Chairman's Corner

From and to Lincoln County Democrats....

DON DUTTON Chairman, Democratic Party of L. C.  -- Jan 27, 2006

 With the beginning of this new year, I think back on all that happened last year, and the possibilities presented by 2006.  The influx of new residents into Lincoln County is reflected in voter registration activity, joining on the rolls newly registered voters; I note quite a few new Democratic registrations.  To those Democrats newly registered and not (and independents), I say "Welcome! Please join us at our local monthly meeting held at Western Grill & Salad Bar, Hwy. 70, the first Thursday of each month."  The business meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.; however, you may wish to come at 5:30, order from the menu, and enjoy some political cartoons and camaraderie.

 It is a great time to meet fellow Democrats, share some laughs, and discuss national and local politics. NOTE: several monthly or additional meetings are planned to be held in areas of Lincoln County outside of Ruidoso.  Details will be published in the newspapers and on our Web site.

 Recently, our members have been discussing and exchanging ideas to develop a consensus opinion on local issues such as: new subdivision ordinance, water policy, economic development, education, ENMU-Ruidoso campus, etc.  The Democratic party of Lincoln County will be publishing its platform on its Web site: www.demslc.org.  We welcome and encourage input.

 Opinions without candidates are not of much assistance in giving voters a choice.  There are many offices open for election this year at the federal, state and local level.  In Lincoln County, three county commissioners (Districts 2,4 & 5), county clerk, treasurer and two magistrate court judges are to be elected.  In addition, there are three State Representative seats to fill.  Please call me at 505 258-3979 or Vice Chair Joyce Westerbur at 505-336-4501 for information on becoming a candidate.  With nearly 4,000 registered Democrats surely there is a leader wanting to step forward to tackle the challenges facing our county and our state.  I can assure all Democratic Party candidates, volunteers and support for their campaign.

 Thus far one candidate has come forward. Ellen Wedum of Cloudcroft is a candidate for State Representative District 59.  You may find information on Ellen at the Lincoln County Web site or at: http://www.oterocountydemocrats.org/wedum59.htm.   Ellen is a retired Ph. D, Physical Chemistry, with an unretired sense of service to her chosen Land of Enchantment.  Her keen intellect, research and teaching experiences equip her to be a strong contributor in our State Legislature.

 Retired Presbyterian minister Al Kissling of Las Cruces has announced his candidacy for the 2nd Congressional District.  In announcing his candidacy, Al said: "I'm going to Congress to try to bring some integrity to the scene and say 'lobbyists are helpful if they educate, but they are not helpful if they write the bills'." Having met Al, it is clear that he will be “unbought and unbossed” – the kind of person needed in Congress right now. His career has been about faith-implemented personal involvement in bettering the lives of the less fortunate. Learn more about Al by going to the www.nmdemorcats.org or calling him: 505 521-0032

 I want to publicly thank everyone who assisted in giving the Democratic Party of Lincoln County a presence in three parades: the Capitan 4th of July, Ruidoso's Aspenfest and the Parade of Lights.  A special thanks to Jeremiah for his outstanding float design:  Thanks also to The Quarters, Le Bistro and The Hawthorn Suites for their assistance with the receptions for Sen. Jeff Bingaman.  A big thank you to the Alto Lakes Country Club management for outstanding assistance in the luncheon for Governor Richardson.

And in ending, a question:  Which U. S. President said:  "As .... Forces become stronger; the rate of American withdrawal can become greater”?  If you said President George W. Bush, you are wrong. It was President Richard Nixon speaking of the Viet Nam War.  The similarities between the two wars do not end with that quote.  I encourage each reader to view the 1974 Oscar winning documentary:  Hearts and Minds.  It can be seen this month on the Discovery Time Channel.

          May God continue to bless us all!

          Sincerely,

             Don Dutton

          Chair, Democratic Party Lincoln County

          505-258-3979

PS to Wayne: In 1954, the United States was paying 78% cost of the Indochina War.  The President was not Kennedy!