Bond D will have positive impact

As presidents of Clovis Community College and Eastern New Mexico University, we want to outline the benefits of General Obligation Bond D in the Nov. 2 General Election, and why it makes sense to the citizens of Curry and Roosevelt counties.

The cost of Bond D is very reasonable. The owner of a $100,000 assessed home will pay $9.98 per year — less than $1 per month.

First and foremost, the students of our state need a good system of higher education if they are to compete successfully with the students from other states. A good system requires good facilities, and Bond D would provide funding to renovate the aging and dated buildings of our campuses.

If Bond D passes in the Nov. 2 General Election, higher education in Curry and Roosevelt counties will receive $8 million.

Clovis Community College will receive $1 million for renovation of classrooms and computer rooms in Phase 6 of campus renovation.

Eastern New Mexico University will receive $7 million to replace roofs and heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems, repair streets and sidewalks, replace underground piping to conserve water, and provide funds for other important infrastructure projects.

Among the other institutions in New Mexico that will benefit from Bond D is the University of New Mexico Carrie Tingley Children’s Hospital, which will receive $12 million to renovate its facilities.

Bond projects have a positive impact on local economies as the money spent recycles several times, and the construction projects create jobs. Construction workers eat, shop and stay in the communities, and construction companies buy materials from local vendors.

This influx of business puts gross receipt dollars into local coffers. Those who do not have a direct stake in higher education in Curry and Roosevelt counties still benefit from the shot in the arm to local economies.

Campus improvements and expansions also help CCC and ENMU remain competitive with other New Mexico and Texas schools. This contributes to enrollment growth in both institutions and better educational opportunities for the people of our region.

Keeping higher education institutions in Curry and Roosevelt counties competitive encourages more area graduating high school seniors to remain in eastern New Mexico to attend college — and they often stay to pursue careers and further contribute to the vitality of the area.

With a larger tax base, tax rates can be kept lower while such community assets as streets and public schools can be improved.

With absentee voting and early voting under way, please send a message that Curry and Roosevelt counties take a back seat to no one when it comes to supporting higher education.

Thank you for helping us support the future of our area and New Mexico.