As we start the New Year and prepare for the upcoming legislative session, I wanted to take some time to thank all the volunteers and commend the City and County employees who helped the travelers who were stranded during the two winter storms in December. It was very gratifying to see the community come together to help those in need.

During the legislative session starting January 17^th, the City will advocate to preserve the “hold harmless” payments to municipalities and counties. In 2007, the legislature removed gross receipts tax on food and medical, but promised to continue to pay local governments their share of the taxes that they had exempted. Without these “hold harmless” revenues, services such as fire protection, EMS /ambulance, public safety and community services would be impacted.

The City is also endorsing the passage of a General Obligation Bond for libraries throughout the state for placement on the November 2012 ballot.

The legislature should also grant local governments the ability to regulate the sale and use of fireworks up to and including a ban if necessary during a drought for the protection and safety of persons and property.  The last fireworks season found the state in dire drought conditions without the necessary legislation to protect life and property at the local government level.

We will also be in touch with state agencies and departments to promote economic development. In particular, electrical transmission infrastructure projects such as the Sun Zia and Southline projects. Southwestern New Mexico needs transmission lines to enhance the electrical grid and attract the construction and operation of renewable energy generation facilities.

During this legislative session, we will keep a watchful eye on the proceedings to react to the bills that affect our area of the state. We are thankful for Representative Dona Irwin and Senator John Arthur Smith who have advocated for us and listened to our needs. We are optimistic the state’s economy has turned the corner but a return to previous levels will require patience.

Email Mayor Andres Z. Silva. EMAIL

With an average annual rainfall of approximatly 9", our climate is classified as "arid continental." Prolonged rainy periods are practically unknown. Fall, winter, and spring are normally dry; an average of only one or two days a month get as much as one-tenth inch of rain. There is some snow in the winter, but it melts nearly as fast as it falls.

Deming's downtown commercial buildings retain much of their historic integrity and remain part of a historic zone.

Deming is located in the Southwestern part of New Mexico, 33 miles North of the Mexico border, a land of an ever present sun and flowing desert rocks and cacti. Deming has been named a "Rock-Hunters Paradise."