'Observe the true potential' here at home

My name is Augustine Montoya and I am a Democrat running for Torrance County Commission District 3. As I write this letter to the editor I am inspired by the courage, energy and sense of community we the citizens of Torrance County have shown through these challenging and turbulent times. If COVID-19 has shown us anything, it is that we here in Torrance County know how to care for one another and protect each other.

Torrance County is my home; it is the place where I was born and raised, additionally, I hope to do the same with my children. My family has been a part of the Mountain communities for centuries, and hopefully more to come. I’ve observed opportunities in economy; education, environment and so much more flee the county. In being a part of a small, family owned business I know what it means to work from sun up to sun down as an everyday person. Did you know, that in Torrance County we are experiencing a “36.4%” poverty rate amongst our children 0-17 years old (NM-IBIS, 2017)? That is over one-third (1/3) of our kids within the community!

It is time for our leaders to observe the true potential we have right here at home. As your County Commissioner I am committed to working with every school district in Torrance County to find new and innovative forms of revenue to provide more after-school, art, drama, music, S.T.E.M, and other programs to our students. The County Commission has worked to bring previous programs into fruition regarding economic development, and I would like to build upon these programs with your help and input. I am running to protect our water, a sacred finite resource; diversify and build our economy; innovate upon our student’s education; maintaining and improving our services and overall protecting and serving our communities here in Torrance County.

I hope that you will stand with me in this fight to achieve the vision we as a community have for the future of our county and families. VOTE June 2, 2020.

Augustine Montoya , Tajique