Voters OK sales tax increase for UNM

By Eric Maddy
The SCORE

University of New Mexico President David Schmidly got two pieces of good news on Tuesday.

First, successful first-year men’s basketball coach Steve Alford guided the Lobos to a 59-45 over Nevada-Las Vegas to solidify their hope of an NCAA Tournament bid, and the first-year head coach took the occasion to go on the public address system after the game and end speculation that he might return Indiana to coach at his alma mater.

The second came a few minute later when unofficial results confirmed that Rio Rancho voters supported a ¼ cent gross receipts tax increase to pay for infrastructure at a new UNM campus in the developing downtown area.

Schmidly couldn’t be reached directly for comment, but the school did release the following comments from the president in the form of a letter to the editor.

“On behalf of the faculty and staff of the University of New Mexico, and most importantly on behalf of our students, especially those who live in Rio Rancho and on the West Side, thank you for your support of the Higher Education Initiative in the March 4 election,” Smiley wrote.

“Once again, the citizens of Rio Rancho proved that education is a priority – one you are willing to actively support with an increase in your gross receipts tax. You have given us the means to bring a four-year UNM campus to your city that will feature partnerships with Central New Mexico Community College, New Mexico State University, and New Mexico Highlands University, among others. You have given your students the opportunity to earn a degree in their own community.

“Thank you to the business, community and education leaders of Rio Rancho who have advocated tirelessly for the cause of higher education. You have a history of dreaming big and making your dreams become reality.

“Again, on behalf of UNM, I applaud the clear vision of Rio Rancho and thank you for your support of higher education.”

Outgoing mayor Mike Williams, who championed the measure along with the business community, said Tuesday night, “It just shows that this city if for higher education. This also will help the city as a whole jump start the downtown area.”

Debbi Moore, executive director of the Rio Rancho Chamber of Commerce, said her membership was “very excited” at the result.

“Once again the voters of Rio Rancho proved their commitment to education, and beyond that their commitment to the role it plays and their overall commitment to our community,” Moore said. 

Even though the increase will take Rio Rancho’s sales tax higher than Albuquerque’s by .0625 cents on the dollar, Moore said, “I heard no complaints. My members that talked to me were just excited at the end result, the investment in our community. They see what’s going to happen at the end of the day.”