I am excited to run for a second term for County Commissioner District One. Through hard work, an open door policy, many public meetings and allowing the residents of Grant County to have a voice we have accomplished a lot. I know that if elected to a second term we could be on track to complete the many projects that we have started.

I pledge to keep advocating for our forest roads to remain open to the public so we all can have access and a right to our beautiful forest. The vigorous effort for the protection of our water and the improvement of our infrastructure to foresee that there will be water for years to come will always be a top priority of mine.

During my first term as a Commissioner we have balanced the budget; this was a promise I made if elected and we have completed all necessary audits abiding by state regulations, we are now in compliance and I will continue this practice if re-elected.

I have been instrumental in starting three important working groups: The Southwest County Commissioners Alliance which includes Grant, Luna, Sierra, Catron and Hidalgo Counties. Having this alliance of Commissioners gives us the opportunity to share information that affects this corner of the state. We have built strength in numbers which has given us a bigger voice in Santa Fe and with the Governor's staff.

The Eco Watershed Group, which is comprised of nine members with very different and diverse backgrounds from Government entities to different conservation representatives, is the second working group. The mission of this group is to investigate the needs and opportunities related to watershed management. The protection of citizens, for life and property, and high risk from wildfires and related floods are top priorities. I implemented efforts to keep the public informed with public forums, printed materials and other means necessary.

The third group is the Grant County Parks and Recreation Committee. This will enable us to create ways to improve youth programs, to explore other opportunities for the use of county facilities, to help all our residents.

I have extensive Civil and Public Service experience. I served in the New Mexico National Guard from 1987 through 1994. The experience in serving my country has afforded me the leadership qualities that I use every day in my business and in governing the county. I served as County Clerk being elected in 1996 and again in 2000. In 2004, I was elected to the Hurley Town Council and served two years of a four-year term as Mayor Pro-Temp. I served on the Cobre School Board from 2005 through 2007. With this experience I know I am the most qualified and knowledgeable candidate.
I am a life-long resident, born in Silver City and raised in Hurley.

I graduated from Cobre High School, earned a Bachelor's degree in Business with an emphasis in Public Administration from WNMU. My wife Patricia and I have been partners in several businesses in Grant County. Being married to Patricia for nineteen years has been a blessing and we are the proud parents of our two children Erika and James. I am the son of David and Rosemary Ramos of Hurley N.M.

My many activities include hunting, fishing and most importantly spending time with family and friends. I have been very involved in coaching multiple youth sports in the community, and I will always be available to serve the residents of Grant County.

The next four years will be challenging ones. As a Commission we have to be very creative to bring in new businesses for jobs and grow our economy. Every year has been more difficult to qualify for State and Federal funds to meet many of our county needs. Senator Morales and Representatives Martinez and Hamilton have been very generous and have championed our cause and I thank them.

The County will have to be innovative and needs someone with strong fiscal experience to make common sense changes to the budget to keep funding the programs that we provide to our residents. I have these qualities.

I thank you for your consideration and appreciate your Vote!
Gabriel Ramos