Alamogordo political leaders hope for unity

ALAMOGORDO – From almost 2,000 miles away, many local leaders tuned into watch U.S. President Donald Trump be sworn into office Friday.

“I’m always impressed by the inauguration ceremony,” said Mayor Richard Boss. “The exchange of power between the outgoing administration and incoming administration has always appeared flawless. This inauguration ceremony was no exception. As mayor of Alamogordo, I’m in a bipartisan position and I am mayor to all the citizens of Alamogordo, no matter their political affiliation. It is important to base all considerations and decisions on what is best for the community, not on the politics of the situation. However, I believe we should give our new president a chance to fulfill his promises. Only time will tell whether we move forward in a positive way. I do feel very positive about the future of our country and our city, Alamogordo is moving forward in a positive way.”

Amy Barela, Chair to both the Republican Party of Otero County and Republican Women of Otero County, said she’s excited to see the direction the country under Trump and to be a part of it.

“Upon listening to Trump’s speech, I feel our country is moving in a positive direction for businesses, industry, community growth and education improvement,” Barela said.

Chair of Democratic Party of Otero County Nadia Sikes said her party hopes former President Barack Obama’s legacy will be continued.

“The Democratic Party of Otero County continues to believe in civil discourse and unity for the good of all,” Sikes said. “Our hope is that the legacy of Barack Obama will be continued and that America remains great.”

Otero County Commission Chair Janet White said she watched the inauguration on Friday and was struck by some of the ironies and contrasts that she observed.

“One station had split screen of the Congress-sponsored luncheon and the every day people in walking shoes and comfortable clothes leaving the inauguration – that contrast just seared into my mind,” White said. “I’m a constitutionalist and firmly believe that the people are the power. So when Donald Trump said the people will become the rulers of this country again, that was something I wanted to hear.”

White said she’s a fiscal conservative as much as a constitutional conservative and while watching the inauguration, kept thinking about the enormous price tag of the ceremonies.

“When I have questions, I look them up and of course they don’t have the final figures yet but it looks like north of $200 million, $100 million of that for security alone,” White said.

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall attended Trump’s inauguration on Friday and afterwards issued a statement.

"The peaceful transition of power is a hallmark of our democracy,” Udall wrote. “Since George Washington, each United States president has peacefully turned the office over to the next. I don't agree with much of what Donald Trump stands for, but our nation is bigger than any one person. I am a proud American, and I felt it was important to attend today's inaugural ceremony.”

Udall said he hopes Trump is sincere in his calls for unity and will take a different tone as president then the “divisiveness and recklessness we’ve seen from him” during the campaign.

"So many Americans are scared and angry at this moment in our history,” Udall wrote. “Now is not the time to despair, but rather to come together and organize to fight for what is right. I will be using my position in the Senate to hold the President accountable. I will work to educate President Trump and his administration about the laws and policies that matter to New Mexicans. And I will fight for New Mexico priorities and the values that our democracy was founded on."

Congressman Steve Pearce also released a statement upon Trump’s inauguration.

“The inauguration of President Trump this morning is the ultimate example of our democracy in action,” Pearce wrote. “Chief Justice Roberts swearing in President Trump, as he did for President Obama, shows the strength of our nation. After a brutal election season and partisanship, the nation came together to peacefully transfer power to the people’s chosen successor."

Pearce said that Friday should be an example of the years to come.

“Now more than ever, we need to set aside our differences and work together to improve the lives of the New Mexican people,” Pearce wrote. “Finding what unites us, improving access to affordable and safe housing, creating stable and good paying jobs, and expanding personal opportunity for prosperity. I look forward to working with my colleagues in New Mexico, the House, and President Trump to move our nation forward and better it for generations to come.”