Legislative District Office Opening at Courthouse

By Misty Cryer

The public is invited to celebrate the grand opening of State Representative Cathrynn Brown’s legislative district office on Monday, November 24. The come-and-go event will be held from noon to 4 p.m.

A ribbon cutting is scheduled for 1 p.m. with the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors at the office on the fourth floor of the Eddy County Courthouse, 102 N. Canal St.

“This will be my legislative district office,” said Rep. Brown, who serves District 55, including most of Carlsbad and extending into southern Lea County, taking in Jal and Eunice.

“Because of the graciousness of the County Commission, I’m being allowed to use a suite of offices on the fourth floor of the courthouse,” she said.

About two years ago, the legislature authorized the establishment of district offices for all legislators who opt to open one, and it is being implemented this year, Brown explained. “It is the first time I’ve ever had a district office,” she said, adding, “It’s a big change for us.”

In this new era, Brown said, “We not only get a district office, but we get to hire a district legislative aide. We call that person a DLA for short.”

Describing the opening of a district office to serve constituents in the district as a “really wonderful development,” Brown said, “I have a wonderful aide, her name is Hannah Cunnigham.” She added, “Hannah is doing a fantastic job. I just couldn’t be more pleased.”

About the role of a DLA, Brown said, “It is not just secretarial help; she may attend meetings when I cannot be at them.”

Explaining that meetings are sometimes double- or triple-booked, she said that previously she had to choose which one to attend. “Hannah can cover for me, take notes, and really help me stay abreast of everything happening in the district,” she said.

In her 15th year in office, Brown said she has always done everything herself. “I’ve written the letters; I’ve answered the phone… I have a wonderful assistant now,” she said.

Admitting the transition is a little bit difficult for her because she isn’t used to delegating, Brown said, “Now it is an option, so it’s great.”

The office suite in the Eddy County Courthouse includes an office for Brown, an office for Cunningham, a small conference room, and what they call the break room, with a very sizable lobby.

“It is a great location. I never dreamed I would have anything quite as accommodating as what the County Commission has offered,” said Brown.

Calling the establishment of the district office a “step up,” Brown said it provides a dedicated location, a place to store files, and space for the office equipment needed. “It will really help me to serve the district better,” she said.

While regular office hours will be announced, Brown said the office is currently open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and by appointment.

“We just want people to know where we’re located and know that this office is there to serve them. I think it’s nice that we have a really good place to meet,” said Brown, adding that they welcome everyone in District 55.

“I want every constituent who wants to, to come visit with us and see where we’re located,” she said. Although the plan includes hosting the grand opening event until 4 p.m., Brown said, “We’ll probably go over 4 p.m. a little bit.”