SILVER CITY, NM -- Phillip Schoenberg has announced his candidacy for Grant County Commissioner, District 5.

Phil has lived in New Mexico for 16 years. He moved to Grant County in 2017 with his wife Amanda and children Madeline and Robert Fulton to begin a position as Assistant Professor at Western New Mexico University. He quickly fell in love with the special place that is Grant County.

For Phil, running for County Commissioner is another way he can serve our community.

"My family and I love this area, and I am committed to helping Grant County become an even stronger and more vibrant home for our children and for future generations," he says. "I am particularly interested in a healthy environment, job growth and outdoor recreation, as well as the critical county issues that make a real difference in our lives, such as well-maintained roads, successful budget administration and a sustainable tax base. It is also crucial that we address issues such as inadequate mental health services, the needs of homeless individuals, and other significant challenges."

Phil has been an educator for the past 19 years. In addition to teaching courses in Philosophy, Liberal Arts and Sustainability, Phil serves as Co-Director of Student Research and Professional Development at WNMU and is also Vice President of the Faculty Senate. In addition to his service at WNMU, he has served as Senior Warden at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and as a volunteer at his children's school.

The son of a hunting guide and heavy equipment operator, Phil grew up in a working-class family in an unincorporated community in rural California. He is honored to be working with young people in a small university who teach him every day and give him insight into the concerns of the younger generation in Grant County.

Phil loves to spend time fishing, hiking and backpacking in the Gila with friends and family and is a certified Wilderness First Responder. As director of the Honors Program at WNMU, he frequently takes students on hiking and camping trips. His coursework and research interests include Environmental Ethics and Ethics and Sustainability.

If elected County Commissioner, Phil hopes to bring a strong analytic temperament and critical thinking skills to the position. He also brings extensive committee experience, budget management skills, and an enthusiasm for hearing all sides of an issue and building consensus.

"I think we all have a duty to make our community better," he said. "It would be a privilege for me to serve my community as a Grant County Commissioner."

For more information contact Phil Schoenberg at: phil4grantcounty@gmail.com .