BUSINESS AND CIVIC LEADER MONTY NEWMAN SEEKS SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT SEAT
With an optimistic message grounded in economic freedom and family values, Hobbs Mayor Monty Newman announced he is a candidate for New Mexico’s Second Congressional seat.
In explaining his decision to enter the race, Newman recalled his three decades of experience as a leader in the private and public sectors.
“As a business owner, I understand the challenge of creating and keeping jobs, of growing a business and of contributing to a vibrant community. We are in a period of great economic uncertainty,” said Newman, a Republican.
“I will work every day to enact policies that allow small businesses, and the families they support, to succeed: limited government, less hard-earned money going to Washington and a pro-growth, free-market economic policy,” Newman said. “I also understand the economic implications of national security. Tougher measures must be taken to secure our borders while, at the same time, enforcing the laws already on the books.”
Since being elected mayor of Hobbs in 2004, economic renewal and infrastructure revitalization have been the hallmarks of his tenure. Putting his results-driven, business experience to work, Newman partnered with city commissioners to preserve and extend the city’s parks and to strengthen Hobb’s utilities infrastructure. Delivering on a key campaign pledge to improve water quality, Newman oversaw the construction of a $35 million waste water treatment plant that is due to come online late this year, or early next.
Understanding that economic growth is directly linked to the health and vitality of community centers, Newman’s administration was able to secure grant funding of $15 million in a unique public-private partnership.
Recognizing that Hobbs is a regional medical and retail center, Newman focused efforts on revitalizing the downtown and the three-mile Lovington Highway corridor that welcomes visitors to the city.
“But revitalization does not survive without growth,” Newman said, “so I’m very proud to have completed the work started by Mayor Bobby Wallach in bringing the National Enrichment Facility to Lea County.” The facility will provide more than 300 good-paying, permanent jobs to southeastern New Mexico.”
Not only has Newman served as a leader in city government, he also has served as chairman of the New Mexico Junior College Board. In that capacity, he gained insight into the educational needs of the local workforce and the business community.
“Innovations in technology require a more educated and specialized workforce,” Newman said. “I have firsthand experience in what it takes to prepare and educate young workers to compete in today’s market and create real opportunity for our young people within New Mexico.
“But a strong economy and a safe America are only part of families succeeding,” Newman said. “Our country is at a crossroads. The direction we take in this next election will determine the type of community and country we leave to our children. With the right leadership, the future is bright. As Congressman, I will fight for the traditional values that have made our nation great and allowed our greatest asset — the family — to flourish.”
Newman, a REALTORâ in Hobbs for nearly 30 years, is the owner of Newman & Company. In 2005 and 2007, he served as Vice President and Liaison to Government Affairs for the National Association of Realtorsâ, a trade association with more than 1.3 million members.
Prior to serving as mayor, Newman served as a city commissioner. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the College of the Southwest, a member of the Wells Fargo Community Advisory Board, and is former board chairman of New Mexico Junior College.
He has served as director of the Economic Development Corporation of Lea County, director of the United Way of Lea County, and director of the Industrial Development Corporation. He also has served on the Hobbs Boys and Girls Club board of directors.
“For almost three decades, I’ve been deeply involved in the economic and civic life of our region,” Newman said. “My small business experience, my history with various economic development authorities, my background in governmental affairs, and my tenure in elected office make me uniquely qualified, on day one, to assume a leadership role in Congress on the issues most important to citizens of the Second District.”
Newman resides in Hobbs with his wife of 33 years, Vicki. They have two grown sons.