Administration official wants to hear more about the issues facing rural New Mexicans

(January 3, 2013 Albuquerque, NM) USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner announced today he will continue his effort to listen to the public about issues affecting those living in rural New Mexico.  The meetings will be held on Tuesday January 8th in Pie Town and on Friday January 11th in Lordsburg and Hatch. 

These meetings are an extension of the Obama Administration’s interest in hearing about the challenges faced by those living in rural America. The President created the Rural Council by executive order to identify those issues which will allow the administration to create a better rural strategy.

The informal meeting hosted by Brunner is called, “Give your two cents to Terry”. Since becoming appointed by President Obama to the position of USDA State Director for Rural Development three years ago, Brunner found many of the face-to-face conversations he had with citizens began with someone saying, “Let me give you my two cents.” From those conversations Brunner has learned about the various issues facing rural New Mexico.

Brunner is hoping that he will expand his knowledge about the challenges that rural New Mexicans face in areas including; housing, clean water, the creation of jobs, and the expansion of broadband and electrical service.

Any member of a community, its local government leaders, business leaders and directors of non-profit organizations are invited to meet with the State Director to express their ideas in this informal setting.
   
What?   Terry Brunner, USDA Rural Development State Director will conduct four informal meetings called “Give your two cents to Terry” on the following dates:

When?
Tuesday January 8, 2013
Time: 12:00 Noon
Where:  Pie Town, NM
Location: The "Good Pie" Café" US Hwy 60, Mile Marker 56, Pie Town, NM

Friday January 11, 2013
Time: 9:00 AM
Where:  Lordsburg, NM
Location:  209 Southern Pacific Blvd, Lordsburg, NM 88045

Time: 12:00 Noon
Where:  Hatch, NM
Location: Sparky’s Restaurant 115 Franklin Street, Hatch, NM 87937

Contact: For information on this advisory contact Ernie Watson, USDA Rural Development, Public Affairs Specialist during business hours at 505-761-4951 or at ernie.watson@nm.usda.gov