NM House Candidate Joel Davis: Stop Subsidizing Out-of-State Corporations

Attorney Joel A. Davis, the Democratic candidate for New Mexico State Representative in District 44 in Rio Rancho, called a press conference yesterday and laid it on the line regarding his incumbent opponent. “It’s arrogant to point the finger about higher taxes, not bring a single idea to fix the problem or bother to even show up for work in tough times.” Davis, standing in front of a shut-down Rio Rancho small business, was referring to Rep. Jane Powdrell-Culbert, who did not present a single bill in the past legislative session to fix looming budget problems and missed hundreds of key votes.

Davis pointed out that the incumbent was one of two missing Republican legislators who could have shot down the budget she loudly complained about, but who were absent when it was time to vote. The budget passed narrowly with a two vote margin.

“You simply have to show up to work and take practical, thoughtful and deliberate action,” Davis said. “If she really cared she would have showed up for work and killed the budget bill. What would happen to you if you didn’t show up to work 2 to 3 days per week … every week?”

Davis suggested that instead of playing ‘silly electioneering games’ the incumbent should have shown up to work and presented at least one practical idea on how to ensure decent schools, and plan for our future.

“Our district deserves hard work and thoughtful approaches to our problems,” Davis said, “For instance, it’s time to stop subsidizing out-of-state corporations, like Wal-Mart, with tax loopholes, while we pay the difference!”

Davis was referring to the tax reform, known as “combined reporting,” which closes tax loopholes that major multistate corporations use to avoid state corporate income taxes while small businesses and citizens have to pay state income tax.

Davis then directed a question at incumbent Rep. Powdrell-Culbert: “How can you possibly think it is okay for small businesses and New Mexican’s to pay higher state income taxes while Wal-Mart skates?”

“Right now Wal-Mart does not pay a penny to New Mexico for income taxes, while you and I, and our local small businesses make up the difference at a cost between $24 million and $70 million per year according to several studies,” Davis explained.

“In a time when we are talking about raising taxes, why does the incumbent give lip-service to lowering taxes?" Davis asked. "When she bothers to show up, why does she vote to make each of us pay more because of her out of touch notions?”

“My Economic Blue Print for New Mexico doesn’t have room for out-of-state corporations that take our money and run out of state while we pay higher taxes. It is just plain wrong, and it is hurting small business,” emphasized Davis.

Joel Davis has a real chance to take this seat if folks step up and help him. Please call his campaign at (505) 301-3394 for yard signs, post cards or to volunteer. Contributions may be mailed to: Joel Davis for New Mexico, PO Box 45318, Rio Rancho, NM, 87174. You can also contribute online here.