Dear Editor,
It has been my privilege, with the support of my wife- Rhonda to have served District 4 and all of Grant County on the County Commission for the past (almost) 8 years. It has given us valuable insight as to what qualities are needed in order to serve our county in the most effective way.
We support Eddie Flores in this election and here are a few reasons why.
1. Eddie is a Grant County Native who knows our traditions and way of life. Born and raised here, graduated Silver High class of 1984, MBA from WNMU, with Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Minor in Business.
His opponent is a self-proclaimed "newbie" having lived here only three years.
2. Eddie has been a 2-time school board member. He demonstrated:
•Leadership
•Listening to parents and community members
• Never giving up the fight and leading the vote to arm the security guards which added another layer of protection for our children and staff's safety
•Always supporting Career and Technical Education (CTE)
3. Eddie has overseen, approved, or managed millions of dollars in budgets and grants from and for the State Police, Silver Schools and WNMU Police.
4. Eddie has grass-roots support from the people who live and work in Grant County. He will support copper production and protect mining jobs. He understands the real economic drivers supporting our community and providing jobs.
His opponent is proud to be endorsed and funded by special interest groups from outside Grant County who want to shut down even basic mine operations.
5. Eddie wants to strengthen the relationship between the county and Freeport McMoRan and demonstrated this by recently accepting an invitation to meet with local mine representatives from Chino and Tyrone. This invitation was extended to all candidates.
His opponent did not attend.
6. Grant County has a growing crime problem. Eddie has almost 40 years of law enforcement experience in Southwest New Mexico and is committed to ensure public safety for Grant County.
7. Eddie can work across party lines. He is appointed by Governor Michelle Luhan Grisham and currently serves on the NM State Organized Crime Commission. His is the only appointment south of I-40. He also serves on the Grant County Central Dispatch Board.
8. Eddie is a co-owner, with his wife Emory, of a small family business and he knows how hard it is for small businesses to survive.
9. Eddie knows firsthand, the importance of quality healthcare and will work hard to ensure this for all of Grant County Citizens at GRMC.
10. Eddie personally knows our senators and representatives from both parties on a personal level. This relationship will help in obtaining money to improve training, provide equipment, and improve infrastructure for our hospital and other important county needs.
11. Eddie has demonstrated critical thinking skills to solve problems.
His opponent repeatedly states, she will task others to come up with solutions.
12. Eddie knows the importance of supporting the youth of our county and has demonstrated this with coaching youth sports; little league baseball camp, softball, youth basketball, pop warner football, high school football official, high school baseball coach, Silver High FCCLA and Pro-Start competitions chaperone.
11. Eddie uses Christian values to guide his life; faith, family, education, hard work, and community involvement.
12. Eddie has been a part of our local traditional events either as a participant, vendor, facilitator, or staff member in various events in our community: blues fest, wine festival, carnitas y mas, 4th of July parade, Fiesta Latina, Tour of the Gila, Cliff Gila Grant County Fair, and Downtown Farmers Market.
As you can plainly see, Eddie is invested in Grant County.
Join us in supporting Eddie Flores as your District 4 Grant County Commissioner!
Billy & Rhonda Billings
Silver City, NM
