Grand Opening of Legislative District Office a Hit

By Misty Cryer

Droves of people showed up to the grand opening of the Legislative District Office for District 55, represented by New Mexico State Representative Cathrynn Brown, on Monday, November 24.

The spacious office suite in the Eddy County Courthouse was packed with supporters and constituents as the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors assisted with the ribbon-cutting. The opening event was held from noon to 4 p.m., allowing attendees to visit with Rep. Brown and her District Legislative Aide, Hannah Cunningham.

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, Brown welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. Specifying that the Legislative District Office is for District 55, which she represents, Brown said, “It’s a joy to serve you as your state representative. This is for all of us.”

Drawing laughs from the crowd, Brown shared a story from when she was a “freshman attorney” working for the McCormick and Forbes law firm in Carlsbad. She was tasked with speaking with someone at the jail, which was in the courthouse building at the time.

She said she asked for “Ms. Hawkins,” and there was no one there by that name. After following up with the office, she found that the name was “Ms. Jácquez.” She said she learned at that point, early in her career, that she needed to get more familiar with the Spanish language.

Brown introduced Cunningham as her District Legislative Aide, describing her as talented and resourceful. She also introduced Hannah’s parents, Becky and JC Cunningham, who were present.

Brown introduced and expressed appreciation to her husband, Mike Brown, before announcing for the first time, “I’m going to run for office again.”

Thanks were given to God for orchestrating the opening of the new office, with the County Commission recognized for making it possible. Protection over Rep. Brown and her office was requested in a prayer led by JC Cunningham.

Guests attending the grand opening included representatives of Eddy County, the City of Carlsbad, local non-profit organizations, Southeast New Mexico College, local judges and attorneys, and representatives from a construction company located in the Lea County area, just to name a few.

Refreshments were set up in a self-serve style, including sandwiches, chips, beverages, and cake. Cunningham said the sandwiches and chips were from McAlister’s Deli, and the decorated cake from Albertsons. A variety of choices of tea from HTeaO made up part of the beverages that were made available to guests.

Throughout the celebration, it was evident that both Brown and Cunningham attempted to greet and speak with each guest upon arrival, although some may have been missed when a large crowd arrived close to the same time for the ribbon-cutting.

The gathering was pleasant, with guests conversing with one another and with Brown and Cunningham as they toured the office suite and enjoyed refreshments.

Contact information for Rep. Brown and information about her work as a New Mexico State Representative for District 55, which includes parts of Eddy and Lea Counties, can be found on the New Mexico Legislature website (https://www.nmlegis.gov/).

Acknowledging that the Legislative District Office on the fourth floor of the Eddy County Courthouse at 102 N. Canal St. provides a good place to meet and will help her to serve the district better, Brown said, “We just want people to know where we’re located and know that this office is there to serve them.”