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LAS CRUCES - Greg Smith knows he's going to be busy. So does Emma Johnson-Ortiz.
Smith is going to make a run at the District 2 city council seat in November's municipal elections. Johnson-Ortiz is going to be busier because she has taken over duties Smith previously had a president of the board of directors of the Downtown Las Cruces Partnership.
Upon declaring his candidacy for city council in late January, it was determined that, in fairness to Smith's campaign as well as to the Downtown Las Cruces Partnership, the organization's presidency should be turned over to Johnson-Ortiz, who was the board's vice president for more than two years.
"It's a good time for her to step in," Smith said. "She has been extensively involved and her contributions to the organization make her very worthy of becoming president. Downtown Las Cruces Partnership will be in extremely capable hands with Emma as president."
Johnson-Ortiz has been with Downtown Las Cruces Partnership since 2005, when it was still known as "Las Cruces Downtown." More recently, she served as assistant director of the New Mexico Border Authority, and brings
The Downtown Las Cruces Partnership is a nonprofit organization of downtown businesses and interested residents promoting downtown revitalization.
Johnson-Ortiz said is determined to maintain the energy that has grown behind the downtown revitalization effort and to see all efforts continue unabated.
"I'm still going to be the chair for SalsaFest! and working hard to promote that," she said. "I'll also be involved with the Cinco de Mayo celebration, that will be held at La Placita, on May 6. That event will be a fundraiser for Downtown Las Cruces Partnership."
Johnson-Ortiz added that the deed transferring ownership of the Camu-ez Building, from the state of New Mexico to the city of Las Cruces, was completed Thursday, and efforts can now begin to turn the building into an indoor mercado, that has the potential to noticeably increase economic development, and visibility, downtown.
"We're all very excited about that," said Johnson-Ortiz, referring to the deed transfer. "Right now, the focus is on obtaining grants so that renovations to the Camu-ez Building can be made.
"We'll also be working on a memorandum of understanding with the city and building an already strong relationship we have with them. So, you can see it's going to remain busy."
Laura Kindseth, executive director of Downtown Las Cruces Partnership, said the leadership provided by Smith and Johnson-Ortiz is a factor why progress continues to be made regarding downtown revitalization.
"Their leadership has helped bring more excitement and great progress in moving along some of our more exciting projects," Kindseth said. "They both bring such great personality and familiarity to our area and our culture."
Smith said there is still plenty of work to be done, hurdles to overcome, and near miracles to be performed. But he is confident in the creativity and perseverance of members of the Downtown Las Cruces Partnership and the resolve of city officials.
Steve Ramirez can be reached at (575) 541-5452.
