Alamogordo Democrats Hold Public Land Rally

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Members of the Alamogordo, New Mexico, local Democrats held a Public Land Rally at the corner of 10th and White Sands Boulevard on Sunday, October 30, 2016 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. They were energized by the horns honked and people with "thumbs up" as they drove by.

Only one negative incident when a man in a large red pick-up truck drove by; turned and drove around the block and when he got to the corner again, revved his engine and blew horrible black smoke all over a couple of our people standing there with signs. This was just mean and tells a lot about that person!

Thanks to Chris Jones for spearheading this gathering. There were only nine people attending and carrying signs, but it only takes one person to make a difference in this world.

Helen Harding is always so enthusiastic

Chris Jones

Jeff Swanson

Nadia Sikes and Linda Barker

Henrietta Stockel

Carla Kerr (Thanks to Henrietta for taking this shot.)

Paul Duran and Joan Price were also present helping out, but I failed to get a picture of either of them. It was a good two hours and well worth our time and efforts to make people aware of how important it is to stand up for and protect our public lands.

This is all I have to say for now.

Democratic Party of Otero County, New Mexico Holds Convention

February 20, 2016

A number of Democrats met at the First Presbyterian Church in Alamogordo, New Mexico for the Democratic Party of Otero County (DPOC) Convention to select delegates to attend the New Mexico State Democratic Pre-Primary Convention in Albuquerque on March 12, 2016.

Several people came from around the state including Mariaelena Johnson from Chaparral who checked everyone in and ascertained their voting eligibility. Also, Eric Spitty came to represent the Mescalero community. Neomi Martinez-Parra, Secretary of the State of New Mexico Democratic Party drove all the way from Lordsburg, New Mexico. Patsy Duran and her brother, Paul Duran, were here from Tularosa, New Mexico. Stephen Jones, representative of the State Central Committee from CD2/Photographer came from Las Cruces, New Mexico. Stephanie DuBois, a representative of the State Central Committee from CD2/also running for the post of Otero County Clerk and her father, Doc DuBois were here from Tularosa, New Mexico.

The venue was lovely and Judy Pingel, DPOC Treasurer, rushed around in the well appointed kitchen at the church and created some delicious food for everyone.

Nadia Sikes, Chair of DPOC conducted the meeting with Stephen Jones explaining how the delegates are selected and what happens at the Pre-Primary Convention in Albuquerque. Other speakers were Mariaelena Johnson and Neomi Martinez-Parra. Denise Lang spoke of her decision to run for Democratic Representative from Otero County and Stephanie DuBoise talked of her decision to run for Otero County Clerk. Jeff Swanson gave a report from the Financial Committee of the State Democratic Party telling us how thankful he is that the debt they inherited is almost paid.

Eric Spitty from the Mescalero Community

L to R: Judy Pingel with her back to us, Patsy Duran and her brother Paul Duran

L to R: Kenna Stormogipson, Bill Wheatley, Carla Kerr, Linda Barker, Tina, AJ and unknown man

94 Year-old Doc DuBois, our favorite WWII Veteran and loyal Democrat

Carla and Donna Swanson

L to R: Ken, Eric and Denise Lang

Neomi Martinez-Parra talking with Nadia Sikes, DPOC Chair

Nadia

Stephen Jones

Mariaelena Johnson

Denise Lang

Stephanie DuBois

Jeff Swanson

Neomi Martinez-Parra

Doug and I are now delegates to the Pre-Primary State Convention in Albuquerque that takes place on March 12, 2016 and we are excited. Thanks so much to Judy Pingel for the tasty food and all her hard work and preparation. Thanks to Douglas A. Kerr, Photography for the great photos.

This is all I have to say for now.

Soules Challenging Pearce for U.S. House Seat

January 24, 2016 Alamogordo, New Mexico

The Democratic Party of Otero County welcomed Merrie Lee Soules, candidate for New Mexico's Second District in the U.S. House of Representatives, at Margo's Restaurant.

Merrie Lee gave some information about herself which shows her to be definitely ready and able to assume this position as Congresswoman for NM District 2.

She received her Electrical Engineering degree from Cleveland State University going on from there to receive her Master's in Business Administration from Harvard University. She worked at General Motors for over 20 years in executive positions of Chief Engineer, Director of Public Planning, Global Pricing Director, and Reliability and Quality Assurance Manager. Merrie Lee said that her experience at GM included leading global initiatives valued at hundreds of millions of dollars. She retired in 2007, returned to Las Cruces and worked part time at the White Sands Missile Range as a contractor. She participated in the El Paso Electric Public Advisory Process after losing her race for the Public Regulation Commission in 2014 by only 128 votes.

Merrie Lee said, "I am running for Congress to restore trust, accountability and public access to government for every person living in Southern New Mexico" adding, "that an increase in economic inequality and an overall weakening of our democracy also prompted her decision to run."

"Voter turnout in New Mexico has been near the bottom. This fact is most urgent--most important" she said. "People confide in me that their government has sold them out, turned their backs on them, and that their vote doesn't count. I can change this."

Merrie Lee says she knows it will be hard work, noting the congressional district's massive size. It is the largest district in New Mexico and the second largest district in the U.S. excluding districts which are an entire state. She says, "I want to be in every part of the district. I'm going to go early. I'm going to go often and I'm going to connect with the people."

Merrie Lee Soules is the sister of State Sen. Bill Soules, D-Las Cruces.

Merrie Lee Soules asking for your vote

Nadia Sikes, Chair of the Democratic Party of Otero County

Jeff Swanson talking with Merrie Lee's Campaign Treasurer Mary Ann Hendrikson after he recognized that he had served with her in the military in Omaha, Nebraska

Nadia and Merrie Lee exchanging ideas

Some Otero Democrats with Merrie Lee

There were about 40 people in attendance

Another shot of Mary Ann, campaign treasurer

If you are tired of the lackadaisical representation by Pearce, Merrie Lee Soules is well educated and a person of integrity and grit. She will get things done for the people in Southern New Mexico.  Give her some serious thought and vote for her for a better future. You will be seeing Merrie Lee all around Southern New Mexico so watch for her.

This is all I have to say for now.