33 years as our State Senator, currently longest serving legislator
By Sally Hoger
Senator Pete Campos met with a small group of city and county officials and other
interested persons at MCMC on Monday. Bo Beames, CEO introduced the Dr. Campos,
noting his significant contribution to two funding bills that have allowed smaller hospitals
to stay solvent with further state subsidies to come.
The senator stressed important issues for District 8 including maintaining infrastructure:
retention and distribution of water, mitigating effects of fire damage, especially around
Mora but Raton is included. He also has a strong commitment to innovation in health
and public safety and education and job training. He recently sponsored a bill creating a
permanent revenue stream to provide ambulances, equipment and salaries for health
and fire first responders. He said jobs in ranching and agriculture are different jobs than
they were a generation ago and supports training programs in these areas.
Everyone had the opportunity to make comments and ask questions. Jason Phillips,
Sanitation and Public Works Director, expressed the need for equipment and road
maintenance. Sheriff Baca spoke about the challenges of serving such a large
geographical area; the need to maintain vehicles and recruit personnel at competitive
salaries. Barbara Duran, Human Resources Director at MCMC voiced similar concerns
with recruiting doctors, nurses, and other professionals to the area. Lack of housing and
industry for a potential candidate’s spouse continue to be problematic. Rayetta Trujillo
and Sara Torres from the County Clerk’s Office were grateful for Sen. Campos’ visit and
the safety glass installed in the voting area.
Dr. Campos concluded with saying how important workers are at all levels and to
remind us to give compliments and send an uplifting message when we can.
as City Manager Rick Mestas (left) looks on.
