SENATE MEMORIAL 64

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2017

INTRODUCED BY

Pete Campos

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 22, 2017 "LAS VEGAS DAY" IN THE SENATE AND RECOGNIZING LAS VEGAS AS OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas was founded in 1835 as a Spanish land grant called Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de Las Vegas Grandes; and

     WHEREAS, the Spanish settlers who founded the community had roots going back to the seventeenth century; and

     WHEREAS, the acequia Madre in Las Vegas stands as a testament to one hundred fifty years of resourcefulness and ingenuity; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas was a key rest stop, resupply point and protector of the Santa Fe trail, serving as a lifeline between the growing west and the eastern parts of the United States; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas remains "open for business"; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas can be described as innovative and unvarnished, having grit, courage and resolve, strength of character, fortitude, determination, perseverance and endurance; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas is laying a strong foundation for private-sector growth and the sustainability of small businesses; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas is committed to building a foundation for economic growth; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas' can-do attitude will help Las Vegas move forward, find quality-of-life and economic solutions and expand homegrown companies; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas' authentic assets will remain its cultural foundation and provide the horsepower to drive tourism, new industry and growth; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas offers a multitude of unique shopping, dining, musical and cultural experiences and adventures; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas continues to attract and maintain cool historical characters, including the boxer, Jack Johnson; El Hermitano, who lived at Hermit's peak; and more popular historical characters such as Doc Holliday, Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp and Jesse James; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas and San Miguel county have more than nine hundred buildings on the national register of historic places; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas and San Miguel county are unmatched as an inviting and incredible tourist destination, with fine historic hotels, authentic New Mexico character and easy access to other local historic sites and outdoor recreation; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas and San Miguel county are beacons in the land of enchantment; and

     WHEREAS, aside from its historic and tourist attractions, Las Vegas is home to many critical state institutions; and

     WHEREAS, one such institution is the New Mexico behavioral health institute at Las Vegas, the only state-owned and state-operated psychiatric hospital, which provides critical medical services to the state, including long-term nursing care for the elderly and disabled; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas is home to a wealth of knowledge with five major educational institutions: New Mexico highlands university, Luna community college, united world college, the Las Vegas city public school district and the west Las Vegas public school district; and

     WHEREAS, these educational institutions are gems of the city and crucibles of learning, teaching and discovery, reaching far beyond northern New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas and San Miguel county are committed to the cultivation of growing film and technological economies; and

     WHEREAS, 2017 will be recognized as the year of business in Las Vegas and San Miguel county;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the distinguished history and heritage of Las Vegas and San Miguel county be recognized; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that support be expressed for the business and film industry for its efforts to create jobs and to promote the people and attractions of northern New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that February 22, 2017 be declared "Las Vegas Day" in the senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the mayor of Las Vegas, the members of the city council of Las Vegas and the board of county commissioners of San Miguel county.

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