Archive for Uncategorized
Is A $4700 Pay Raise Justified?
By Bob Steiner
For those of you not in the know,  the U.S. Congress has just given itself a pay raise. Through December 31st the average congressional  pay was just under $170,000. Effective January 1st this amount has been raised to $174,700, an increase of $4700.  It should also be noted that our elected representatives are also eligible to other funds through the generous expense accounts that go with working on Capitol Hill. I know the cost of living in the District of Columbia is high, but at this time I believe some discussion on the overall compensation paid out to these elected officials is in the public interest.
Ostensibly, this recent increase was an “automatic” cost of living adjustment, which the government computers factor in each year based on various economic information. Still, at a time when I see a major employer closing in Moriarty, retail stores, and automobile plants shutting their doors, I find the “timing” of this increase to be in particularly bad taste. When asked about this raise, I know our legislators will say they really had no choice on the matter. “The Computer did it.” So what can they do? I might suggest that each “person” could donate the amount of his/her raise back to one of the welfare organizations in our area. I am quite skeptical in believing that this will actually happen. Still, I think this would be the “right” thing to do, especially in view of the economic turmoil we are experiencing at this time. On the other hand, perhaps I am being too cynical. Just maybe our elected “persons” have been working hard for their constituents and actually merit an increase in pay. Let’s take just a few minutes and try to review some of the political “successes” of the past few years. Since it seems to be one of the major issues of our daily lives, just what has the congress done to improve the economy?
Now Available – New Mexico Central Merchandise
We are pleased to announce the availability of New Mexico Central swag, including shirts, hats, mugs, bumper stickers, and more! Let your friends, neighbors, and local politicians know what you’re reading so they can join in the fun. For more information and to look over our products, check out the New Mexico Central section of your editor’s online store today!
Grow Your Own New Year
by John Weckerle
We wish you all a happy, satisfying, and prosperous New Year – and we also wish you to know that the arugula, green onions, snow peas, and one of the lettuce mixes have sprouted. Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas!
by John Weckerle
From NM-Central headquarters, I wish you all a merry, safe, and joyous Christmas – and happy holidays of any and all kinds you may be celebrating at this time of year!
Solar-Power Incentives — Bah, Humbug!
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Of course, I’m not against incentives for solar or wind power. Let me explain. The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) has just approved regulations that requires Public Service Company of New Mexico (PSC) to pay commercial customers 15 cents for ever solar-generated kilowatt used by its commercial customers. This is in addition to a 13 cent scheme for residential customers. The PRC stopped short or refused to require PSC to pay for any excess power generated by the company’s customers. Whether this refusal is good for the customer and PSC is anyone’s guess, but one reason given by the PRC is that the PRC didn’t want the customers to become mini-utilities or words to that effect. On balance all the forgoing seems great for PSC’s customers and it allows PSC to comply with regulations that require it to be more green.Â
Public Service Announcement – MS Support Group Forming
by John Weckerle
We’ve received word from Donna Seagrave on the formation of the East Mountain/Estancia Valley Multiple Sclerosis Support Group. The group will provide support and socialization for people in the area who do not wish to or cannot drive to Albuquerque. Meetings will be held at the Edgewood Community Center on the second Tuesday of each month, beginning January 13, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. and will be facilitated by Donna and Jacqueline. For more information, call 281-0996.
This is great news for area residents who are dealing with the challenges posed by a difficult and not always well understood medical condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Sometimes, joining a support group, where you can share experiences and feelings with other people, is a good approach.” We wish the group the best of success and hope those in the area with MS will benefit from it.
A few MS-related links:
It Is All Bass-Ackwards
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
The title puts it mildly. Edgewood, has for some time, failed to convince Santa Fe County to return taxes to Edgewood that rightly belong to Edgewood. Additionally, Edgewood has missed opportunities to joint venture with Santa Fe County for a regional library, a public safety facility, a recreational complex and an animal control facility. »» It Is All Bass-Ackwards
Free Christmas Eve Dinner In Moriarty
by John Weckerle
The First Baptist Church of Moriarty and El Comedor Restaurant are presenting a free Christmas Eve Celebration and dinner at the El Comedor Restaurant in Moriarty. Seating is limited, so tickets are required. Tickets are available on a “first request” basis by reservation only and include admission to a free Christmas dinner and time of worship. Tickets must be picked up at the Church office in advance. Tickets are required for all attendees – so make sure to reserve a ticket for each member of your party. Two seatings will be offfered – one at 4:30 p.m. and the other t 6:15 p.m. For more information and to reserve tickets, call 832-6385.
Holiday Raffle To Support Community Radio
by John Weckerle
A raffle to benefit the establishment of a new community radio station is under way! Prizes include:
- 1st – $500
- 2nd – $250
- 3rd – $100
Tickets are $1.00 or $5.00 for six tickets. The drawing will be held at the Torrance County Project Office holiday open house on December 18, 2008. For more information and to buy tickets contact Ellen Burgess, Programs Manager, at (505) 832-0332 or by e-mail at eburgess@lobo.net.
We here at NM-Central wholeheartedly and enthusiastically support this outstanding project and urge you all to do so as well, so please call Ellen and find out how to get your tickets today!
Do The Right Thing, Bill!
By Bob Steiner
The voters have spoken! Bill Richardson endorsed the presidential candidate for his party’s nomination, who ultimately won the national election. Congratulations are in order for  all parties concerned! Our Governor (it seems after much obvious “delay” by the President-elect) was rewarded for his support for Obama by being designated as a member of the President’s cabinet.  While he was beat out for the much desired Secretary of State position by the less-qualified “pants suit” competitor, he at least was finally rewarded with the offer for the Commerce Secretary job. In view of the potential impact this position can have on the present national economic crisis, this appointment should not be taken lightly. In this position he could do much (or little) to improve the present financial situation the country is experiencing.
We all are aware that George Bush is in control of the government until January 20th. In preparation for the change of administration on that date, other cabinet member appointees have already become involved with their respective “counterparts” on the Bush team. Their goal, of course, is to insure a smooth transition to the Obama contingent. The Commerce Department, being so important to our economy, especially in view of the present business crisis, would certainly warrant having the total focus of its appointee. This, however, as regards Bill Richardson, seems  not to be the case. »» Do The Right Thing, Bill!
Let It – Well, You Know
by John Weckerle
Well, perhaps this is our fault. We hauled out the Christmas decorations and started decorating this weekend – and, of course, a winter storm rolled in this morning. The snow began falling here at about 7:18 this morning. In keeping with the unusual weather we’ve been getting, online sources indicate that we’ll be having a couple of days of wintry weather, and we’ll be back into the 50s again Thursday. We’re looking forward to some snow on the ground but, given that it won’t be enough to warrant breaking out the snowshoes, we’re also looking forward to it melting and running into our water harvesting system.
Torrance County P & Z To Vote On Animal Control Ordinance Today
by John Weckerle
We have received word from Vanessa Vaile and Pauline Dube that the Torrance County Planning and Zoning Committee will meet today (Tuesday, December 2) at 9:30 a.m. to vote on the proposed new animal control ordinance. We have not had the opportunity to review the ordinance, and with only a few hours before the meeting we have no time for research. However Ms. Dube has expressed numerous concerns regarding the ordinance, which she says places unreasonable restrictions on legitimate animal ownership, and she has provided a link to a web site for the East Mountain Animal Interest Alliance that discusses the ordinance and concerns related to animal ownership.
While we have not had sufficient time to educate ourselves on this specific topic, we are inclined to express an opinion on a related issue – that of the scheduling of Torrance County’s P & Z and County Commission meetings. The practice of holding meetings during the day has the effect of seriously limiting the ability of working people to participate in government, whether it be as observers, elected officials, or citizens seeking to offer comment on the decisions being made by their elected officials. Most of the other governing bodies manage to meet in the evening, and there is no reason that the Torrance County Commission cannot do the same – unless, of course, the actual intent of meeting during the day is to limit public involvement and/or public scrutiny.
Former County Commissioner Leroy Candelaria proposed moving the meeting times to the evening several years ago and was voted down. We’d be interested in hearing the other Commissioners’ reasons for opposing this obvious step toward open government in Torrance County. This was not a major issue in the recent election, but perhaps it should be in the next.
Thankful Before Thanksgiving
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Not me. I’m thankful most all the time. You become so automatically when you reach a certain stage in life, years or experience. The subject of the title is, or at least should be, a twenty-one year old, Roy Aguilar arrested by the New Mexico State Police after a series of stupid tricks performed by Mr. Aguilar. You can click on this link to read about the events reported in the Santa Fe New Mexican
Mr. Aguilar managed to use his weapon of choice, to self-inflict an injury for which he should be most thankful, while making himself the cannon fodder of various critics and commentators. As if, this mixed bag of metaphors was not poetic justice enough, Mr. Aguilar managed to hoist himself by his own petar (petard)
This turkey was saved to serve (or swerve) another day. Thanks to the New Mexico State Police for their service and to the media for reporting.
Bill Brown, Dedicated Community Servant, Passes at 68
by John Weckerle
We have just received word that Bill Brown, president of the New Mexico Wildlife Association (the organization that manages Wildlife West Nature Park) , died Friday night at his home. He was 68 years of age.
Bill, known to many as the “Cat Guy” because of his daily work inside the mountain lion enclosure at Wildlife West, was a retired firefighter from Houston, Texas. We will be featuring an article on Bill later this week, once we have obtained more information about his life before Wildlife West.  A memorial service will be held in the Bean Barn at Wildlife West at 3:00 p.m. this Wednesday, November 26, 2008. The barn is heated and very large; however, we recommend bringing appropriate outer wear in case of a large turnout, and also because there is a bit of a walk from the Park entrance to the barn. Bill’s son, David Brown, has requested that donations be made to Wildlife West Nature Park in lieu of flowers.
Times Of The Signs
by John Weckerle
Or, more accurately, places of the signs – ours. On Saturday, November 15, Chuck Ring, Bob Steiner and I were at the Wildlife West Community Appreciation Day, complete with fliers for the blog. Bob relayed some information last week: a local business has posted one of our fliers in their window! After a little thought, it seems reasonable that we should at least give some mention to those who are helping get the word out – so each week, on Monday, we will be listing the places where our flier has been seen (and publicly visible) during the previous week.
This week, the nod goes to:
- Local resident Sue West, who has posted a notice about the blog on the notice board at the entrance of her subdivision since long before we made the fliers
- Katrina’s East Mountain Grill, located at the corner of Dinkle Road and SR 344
- D.J.’s Dog House, an eatery in Edgewood (southeast corner of Dinkle and SR 344 in the old John Brooks shopping center at the old TechSmiths location)
If you’re posting signs or see them somewhere, please drop us a line at editor@nm-central.com and include the name, address or physical location, and where in the business (etc.) that the flier is posted. Thanks for your support!