From left are Bruce Ashburn, Chamber board member and State Treasurer Tim Eichenberg

By Margaret Hopper

State Treasurer Tim Eichenberg spoke at the November 3 Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting held at Western New Mexico University on Thursday. His many credentials include being a county treasurer, past state senator, state property tax director, appraiser, Realtor and numerous other positions. Recalling past experiences in Grant County and times he and Raul Turietta agreed and disagreed, Eichenberg said he was able to relate to the needs of rural counties and their financial conditions.

He quickly got down to the business of saying where State finances were, and why some changes must be made. New Mexico, despite its gas, oil, and mining resources, is running deficit numbers every month; $58 million out of pocket. The legislature caught the budget up with $130 million to finish out the last fiscal year, which ended June 30. Another $75 million will go to this present yearG