Movers and shakers: steve fischmann
By Diana M. Alba Sun-News reporter
December 31, 2008

Job: State Senator, District 37

Importance: Fischmann is going into his first year as a state senator and is stepping into a seat that has been held for the past 16 years by State Sen. Lee Rawson, a Republican an influential member of the Senate.

LAS CRUCES — When the Legislature convenes in January, the newest face among a contingent of Doña Ana County lawmakers will be state Sen.-elect Steve Fischmann. Fischmann, 55, a Democrat, defeated longtime Sen. Lee Rawson, R-Las Cruces, in the November election to win the District 37 seat. Rawson was an influential leader of Senate Republicans and sat on the powerful Senate Finance Committee. Fischmann will be sworn in today. Fischmann has said he backs efficient government and open government measures. Also, he said he's considering proposals that would promote renewable energy production and use in the state.

As a freshman lawmaker, Fischmann's challenge will be carving out a role in the 42-member Senate. That includes seeking assignments on committees — the ever-important panels that vet legislation before it reaches a final vote on the chamber floor — steering bills through the legislative process and fielding requests from constituents, among other tasks. Perhaps the biggest hurdles facing Fischmann and the rest of the Legislature will be dealing with a significant forecasted revenue shortfall for 2008-09, as well setting next year's budget in light of tough economic conditions across the nation. That could mean cuts to programs or services statewide in the upcoming year. Fischmann's district, which spans northeastern Doña Ana County and part of southern Sierra County, includes the $200 million Spaceport America, a proposed launch site for commercial space vehicles.

Fischmann said his goal in the upcoming year are to tie together economic development, education and job training. He said he thinks those issues can be linked to renewable energy industry and the spaceport. "I'd like to see some real economic development plans start to get underway," he said. "To me, when you do business development, you should also be doing training and education because created a skilled work force is the ultimate in economic development."

State Sen. Mary Kay Papen, D-Las Cruces, said she doesn't know Fischmann well yet, but "anything I can do to help him, I'll be there to help him." Papen described her own first year in office. "It's a whole new process you are involved in, even though you've been in business and community boards," she said. "I personally sat back and watched and tried to learn from my colleages. It's a learning process, and it takes a while." Fischmann had a 20-year career with Levi Strauss, including time as a division president. After that, he owned a real estate brokerage business.

Diana M. Alba can be reached at dalba@lcsun-news.com; (575) 541-5443

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