Southeast New Mexico has a new state Senator – Steven McCutcheon. The former Eddy County Commissioner was appointed to serve on the District 42 position on Saturday. The position was formerly held by Gay Kernan, who resigned over the summer.
McCutcheon was one of two names given to the Governor for consideration after he was recommended by the Eddy County Commission. Lea and Chaves County’s Commissioners recommended Representative Larry Scott. District 42 covers portions of all three regions. Both Scott and McCutcheon were outstanding recommendations who well understand the principles and values of the residents of our area, and they also appreciate this region’s economic importance. However, we are certainly pleased to see a State Senator who is a resident of Eddy County. We look forward to working with Senator McCutcheon and all members of our Southeast New Mexico delegation toward serving the residents of our community.
Kernan represented District 42 since 2002. The former elementary school teacher did an outstanding job throughout her time in office and fought hard for our residents. McCutcheon, a local businessman, represented District 4 on the county commission until the end of 2022. He was replaced there by Bo Bowen.
As a State Senator, one of McCutcheon’s primary roles will be to oversee income generated through the oil and gas influx that drives our state’s budget. According to recent data, Eddy and Lea County remain the two highest producers in the Permian Basin. 2022’s tally (which recorded total production) gives Lea County a lead on the oil side, but Eddy County the edge in natural gas. Additionally, in the most recent national rig count puts Lea and Eddy County at first and second in the entire country. Our two counties switch back and forth from time to time in terms of who is in the lead, but they are the consistent frontrunners. Projects such as the completion of Oxy’s new field office continue to show that the Delaware Basin has become the preeminent location for oil and gas in our country.
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We want to thank one of our neighbors in northern Eddy County for helping draw attention to a natural wonder. Heirloom Acres Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Artesia owners Stewart Joy and Allyson Joy will open their fall facility on October 1, and this year’s corn maze will celebrate Carlsbad Caverns National Park’s 100th anniversary. Neal Dungan provided us with an aerial view of the maze, which includes a drawing of the Caverns, the park’s name and the years “1923-2023” in celebration of the anniversary. Thanks Stewart and Allyson!
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway