The most powerful person in the state, after the governor, will speak at the regular meeting of the Sierra County Democratic Party on Wednesday, March 18 at 5:30 at Sea Properties, 108 Main Street in T or C.

John Arthur Smith has represented our District 35 in the New Mexico Senate since 1989. As chair of the Senate Finance Committee, he controls the flow onto the floor of many of the most important but often contested bills presented for the state assembly’s consideration each legislative session.

For the first time in a long while, the 78-year-old Democrat faces a primary opponent: former state Democratic Party vice chair Neyomi Martinez-Parra of Lordsburg.

Martinez-Parra has made many trips here this election cycle to speak to members of Sierra County Indivisible and the Sierra County Democratic Party, but this will be the first chance this year many local Democrats will have to meet and engage with John Arthur Smith. So make plans now to attend.

And don’t forget Sierra County Democratic Party is holding a yard sale on Saturday, March 21 in the parking lot to the west of Sea Properties (108 Main) . If you have items you wish to donate, bring them to the lot on Friday afternoon from 3 to 5.