What's At Stake In The Land Commissioner Race & Why You Should Care

A student of voting age recently said, "There are too many races. I can't keep track of all of them and I don't have the time." Jim Baca explains why the race is important and it only takes him ten minutes to let you know what's on the line.

New Mexicans who were born here as well as more recent transplants know there is something special about New Mexico, something worth preserving and protecting. Jim, who has probably explored more of New Mexico than any candidate for any office in the state, says it's about preserving sacred places and those special places we each cherish. Besides Jim's considerable experience, he has a vision and a plan for doing just that.

The key to Jim's plan is to halt a trend which effects every Western state -- the gradual loss of public lands  to unplanned growth and the disposal of public resources at a price which doesn't compensate states at fair market value. States also lack plans to develop resources which benefit state residents and the state as a whole.  Jim's plans include a significant alternative energy, and natural science initiative together with a comprehensive independent auditing capability which protects state resources and maintains accountability. He also hopes to extend the capability of the state constitution to permit the designation of protected areas.

Savvy voters understand that Jim's  opponent, Patrick Lyons, has raised 4 times as much money as Jim and 80% of that money has come from special oil and gas interests.  Jim's campaign money has come from ordinary citizens - lots and lots of people making modest donations. In an era when we've become used to the undue influence of lobbyists and special interests, the choice is easy.   Some voters are unhappy with the Rovian smear tactics of Lyon's campaign.  We're pretty sure that when you don't have a plan and you're prone to false accusations, you're not the guy we want. What we do want is a land commissioner who never allows the voice of special interests to drown out our voices, who preserves New Mexico's sacred and special places for ourselves and our children. Jim has the experience, the plan and the integrity to represent our interests.

(This is a guest post by Suzanne Prescott who holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Science and blogs at The Plaza)