I'm going to share information and ideas on several topics this week. I'll try to be brief with each topic. So please, don't fall asleep until you get to the very end of this article.

Dr. Joe Shepard – I hope all of you are aware that Dr. Shepard is the president at Western New Mexico University. Tuesday of last week I attended a portion of the Regents meeting at our local university. One item on the agenda was Dr. Shepard's contract. It was great to see several members of our community stand at the podium to tell their positive stories about Dr. Shepard. Time and time again, each person spoke of the changes that have been made at the university, the changes between the relationship of the institution and the community, and the vision that Dr. Shepard has for our area. Some folks are hesitant to embrace change, but the changes that have been implemented at the university since the hiring of Dr. Shepard have been extremely positive for the university... and our community. Thank you Joe!

Speaking of the university, they could use funding for capital improvement projects on campus. On the November 4 ballot there are three issues for General Obligation Bonds. Bond Issue A, if approved, will authorize the state to issue bonds not to exceed a total of $17,000,000 to construct, improve and equip senior citizen centers in our State. Bond Issue B, if approved, will authorize the state to issue bonds not to exceed a total of $11,000,000 to help fund needs at academic, public school, tribal and public libraries across New Mexico. Of this, there is a projected distribution of $116,839 to Grant County libraries (WNMU, Bayard, Gila Valley and SC Public Library). The last is Bond Issue C, if approved; the state will be authorized to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $141,000,000 to make capital expenditures for certain higher education, special schools and tribal schools. Western New Mexico University is projected to receive $6,000,000. The Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce has endorsed the passage of all three bond issues. We encourage you to vote for all three bond issues.

When it comes to voting, I went to the Grant County Administration Building and participated in early voting. There was no waiting since there were no lines. It was quick and easy, and it's a great way to cast your vote if you are uncertain if you will be able to go to the polls on November 4. Take your picture id and vote today! But please, don't try to vote a second time on November 4.

Also, due to the General Obligations Bonds and Constitutional Amendments that are on the ballot, learn about those items before you go to vote. If you try to read all the bond issues and amendments while placing your vote, you will be there for a while. This newspaper, in print and on-line, has the information listed for you. Please, for those people behind you waiting to vote and so that you will be an informed voter; learn about the issues before Election Day.

As a business owner or manager, is it important that your employees know about ballot issues or candidates that may have a positive or negative influence on the future of their jobs and the business they are employed by?

Personally, I believe it is a smart businessperson who stays informed about local, regional, state and federal issues that could potentially effect their business. In turn, that same businessperson should share that information with their employees, customers, clients and even their suppliers. I'm not saying that the business owner/manager should tell their employees they absolutely should vote for a particular candidate or vote for a certain ballot issue. However, I believe it is good to share information with your employees, so they can make an educated decision when they go to the polls to vote.

As an effective business leader, some employees may ask you what your preference is when it comes to candidates or issues. Frankly, if you want to share how you plan to vote, that's up to you.

Each Friday, I distribute an on-line Chamber of Commerce newsletter. It gives readers lots of information about upcoming events through-out our area, as well as general news about the Chamber of Commerce and our members. It's free. Send me an email (sterry@silvercity.org) asking me to add your name and address to the database. We present serve over 900 area email addresses.

Alright, stick a fork in me because I'm done for this week. I hope the weather stays nice and you have a great weekend.