Anthony, NM Incorporation Up For Vote
ByABC-7 Reporter Jill Galus
Anthony, New Mexico – One place – two entirely different sides. The streets of Anthony, New Mexico are incomparable to the Texas side.
People who live in Anthony, New Mexico say, for 50 years they have been waiting to become part of the city.
On January 5th, residents finally have the opportunity to vote and possibly make incorporation a reality.
A master plan to help attract people, businesses, and revenue back to the New Mexico side of the border is propelled with lots of support.
“We’re just left here with blinders to put our heads down to accept the status quo, and everytime we ask for something it’s ‘no,’ and we’re not accepting no for an answer,” Victor Montoya, local business owner, said. “We’re bringing the voice back to us, and we’re takin responsibility for our community.”
Montoya says, he is doing everything he can to see the community join city limits.
Lacking even the most basic services, Montoya says, people who live in the New Mexico side of Anthony are forced to travel elsewhere for opportunities.
Residents say, they question where all their tax money is actually going as of right now – paying for services they do not even have in their community.
Unincorporated Anthony depends on the county and local mom and pop businesses for revenue.
But, Montoya says, county officials have told residents, there is no money for parks…no money for libraries, or even sidewalks. Residents say, children in the area are virtually left with no opportunities.
Supporters say, incorporation is the only way to attract commercial businesses and people back to the area. But with lots of uncertainty of how taxes could be affected, not everyone is sold on the idea just yet.
“We don’t know if we’re gonna pay more taxes mostly because of the economy being the way it is right now,”Nancy Gutierrez, local restaurant owner, said. “Probably we’re gonna be hurting more than what we are.”
To hear more about the issue before going to the polls, the public is invited to an informational meeting Thursday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. located at 424 St. Anthony Street.
Montoya says, he will be speaking specifically about how taxes would be impacted by incorporation.
Information: http://www.myspace.com/anthonynewmexico
