NMAC Detention Reform Committee Takes on Important Work for New Mexico Counties New Mexico counties legal obligation to

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1 SUMMER 2011 AT A GLANCE COUNTY OBSERVER (Cover) NMAC Detention Reform Committee NMAC LEADERSHIP...2 President s & Director s Messages COUNTY CORNER...3 NMAC Multidisciplinary Committees CREATING COUNTY LEADERS NM EDGE County College Certification NMAC BOARD REPORT...5 Action by the Board of Directors COUNTY CONNECTIONS...6 NMAC Annual Conference in Chaves County COUNTY COLLABORATIONS...6 Rural Recycling Funding CRITICAL ISSUES...6 Things You Need to Know 75th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL Looking Back with NMAC Presidents 75th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL History of New Mexico s Counties NACO REPORT th Annual NACo Conference COUNTY OBSERVER By Steve Kopelman NMAC Detention Reform Committee Takes on Important Work for New Mexico Counties New Mexico counties legal obligation to operate detention centers and the key statutory provisions were approved by the New Mexico territorial government in 1865 and Back in the frontier days, the costs to maintain jails were minimal each county jail contained a few cells, the sheriff was in charge, and the basic services provided were extremely minimal. Fast forward 145 years, New Mexico counties now spend over $200 million annually to operate their detention facilities, dedicating approximately 30%, and in some counties as much as 55%, of their general fund budget to detention. Detention facilities are also the largest liability for county government; in a three and one-half year period, the New Mexico Association of Counties law enforcement pool has incurred nearly $21 million just for detention center claims. In addition, New Mexico counties spent approximately $32 million in 2010 for housing inmates who, in most states, would be the responsibility of the state s Department of Corrections (e.g., convicted felons as well as probation and parole violators). To address these critical issues, NMAC President Sarah Merklein and Executive Director Paul Gutierrez determined that it was crucial to form a multidisciplinary committee dedicated to detention reform in New Mexico. The committee is chaired by Curry County Caleb Chandler and is comprised of county commissioners, sheriffs, managers, attorneys, and detention administrators. The committee, which has already met five times, unanimously agreed that reforming the detention system required working closely with all major stakeholders. Committee meetings to date have involved, among others, Department of Corrections Secretary Lupe Martinez and General Counsel Jim Brewster; New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice Charlie Daniels; the Governor s Deputy Chief of Staff Brian Moore; the Administrative Office of the Court s Executive Director Artie Pepin and General Counsel Fern Goodman; the Administrative Office of the District Court s Executive Director Kelly Kuenstler; Ben Baur from the Public Defender s Office; and New Mexico Sentencing Commission Executive Director Tony Ortiz. Needless to say, discussions have been robust and far reaching. Story continues on page 3 NEW MEXICO CONNECTION nd Annual Wildland Urban Interface Summit NACO TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES...15 Webinars for County Members COUNTY FOCUS Suicide Prevention in Detention Facilities CELEBRATING COUNTIES...17 County Leadership Institute IN YOUR COUNTY...18 Pilot Juvenile Detention Program ON THE HILL...18 Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS...19 A Tribute to Our Members MOVING FORWARD...(Back) A Calendar of Events NMAC SUMMER

2 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bernalillo County... Patrick Padilla Treasurer Catron County... Sarah Merklein Treasurer Chaves County...Rhoda Coakley Clerk Cibola County...Elisa Bro Clerk Colfax County... Rayetta Trujillo Clerk Curry County... Daniel Stoddard DeBaca County...Adolfo Lucero Doña Ana County... Lynn Ellins Clerk Eddy County... Karen Robinson Assessor Grant County... Randy Villa Assessor Guadalupe County...Marcos Salas Treasurer Harding County... Pete Callahan Assessor Hidalgo County...Ed Kerr Lea County... Dee Robinson Assessor Lincoln County... Paul Baca Assessor Los Alamos...Sharon Stover Councilor Luna County...Ruben Javier Diaz McKinley County...David Dallago Mora County... Paula Garcia Otero County... Grace Gonzalez Treasurer Quay County... Janie L. Murray Assessor Rio Arriba County... Alfredo L. Montoya Roosevelt County... Jake Lopez San Juan County... Dr. James Henderson San Miguel County...Nicolas Leger Sandoval County... Orlando Lucero Santa Fe County...Valerie Espinoza Clerk Sierra County... Walter Armijo Socorro County... Danny Monette Taos County...Andrew Chavez Torrance County... Lynda Kayser Clerk Union County... Joyce Ann Sowers Clerk Valencia County... Viola Garcia-Vallejos Assessor Ex-Officio Members NACo Urban Board... Patrick Padilla Bernalillo County Treasurer NACo Rural Board... Janie Murray Quay County Assessor NACO WIR Board... Walter Armijo Sierra County Multi-Line Board...Nicklos Jaramillo Taos County Workers Comp Board... Scott Krahling Doña Ana County 2 NMAC SUMMER 2011 NM ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES LEADERSHIP A Message from the President Dear County Members, We had a successful 2011 Legislative Session and we look forward to working with the legislators in the interim to address issues of concerns to the counties. The Affiliates have been working hard to develop resolutions which the NMAC Board of Directors will consider at the August Board meeting in Valencia County. NMAC once again has several multidisciplinary committees working on critical issues important to counties and the state. The Property Tax Committee will continue and will meet on an as needed basis. The E-911 and GIS Committee will continue to work on funding for public safety. A Detention Reform and Cost Containment Committee was formed towards the end of the 2011 Legislative Session and has had several productive meetings. A Sole Community Provider Hospital Funding Committee will be formed to address SCP funding. On the state level, NMAC staff and lobbyist will monitor, attend and provide testimony at interim committee meetings. We will also work on various initiatives that were passed by the Legislature in the form of Memorials and state agencies to address new legislation that was enacted in the 2011 Session. On the federal level we are working with NACo and other organizations on the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools Act and Payment in Lieu of Taxes. Both laws are set to expire over the next 12 months. In closing, in addition to being involved with NMAC, I would also encourage participation on NACo Steering Committees. It is important that NM county officials and employees play a strong role in policy development at the state and federal levels. Sincerely, Sarah Merklein Executive Director s Report Dear Board and County Members, This year, the New Mexico Association of Counties will celebrate 75 years as an organization dedicated to advancing New Mexico s counties. On behalf of NMAC s Board of Directors and NMAC s staff, I hope you enjoy this special edition of County News. We take a look back through the eyes of several of the past NMAC Presidents to capture their thoughts about the Association. Also to commemorate our 75th Anniversary, we created the NMAC Challenge Coin. The coin, which was designed by NMAC, is inscribed with the names of all 33 New Mexico counties and with NMAC s motto Advancing Counties through Service, Education, Advocacy and Leadership. It is important to understand the history of challenge coins in order to understand the true value of this symbolic token. In World War II, American Special Forces carried challenge coins with them at all times. If challenged, a soldier would have to present his coin to prove his affiliation with the unit. If he could not produce his challenge coin, the results could be a number of consequences including buying a round of drinks for the unit. I would challenge all involved in county government to keep the coin close to remember the commitment to public service and improving the lives of our fellow citizens. With that thought the NMAC Board, with the help of the Affiliates, will be working hard over the interim to develop policies to advance our great state. We look forward to working with all our members over the course of the year. Sincerely, Paul Gutierrez President Sarah Merklein I encourage county members to serve on NACo Steering Committees and expand our national presence. Executive Director Paul Gutierrez We celebrate advancing Counties through Service, Education, Advocacy and Leadership.

3 Story continued from page 1 At its last meeting in April, the committee voted to create working groups to focus on these critical detention issues: 1) Alternative Sentencing: The work group will coordinate efforts with the Sentencing Commission to look at issues such as electronic monitoring programs; 2) Medical and Mental Health: One of the most acute problems facing county government today involves addressing the issue of the mentally ill in detention facilities (see House Joint Memorial 17); 3) Court Liaison Issues: This will include working with AOC on case management and on a Supreme Court rule requiring that Judgment & Sentences be finalized contemporaneously with the judge s issuance of a sentence so that inmates do not spend an inordinate amount of time in county jails awaiting transport to the state penitentiary; COUNTY CORNER 4) Technology: The working group is focusing on coordination of jail management system software with the systems utilized by the courts and law enforcement agencies; and 5) Department of Corrections: This will include addressing probation and parole issues, officer training and provision of medical care in facilities. Committee members are Walter Armijo, Sierra County; Chris Barela, Dona Ana County; Wendell Bostwick, Curry County; Caleb Chandler, Curry County; Doug Decker, McKinley County; Javier Diaz, Luna County; Todd Garrison, Dona Ana County; Tom Havel, San Juan County; Nicklos Jaramillo, Taos County; Sarah Merklein, Catron County; Stan Riggs, Chaves County; Patrick Snedeker, San Miguel County; Tom Swisstack, Bernalillo County; Virginia Vigil, Santa Fe County; and Eric Zamora, Valencia County. By Jenny Rabinowitz & Nita Taylor NMAC Multidisciplinary Committees Property Tax NMAC is in the process of reconstituting the Property Tax Committee, for a fourth year. The Committee worked closely with Representative Ed Sandoval, Chairman of the House Taxation and Revenue Committee, to pass legislation requiring disclosure of property taxes to prospective home buyers in 2009, and to develop solutions to property tax lightning in the 2011 regular legislative session. EXECUTIVE COMMITEE President Sarah Merklein, Catron County Treasurer President Elect Vacant Vice President Andrew Chavez, Taos County Treasurer Sharon Stover, Los Alamos County Councilor Past President Tony Atkinson, San Juan County District I Alfredo Montoya, Rio Arriba County Los Alamos, McKinley, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Juan & Santa Fe Counties District II Rayetta Trujillo, Colfax County Clerk Colfax, Harding, Mora, San Miguel, Taos & Union Counties District III Patrick Padilla, Bernalillo County Treasurer Bernalillo, Catron, Cibola, Socorro & Valencia Counties District IV Marcos Salas, Guadalupe County Treasurer Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Quay, Roosevelt & Torrance Counties District V Ruben Javier Diaz, Luna County Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna & Sierra Counties District VI Karen Robinson, Lea County Assessor Chaves, Eddy, Lea, Lincoln & Otero Counties Sole Community Provider Hospital Funding NMAC is in the process of forming a new multidisciplinary committee to address funding for New Mexico s Sole Community Provider (SCP) hospitals. The committee, which will be composed of County s, Managers, Healthcare Administrators, and Attorneys, will meet in the summer and fall of 2011 and will look at financial and legal issues related to providing adequate and reliable funding for SCP hospitals in New Mexico, including consideration of possible action in the 2011 special legislative session, or in the 2012 regular session. GIS/E911 Funding Multidisciplinary Committee This committee, co-chaired by Taos County Andrew Chavez and San Juan County Tony Atkinson, was formed in response to a need to fund some PSAP-related GIS activities from the E911 Fund. Its members include representatives from the GIS, E911, s and Managers Affiliates, and span the state from San Juan to Valencia to Taos Counties. The GIS/911 Funding Multidisciplinary Committee focuses on GIS funding issues related to services provided in support of Public Service Assess Points, also known as PSAPs or E911 Call Centers. Of particular challenge to this committee is the need to develop a process under which the two Affiliates can work with the New Mexico Department of Finance Administration (DFA), whose charge is to administer the statewide E911 Fund, in a manner that is consistent with law, yet provides monetary support to both Affiliates to ensure necessary services are available. These services include the training, software and hardware required by PSAPs to ensure timely, adequate emergency responses to New Mexicans in need of emergency assistance. The committee is moving forward with developing those processes. Joe Rico, Representative Nationwide Retirement Solutions 6130 Montana Suite 210, El Paso, TX (915) NMAC SUMMER

4 DIRECTORY OF RESOURCES Executive Staff Paul Gutierrez, Executive Director Carol Madley, Finance Director Charlotte Martinez, Bookkeeper Merry Cruz-Damman, Accountant Yolanda Archuletta, Membership & Meetings Director Catherine Aragon, Membership Services Assist. Paula Del Colle, Receptionist & Office Manager Joy Esparsen, Intergovernmental Relations Director Nita Taylor, Association Specialist Tasia Young, Ph.D., Lobbyist Tito Chavez, Lobbyist Joyce Blazer, BLM Liaison Risk Management Steve Kopelman, Risk Management Director & General Counsel Becky Tafoya, Assistant Risk Management Director Cynthia Stephenson, Risk Management Cood. Loss Prevention Bruce Swingle, Loss Prevention Manager CREATING COUNTY LEADERS County College Update The NM EDGE County College Program As part of the on-going collaboration between NMAC and The NM EDGE County College program to bring you top quality, meaningful education at affordable prices, the NM EDGE County College will be offering classes June in Roswell prior to the start of the NMAC s Annual Conference. This is a great opportunity to get double the bang for your travel buck by combining two educational and networking programs in the same trip! Separate registration and sign-in are required for NM EDGE County College classes and the NMAC Annual Conference. To attend both events, you need to register for both. Don t worry, we are here to assist you if it gets confusing! Just call us! For information and to register for our NM EDGE County College classes go to edu/ces/countycollege/ or call or To register for the NMAC Annual Conference or for information on the NMAC 75th Annual Conference go to and click on the Conference and Events link. As mentioned above, these are separate registrations (1 for NMAC Annual Conference and another for NM EDGE County College Classes). Just a reminder, NMAC is offering scholarships for 6 classes to all newly elected officials, so if you didn t use all of your scholarship in January, be sure to contact us! Also, discounts are available on classes if you purchase a group account or more than one class at a time. Call Barbara Urioste-Lopez at or Marc Legarreta at And last, but not least, NMAC Loss Prevention is offering scholarships to pay for county folks wishing to attend the Jail Specialist classes offered June (Chaves County). See our website for details at So many opportunities just for you, so we really hope to see you there! Please see the road map of classes and details of which classes you can take towards certifications. Call us if we may answer any questions. Mary D, Marc and Barb By Mary Delorenzo Grace Philips, Loss Prevention Attorney James Chavez, Loss Prevention Specialist Manuel Romero, Loss Prevention Specialist Jennifer Rabinowitz, Administrative Asst. Workers Compensation Theresa Griego, WC Claims Manager Thomas Bredenberg, WC Sr. Claims Adjuster Steve Chappell, WC Claims Adjuster Travis Cook, WC Claims Adjuster Clea Lewis, WC MO Adjuster/Sr. Claims Tech James Lucero, WC Claims Tech Multi-Line Robin Martinez, ML Claims Manager Diane Blackburn, ML Sr. Claims Examiner Randy Chavez, ML Claims Examiner Jennifer Ortiz, ML Claims Examiner Kerry Kent, ML Sr. Claims Examiner Darlene Salazar, ML Claims Rep. & First Party Claims Examiner Jeremy Muñoz, ML Claims Clerk 4 NMAC SUMMER 2011 NM EDGE County College June Classes Road Map Affiliate Certification Classes in Red Checklists at or call or CERTIFIED PUBLIC OFFICIAL CLASSES Monday, June 20 8:30 am 11:30 am CPM 131 General HR Law Clerks, GIS, Healthcare, Jail Specialist/Professional Treasurers 1:00 pm 4:00 pm CPM 122 You re a Leader Cooperative Extension, Clerks, Healthcare, Jail Specialist/Professional Elective 5:30 pm 8:30 pm CPM 138 Conflict Resolution Employees Cooperative Extension Elective, Jail Specialist/Professional Elective Tuesday, June 21 8:30 am 11:30 am CPM 142 Ethics & Public Finance Cooperative Extension, s, Jail Specialist/Professional, CAPE Class, Treasurers OR CPM 111 Knowing Your Government Cooperative Extension, Clerks, s, Healthcare, Treasurers, Jail Specialist/Professional Elective 1:00 pm 4:00 pm CPM 125 Professional Workplace Cooperative Extension Elective 5:30 pm 8:30 pm CPM 139 Ethical Culture GIS, Jail Specialist/Professional, CAPE Class, Treasurers Wednesday, June 22 8:30 am 11:30 am CPM 133 Safe & Productive Workplace Jail Specialist/Professional Elective CERTIFIED PUBLIC SUPERVISOR Monday, June 20 8:30 am 11:30 am CPM 241 Budget I Clerks, Treasurers 1:00 pm 4:00 pm CPM 242 Budget II Clerks, Treasurers 5:30 pm 8:30 pm CPM 236 Supervision Jail Specialist/Professional OR CPM 222 Project MGT s, Treasurers, Cooperative Extension Elective

5 CREATING COUNTY LEADERS Tuesday, June 21 8:30 am 11:30 am CPM 152 Basic Conflict Resolution Cooperative Extension, GIS, Healthcare, s Elective OR CPM 124 Grants I Cooperative Extension Elective, Healthcare Elective 1:00 pm 4:00 pm CPM 141 Public Finance Treasurers, Jail Specialist/Professional Elective OR CPM 224 Grants II Cooperative Extension Elective, Healthcare Elective 5:30 pm 8:30 pm CPM 221 Leading Others Cooperative Extension Elective, Jail Specialist/Professional Elective OR CPM 001 CPS Assessment I Wednesday, June 22 8:30 am 11:30 am CPM 114 Public Policy Process Assessors, Cooperative Extension, s, Healthcare 5:30 pm 8:30 pm CPM 137 Discipline & Termination Jail Specialist/Professional, Cooperative Extension Elective OR CPM 002 CPS Assessment II CERTIFIED PUBLIC MANAGER Monday, June 20 8:30 am 11:30 am CPM 136 Retention Jail Specialist/Professional Elective 1:00 pm 4:00 pm CPM 143 Purchasing Healthcare, Jail Specialist/Professional, Treasurers, 5:30 pm 8:30 pm CPM 233 Employee Relations Jail Specialist/Professional Elective Tuesday, June 21 8:30 am 11:30 am CPM 153 Public Meetings s, CAPE Class Elective 1:00 pm 4:00 pm CPM 271 Role of Research CAPE Class Elective Wednesday, June 22 8:30 am 11:30 am CPM 272 Research Tools for Decision Making Tuesday, June 21 8:30 am 11:30 am JP 103 Use of Force Jail Specialist/Professional 1:00 pm 4:00 pm JP 102 Basic Investigations Jail Specialist/Professional Wednesday, June 22 8:30 am 11:30 am JP 109 Critical Incident Training Jail Specialist/Professional TREASURER CLASSES Tuesday, June 21 5:30 pm 8:30 pm TO 105 Real Property Collections Treasurers Wednesday, June 22 8:30 am 11:30 am TO 202 TR Reporting Treasurers CLERK CLASSES Tuesday, June 21 1:00 pm 4:00 pm CL 106 Census/Redistricting Clerks Wednesday, June 22 8:30 am 11:30 am CL 111 Maps & Plats Clerks COMMISSIONER CLASSES Monday, June 20 1:00 pm 4:00 pm CO 102 County Services I s 5:30 pm 8:30 pm CO 103 County Services II s Tuesday, June 21 1:00 pm 4:00 pm CO 272 Community Economic Dev. s, Cooperative Extension Elective Wednesday, June 22 8:30 am 11:30 am CO 113 Open Meetings GIS CLASSES Monday, June 20 8:30 am 11:30 am GIS 104 Coordinates & Projections GIS 1:00 pm 4:00 pm GIS 201 Metadata GIS NMAC BOARD REPORT Action by the Board of Directors NMAC Board of Directors Actions Since January 2011: The NMAC Board and Executive Committee worked throughout the Legislative Session to advance NMAC priorites and monitor legislation. Approved the NMAC Budget Approved the NMAC Affiliate Bylaw Template. Provided comments to the US Fish & Wildlife Services on the proposal to list the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard as an endangered species. Provided comments to the US Forest Service on the Gila National Forest Travel Management Plan and proposed rule for Forest Management Planning. Adopted a resolution on the Mexican Grey Wolf Program stating the importance of county input. The Board will consider adopting NMAC Bylaw amendments during the Annual Conference in Chaves County. The Board will discuss the proposed amendments to the Liquid Waste Act rules for licensure of inspectors for septic tanks during the Annual Conference Board meeting on Friday, June 24th. The Environmental Improvement Board will hold a hearing on the proposed regulations on July 11th and 12th in Santa Fe. Cooperating Agency Status Training Workshop Hosted by NMAC Cooperating Agency Status Training NMAC hosted a Cooperating Agency Status Training in Collaboration with NACo, BLM, USFS and USF&WS with 40 local, state and federal participants on May 10th. Feedback from federal agencies and county leadership has been extremely positive. NMAC SUMMER

6 CRITICAL ISSUES Things You Need to Know White House, County Officials Discuss Critical issues of Concern to the Nation s County Governments County officials from across the country, most holding leadership positions within the National Association of Counties (NACo), participated in an historic five-hour NACo/ White House Summit on May 3 to discuss at length critical issues of concern to county governments and the communities they serve. The highlight of the half-day summit was an appearance and remarks by President Obama and Vice President Biden. COUNTY CONNECTIONS Membership & Meetings Update Welcome to Chaves County Chaves County was established in 1889 and was named to commemorate Colonel Jose Francisco Chaves. Colonel Chaves was a nineteenth century politician, lawyer and farmer from the New Mexico Territory. Colonel Chaves was the first commencement speaker at the Goss Military Academy, which later became the New Mexico Military Institute. NMMI will be the sight of the New Mexico Association of Counties 75th Annual Conference this June. Chaves County is the leading agriculture producing county in the State. With over 70 dairies, Chaves County is one of the leading milk producing counties the United States. With all this milk, it is not surprising that Leprino Foods located the largest mozzarella cheese plant in North America here. The County also produces pecans, chile, alfalfa and many other crops. By Stanton Riggs, Chaves County Manager While visiting Chaves County, please stop by and tour our historic Courthouse. The Chaves County Courthouse was built in In 2003, Chaves County remodeled the existing Courthouse and added a 70,000 square foot addition. The historic Courtroom was refurbished and returned to its original splendor. Any tour of the Courthouse should include the historic dome and rotunda. As everyone knows, the City of Roswell, and Chaves County are known for the 1947 UFO Incident. While visiting the City of Roswell, you may want to take time to visit the UFO Museum and the Roswell Museum of Art, which has a section on Dr. Robert H. Goddard, the father of American rocketry. We welcome you to the NMAC 75th Annual Conference and sincerely hope you enjoy your stay in Chaves County. Leading the in-depth policy discussions were five cabinet secretaries representing the leaders of the federal government s domestic policy agenda: Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Health and Human Services; Secretary Janet Napolitano, Homeland Security; Secretary Ray LaHood, Transportation; Secretary Shaun Donovan, Housing and Urban Development; and Administrator Lisa Jackson, Environmental Protection Agency. NACo Board Approves a Dues Freeze for 2012 NACo During the NACo Board of Directors, meeting at the Western Interstate Region Conference in Chelan County, Washing on May 19, the Board approved a dues freeze for 2012, was briefed on a membership survey, received an update on the strategic plan and elected a new member of the Audit Committee. 6 NMAC SUMMER 2011 COUNTY COLLABORATIONS NMAC Partnerships Funding for Rural Recycling Collection Points Recycling is spreading across the State of New Mexico, thanks to $461,905 in grant funds from the New Mexico Recycling Coalition geared to create 25 rural recycling collection points across the Land of Enchantment. Funding is from a Department of Energy grant received by NMRC as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program ( stimulus funds ) being spent to support recycling through the hub and spoke model a solid waste management system with a centralized processing facility (hub) providing services to smaller surrounding communities (spokes). Provided by the New Mexico Recycling Coalition The seven 2011 awardees include Cibola County, Village of Cimarron, City of Deming, Village of Maxwell, Otero County, San Miguel County and Town of Springer. The award recipients will receive funding for recycling spoke collection trailers or roll-off containers, and technical assistance provided by NMRC. Grantees have agreed to provide longterm operational and financial commitment to ensure project sustainability.

7 75 th Celebrating Counties This year the New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC) marks effective county government. At the time, New Mexico had been a state its 75th anniversary, a testament to the ongoing significance of its for all of twenty-four years. Over the years, of course, the young state mission and the commitment of its members to advancing the role would undergo changes of a kind few would have foretold a generation and interests of county government. To appreciate the significance ago. of NMAC s 75 years of existence, we take a look back at New Mexico at the time of NMAC s founding -- and the need then, as now, for The challenge of operating county government in the 1930s was made New Mexico counties to work together to the benefit of New Mexico s greater by the disperse nature of New Mexico s population. The majority citizens. of people lived in centuries old villages, where families lived a rural existence on small agricultural holdings. Indeed, in the 1930s New Mexico The organization that would become NMAC was born during the Great averaged four persons per square mile, and the majority of its counties Depression, a time when, according to the New Mexico State Historian, had populations under 20,000. Only two counties had populations over the New Mexico economy, already among the nation s poorest, went from 25,000: Bernalillo, the largest, had 45,430 persons, followed by Dona Ana bad to worse.... County governments were forced to function in the county at 27, 455. Since then New Mexico s population has mushroomed, face of budgetary shortfalls, widespread unemployment, and growing growing from 423,000 to over 2,000,000 today, a 450% growth in eighty need for social services, not to mention, operating law enforcement, roads, years. While the growth of New Mexico s cities is a commonly accepted fire protection, schools and libraries. In 1936 a group of county employees and officials began to get together to discuss the challenges they were upon the desert or as dense pockets of light at night counties have fact we can readily see that growth in the slow spread of populations experiencing and to develop innovative ways to operate efficient and also experienced great changes and challenges. Some counties have SUMMER Elementary school teacher holds classes in a quonset in Los Alamos, NM NMAC SUMMER

8 Oscar Vasquez Butler: In today s economically complicated world, county government has a big role in the lives of New Mexicans. It is vital that county governments attract good, clean industries, generating revenue streams and creating good paying jobs, public services and infrastructure improvements. Counties need to establish economic development initiatives to attract companies. In doing so, counties must establish tax reduction and exemption packages, along with industrial revenue bonds to ensure a return to counties on their investment. With counties experiencing budget shortfalls, it is long over-due they begin to establish public/private partnerships and get economically interconnected with the world at large to promote the public good. Patrick J. Padilla: It is clear that county government is cast in a more prominent role than ever before, not only in meeting public needs but in creating opportunity and prosperity for its citizens. The economy began to slow down from the boom of the 90s, and states began to experience shortfalls in revenues. Counties looked to several avenues to balance budgets in response to the shortfalls. Among these were curtailing services, cutting back services, reducing employee benefits, outsourcing and increasing taxes. As the economic slowdown continued many county officials began to look to partner with state and federal governments to find efficiencies to meet the needs of the citizens. Organizations, such as NMAC play a critical role by lobbying the state legislature to advance legislation that help counties address today s challenges. Artist Georgia O Keeffe left an indelible mark on New Mexico history. steadily grown in population, while others have steadily decreased in population. In Sandoval County, the population grew almost tenfold since Likewise, Luna, Chaves, Lea, and Curry counties grew from 25% to 40% in that time. Other counties lost population, some gradually and others not so gradually Harding county has steadily lost over 80% of its population since the 1930s. Some counties Hidalgo County, for example has experienced a rollercoaster ride of ten-year cycles of growth, followed by decline, followed by growth. In such changeable, irregular conditions, the task of county government was akin to walking a high wire on a blustery day: a difficult balancing act. Today we live in difficult economic times, and counties again are challenged to find better ways to govern. It is appropriate, that as we celebrate NMAC s 75th anniversary, we pause to take stock of NMAC s role and contributions to counties and the people they serve. With that idea, we posed several questions to NMAC presidents, past and present. Patrick J. Padilla (Bernalillo County Treasurer; NMAC President ; 1992), Oscar Vasquez Butler (Former Dona Ana County ; NMAC President ), and current NMAC President Sarah Merklein (Catron County Treasurer) were kind enough to share their thoughts with us about NMAC and its mission. How is county government relevant in today s economically interconnected world? Sarah Merklein: County government is the closest to the people, where we can see firsthand how people live and what we need to do to improve or create new infrastructure and new or better jobs. Yes, economies are related at the international, national and state levels, but ultimately it starts at the county level -- that is, the positive outcomes counties can experience through the choices counties make in utilizing federal and state funding, local property taxes, etc. Yes, the economy is challenging, making prudent decision making at the local level critical. For decades, New Mexico s oil and gas industry has played a huge role in the state s economy. 8 NMAC SUMMER 2011

9 The Guadalupe County courthouses in Santa Rosa, New Mexico sit side by side. The historic brick structure was built in 1909 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The new courthouse was built in How does NMAC improve county government in New Mexico? Sarah Merklein: NMAC provides a forum in which counties can work together in solving similar issues. Counties benefit from NMAC s extensive knowledge of legislative issues and the legislative process, its understanding of law, and what does or does not benefit county government. It offers a wealth of knowledge on public land and federal funding issues as they impact member counties. It has provided the platform for all members to share their thoughts, ideas and concerns so as to address challenges together. This makes for a better New Mexico. NMAC is also a work in progress as we continue to research and learn daily about the issues and needs of New Mexico s counties. I believe the counties of New Mexico are in a better position to accomplish their goals by being in partnership with NMAC. I am glad to be a part of this organization! Oscar Vasquez Butler: NMAC s primary mission is to assist counties with addressing a myriad of political, economic, social, infrastructure and revenue policy problems before the state legislature. Some problems may be county specific, but for the most part, NMAC strives to address county issues as a whole, making governance more efficient and effective. Since counties are created by the state legislature to address and provide public services to county residents such as roads, law enforcement, health, and other elected official services (such as Sheriff, Treasurer, Clerk, Assessor, and Probate), NMAC becomes a vital vehicle for all counties to present their concerns before the legislature and to offer county government education and training in these areas. Patrick J. Padilla: Flourishing communities are the foundation of a healthy society. Counties are responsible for their community s quality of life. NMAC contributes to counties quality of life in many ways, but perhaps most importantly by influencing the decisions of the state legislature. In fact, NMAC s positions on legislations are regularly conveyed to the State Legislature as legislation proceeds through the process. What challenges does NMAC face as an organization? Patrick J. Padilla: As NMAC president, I witnessed activities that pitted the interests of large counties against small counties. I knew that to be a viable organization, NMAC needed to focus on its original goals and objectives: to improve county government for everyone, without exception. This was a trying time for me. I initiated the use of name tags for all board members and used a facilitator to control the board meeting and enforce compliance with Robert s Rules of Order. This new process helped to unite the county members, and I feel that it made a NMAC stronger organization. Oscar Vasquez Butler: The prevailing challenges were unfunded mandates, securing assistance to small counties, and, most importantly, ensuring cooperation among member counties to NMAC s mission and goals. NMAC has made great strides in addressing the latter problem, which has improved through dialogue among all the affiliates, compromise, and a stronger, more united, presence at the legislature. NMAC remains a strong, diverse and viable organization with a strong influence on the affairs of the state. Sarah Merklein: New Mexico counties vary a great deal, such as differences in public and private land, natural resources, tribal and non-tribal lands, solid waste issues and so much more. NMAC s challenge and its strength, is to provide county government and agencies with the training and knowledge they need to be efficient and effective in performing their duties. What prompted your decision to assume the presidency of NMAC? Oscar Vasquez Butler: I was encouraged to seek an officer position with NMAC, and eventually the presidency, because of the impact it has through its presence at the legislature. It was a great honor for me to be associated with an organization, whose mission is to promote issues, establish goals and lobby for legislation that positively enhances the delivery of programs and services to residents state-wide. Through its work, NMAC promotes NMAC SUMMER

10 not only the best interest of counties, but the state. Without NMAC s input at the legislature, most state legislators would not necessarily promote legislation that improves the interest of counties. For example, NMAC was very instrumental in achieving additional funding for DWI, reducing the burden on counties of state unfunded mandates on county detention centers, and increasing small counties assistance. These are tremendous achievements. Patrick J. Padilla: I made the decision to run for NMAC President in I believed then, and believe now, that more unity in county and municipal government would yield better services at reduced costs for county residents. I assumed the presidency with the intent of advancing that cause. During my first term as President, NMAC established the first Joint Session between County Governments and Municipal Governments. I am proud to see joint sessions still occur and the unity is still very strong. Sarah Merklein: I care about the people of New Mexico and about how things work. I believe in this organization and hope to add to it. What did you learn in your position as NMAC President, and what advice can you offer to NMAC s future presidents? Oscar Vasquez Butler: The president of NMAC must be neutral on all issues before the board. To do otherwise would polarize members and make issues partisan rather than bi-partisan, which is best for counties and the state. Presidents are not born with leadership skills and abilities, but are gained through interaction with others, and through learning from one s own performance, experiences and failures. The advice I would give to all presidents is to be honest with yourself and others at all times, and to exemplify the pride and integrity of the office with honor. Sarah Merklein: I knew when I became NMAC President that I had a lot to learn. I want to know more about legislative issues and the legislative process and how the roundhouse works. There is a lot to learn in terms of the priorities of member counties. I want to learn how as an organization NMAC can better communicate the interests of its members. I do not put a limit on what needs to be learned and done. I learn something every day, and I greatly look forward to that continuing. Patrick J. Padilla: The amount of experience I gained from being NMAC s President is irreplaceable. I learned to listen first, ask questions second, listen again and then make the best decision for county government. As John F. Kennedy once said, Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. My advice for all NMAC Presidents is that no question is a dumb question. Ask and you will be heard, and above all be open to suggestions. My personal motto is that if you give government what you expect out of government, you will always have good government. Article and Interviews by Jenny Rabinowitz The notorious film Easy Rider, featuring Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda, was filmed in New Mexico and to this day is considered the cinematic symbol of the 1960s, a celluloid anthem to freedom, macho bravado and anti-establishment rebellion. Dennis Hopper s love of New Mexico was sparked during the filming of the movie and in 2010 he was buried in Taos, NM. 10 NMAC SUMMER 2011

11 HISTORY OF NEW MEXICO S COUNTIES New Mexico counties began formation in There were originally seven counties and at one point New Mexico had 34 counties. Today there are 33 counties in New Mexico. In 1876, Santa Ana County, which was one of the original seven, was annexed to Bernalillo County. This was the only original county to disappear. Socorro County was the first county to be formed in July, Cibola County is New Mexico s youngest county, formed in June of Some of the first counties were named after the Spanish families who claimed lands and settled in areas along the Rio Grande. County government is the only government besides state government that covers every square inch of the state. BERNALILLO COUNTY One of the seven original counties organized in Bernalillo County is New Mexico s most populous county in which almost one-third of the state s population resides. Most of the population is concentrated along the Rio Grande in the state s largest city and county seat, Albuquerque, founded in The county has a diverse economy dominated by commerce, finance and light manufacturing, as well as governmental institutions such as Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia Laboratories, the University of New Mexico, and the Veterans Hospital. CATRON COUNTY Catron County was named for New Mexico s first United States Senator, the famous Santa Fe attorney and political leader Thomas B. Catron. The largest county in the state, Catron County is sparsely populated and has within its borders portions of the Apache, Gila and Cibola National Forests. The main industries in the county are ranching, timber and tourism, and some of the state s best hunting and fishing can be found in Catron County. The county seat is Reserve. Vice President Schuyler Colfax, Jr. (Mar. 23, 1823 Jan. 13, 1885) CHAVES COUNTY Created in 1889 and the fourth largest county in acreage, Chaves County is located in the southeastern quadrant. Roswell is the county seat. Most of the county is at a low elevation and consists of flat terrain to rolling hills. Agriculture, manufacturing and mining (petroleum and natural gas) are the key industries, along with two major state institutions, the New Mexico Military Institute and the Roswell Branch of Eastern New Mexico University. Bottomless Lakes State Park is one of Chaves County s top scenic attractions. CIBOLA COUNTY New Mexico s newest county, Cibola County was named for the Cibola National Forest, part of which lies within its boundaries. Grants, the county seat, hosts an annual winter quadrathalon competition attracting competitors from throughout the United States and several foreign countries. The center of the state s uranium mining and milling industry, the county is also the home of several tourist attractions including the New Mexico Mining Museum at Grants, El Morro National Monument, Bluewater Lake State Park, Mount Taylor, Acoma (Sky City) Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo and the proposed El Malpais National Monument. A branch college of New Mexico State University is also located in Grants. COLFAX COUNTY Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 April 15, 1865) was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination. Created in 1869 out of the northern portion of Mora County. Raton is the county seat. The county was named for Schuyler Colfax, former Vice-President of the United States. Cattle, sheep and lumber constitute the county s main gold and coal producing areas. Artifacts identifying prehistoric Folsom culture were discovered in an arroyo on the eastern edge of Colfax County. NMAC SUMMER

12 the town of Dona Ana who sought to leave the territory conquered by the United States in 1846 by crossing what was then the border into Mexico. EDDY COUNTY Created in 1889 from the southeast portion of Lincoln County. Carlsbad is the county seat. Named for Charles B. Eddy, promoter of irrigation projects in the area, Eddy County produces hay, cotton and alfalfa, among other crops. Ranching and mining also contribute greatly to the economy of the region. Attractions include Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Lincoln National Forest. GRANT COUNTY Established in 1808 to encompass the southwest corner of the state and named for General (later President) Ulysses S. Grant. The Spanish recognized the mineral wealth of the area as early as the eighteenth century, actively mining the copper in Santa Rita. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880 s stimulated a sharp increase in mining activity, which continued well into the twentieth century. Silver City, the county seat, contains several important historic districts, and is the home of Western New Mexico University. GUADALUPE COUNTY CURRY COUNTY Ulysses S. Grant (April 27, 1822 July 23, 1885) was the 18th President of the United States. Established in 1909 and named for George Curry, former Territorial Governor of New Mexico. Cattle raising is one of the major industries. Clovis, the county seat, is an important shipping center on the Santa Fe Railroad. Underground water for irrigation is used to supply thousands of acres of land to produce large crops of wheat, sorghum and other crops. Cannon Air Force Base was reactivated after World War II as a permanent jet fighter base. DE BACA COUNTY Organized in 1917 and named for Ezequiel Cabeza de Baca, former Governor of New Mexico. The economy of the county is based almost wholly on the livestock industry. Some income is generated in the trade services and government sectors. The Pecos River and the Alamogordo Reservoir are popular resort areas. The county seat, Fort Sumner, is the only incorporated town in the county. The town was named after the old fort which housed the military from 1862 to DONA ANA COUNTY Created in 1852, and ranking as the second largest populated county in New Mexico, Dona Ana is one of the seven original counties. Las Cruces is the county seat. Agriculture and population centers are located along the Rio Grande, which traverses the county from the northwest to the southeast corner. Crop production is important to the economy, particularly pecans, cotton, chili and vegetables. Dona Ana County derives substantial economic benefit from federal expenditures associated with the White Sands Missile Range near Las Cruces and New Mexico State University, the second largest university in New Mexico. The town of La Mesilla, located southwest of Las Cruces, was founded by Mexican citizens from Named for the patron saint of Mexico, Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe. The county seat of Guadalupe County is Santa Rosa. Formerly part of San Miguel County, Guadalupe County was established in It is believed that Francisco Vasquez de Coronado crossed the Pecos River in this area on his way east in 1541 in search of the mythical riches of Quivira. While much of the economy depends on the vital transportation routes that cross the county, cattle and sheep ranching maintain their positions as key industries. HARDING COUNTY Created in 1921 from portions of Mora and Union Counties, Mosquero serves as the county seat of Harding County. Named for President Waren G. Harding, Harding County consists of vast plains and mesas bounded on the east by the steep-sided Canadian River. The economy is based largely upon cattle ranching. Harding County counts among its attractions the Kiowa National Grasslands and Chicosa Lake State Park. HIDALGO COUNTY Created in 1919 from the southwest portion of Grant County. Since the mid-nineteenth century Hidalgo County has served as an important eastwest thoroughfare. Lordsburg is the county seat. The Butterfield Stage, Southern Pacific Railroad, and most recently, Interstate Highway 10 have all passed through Hidalgo County. Agriculture, ranching and mining serve as the principal base of the county. LEA COUNTY Formed from parts of Chaves and Eddy Counties in Lovington is the county seat. Named for Captain Joseph C. Lea, founder of New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, Lea County has served as an energy-producing center since the early years of the twentieth century. Oil production, ranching and farming are the major industries. 12 NMAC SUMMER 2011

13 LINCOLN COUNTY Created in 1869 and once encompassing the entire southeast quarter of the state. Carrizozo is the county seat. Named to commemorate the life of President Abraham Lincoln, the county witnessed a turbulent battle in the 1870 s among antagonistic political forces over control of land and resources. Cattle ranching, one of the issues in the conflict, still remains an important activity today. Attractions include Valley of Fires State Park, Lincoln State Monument and the Lincoln National Forest. LOS ALAMOS COUNTY Created in 1949 shortly after World War II from parts of Sandoval and Santa Fe Counties. Los Alamos County rose to state, national and international prominence during the war, when it was selected as the site for the development of the first atomic bomb. Scientific research has continued in Los Alamos under the auspices of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, located in Los Alamos, the county seat. The Laboratory has been designated as a national Historic Landmark, which includes the Los Alamos Historical Museum and Fuller Lodge. LUNA COUNTY Organized in 1901 from parts of Dona Ana and Grant Counties. Like its neighbors to the east and west, Luna County serves as an historic stagecoach, railroad and highway corridor connecting the east and west coast of the United States. Columbus was the object of a raid by Pancho Villa s troops in 1916, during the Mexican Revolution, an incident that has serious international ramifications. Ranching and agriculture dominate the economy. Deming is the county seat. Attractions include Pancho Villa State Park and Rock Hound State Park. QUAY COUNTY Created in 1903, named for Senator Matthew Quay of Pennsylvania, an early advocate of statehood for New Mexico. Tucumcari is the county seat of Quay County. Containing vast tracks of grazing land and irrigated farmland, the economy of Quay County is dominated by ranching and agriculture. Ute Lake State Park serves as a popular recreational attraction. RIO ARRIBA COUNTY Rio Arriba means upper river, the Spanish designation for the region of the upper Rio Grande in New Mexico. The county was one of the seven original counties. Tierra Amarilla, the county seat, is near popular recreation areas, Much of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation is in Rio Arriba. The Brazos, Chama and Rio Grande rivers are important to the county for farming and recreation. Oil and gas are important industries in the county. ROOSEVELT COUNTY Organized in 1903 from parts of Guadalupe and Chaves Counties, and named for President Theodore Roosevelt. The area comprising Roosevelt County was once occupied by prehistoric settlements as early as 9,500 BC. Anglo-American homesteaders began to settle in the region in the late nineteenth century, and these settlements began to expand with the arrival of the railroad in Farming and ranching continue to maintain a prominent position in the economy. Portales is the county seat and home of Eastern New Mexico University. McKINLEY COUNTY Created in 1899 from the western part of Bernalillo County and named for President William McKinley, the county is the location of significant portions of the Navajo and Zuni Reservations. In 1540, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado entered what is now New Mexico near Zuni Pueblo before continuing eastward to the Rio Grande Valley. Principal economic activities include livestock and energy production. Gallup is the county seat of McKinley County. MORA COUNTY Originally established in 1860 to encompass the entire northwest portion of the state. Mora is the county seat. Its boundaries pared down considerably over the years, Mora County is bisected by the Old Santa Fe Trail, which carried Anglo-American traders to New Mexico in the early nineteenth century. Ranching and farming activities dominate the economy. Places of historical interest include Fort Union National Monument and the historic districts of Watrous, Wagon Mound and Mora. OTERO COUNTY Formed out of parts of Dona Ana, Lincoln and Socorro Counties in 1899, and named in honor of Governor Miguel A. Otero. Alamogordo is the county seat. Otero County displays a wide diversity of physical features, ranging from lava flows in the northwest, to the gypsum dunes of the White Sands National Monument, to the pine forests of the Sacramento Mountains. Railroad development around the turn of the century stimulated the lumber industry in these forests. Holoman Air Force Base, White Sands Missile Range and Mescalero Apache Reservation are all located in Otero County. Warren Gamaliel Harding (November 2, 1865 August 2, 1923) was the 29th President of the United States. NMAC SUMMER

14 SAN JUAN COUNTY Created in 1887, partially in response to the desires of the inhabitants of Northwest New Mexico to be free from the domination of political forces in Rio Arriba County, nearly sixty percent of the county is occupied by the Navajo Reservation. Aztec is the county seat. Most of the other settlements are clustered along the San Juan River. Such prehistoric treasures as Chaco Culture National Historical Park and Aztec Ruins National Monument give testimony to the cultures that flourished long before the arrival of the Europeans. While farming and ranching retain great importance, the strip mining of coal has taken over a significant share of the economy in recent years, and natural gas production is a major resource. SAN MIGUEL COUNTY Another of the seven original counties organized in 1850, originally named San Miguel del Vado. Pecos Pueblo attracted the early Franciscan missionaries in the seventeenth century, and the ruins of the pueblo and mission are still visible at Pecos National Monument. With the arrival of the railroad in the 1880 s, Las Vegas, the county seat, developed as the major commercial center for northern New Mexico. San Miguel s major economic activities are ranching, farming, lumber and manufacturing. Among the county s attractions are Storrie Lake and Conchas Lake State Parks, and Santa Fe National Forest. Montezuma Castle, located near Las Vegas, is the home of the Armand Hammer United World College of the American West, dedicated on October 29, San Miguel is also home to New Mexico Highlands University. SANDOVAL COUNTY traversed by countless numbers of explorers, soldiers, settlers, traders and friars making their way to and from Northern New Mexico in the Spanish and Mexican periods. Elephant Butte and Caballo Lake State Parks, both located near Truth or Consequences, the county seat, attract tourists from around the state and around the country and is home to the first commercial spaceport. SOCORRO COUNTY Formed in 1850, Socorro is New Mexico s oldest county. Named for the town of Socorro, the county seat, so called for the aid given by the Piro Indians to Juan de Onate in Socorro served as an important stop in the Camino Real, which joined Santa Fe and Rio Arriba with Chihuahua and Mexico City. In the late nineteenth century and early twentieth centuries, Socorro County enjoyed a mining and cattle boom, giving rise to towns such as Magdalena. Agriculture and ranching still remain important occupations in the economy. The first atomic bomb was tested at the Trinity Site in the southeast corner of the county. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is located at Socorro. TAOS COUNTY Another of the seven original counties. Taos is the county seat. An area of significant agricultural and commercial activity long before the arrival of the Spanish settlers, Taos County has been a center of intensive farming and trading for Indian, Spanish and Anglo elements since the seventeenth century. Taos County was the focus of two revolts, one against the Mexican government in 1837, and the other against the U.S. authorities in Activities in the county include farming, ranching, lumber and mining, as well as tourism. TORRANCE COUNTY Organized out of the northern part of Bernalillo County in A variety of farm crops are grown in considerable quantities. Cattle and sheep are raised in large numbers with beef contributing to the county income. Bernalillo is the county seat. High tech industries, such as Intel and Hewlett Parkard, are prominant in the county. Points of historical interest include Coronado State Monument, Bandelier National Monument and Tent Rock Canyon. SANTA FE COUNTY One of the seven original counties. The county seat, Santa Fe, has served as the capital of New Mexico since its founding in 1610, placing it as the oldest capital city in the United States. Its economic importance was enhanced by its position at the end of the Chihuahua Trail, linking Mexico City with New Mexico, and later as the terminus of the Santa Fe Trail, extending the trade network eastward to Missouri. In addition to the many historic sites in the city of Santa Fe, the county includes several Indian pueblos and such cultural attractions as the Santa Fe Opera and is the third largest art market in the world. SIERRA COUNTY Established in 1884, and carved out of parts of Socorro, Grant and Dona Ana Counties. Bisected by the Rio Grande and the part of the Camino Real known as the Jornada del Muerto ( Journey of the Dead). Sierra County was 14 NMAC SUMMER 2011 William McKinley, Jr. ( ) 25th President of the United States. Established in 1903, and named for Francis J. Torrance, one of the promoters and builders of the New Mexico Central Railroad. The deep fertile soil of Estancia, the county seat, is excellent for farming and some two million acres are devoted to the raising of cattle and sheep. Salinas National Monument, site of mission ruins dating from the early seventeenth century, stands as one of the county s historic landmarks. UNION COUNTY Formed in 1893 from portions of Colfax, Mora and San Miguel Counties. Clayton is the county seat. The Cimarron cutoff of the Santa Fe Trail passes through the center of the county. A significant portion of this trail forms the Rabbit Ears National Historic Landmark. The economy of Union County is dominated by ranching. Attractions include Clayton Lake State Park, Capulin National Monument and Kiowa National Grasslands. VALENCIA COUNTY Southernmost of the seven original counties, established in Located along the Camino Real connecting Santa Fe with Mexico City, Valencia County includes several communities that achieved importance in the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, such as Belen and Los Lunas, the county seat. Agriculture still maintains an important position in the economy of the county.

15 NACO REPORT Important Information from NACo Provided by the National Association of Counties NACO TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES NACo s 76th Annual Conference and Exposition The National Association of Counties 76th Annual Conference and Exposition provides an opportunity for all county leaders and staff to learn, network and guide the direction of the association. The Annual Conference, held each July, is hosted by a member county. This year, the conference will be held in Multnomah County, (Portland) Oregon. The Annual Conference provides county officials with a great opportunity to vote on NACo s policies related to federal legislation and regulation; elect officers; network with colleagues; learn about innovative county programs; find out about issues impacting counties across the country; and view products and services from participating companies and exhibitors. If you have knowledge or an interest in a certain issue area or concerns about the effects of federal legislation on your county, then you should become a member of a NACo Steering Committee. The steering committees enable county officials from member NEW MEXICO CONNECTION Intergovernmental Update counties to become actively involved in NACo s policy process. Steering committees annually review and make recommendations on issues and legislation. The policy development process initiated by the steering committees leads to the publication of the American County Platform, which NACo uses as a guide to deliver the county government message to the Administration, Congress and the American public. NMAC receives steering committee nomination forms from NACo in the spring. If you are interested, please fill out and submit a nomination form, available at joincommittee to Nita Taylor at ntaylor@ nmcounties.org by June 27th. NACo makes every effort to accommodate the nominee s first choice of steering committee assignments. Committee appointees serve on a committee for one year and cannot transfer membership to another committee, or serve on more than one steering committee, during that year. By Joy Esparsen 2nd Annual Wildland Urban Interface Summit is at Your Back Door? Are You Ready? was the theme of the 2nd Annual Wildland Fire Urban Interface Summit. More than 140 participants attended the Summit, held March 23rd -24th in Ruidoso. The event was cosponsored by the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Forestry, New Mexico State Land Office and New Mexico Association of Counties. On Wednesday morning, US Forest Service Deputy Regional Forester Faye Kruger, Bureau of Land Management Southwest Regional Director Linda Rundell, State Forester Tony Delfin, Mayor of Ruidoso Ray Alborn and New Mexico Association of Counties Executive Director Paul Gutierrez welcomed the participants and United State Senator Jeff Bingaman provided opening remarks. Jon A. Skinner, National Lead for Mitigation, Education & Trespass, BLM- National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) served as the keynote speaker. During the afternoon, participants attended a field trip to view fuel reduction and watershed protection projects in the Lincoln National Forest. Thursday s agenda included workshop tracts designed for Community Involvement, Incident Response and Local Leadership. During the Closing Session, Catron County and Catron County Fire Marshal Zina McGuire were recognized with the Community Award for outstanding work on fire preparedness and prevention. The Summit provided an opportunity for New Mexico s community members, fire specialists, and local government leaders to discuss state-wide efforts to reduce the risk of wildfire, said NMAC Executive Director Paul Gutierrez. Coverage of the event was featured on Channel 4. Webinars for County Members NACo offers its members various educational and training opportunities to support county officials in their efforts to manage rapid change and prepare counties for new responsibilities. Newly Elected Officials and New Members: Learn How You can Save Money and Time through Exclusive NACo Programs Wednesday, June 29, :00 PM - 3:15 PM Eastern Time Your NACo membership includes a multitude of free exclusive membership benefit programs and resources. Find out how easy it is to take advantage of money and time saving benefits so that you can provide tough times solutions directly to your county and its residents. Let s Move Initiative: Learn How Your County can Join Thursday, June 30, :00 PM - 3:15 PM Eastern Time Find out how your county can participate in First Lady Michelle Obama s Let s Move Initiative. Joining Let s Move will assist your county s existing health promotion strategies or help expand local efforts to promote active living and healthy eating. You ll hear how your county can formally join the initiative and learn about program and policy options to promote healthy counties. For more information on any of these NACo training opportunities, please visit org and click under Conferences and Events for the Webinars and Seminars link. NMAC SUMMER

16 WORKERS COMPENSATION POOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2011 Julie Baca Dpty. County Mgr. of Comm. Svcs. Bernalillo County Chair Scott Krahling Doña Ana County Vice Chair & NMAC Representative Gloria Jean Chavez Finance-Safety Officer Guadalupe County Secretary/Treasurer Anne Behl Director of HR/Risk Management Lea County Lance Pyle Manager Curry County Barbara Shaw Chief Deputy Clerk Harding County EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Sarah Merklein NMAC President Catron County Treasurer Dan Bryant Attorney Otero County NMAC Attorney s Affiliate Representative 16 NMAC SUMMER 2011 COUNTY FOCUS Risk Management Update By Jenny Rabinowitz Suicide Prevention in Detention Facilities We take this opportunity to speak with Lindsay Hayes of the National Center on Institutions and Alternatives (NCIA) on the problem of suicide in detention facilities. Mr. Hayes is nationally recognized as an expert in the field of suicide prevention within jails, prisons and juvenile facilities and has conducted the five national studies of jail, prison, and juvenile suicide through contracts with the U.S. Justice Department; he is a suicide prevention consultant to the U.S. Justice Department s Civil Rights Division (Special Litigation Section). For over twenty years he served as editor/project director of the Jail Suicide/Mental Health Update, a quarterly newsletter devoted to research, training, prevention, and litigation that was funded by the U.S. Justice Department and is a consulting editor and editorial board member of Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, the official scientific journal of the American Association of Suicidology. In 2001 he received the National Commission on Correctional Health Care s Award of Excellence for outstanding contribution in the field of suicide prevention in correctional facilities. Mr. Hayes holds as Master of Science degree in the Administration of Justice from The American University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Ithaca College. What are common misperceptions about jail suicide? The most common misconception is that suicides are not preventable, that if an inmate chooses to kill him or herself there is nothing we can do about it. As reduced suicide rates in county jails throughout the country clearly demonstrate, this is not true. While all suicides are not preventable, many of them are. Jurisdictions which remain vigilant in their prevention efforts see reductions in the number of suicides in detention. What are challenges to reducing jail suicide? The two main impediments to suicide prevention in jails are attitude and complacency. Decision makers within a correctional agency, who are resistant to actively addressing suicide, can thwart prevention efforts. Complacency can be just as dangerous and usually occurs when an agency, without exerting much effort in prevention, goes through a period of time without any inmate suicides or serious suicide attempts; thus may falsely believing they are immune from the problem. What are the signs of a suicidal inmate, and how should staff respond? There are many signs and symptoms to suicidal behavior, including the most obvious one of talking about or threatening suicide or making statements that are death-related (e.g., I ve had it. I can t take it anymore ). Other signs and symptoms include depression; severe agitation and/or anxiety; helplessness and/or hopelessness; paranoid delusions or hallucinations; strong guilt and/or shame over offense; intoxication and/or withdrawal; previous history of suicidal and/or self-injurious behavior; and history of mental illness. It is also extremely important to remember that we should not rely exclusively on the direct statements of inmates who deny that they are suicidal and/or have a prior history of suicidal behavior, particularly when his or her behavior, actions and/or history suggest otherwise. Often, despite an inmate s denial of suicidal ideation, their behavior, actions, and/ or history speak louder than their words. What are the top 5 suicide prevention measures in a jail setting? The top five suicide prevention measures, in no particular order of importance because they are all critical to prevention, include: 1) pro-active administration that maintains a zero tolerance for inmate suicides; 2) professional, well trained, and caring staff; 3) adequate practices that mirror a reasonable suicide prevention policy; 4) adequate medical/mental health staffing resources; and 5) adequate number of suicide-resistant cells designated to house suicidal inmates. How effective is suicide prevention training in a jail or prison setting? Having conducted suicide prevention training for over 30 years, Mr. Hayes admits to being a bit biased, but I truly believe training is the backbone of any prevention program. An agency cannot prevent a problem if staff has not received sufficient on-going training. In addition, training cannot be limited to correctional staff, but also should be mandated for both medical and mental health personnel. A significant explanation for the reduction in the rate of jail suicides throughout the country has been the dedication to suicide prevention training. Basic training in mental health issues is extremely important to the management of inmate behavior. The training should provide instruction on good communication skills, crisis intervention techniques, and other intervention skills meant to deescalate behavior. Story continues on page 17

17 COUNTY FOCUS Story continued from page 16 What accounts for the decline in jail suicide rates nationally? There are many reasons that the suicide rate in county jails has decreased, including a more consistent offering of suicide prevention training to staff, more in-depth probing of suicide risk factors during intake screening, better suicide prevention practices, and the continuing threat of liability. Most importantly, detention facilities have greatly increased their understanding and awareness of the issue. That awareness if is much greater today than it was 20 years ago. The National Study of Jail Suicide: 20 Years Later report that was developed for the U.S. Justice Department s National Institute of Corrections in May 2010 found several changing dynamics to jail suicides, including the fact that suicides no longer are more likely to occur within the first 24 hours of confinement; therefore victims are not necessarily intoxicated upon their deaths. In addition, many CELEBRATING COUNTIES County Achievements suicides occur in close proximity to court hearings, as well as telephone calls and/or visits from family members. Finally, although most jails self-reported the existance of a written suicide prevention policy at the time of the inmate suicide, most of the policies were found to be inadequate and not reflective of comprehensive procedures in the identification, management, and stabilization of suicidal inmates. How does NM rank within this trends and patterns? Our most recent research study did not focus on state-by-state trends, however Mr. Hayes states that, having spent time in New Mexico, and consulting with the New Mexico Association of Counties on a few occasions, he does not know of another county association whose risk management entity is more devoted to the issue of jail suicide prevention. He is hopeful that member counties continue to take advantage of training resources and technical assistance. By Jenny Rabinowitz Taos County Andrew Chavez Participates in Leadership Institute Taos County Andrew Chavez was selected to participate in the eighth annual County Leadership Institute, a rigorous 4-day program offered in Washington, D.C., through the National Association of Counties and Cambridge Leadership Associates. Mr. Chavez was nominated for the competitive selection process by the New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC), of which Taos County is a member. He is one of twenty-two county leaders nationwide to be admitted to the program. We are delighted that Chavez will be part of this year s County Leadership Institute program, said Paul Gutierrez, NMAC Executive Director. It speaks volumes to Andrew s credentials and abilities. Both Taos County and the State of New Mexico will benefit from Chavez s participation in this challenging program. NMAC Vice President and Taos County Andrew Chavez The County Leadership Institute program addresses the challenges and potential of local elected officials to forge positive, sustained change in their communities. The curriculum, which was jointly developed by Harvard University s Kennedy School of Government and New York University s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Policy, emphasizes the application of adaptive leadership as a strategy for addressing challenging issues in public service. The goal of the program is to promote innovative approaches to governance and to enhance skills in creative thinking, team building, and communications. According to Andrew Chavez, Taos County is a diverse county with many needs. The County Leadership Institute is an opportunity to improve my ability to identify and prioritize the needs of my county, as well as how others have used collaboration to meet those priorities. MULTI-LINE POOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Vacant Chair Vacant Bernalillo County Nicklos Jaramillo Taos County Vice Chair & NMAC Rep Wendell Bostwick Curry County Scott Krahling Doña Ana County Ron Lethgo Assessor Chaves County Orlando Lucero Sandoval County Jon Paul Saari Manager Grant County EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Sarah Merklein NMAC President Catron County Treasurer Doug Decker Attorney McKinley County Attorneys Affiliate Representative Patrick Snedeker Warden/Detention Administrator San Miguel County LEDAC Chair NMAC SUMMER

18 LAW ENFORCEMENT & DETENTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Patrick Snedeker Warden/Detention Administrator San Miguel County Chair & Multi-Line Representative Matt Murray Sheriff Curry County Vice Chair & NMAC Rep IN YOUR COUNTY Loss Prevention Update Counties Selected to Participate in Pilot Juvenile Detention Training Program Chaves, Curry, Eddy, Lea and Quay Counties have been selected to receive professional development training for their juvenile detention facilities through a pilot Juvenile Justice Training Institute program funded by the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee ( JJAC) and the New Mexico Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD). The pilot will provide three full days of training to all county employees who have contact with juveniles in the pilot detention facility. The training topics being covered are By Grace Philips adolescent development, juvenile rights, and ethics in juvenile operations. The training is being provided by AMIKids, a national organization with over 40 years of experience and dedication to reducing juvenile recidivism. AMIkids has extensive experience in training, development and direct services to youth, families and communities using their proven model for success called the Personal Growth Model (PGM). Juvenile probation officers and children s court judges will also be invited to participate in the training. Todd J. Garrison Sheriff At Large Vacant North Sheriff Chris Barela Adult/Juvenile Detention Director Doña Ana County Shaun Funk Deputy Warden Eddy County Johna Gonzales Juvenile Detention Director McKinley County Johnny Valdez Sheriff Cibola County D. Kent Waller Chief Deputy Eddy County Derek Williams Adult Detention Warden Valencia County EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Sal Baragiola Bernalillo County Undersheriff Sarah Merklein NMAC President Catron County Treasurer 18 NMAC SUMMER 2011 ON THE HILL Federal Update Efforts to Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act (SRS) was signed into law in 2000, to replace lost revenues to counties and schools because of dramatically reduced timber harvests on federal lands. The original authorization provided six years of funding, and in 2007 Congress extended SRS for one year. In 2008, the 110th Congress reauthorized the program for a four-year period to last from 2008 through The current act expires on Sept. 30, 2011, and the final 2011 payments will be distributed in January Historically, rural communities and schools relied upon a share of timber receipts to supplement local funding for education services and roads. Since its passage, funding from SRS has allowed counties to continue to provide vitally important public services such as Provided by the National Association of Counties health care, search and rescue operations and maintenance of roads and bridges. The impact of Secure Rural Schools also goes beyond counties and schools. It helps protect vulnerable national forests through enhancement projects and wildfire protection efforts and provides thousands of jobs in the 41 states that receive funding under the legislation. NACo and the Partnership for Rural America Campaign are advocating for a 10 year reauthorization of SRS at the FY 2008 funding level. The organizations said the president s budget is a good starting point for further conversations that representatives of rural America must have with the administration and Congress about the future of rural, forested communities.