SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Business leaders in Santa Fe are calling on the northern New Mexico city to freeze its minimum wage, now set to rise by 2 percent on March 1 under a cost-of-living adjustment.

The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce says higher costs imposed on businesses mean they'd have to raise prices.

The chamber says that would raise the cost of living and increase unemployment while making it unlikely young people could find entry-level jobs.

According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, the city's minimum hourly wage will rise March 1 to $10.51 from $10.29. Mayor David Coss says he opposes capping the minimum wage.

Coss says city residents have expressed support for it and that Santa Fe's economy is in better shape than those of other New Mexico cities.

The Department of Public Safety in Santa Fe has named a new deputy director for the Law Enforcement Academy, Colonel Jack Jones.

Jones is a native New Mexican, who grew up in Albuquerque. He has ten years with the New Mexico State Police, plus time spent in the military. Jones has trained law enforcement around the world in basic, advanced, tactical and firearms.

Director Louis Medina said, “I am looking forward to working with Jack and drawing on all of his expertise to continue to make the Academy the top notch training facility for law enforcement.”

Lt. Gov., John Sanchez will be in Northern New Mexico, Thursday, Dec. 13, as he holds “Mobile Office Day” hours at the Taos Convention Center at 9:15 a.m., and Española City Hall at 12:15 p.m.

No appointment is necessary to address Sanchez with any issues or concerns related to the state government.

“Although our northern constituents live close to Santa Fe, it is still difficult for many of them to come to the capital city and have their voices heard,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez will also visit San Ildefonso Pueblo.

For additional information call 505-476-2250.