Re-elect Papen

I strongly support Sen. Mary Kay Papen’s re-election in N.M. District 38. Her ongoing accomplishments enhance our quality of life. My experience with Sen. Papen covers many projects. I respect and admire her as a genuine force of nature!

She and I worked to acquire the Walnut Street armory for La Casa. People came together to make it the state’s largest free-standing women’s shelter. This dynamic non-profit enables communities and individuals throughout Southern New Mexico to overcome domestic violence.

Sen. Papen is assisting with our city’s revitalization. When the arts community committed to the Rio Grande Theatre, she secured funding for its successful renovation. As executive director of Las Cruces Downtown, I worked with business leaders to reopen Main Street; Sen. Papen guided us toward state funding for this significant local project.

St. Genevieve’s Church and the Amador Hotel anchored the multicultural heritage of downtown. Like the church, the hotel might have been lost, but the Doña Ana County Historical Society stepped up. A foundation began preservation of the Amador. As president of the foundation’s board, I appealed to Mary Kay for help. Again, she has been invaluable and we have dedicated the hotel’s lobby to her. Once the city completes structural renovations, the public will be able to enjoy this remarkable building.

When Mesilla Valley Hospice had financial difficulties several years ago, the MVH board contacted Sen. Papen. By securing reduced interest on a loan from the N.M. Finance Authority, she helped hospice, an essential non-profit, keep afloat to continue serving our community.

Mary Kay Papen’s devotion to the many needs in our area is outstanding. My personal interactions with her are testament to her willingness to listen to her constituents, accept difficult tasks and use her outstanding knowledge of New Mexico’ legislative system to benefit all of us.