Spaceport Director Makes Pitch For Tax To Fund Facility

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, N.M. (AP) – New Mexico Spaceport Director Steve Landeene says Sierra County voters can take a step toward a place in history by approving a tax to help fund the facility.

Landeene spoke during a County Commission meeting in Truth or Consequences today. He highlighted potential economic benefits if a quarter-cent gross receipts sales tax is approved April 8th.

Voters in neighboring Dona Ana County narrowly approved a similar tax last spring. Otero County voters also must approve the tax to create a spaceport district. All three counties must give approval before the district could begin collecting money.

Former Sierra County commissioner Leo Rivera says he’s worried about the tax’s effect on the elderly. He says he’ll vote against it.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)