Connor announces mayoral bid

For Dolores Connor's mayoral campaign website, click here.

For a copy of Dolores Connor's announcement speech, click here.

For Dolores Connor's biography, click here.

LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces native Dolores Connor introduced some of the family members with her Wednesday as she announced her candidacy for mayor in the Nov. 8 municipal elections.

Connor then talked about the family values that have helped shape her 36-year professional and public service career. She spoke briefly of Las Cruces' past, and a lot about the city's future.

In declaring she wants to be the next mayor of Las Cruces, Connor said she intends to rely on a campaign slogan that got her elected to City Council in 2003, "Neighbor to Neighbor Leadership."

"That continues to have real meaning for me," Connor said. "Committed, involved and fair was the campaign message in 2007. I live that message every day as I work for my constituents."

Rick Gomez, a Las Cruces mechanic who doesn't live in Connor's City Council district, said he likes what he's hearing from her.

"Those are the kinds of values we, as a city, need

to get back to," Gomez said. "There's too much discussion and not enough action being taken by the City Council the last four years, or so. They always want to study something to death, procrastinate way too long to make a decision, and then it's something that only benefits just a few people. We might have more people living here, but we really haven't grown as a city. It's time for change again."

It was by design that Connor chose to announce her plans to run for mayor at the Ramada Palms Resort and Conference Center. The hotel is in the City Council district she has served since 2003.

Connor said city government could do a better job developing a business-friendly environment.

"As a councilor, I have worked with many individuals getting through the process of setting up business in Las Cruces," she said. "Let me tell you, we do not make it easy. We need to reduce the amount of time it takes to get from a plan and into turning the sign on the front door to 'Open.' The process should not be so wrapped in red tape that the business falls behind in his or her plans, which becomes costly to everyone. The city is the entity that should welcome business with an extended hand and ask 'how can we help you?' Let's recognize that it is a healthy business environment that brings dollars into the general fund."

Another campaign focus will be strong support for public safety. Connor said while the city's reserve funds are adequate, budget cutbacks for some city departments - particularly public safety - have reached their limits.

"We need to have officers and firefighters on the streets, with good equipment, and resources to fund operations," Connor said. "We need an additional fire and police station in the eastern part of our city and you have heard me more than once insist that a new 911 center is critical.

"That's why doing business in Las Cruces and attracting new residents grows our general fund and extends what services can be provided."

Connor becomes the first candidate for the city's Nov. 8 municipal elections. A majority of City Council seats: one for mayor and three for council district seats, will be up for election this year. Connor said she chose to announce her candidacy now to allow residents in her district to discuss and consider potential candidates for the District 2 seat. Because she is running for mayor, Connor will not seek re-election to the seat she has had since 2003.

Steve Ramirez can be reached at (575) 541-5452

The first candidate

•Dolores Connor is the first person to announce his or her candidacy for the Nov. 8 municipal elections.

•Connor is running for mayor.

•She is a Las Cruces native, and owned a business before entering politics.

•Connor has served on the Las Cruces City Council since 2003.

•Connor's campaign advocates a business friendly environment in the city, and embracing growth.