I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
There could very well be another New Mexico native working for President Barack Obama soon.
Obama nominated Las Cruces native and New Mexico State University alum Edward Avalos to be under Secretary for marketing and regulatory programs at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).The announcement came in a press release where three other nominations were also announced.
Obama is quoted as saying, “As we work to solve the problems our nation faces, my administration will be strengthened by the addition of these dedicated individuals. I am confident that they will meet the expectations the American people demand and deserve of their public servants.”
According to the White House press release, Avalaos has 29 years experience at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) as well as five years experience at the Texas Department of Agriculture.
The position, according to the current bio on the position at the USDA Web site, “helps to oversee policy development and the day-to-day operations of the 3 agencies that comprise the Marketing and Regulatory Programs mission area: the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Agricultural Marketing Service, and the Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration.”
Congressman Harry Teague praised the appointment.
“I think Edward is a perfect fit for this position. The work experience, knowledge of the issues and commitment to the agricultural community he brings to the USDA will make him an effective advocate for our country’s agricultural products,” Teague said.
Avalos is a member of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, New Mexico Wool Growers Association, New Mexico Chile Commission, New Mexico Dry Onion Commission, New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau and the New Mexico Pecan Growers Association.
Avalos donated a total of $6,900 to Democrats in federal races in the 2008 cycle — $2,300 to Bill Richardson’s presidential run and to both Bill McCamley and Teague’s congressional runs. Teague defeated McCamley in the Democratic primary in the 2nd Congressional District in June of last year.
