Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Benny Shendo, Jr. Testifies Against Galisteo Basin Oil Drilling


Benny Shendo, Jr. is the only one of the candidates running for U.S. Congress in New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District who showed up and testified at the Santa Fe County Commissioners' Hearing on Oil Drilling in the Galisteo Basin in Santa Fe County.

Addressing the commissioners and the overflowing crowd in the chambers, Shendo said, "As we all know, Galisteo Basin is a unique place: a mix of residential, small business, ranching and equestrian communities, as well as historical sites, native pueblos and open spaces filed with wildlife. What we may not all know is that the Basin also has the highest concentration of archeological sites in the nation and is widely considered to be one of the most impressive archeological sites in the world. Also, underneath this uniquely beautiful land is the large and endangered Galisteo Aquifer, which we must vigilantly protect from the risk of being contaminated and possibly destroyed."


Saturday, February 23, 2008

Local Artists and Vendors Share Their Views with Benny


Benny Shendo, Jr. met today with several representatives from the local arts and crafts street vending community to discuss their concerns.

"The arts community in all of its forms is a critical part of our cultural and economic way of life here in northern New Mexico, " Benny said, "And it is eye-opening to hear the struggles of those who are carving out a living for themselves and their families here at the Plaza. Behind each vendor and their display case or blanket on the sidewalk, there is usually a whole family of artisans with mouths to feed."

He added sagely, "And these vendors are much closer to the pulse of the real economy than many of the economists in Washington. They don't need a survey to tell them, they feel it right away when 'consumer confidence' is down, when tourism is slipping, when the price of gas goes up so high they can't afford to make the trip."

Monday, February 18, 2008

Supporters Cheer Benny at Lobos Game


Benny was on-hand to help kick off the Lobos basketball game in University of New Mexico's Pit last night.

After a brief ceremony at center court, Benny greeted cheering supporters in the stands (pictured at left).