Archive for Edgewood
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!
Signs Of The Times?
By Bob Steiner
The town of Edgewood, like all towns, has a lot of signs. There are traffic signs mandated by state and federal authorities which provide essential information to those traveling through our fair valley. Information signs alert us to the location of historical sites and other points of interest to visitors (please note here, for future reference, “visitors” - can also be defined as “tourists, who spend money!”). Large and small retailers have signs. Realtors have signs. There are even signs identifying various streets and roads in the town though, please don’t expect to find any on the South side of State Road #333, just West of the town’s administrative offices. Although the most recent election  is over and the votes have been tabulated, there still seems to be an abundance of the “stick in the ground” political cardboard signs around. There are even a few of these  “adorning” some of the more prominent barbed wire fences hereabout.  What seems pariticularly hard to understand is that some merchants have had to resort to “stick” cardboard signs to identify their locations. While milk carton signs announcing week end garage sales are posted,  they, at least, do seem to be removed in a timely manner. »» Signs Of The Times?
Wildlife West Announces 2009 Music Festival Headliners And Event Schedule
by John Weckerle
Last year’s Wildlife West Music Festival may have been a tough act to follow, but this year’s lineup looks like another crowning achievement. Internationally known folk musician John McCutcheon will return to delight the audience with his incredible and varied repertoire. With over 30 albums to his credit and the ability to play about a dozen instruments, John McCutcheon’s performances are an uncommon treat among musical experiences. His songs tell stories of American life with a rare insight, and his instrumentals are often unparalleled in both skill and the enjoyment they bring to the listener. The Badly Bent – an award winning bluegrass band from Durango, Colorado – will be welcomed by those who return to Wildlife West year after year for bluegrass that, as phrased on the band’s web site, “never strays far from the roots established by the fathers of the genre.” Dave Firestine and Round The House – another award-winning band, but this time from Tucson, Arizona – will regale us with “authentic Irish music, with a twist of Tucson.” Syd Masters & The Swing Riders, the headliner for Wildlife West’s regular Chuckwagon Suppers, will entertain us with their unique blend of traditional and original cowboy music and humor. Also returning will be The Squash Blossom Boys, a local band that should be remembered by last year’s attendees. More bands will be announced soon!
Online ticket sales will commence soon on the park’s web site, as will a new series of sponsorships directed specifically toward those who would like to show their support for the festival.
Wildlife West has also released its event schedule for 2009, with events listed as follows:
- Wind Festival May 2, 3
- Chuckwagon Dinner Shows Saturday nights – June 20 through Sept. 15.
- Bear Fair July 11
- 7th Annual Music Festival August 7 – 9
- Harvest Festival August 28, 30
- Melodrama TBA
Their Loss Means We Keep Losing
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Poor Santa Fe County and Santa Fe City. According to recent reports in the Santa Fe New Mexican, both will have to initiate cost-cutting measures due to their lack of economic bounty in these down times.
They propose to cut items in their existing budget to make up the loss. It really struck me as odd that they intend to take a 10% bite out of their travel category. The odd part was the 10% amounts to some $240,000. We can do the math and find that their travel budget is over $2,400,000. One wonders if they plan to travel to outer space. In this day and time, what could possibly justify a travel budget of over two million dollars for an entity the size of Santa Fe County?
Oh well, little Edgewood will continue sending their hard earned money to both Santa Fes. Maybe we can keep them out of the hole they keep digging for themselves.
Click here for the County’s storyÂ
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?
First, Do No Harm (Part Two)
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
This Is Part Two Of A Two Part Article
Click Here For Part One Of This Article
Next to be examined are two big water projects known as the San Juan – Chama Diversion Project and the Buckman Well Field Project. The scope of these two projects alone demonstrates the shear gall of those who have planned these projects with their use of taxes from Edgewood to fund a large portion of the projects. Whether the projects prove to be viable and cost effective at this juncture is speculative, but it can be said that in the eyes of many Southern Santa Fe County and Torrance County citizens, the deal or deals, smell of selfishness and disregard. Memories of the City of Santa Fe’s attempt to import some 7500 acre feet of salty water from mid-Torrance County to Santa Fe still leaves a brackish taste in their mouths. One of our Santa Fe County commissioners seems so enamored of the tax and the straws that could be placed in the rivers and aquifers that he wrote a letter extolling the virtues of the project to the Santa Fe City governing body. Here is an excerpt from the February 6, 2003 letter:
“….Santa Fe County government and the public took a big step toward dealing with the water shortage last year with the approval of a ¼% gross receipts tax increase, 75% of which will be used for water system and supply improvements. Fully one half of the total county tax proceeds will go to projects that are in the City or that serve City residents. City projects are reviewed and recommended for funding by the Regional Planning Authority (RPA). Already the RPA will go to projects that are in the City or that serve City residents. City projects are reviewed and recommended for funding by the Regional Planning Authority (RPA). Already the RPA earmarked $1.25 million, or one half of the total expected gross receipts tax for the current fiscal year for the construction of Buckman wells 10 through 13 to supplement the existing Buckman well field during drought conditions , and to rest existing wells during normal years….”
The entire letter can be accessed here by clicking Santa Fe Twins Water And Other Projects Deal The excerpt above is just a very small sample of the revelations to be found in the letter.Â
If the letter and the ordinance are studied with a clear head and sharp eyes, it can be determined that most of the funds accrued or accruing from the tax will be spent by and for the County and City. Reading the entire letter, the mind of the reader can be transported to the Los Angeles of the Owens Valley era and its erstwhile superintendent of the Los Angeles Water and Power Department, William Mulholland. Visions of the movie, Chinatown, which is loosely based on Los Angeles’ rape of Owens Valley and Los Angeles’ hand in the final demise of the water once to be found there, Maps,Photos And General Information About Owens Valley also rise to the mind’s surface. But, a read of he book or a look at the PBS series of the same name, The Cadillac Desert, The American West And Its Disappearing Water, will perhaps meld the Santa Fe events with those revealed in the book and tell a much broader story of how big money and bad politics often destroy those with whom they play fast and loose. A Google © search can provide links to suppliers of the book and video.
Has anyone in the Edgewood area heard of the Top Of The World Farms (TOW). If not, be assured that folks in Taos County have heard about Santa Fe County and their purchase of at least 588 acre feet per year (afy) of water rights from TOW. I say at least, because it is not clear when and exactly how much water was actually purchased by Santa Fe County. An article from the La Jicarita Times of Northern New Mexico has indicated the transfer, if approved, will be for a minimum of 588 afy
The entity created by Santa Fe City and County that handles the disbursement of most of the many millions of dollars generated by the tax is known as the Regional Planning Authority (RPA). The RPA has an executive director and five additional staff; though to be fair some staff members serve through their regular employment with the City or County. A board consisting of four county commissioners and four city councilors governs the RPA. Conspicuously and suspiciously, there are no board members from the other taxed entities that contribute to the pie. Other disbursements of money can occur outside the purview of the RPA should individual County commissioners put forth projects for funding. There have been several such projects, but none have been finalized for Edgewood. At one point, over two years ago, there was to have been a $400,000 allotment for Edgewood to assist with the completion of the Edgewood wastewater treatment facility, but the County insisted on an ownership scheme in the facility and no funds were ever forthcoming.
Community Appreciation Day At Wildlife West This Saturday
by John Weckerle
This Saturday, November 15th, Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood will be holding a day of appreciation for the support shown by the regional community. From 12 to 4 p.m., admission will be free, as will be hot dogs and drinks. Any business that wants a free 1/2 table booth space in the bean barn (heated!) should call 281-7655. NM-Central will be sharing a booth space with your editor’s commercial enterprise, WeckTech. Both I and Senior Staff Writer Chuck Ring plan to attend and hope to see you there!
First, Do No Harm (Part One)
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote Freely From The Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
This Is Part One Of A Two Part Article
“First, do no harm.” A phrase many believe to be a part of the Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians. Actually, it has been adopted by some in the medical field, particularly in emergency medical services, as a credo of sorts, but it is not in the Hippocratic Oath. Perhaps though, some of our elected representatives, whether state, county or local might consider adopting the same or similar sentiments as they go about passing legislation.
There is a history of the New Mexico State Legislature (legislature) passing statutes that allow counties to place taxation issues on a county wide referendum. It appears that such legislation has been passed as a result of strong lobbying by the Association Of Counties (AOC), larger municipalities within those counties and influential individuals. These referendums are allowed with seemingly little thought and certainly no thorough consideration by many of the involved parties as to the impact that such legislation has on small municipalities in counties where such legislation is allowed. That is, unless the consensus among legislators is that other entities are more important than small villages, towns and cities. In any case, it is unlikely that a small town can prevent the passing of a county wide referendum, no matter the effort or monies expended by its governing body and citizens.
Edgewood, New Mexico has experienced the impact of two such gross receipts tax referendums and the taking of taxes from Edgewood as a result, has served to dampen economic development, infrastructure development and citizen services for Edgewood citizens and area residents. By far the most egregious of taxes passed through an almost bilateral process by Santa Fe County and its partner, the City of Santa Fe (county and city), is the ¼ of one cent tax passed as Santa Fe County Ordinance 2002-5 or the Santa Fe County Capital Gross Receipts Tax. Posted below are some of the more telling portions of the ordinance. Notice how the county and city have crafted the ordinance so that benefits from the tax fall heavily on the county and city … not only in total money dedicated to them, but also in percentage of the overall proceeds: »» First, Do No Harm (Part One)
Good On You, Edgewood Councilors
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
The Edgewood Town Council meetings have been conspicuous with the absence of the town attorney for several meetings. This, after at least one citizen and some council members have pointed out the foolishness of not having legal representation for the governing body during quasi-judicial hearings and legislative deliberations. Ostensibly, according to the initial reason first posited by Mayor Robert Stearley, the reason the mayor did not favor the attorney’s attendance was budgetary in nature.
Mayor Stearley, during the town council meeting of Wednesday, November 5, 2008, repeated that his concern was for monetary reasons. When further discussion, initiated by Councilor Brad Hill and supported by Councilor Rita-Loy Simmons pursued the issue, the Mayor opined that when attorneys appear at town meetings they tend to act like council persons and ask too many questions. This observation or statement coming from the mayor might cause one to wonder what is underneath the surface that may have caused him to make such an unusual statement. Whatever the reason, as a former Edgewood councilman of almost nine years who sometimes did not completely concur with a town attorney’s advice, I can’t recall ever believing that any of the four I observed, rendered advice that was entirely inappropriate. One can only speculate that perhaps the mayor has not agreed with opinions or advice given by the town attorney and unilaterally decided not to have the attorney present during governing body meetings.
The mayor’s statement served to open up the issue for discussion of the matter by the remaining councilmen (Abrams and Felton) and they too, expressed their concern for the lack of an attorney during quasi-judicial hearings and legislative deliberations. The mayor, to his credit, finally acquiesced and the governing body came to the consensus that a system will be worked out to have the attorney present during the aforementioned proceedings and at other times when it is determined such attendance is necessary.
This was a wise decision on the part of the governing body. The town, whether through the mayor acting alone or with the consent of the council, should never act as its own attorney. It has been said that a person (read town) that act’s as their/its own lawyer has a fool for a client and an idiot for an attorney. Hopefully, it is settled that Edgewood doesn’t and isn’t. Sometimes we have to spend money to save money. Money spent on legal representation happens to be one of those times.
GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008
Quote freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Yes, They Have No Bananas — No Lemons Either (Not From New Mexico)
 by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Yes, We Got No Bananas (click to hear)
Some might ask if I have turned daft, or as others might ask, more daft. What the heck is the significance of the song. Fair question and the answer will come in due time.
I picked up the most recent issue of The Independent (The I) and became enthralled by an article which I assumed to be satire until I realized that The I doesn’t do satire, but they are good at silly and
inane. And, inside their boiling vats of criticism floats the Edgewood Wal-Mart; the target of repeated slam articles and diatribes at the dripping pens of The I. The article turns out to be sour and nonsensical to the extreme. How? Let us see the ways.
The title of the article is, Wal-Mart fails to keep local buying pledge by Robert Raffone and if the reader did not read past the title, he or she might be inclined to negatively shake their head or tsk-tsk at the very least. Mr. Raffone tells us that on a “recent” walk-through of the Edgewood Wal-Mart and more particularly, the produce section, not a single item of produce from East Mountain growers poked their leafy little heads, eyes or ears from the produce bins. Mr. Raffone enumerates a list of produce and fruits that he did find. His list included strawberries, pumpkins, corn and grapes from California along with lemons from Chile and apples from Washington. Mr. Raffone goes on to list oranges from South Africa, as well as bell peppers from Canada and tomatoes from Mexico as being present among the United Nations of produce. But, all locally grown produce was absent without leave from Edgewood’s Wal-Mart. »» Yes, They Have No Bananas — No Lemons Either (Not From New Mexico)
Not Quite Over For The Political Junkies
by Chuck Ring
For those who are political junkies or just feel like a junk heap after the election, here’s something you can play with to see trends and results statewide and countywide.
After you arrive at the page you will see that you are on the results page for Santa Fe County. If you wish to dig down to individual precincts you will find a precinct select window next to the county window in the upper left corner of the page. Of course you can also select another county to examine if you want to spend all day and night on the site.
In Santa Fe County precincts 15, 16, 18, 73, 84 and 85 the transit tax was voted down. The total vote was 2755 against to 1515 for, which seems to verify that most folks in those precincts (which is mostly Edgewood do not see a train track or any other real overall transportation benefit to the citizens in our future. But, the bad news is that the rest of the Santa Fe County portion of transit district citizens felt differently and voted for the tax, so that the totals were 34934 for to 28,501 opposed.
So, what will happen as a result of the transit tax passing? On January 1, 2009, you will see the gross receipts tax for the incorporated area of Edgewood (inside Santa Fe County) rise from 7.625 to 7.750. This tax, joins other taxes that have been foisted on us because we cannot overcome the votes from the rest of the county when it comes to tax referendums. One answer to the perpetual problem is the possibility of forming a county out of portions of Santa Fe, Bernalillo and perhaps Torrance counties. This is not the first time that this possibility has been mentioned, but it might be more viable now, because it is difficult to walk much less run, with Santa Fe County’s hand in our back pocket.
It could be worse. Santa Fe City joins Española, and Taos to have gross receipts tax rates above eight cents on the dollar.
What? A 36″ Giant Sucking Sound!
by Chuck Ring
Just when you thought that the City Different, AKA Santa Fe or Disneyland, was through being outrageous, comes the story that they want to add to their water supply. Maybe not bad on the surface, but this deal involves sucking or pushing water through a 36″ pipeline from Ft. Sumner. Such sucking and/or pushing would be over a distance of 145 miles and a lift in elevation from 4049 feet altitude to an elevation of 7320 feet altitude. A lift of 3271 feet through a 36 inch pipeline will require enormous energy, materials and “mucho dinero.” Similar problems did not deter Santa Fe City several years ago when they hatched a similar scheme to import water from the Estancia Basin in Torrance County to Santa Fe. A very vocal Estancia Basin contingency and a well-attended Santa Fe City Council meeting put a dam up to halt that particular project.
I am preparing a series of articles that will shed light on some of the two Santa Fes’ (The Twins) water deals and gimmicks. The articles will be published here and will be utilized elsewhere in an attempt to halt the craziness of The Twins and their like, especially as their actions apply to taxing entities that will not see benefit of such taxation and similar actions. Until I post the first article in the series, you can slake your thirst by accessing and reading an article on the subject which appears in today’s (Sunday, November 2, 2008) Santa Fe New Mexican:
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/Private-water-pipeline-proposed-for-S-F-
That’s it for now.
GadAbout-BlogAlot
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!
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.
New Mexico Sex Offender Registry Site
by Chuck Ring
I am not by nature an alarmist. But, I also believe forewarned is forearmed. With Halloween and other holidays coming very soon, it might be valuable for parents and others to know more about some of the areas and individuals to avoid during trick or treat and other activities where children and adults are placed together.
The New Mexico Department Of Public Safety (DPS) maintains a website known as the Sex Offender Registry. The site is user friendly and there is no need to provide detailed information in this article. You can get to the site by clicking here
Be sure to read all of the warnings contained on the various pages of the website and recognize that the information provided on the website is provided as a public service and there is a disclaimer for accuracy. In other words, please use the information as it was intended to be used. Do not use it to intimidate, harass, or to take any action outside the bounds of propriety. Nor should individuals or groups do anything that would be a violation of any law regarding any information found on the website.