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‘Tis The Season…
by John Weckerle
As the end of the year approaches, we find ourselves contacted more often than usual by charities and other nonprofits asking for financial support either for holiday-oriented initiatives or for their operations for the coming year. In a time of economic downturn, these organizations feel the pinch just as we do; if people have less, they have less to give. I’m not going to identify the nonprofits I plan to support next year in this article (although regular readers can probably guess at least one), or the ones I don’t (and many of you can probably guess a couple of those), but as I give pause to think about where the support for the coming year will be going, I find myself asking questions and formulating responses that I thought I might share.
- What are our priorities in giving? Are we focused on charitable giving, business organizations, clubs, or others? Are there specific missions – education, conservation, job creation, and assisting the poor, to name just a few examples – that rise to the fore when we think about what we want to accomplish? Knowing our own personal “mission” can be a deciding factor in figuring out where to send our support. »» ‘Tis The Season…
An After-Christmas Wish List?
By Bob Steiner
Now that the presidential election is over, it’s hard to realize but the January New Mexico Legislative Session is but a little more than a month away. This is where your elected representatives get together in Santa Fe and decide how many (if any) of the tax dollars you’ve paid in will be returned to your area to finance roads, buildings and other capital projects. No matter where you live in the Estancia Valley, it is important that your town council come up with a “wish list” (Capital Outlay Request) of projects that voters would like to see undertaken in your area. In the event that your local governing body has not yet put together a list, or if you, as an individual,  have any ideas on how to best spend the money  (some of it, anyway) that you send to Santa Fe, now is the time to makes your wishes known!
Our regular readers know that we previously reported that the town of Edgewood hosted a meeting with their legislators last week for the purpose of briefing them on that community’s “wish list”. In view of projected lower tax revenue due to current economic conditions, as well as the fact that the Governor has directed budget cutbacks in all state agencies, The representatives cautioned the town to expedite any projects which are currently being worked on. They believe  that any activity where some  funds have already been expended and  is already in progress, would be less likely to be curtailed. This assumption makes sense,  so if you have visions of any of your tax money being returned to your community, you may want to put a bug in the ear of your local council members to insure they are cognizant of what is going on.
In any event, while you may not be getting much of your tax money  allocated back to your town this year, “Some” is better than None”.
To Spin In the Wind … Or Not
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Fresh off of $4.00 a gallon gas, some folks in New Mexico still question the wisdom of wind generated power. The questioning comes from many points of observation, but the three main objections seem to be:
- the giant turbines will spoil my or our view
- the low-level noise will disturb or harm those (human and animal) in close proximity
- the energy produced will be utilized outside the State of New Mexico
The newest proposed wind farm in the state is being considered for San Miguel County. If final approval is given, the wind farm will be located on 7063 acres of state land on the surface of a prominent mesa.
Hopefully, as New Mexico continues to sort itself out as one of the largest wind energy states (in overall wind energy produced) the ordinary citizens and energy producers can come to common ground that will satisfy all concerned and serve to move our nation toward energy independence (EI). Or, will EI just continue to be something we talk about, but never really move to accomplish.
Click on this colored text Spin The Turbine to read an article from The Santa Fe New Mexican, along with the mixed pro and con comments regarding this wind farm and wind driven energy in general.
Time To Pack Up And Go Home
by John Weckerle
Like many area residents and business owners, I find myself making several trips a week to Albuquerque. For what seems to be about sixty years, but is probably somewhat less, I have been driving through a reduced speed zone (45 mph) associated with the I-40 Sedillo Hill construction. The work appears to be essentially complete, and there is little or no activity, especially in the westbound direction. While the new pavement and especially the long-awaited third lane in the eastbound direction are greatly appreciated, it is time now for the NMDOT to have their contractor pack up the equipment, pick up the barrels, and let us enjoy the new highway at the speeds for which it was designed.
A call made Wednesday to New Mexico Department of Transportation official Phil Gallegos to check on the status of the project has not been returned. However, we checked NMRoads.com, and find that the projected completion date is Tuesday, November 18.
A Meeting Was Held, Yet No One Came.
By Bob Steiner
At 3:00 P.M. last Wednesday the town of Edgewood hosted a meeting for our elected legislators from the local legislative districts. The purpose of the gathering held at the Community Center, was to brief our representatives on projects(“Capital Outlay Requests”) that the town would like to see funded during the forthcoming January legislative session. The ladies representing our area, King, McCoy, and Beffort-Wilson, were present and in good form. They readily answered the questions asked of them and did their best to clarify how they believed the legislature will respond to the projects requested. It was unfortunate that Mr. Campos could not make the trip to Edgewood and be in attendance. I would like to have heard his input.
Perhaps the most important points raised by our representatives was the issue of fewer tax dollars being available to finance our requests and that the Governor is already exhorting the various state agencies to drastically cut back on spending. In view of this situation the town council was advised to insure the town’s expeditious participation in any of the projects they could, the rationale being any project in progress would be less likey to be curtailed if a funding shortfall were to occur.
For the information of those not in attendance, The council , wisely,  seems to be giving the public works facility its highest priority. We really need to have a facility with a roof for our road crews to maintain their equipment out of the weather. Finally, it looks like something will be started in Section#16. If the reader desires more information on other potential projects, please contact Ms. Mahalick at the town headquarters.
Karen Mahalick, Roger Holden, and the rest of the town staff are to be commended for the professional manner in which the town conducted its briefing of the legislators. The charts and written handouts were especially well-done. Any questions raised by the representatives were quickly answered.
It was unfortunate, though, other than the actual participants, only four members of the public, including this writer, were present. In fairness to the town staff, this meeting had been announced at the last council meeting. I suspect though,  the local print media didn’t find it worthy of mention?
Support Your Local Mayor
By Bob Steiner
  It has now been more than six months since Bob Stearley took over the reins  of local government in Edgewood. Under his leadership the town continues to move  forward and prosper.  The Mayor is devoted to our community and handles his duties in a positive manner. Unfortunately, the town has been without a town administrator since a few days after he began his term of office. While the mayor has tried to hire a person to fill that position,  he has thus far been unable to find an applicant who is qualified and could gain the approval of the town council . Consequently, while passing off some of the “administrator”duties to other members of the town staff, he has taken on most of the work, himself. In all fairness, while he doesn’t complain, he is faced with a very heavy workload and still tries to maintain a “can do”attitude. With other members of the community, as well as staff, trying to assist him, there may, at times, be some duplication of effort in getting the business of the town done. Regrettably, this results in confusion for all parties involved. An example of such disorder came to light last Wednesday night during the most recent town council meeting.
Apparently, the town of Edgewood has few, if any, guidelines governing the purchase of goods and services for the community. There also seems to be no designated employee charged with the responsibility of performing the duties of “purchasing agent”. This is evidenced by the fact that several “well-meaning persons “associated with the town have contacted “East Mountain Flooring” at different times regarding carpet for the new Library location. While it appears that these parties were only seeking information and did not enter into any sales contract, the fact that multiple persons were making contact with the merchant has created some confusion regarding this matter. It would seem that no promises of purchase were made to the firm but they were left with the impression that they would at least be allowed to bid on the project. In view of this, “East Mountain Flooring”,  an Edgewood Business, did expend several hours of effort taking measurements of the location and answering many questions presented by these”well-meaning” persons. It is further noted that Mr.Giovenco, the owner, even brought rug samples to the council meeting to address any additional questions town staff or councilors might have had. »» Support Your Local Mayor
It Ain’t Over ‘Till It’s Over – And It’s Over.
by John Weckerle
We wake up today to a very different world than that in which we lived yesterday. Despite the clouds currently scudding over our region, and the blustery winds buffeting us, we can all breathe a little easier, step a little lighter, and look forward to a better time.
The political ads are gone.
They will be replaced quickly, of course, with the usual barrage of holiday advertisements seeking to entice us into borrowing money and sending it to foreign factories as a way of showing our friends and families that we’re thinking of them. For once, this will be a relief (although it probably won’t seem so after a week or so). Target, Walmart, Kmart, and Sears will not likely be lying about each others’ philosophy, ancestry, or upbringing, and I’m betting that Hasbro and Mattel will not be showing grainy and unflattering pictures of each other’s products. Tickle Me Elmo will not be attempting to link Ken to the Cookie Monster, and nobody is going to be attacking Barbie over the price of her wardrobe. Toys will be toys (which, in this day and age, means most of them will probably break before Valentine’s day), and come January, we will all be back to wondering just how we’re going to make ends meet in what promises to be – from an economic standpoint – a very difficult year for many of us.
Now that this is all over, I’d like to thank our correspondents for not dragging NM-Central into the mess, as we agreed that this was not the place for the seasonal diatribes. Only one slip occurred, and it was minor enough that the only likely repercussions might be having one’s head Photoshopped onto a scantily-clad Madonna and posted on YouTube.  It is my hope that the intense emotions of the election season will quickly give way to some of the better sentiments associated with our upcoming holidays, and that we will all remember that – while we may disagree strongly on some things – we really agree on most things. After being reminded of our differences every six minutes for the past year and a half, I look forward to all of us remembering what we have in common.
Public Service Announcement – Veterans and Military Appreciation Day
by John Weckerle
The Estancia Masonic Lodge (#33) will hold their annual Veterans and Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, November 9, 2008. A Thanksgiving Dinner will be held at 2:00 p.m. (Veterans eat free; other guests pay $5.00) and a veterans’ program will be held at 4:00 p.m., with dessert to follow. For more information or to RSVP, contact:
- Tommy Crosswhite: 384-2579
- Steve Balke: 730-7189
- Kim Hoggat: 263- 2787
Isn’t There Good News Anymore?
by J.A. Ueckert
This is usually a time of year when it seems especially relevant to talk, discuss or openly rant about what is wrong, who is wrong or who is to blame for everything that is wrong about our community and our country.
In the midst of all this, I’d just like to take a moment to reflect on the things that are right about our little community and why I’m especially proud to live in Edgewood.
Every time I see a patrol car with “Edgewood Police” written on the side, I remember what a long, uphill grind it was to get here. I would have never imagined that I would be as proud of a Police Department as I am of Edgewood’s own.
I remember when nobody would respond to calls in Edgewood, and many folks around today still recall the line, “That’s not in our jurisdiction”, an excuse used so often, it was as if the same script had been delivered to all dispatch centers. »» Isn’t There Good News Anymore?
Not Your Normal Thrift Store!
By Bob Steiner
Over the past several years many of us have taken used clothing and other donations to  the Bethel Community Storehouse in Moriarty.  The “Storehouse” has an impeccable reputation for assisting those valley residents who number among the “less fortunate” and has been around for some twenty two years. In the past I had always noticed how  clean and orderly the store appeared. The used clothing for sale was always neatly hung. The used book section was organized and the furniture on display always appeared to be freshly-dusted. No matter when I was there, it always seemed to be a “well-run” operation (What more can a person say about a thrift “retailer”?) and up until now I had no reason to give this activity any more thought.
Last Monday, with friends in the car, I  wanted to stop by the store and drop a donation off. Unfortunately, arriving at the store parking lot we found the store to be closed.  We had forgotten to check the operating hours and on Mondays, it seems, this is when a lot of the “behind the scenes ” work gets done.  Nonetheless, seeing a young man coming out of a side door, we approached him and asked if there wasn’t some way we could go inside. He smiled and escorted us in. We soon were talking to Linda Smith, a pleasant lady, who happens to be the facility director. We gave her our donation and were on the verge of leaving, when she proceeded to give us a guided tour of the building.
She first brought us to a large  processing area where some twenty or thirty volunteers were sorting clothing and other donations. The workers seemed to be in a jovial mood and were laughing and joking among themselves as they worked. We were then shown a “warehouse area” where we found shelves of dried foods and canned goods neatly stored in family sized boxes, ready to hand out to those in need. She pointed towards a massive refridgerator for fresh foods and then led us to the administrative area. Here, persons requesting assistance can be interviewed in an “office” environment while other family members wait in a large lounge area. »» Not Your Normal Thrift Store!
Community Appreciation Event Offered By Wildlife West Nature Park
One might, or certainly should know, that those that are generous are bound to generosity through their hearts and souls. Such is the case, in the opinion of many,with Roger Alink, Founder of Wildlife West, Roger’s wife Terry and the many volunteers and employees who work at and for Wildlife West Nature Park (WWNP).
WWNP has not had an easy time of it during the last 7-8 months, having had promised funding jerked from their coffers by the nimble fingers of fate. That WWNP and the folks who run the park were able to complete their mission for another year is testimony to their ability to overcome the seeming silliness of bureaucracy and still remain sane and decent folks.
So, what does the above have to do with generosity. It has much to do with generosity of spirit, and as mentioned above, the generosity of heart and soul. Generous, committed people do not stop at obstacles that are selfishly erected by their detractors. They surpass them. Either over, under or around; true devotees will always out over ignorance or the faint of heart.
Which brings us to an event sponsored by Roger Alink and his crew in appreciation for individual and community support offered to WWNP this year. See the flyer below which was designed by Mail & Copy Business Center, Inc. Hope to see you there!
Tired Of Political Commercials?
by Bob Steiner
Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, or an Independent, you do share something with all other citizens of this land.  Due to the failure of reform legislation  designed to curb the financial impact of special interest groups on our electoral process, you, the voter, have become the target of the most massive political ad campaigns ever seen.
Have you recently watched an enjoyable family-oriented program on TV with those you love, only to have it interrupted with at least one (sometimes more than one!) loud, crude political attack commercial ? After a hard day’s work, resting in your easy chair, listening to your favorite FM station, has the sanctity  of your home  been suddenly violated by a  rapid-fire verbal assault on a political candidate, asserting that he/she is eligible for residence in a “state-run corrections facility”? As Americans, we must respect the first amendment rights of even   those who perpetrate such intrusions, despite the fact that their efforts are full of innuendos, half-truths, non-current information, and outright lies. Let’s face it. This year has been a particular trying time in the realm of political advertising.
All of us are pretty well fed up with the depths that both major parties have sunken to in selling their candidates! Both parties are equally guilty of polluting the environment with their “mud-slinging”. It seems that no political figure is above reproach. Despite repeated public pledges by all candidates NOT to engage in negative campaigning, every news broadcast and political interview seems to just add to the “poison” being disseminated on the airwaves. »» Tired Of Political Commercials?
Canines In Abundance — Human Companions Drag Behind
by Chuck Ring
Volunteers, Edgewood Town Staff, volunteer canines, along with State Representative Kathy McCoy, Edgewood Mayor Robert Stearley and wife Diane, Edgewood Councilor Rita-Loy Simmons, along with Susan Simons (Susan G. Komen, CNM Executive Director) helped to make the annualÂ
Of course, the event was made even more successful through the participation of the many canines and their human friends who “tagged” along without tags of their own. There was nary a harsh word exchanged among or between the canines and the people persons were equally well-behaved. The crossovers made from one side of Old 66 to the opposite side were made safely thanks to the able efforts of Edgewood Police Department officers who held-up or directed traffic at various spots along the walking course.
In addition to the walk of approximately three miles, a silent auction was held. The fees for the walk along with the silent auction proceeds will go to benefit efforts to find a cure for breast cancer and for animal welfare activities in and around the community. The folks from Edgewood Animal Control offered computer chipping at reduced rates; a bargain my wife sought to obtain, but I let her know that I was not keen on having a chip of my own. Although, it might not be such a bad idea for those mornings when I wake up and can’t seem to find my way to the facilities located just off of the bedroom. Anyway, our Shorty dog received his chip and Pugsley the Puganator received his in the past.
Here’s hoping for a larger turnout for next year’s event. Look to the upcoming issue of the Mountain View Telegraph for more information and photographs of the participants … women, men and beasties.
Early Voting: The Great American Ripoff – Unless…
by John Weckerle
Yesterday after work, my wife and I went to the Edgewood fire station to exercise our constitutional right to participate in government. We cast our votes for the candidates of our choice, and went out for pizza to celebrate a successful conclusion to our involvement in this year’s elections.
Our elation was to be short-lived, however. When I arrived home this evening, the television was already on – and when the first commercial break came on, I discovered the horrible truth…
They’re still there.
What, pray tell, is still there? The multitude of attack ads, complete with unflattering, doctored photos; vilification; personal attacks; disinformation; misinformation; and misdirection. Everything I thought I was leaving behind when I voted was still right there in my living room. The only other thing that seems to get through are prescription drug commercials and those idiotic Alltel ads – and maybe a Geico ad here and there. Not even the ones with the gecko, though; just the caveman spots. Phooey.
Suddenly I realized: Early voting is a ripoff unless we all do it, and fast. That’s why I want EVERYBODY who hasn’t already voted to get out there and do so tomorrow. If all the campaign organizations realize that more or less everybody in New Mexico has already voted, they’ll stop buying ad time, and we can go back to the blissfully monotonous attempts to sell us automobiles, frighten us with the fiberglass-headed Burger King, or convince us that Coke tastes a little less like malted battery acid* than Pepsi.
I’m John Weckerle, and I approve this message. Yeesh.
*With thanks to Berke Breathed’s Bloom County.
Response to “North to Taxland”
by John Weckerle
Normally, I would post this as a comment, but it’s a bit long.
Chuck raises some great points, but I think there may be even more to the story – especially with respect to the anemic ridership numbers. Given the name of the line – Greater Eldorado Express – and the ridership, I think we can theorize that the primary benefit goes to the Eldorado users. However, that may be as much a function of schedule as anything else.
Let us first underline Mr. Ring’s acknowledgement that there is currently no fare for riding the buses (we confirmed this by visiting the RTD web site, and we’d like to suggest that they charge everybody a nickel and hire a competent webmaster), that is not to say that riding the bus might not h hidden costs that could outweigh the benefits of a “free” ride.
Let’s look at a few “center to center” mileage and hour estimates collected from Mapquest for the driving distances involved (one way, to Santa Fe) and ridership:
- Edgewood – 62.3 miles, 70 minutes, 5 passengers
- Moriarty – 54.3 miles, 65 minutes, 3 passengers
- Stanley – 42.5 miles, 51 minutes, 3 passengers
- El Dorado, – 13.2 miles, 23 minutes, 25 passengers
If there is really anybody who takes 70 minutes to get from Edgewood to Santa Fe, I look forward to waving as I pass them the next time I make the trip. »» Response to “North to Taxland”