It’s not easy being the redheaded stepchild of the State. But that’s what Luna County is to New Mexico.

If it wasn’t for offramps from the I-10, Deming would be lucky to be a ghost town. And Columbus? Please, we barely exist now, especially as it concerns the Roundhouse in Santa Fe, and New Mexico’s State Tourism Dept. Both constantly demonstrate they see no value in our patch of desert. Think I’m exaggerating? I challenge you to go the states tourism website www.NewMexico.org and find Deming or Columbus without having to search. Good luck. Deming and Columbus ARE NOT EVEN LISTED in the “Southwest Cities” tab. 

Then comes the bid to designate our Mimbres Peaks as a National Monument. That would be FEDERAL RECOGNITION, and it might just prime the pump for the State to pay attention to our wealth of historical value, to include the location that made the name “Pancho Villa” known worldwide. A marketing coup just waiting for New Mexico True to scoop up, and run with. (See www.ColumbusNMTrue.com for my pitch to them).

It’s astonishing, and embarrassing that I could register all the historic domain names I have, to include www.MimbresPeaks.com. Unfortunately, this is easy in Luna County because even the majority of local city governments, businesses, and citizens don’t see the value here. BTW – It cost  $10-$20 a year to register a domain name. I’m pretty sure even Luna County budgets can afford that.

What’s a redheaded stepchild to do?

I’m really not sure. But doing nothing will always reap the same rewards. And that’s why I entered the debate about Mimbres Peaks. IT’S A CHANCE FOR US TO PROSPER FROM. And I don’t want Luna County to throw that away. And I think the City Council of Columbus, NM should absolutely reverse course and apologize to their constituents for being so blind to just willy-nilly vote to negate support. WHAT IN THE HELL DID WE HAVE TO LOSE? We’re already the POOREST VILLAGE, IN THE POOREST COUNTY, IN THE 2ND POOREST STATE IN THE NATION.  We certainly don’t need our village government voting to keep it that way. Over and over and over again.

BUT, there’s a problem to overcome about Mimbres Peaks.

The problem is, a King Cab truck full of ranchers have concerns, and are afraid of affects the designation might have on their land use and livelihood.  And rightly so. And I want answers for them, and for the majority of ranchers who are silent, or may not be aware, or concerned at all.

The truck full have their rears up and are very busy screaming against the designation without historical evidence to support their fears. They scream erroneous claims at council meetings and online forums. When their claims are refuted with evidence and documentation, they are quickly seen standing there holding their Cowboy Dickies.

I can tell you something better to be holding fellers, DEMONSTRATABLE FACTS BASED ON PRECIDENT THAT SUPPORT YOUR CLAIMS. That’s how you change minds. Especially the ones making the ultimate decision in Washington. Erroneous accusations wont cut it there.

Here’s what my research shows: Historical Success Stories from EVERY COUNTY getting a Historic Monument designation. There’s simply no historical patterns of government abuse or overreach here. Are there some? OF COURSE. But few and far in between. They amount to a drop in the ocean in comparison to the benefits. And, If you do a minute of research you can see the issues are usually resolved, OR, the circumstances that caused the issues don’t exist in Luna County, making those fears moot. (Note to pick-up truck gang: Be sure your documentation applies here, or it’s holding your dickies again.)

It’s time to circle the wagons folks!

Luna County ranchers ARE NOT the first concern. And shouldn’t be allowed to hijack the opportunity away from the community as a whole because of their unsubstantiated fears of change.

ALL Luna County Established Businesses, All 8300+ Employed, 1000’s of Land Owners, and ALL 25,300+ Citizens THAT COULD BE ENRICHED are the FIRST concern.

Which include the ranching businesses. But, they are not more special than any member of the body. Nevertheless, a fair debate FOR THEM is something they have been offered. It’s THE RANCHERS who are refusing to sit down with the organizers. I saw that for myself at the Columbus City Council Meeting where the invitation was extended. Logic says, they know their arguments are paper tigers and cant stand up to scrutiny. 

I propose the two parties (Ranchers vs Designators), sit down and hash it out on the record for all to see.

Short of that happening, the infighting and rumor mills will continue to sway decisions made by our elected officials responsible for the commercial success or continued loss of Luna County’s Historical Value.

Let’s not snatch defeat from the possible jaws of victory here folks. Let’s not lose our sense of community between ranchers and laymen. Let’s not let our county’s poverty rate dictate our tourism value to the State of New Mexico.

The fact is, the history in these parts shaped the future of America more than most. And Columbus especially. It surpasses most every historical site in the country. Certainly as much, or even more than Alamogordo and the The Manhattan Project. And if you don’t know why, THAT’S THE PROBLEM. The State and NewMexicoTrue need to get off their Santa Fe carousel high horses and shine the light down here for America and the world to see.

And, WE don’t need to chase off a National Monument designation in our backyard without doing our collective due diligence as a community to decide what’s best for us. Set up the meeting people.

EDITORS NOTE: Leading by example, www.MimbresPeaks.com is neutral on the matter. Visitors are immediately given the choice to read the respective parties PROS and CONS. 

Op-ed by

Addison B. Bachman
Editor of VOC Blog

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