Bond D: Important for higher ed

As leaders of Clovis Community College and Eastern New Mexico University, we want to outline the benefits to the college and university of General Obligation Bond “D” in the Nov. 6 General Election, and why it is deserving of support from the citizens of Curry and Roosevelt counties.

First and foremost, the students of both campuses need and deserve learning environments that are of high quality. The money from Bond D would help CCC and ENMU continue to accomplish this goal.

If Bond D passes, higher education in Curry and Roosevelt counties will receive $9.5 million. Additionally, there will be no tax increase as a result. Bonds issued 10 years ago are retiring and will be replaced by Bond D.

The investment of $9.5 million in our counties will also mean more jobs and will help the revitalization of our construction industry.

Clovis Community College will receive $1.5 million for renovations and infrastructure improvements campus-wide. Repair of roofs, parking lots and HVAC will be funded.

Eastern New Mexico University will receive $8 million for the renovation and upgrade of the Roosevelt Science Center, constructed in 1953.

Funding for these two initiatives is essential to the well-being of both campuses.

Bond projects have a positive impact on local economies as the money spent recycles several times, and the construction projects create jobs. Construction workers eat, shop and stay in the communities, and construction companies buy materials from local vendors. This influx of business puts gross receipt and lodgers’ tax dollars into local coffers. Those who do not have a direct stake in higher education in Curry and Roosevelt counties still benefit from the shot in the arm to local economies.

Campus improvements and expansions also help CCC and ENMU remain competitive with other New Mexico and Texas schools. This contributes to enrollment growth in both institutions and better educational opportunities for the people of our region. Additionally, passage of Bond D helps us fight the “brain drain” and keeps good students in New Mexico.

Keeping higher education institutions in Curry and Roosevelt counties competitive encourages more area graduating high school seniors to remain in eastern New Mexico to attend college — often staying to pursue careers and further contribute to the vitality of the area. With a larger tax base, tax rates can be kept lower while such community assets as streets and public schools can be improved.

With absentee voting set to begin Tuesday and early voting Oct. 20, please send a message to New Mexico that Curry and Roosevelt counties are firmly committed to supporting higher education. Thank you for helping us support the future of our area and New Mexico.

Becky Rowley is the president of Clovis Community College. Contact her at [email protected]

Jeff Elwell is the chancellor of the three-campus Eastern New Mexico University System. Contact him at [email protected]