Editor's Note: This is part 1 of a multi-part series. This article covers the comments made by the legislators. 

By Mary Alice Murphy

Terry Anderson, Prospectors president, welcomed the legislators and the audience. "I would like to give a brief overview of our history. The Prospectors started in the early 1980s." She read the group's purpose, which is to promote the priorities of communities and the county at each legislative session.

"I would like to ask all the legislators to speak before we begin the presentations," Anderson said. "I want to ask Rep. (Rodolpho) Rudy Martinez to speak first."

"I would like to thank the Prospectors for this annual forum," Martinez said. "It is a great tool I used frequently. The job the Prospectors do is unbelievable. Their reception is on of the best attended in Santa Fe each year. It has been a pleasure working with you and I will continue working with you. Senator (Howie) Morales, it will be a challenge for you, but bless you, and I wish you the best."

Rep. Dianne Hamilton said: "This legislative session will be a historic one. It's the first time since 1952 that Republicans have been in the majority in the House. I don't know where my office will be or what committees I will serve on, but you are always welcome to come visit us in Santa Fe. I support and am still pushing a bill for a PTSD program. Don't hesitate to call me."

Sen. Howie Morales said: "It's hard to believe that it's nine years I've been a part of this forum. This gives us your needs and your (Prospectors) notebooks are amazing. Every year, it's hard for our capital outlay to be vetoed because we have our Ts crossed and our Is dotted. I have pushed for all the area entities to have their audits done, and you have come through with them. I applaud you.

I also want to thank Dr. (Joseph) Shepard (Western New Mexico University president) for letting us use Light Hall for this forum. I was here recently with my daughter to see "Frozen." What a great venue.

"This will be a 60-day session, which means it is not just a budget session, but everything is on the table," Morales continued. "There will still be a budget bill, but things have changed with the drop in oil prices. We were looking at a surplus of $260 million, but now it will be more like $100 million, so this is still very much a budget session.

"We will be asking for input from you on the hold harmless issue," he said. "I know the Municipal League is pushing for a food tax. Please help me with your information.

He said he would still have the same focus on education, senior citizens, veterans and the disabled. "I sit on the Finance Committee and am often in meetings, but if the issue is about something local, I will try to be there for the vote."

Morales noted the need to find ways in the area to diversify from mining and ranching.

Rep. Don Tripp has been selected as the Speaker of the House, Morales said. "He is one of my best friends. We will work together. The people we are representing are the most important and you have my commitment."

Representative-elect John Zimmerman spoke: "I am humbled and honored to be here. I look forward to serving Grant County, Sierra County and Doña Ana County. I have family here, with my daughter here in Silver City, and my son's wife is from Bayard."

"I care what happens in Grant County, Sierra County and Doña Ana County and in all of New Mexico," he said.

"Why did I run? There are no jobs here," Zimmerman said. "We need to grow the economy. What are the causes? One of the causes is that we don't have a true two-party system in New Mexico. It's not about Republicans and Democrats, but we need a two-party system. We need the balance.

"How will we spawn economic development in New Mexico?" he continued. "We have to embrace change. That's my vision.

"What can I expect? I don't know," he said. "We had a caucus meeting in November, and the atmosphere was positive. I'm looking forward to reaching across the aisle. I intend to do that. I intend to work with you, Sen. Morales. Yes, there will be disagreements, but we have to remember first and foremost that we are Americans.

"I spent 42 years in the Navy," Zimmerman said. "We are Americans first and New Mexicans second. I will give 150 percent.

He noted that Grant County holds this forum. Sierra County also holds a forum, which will be held Thursday. Doña Ana County can't get a forum together, he said.

"Unity is how we get things done," Zimmerman concluded. "I will work with you and look at the needs of all of Grant County, all of Sierra County and all of Doña Ana County."

The next article will cover at least some, if not all, the local government presentations.

Note: All these articles are and will be taken directly from the transcripts this writer is paid by Prospectors each year for them to put into the legislators' notebooks for their use during the legislative session and throughout the year. The only difference is formatting.