary.

Reynolds said a number of important ordinances, projects and accomplishments have been achieved during his first term on the commission: Doña Ana was the first county in New Mexico to declare a state of emergency early in the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in early access to federal and state funds. The county delivered more than $9 million for rental, utility and mortgage assistance throughout the county.

The short-term rental ordinance, the cannabis business ordinance and ordinances that update fire and building codes were also important accomplishments, Reynolds said.

“The Doña Ana County Fire Service insurance rating (ISO) dropped from 10 to between 5-7, lowering homeowner insurance premiums,” Reynolds said. “Efforts are still underway to continue to improve the ratings for further savings to homeowners while continuing to provide the maximum fire protection possible.”

Reynolds said the county commission also has strengthened partnerships with the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA), the Border Industrial Association based in Santa Teresa “and other homegrown opportunities that help the county capitalize on the existing foreign trade zone and investment zone promotions. Coordinating and strengthening these partnerships lead 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 during the last several years, many more projects and improvements need to be addressed and completed,” Reynolds said, including the “continued improvement and expansion of affordable broadband internet access throughout (the county); 

establishing sustainable development policies that contribute to the quality of life and long-term economic growth; and the never-ending need for road repair and construction.”

Reynolds said his EDGE certifications as a public official, a county commissioner and an advocate for ethics provide him with “a broader and deeper understanding of what it takes to meet the needs and challenges of a growing community like Doña Ana County.”

Reynolds, 69, has been a resident of Doña Ana County since 2015 and also lived in Las Cruces 1987-90.  Reynolds and his wife, Maggie, “were anxious to return to make Las Cruces their permanent home,” he said.  

Reynolds said county commission District 3, as redrawn after than 2020 census, includes southeastern Doña Ana County, including the neighborhoods of Las Alturas, Telshor, Foothills, Talavera, University Hills, Tortugas, NMSU campus and White Sands Missile Range, with the addition of residents of Chaparral.  

Contact Reynolds at shannondr@gmail.com.