Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
As presidents of Clovis Community College and Eastern New Mexico University, we want to outline the benefits to the college and university of General Obligation Bond "C" in the Nov. 6 General Election, and why it makes sense to the citizens of Curry and Roosevelt counties.
If Bond C passes in the Nov. 6 General Election, higher education in Curry and Roosevelt counties will receive almost $10 million to support campus facilities.
Our students need and deserve good classrooms and laboratories as they pursue their education.
CCC will receive $800,000 for renovations and infrastructure improvements.
ENMU will receive $9 million for the renovation and infrastructure upgrades of the Jack Williamson Liberal Arts Building.
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 and lodgers' tax 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 — also often staying 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.
Since other bonds are expiring this year, the net increase to taxpayers is zero.
With absentee voting set to begin Tuesday and early voting on Oct. 20, please send a message to New Mexico 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.
Becky Rowley is president of Clovis Community College. Contact her at:
Steven Gamble is president of Eastern New Mexico University. Contact him at:
