Tripp running for Dist. 49 re-election

Socorro

State Representative Don Tripp is seeking re-election to his District 49 legislative seat.

He is unopposed in the June Republican primary and is setting his sights on the general election on Nov. 5.

“It has been my honor to serve the people of District 49 in the State House of Representatives. I have had the opportunity to meet so many fine folks in our district and learn their needs and concerns,” Tripp said in a press release. “The title of my job is representative, and that is what I do. Putting the future of our families first is my No. 1 priority.”

Regarding the issues of the campaign, Tripp said, “there are so many important issues — crime, education, water and jobs, to name a few. I approach every question with the same simple philosophy — what are the wishes of the people I represent.

“Ending the state sales tax on food is a cornerstone of my platform. Census figures show that 25 percent of New Mexico families live below the poverty line. It’s a crime to tax the very food they need to live,” he said.

“I’m fighting to lower the tax burden on all our families. Getting major tax reform passed is a long-term process, everyone from the legislators through the local administration has to be shown how tax reform can work without hurting progress.

“I have introduced legislation to cut food tax while holding local communities harmless. If re-elected, I’ll continue to battle for lower taxes, starting with food taxes.”

Another key issue is water.

“Water is a critical concern for the future of all New Mexicans. Our Rio Grande is 100 percent allocated by our uses, including agriculture and recreations, and by our obligations to the Interstate Stream Commission,” Tripp said.

“Conservation and reason must guide all our water decisions if we are going to be able to provide for the future. Our rich heritage and our very way of life here in the valley are at stake.

“Water is a core concern impacting all other aspects of the economy. I serve on the legislative Water and Agricul-ture Committee and I work with all concerned groups to create the reasonable, working solutions we need.”

Regarding education, Tripp said “To say that our children are our future is an understatment.

“As a University Regent, I had the opportunity to learn first-hand the challenges facing education. In addition to working in Santa Fe to provide the means for educational success, I stay active and involved at the classroom level,” he said.

“Encouraging the students and recognizing the enormous contributions teachers make are the foundations to any educational initiative. I visit classrooms and promote award programs to help with that initiative.

“Involvement and action are the keys. Parents, community leaders and elected officials must be active and involved in supporting our schools.”