A Better Deal Elsewhere For Wildlife West?
by John Weckerle
We have posted several articles here about the treatment that Wildlife West Nature Park has been receiving from the Town of Edgewood. Wildlife West, a community asset providing employment opportunities, educational programs, an enhanced zoo, and great entertainment, has faced what appears to be outright hostility from the Town government since the March election. Despite the fact that the Town’s attorney has stated that there may be way to legally fund the annual Town music festival at the Park, Mayor Bob Stearley has remained adamant that any support for the event represents a violation of the anti-donation clause of the State Constitution. Knowing that tax revenues would increase as a result of new gross receipts for the Town, Mr. Stearley has resolutely insisted that the Town is too strapped for cash to make a contribution to the event, a claim we have repeatedly disputed here – and based on this article in the Mountain View Telegraph, it would appear that we were right in disputing it. Thus far, the Edgewood Town Council has gone along with Mr. Stearley’s positions with little resistance. According to the article, Mr. Stearley committed at the July 18 meeting to asking the Town attorney to look into ways to fund the music festival and, in a request dated June 27, Mr. Stearley instructed the Town attorney to report to the Council at its July 2 meeting.
Certainly, this treatment has been difficult for the folks at Wildlife West, and for those who have selflessly donated money, provided food for the animals and materials for improving the Park, and volunteered to make the Park the outstanding community asset it has become. Now, it would appear, that at least one nearby community recognizes the value of the Park, and might just be willing to give it the treatment it deserves.
At this week’s meeting of the Moriarty Lodgers Tax board, Wildlife West requested funds for advertising for the event. Reportedly, after some discussion, the suggestion was put forth by the Board that Wildlife West might do well to consider relocating to Moriarty. According to Wildlife West founder Roger Alink, he responded to the suggestion by pointing out that the costs would be substantial, and was surprised to be told, in essence, that this might not present an insurmountable obstacle – and that Wildlife West could expect better treatment in Moriarty, New Mexico than it has received in Edgewood.
In a telephone conversation today, Lodger’s Tax Board member Maria Braendle confirmed Mr. Alink’s statements. According to Ms. Braendle, one of the City Council members has indicated a willingness to approach Mayor Adan Encinias and the City Council on the matter if Wildlife West was willing to enter into a serious discussion on the issue of a potential move. While Ms. Braendle felt that it would be best for Edgewood to “recognize Wildlife West for the asset it is,” she indicated that Moriarty already recognizes it as such, and that the idea has generated excitement in certain quarters.
While Mr. Alink points out that moving the Park would certainly be difficult both logistically and emotionally, making reference to the “20 years of sweat and effort” on the part of the people who have worked to make the Park a reality, he notes that the best interests of the Park are what is important. “I’m keeping an open mind,” he said. Of course, the final decision would be made by the Park’s Board of Directors after considering Mr. Alink’s recommendations.
We find it disappointing that the Edgewood governing body has chosen the course it has taken with respect to Wildlife West – but we find the groundswell of support from the community encouraging – and we are especially encouraged by Moriarty’s recognition of the Park’s value and its willingness to support Wildlife West. We hope that the Town will see the wisdom in supporting the Park more aggressively in the future. Should the winds of change eventually pick up Wildlife West and blow it to the east, it will be Edgewood’s loss, and a testament to the values and good judgment of Moriarty’s leaders.
2 Responses “A Better Deal Elsewhere For Wildlife West?”
The actual monies received by Edgewood, which can be attributed to Wal-Mart is much more than Mayor Stearley has indicated. I would estimate that since Wal-Mart opened in March of this year, that the town will see that we’ve accrued at least $200,000 and likely much more which can be attributed through food and other sales at Wal-Mart.
Although there is no longer a tax on food products purchased for consumption off-premises, the State of New Mexico calculates an amount that is supposed to approximate the amount that would have been posted to the town’s coffers had not the food tax been abandoned.
That isn’t to say that Joe and Jane Consumer actually saw more money pour into their pocketbook … the chief executive of the state and some in our legislature made sure that an additional .5 cents of tax was forevermore charged for most every other item purchased by the ordinary consumer. A classic example of a shell game extraordinaire.
As further proof of the support for Wildlife West by many of the citizens of the surrounding area, a flea market will be held to Save Our Music! It will be on July 19th from 7am until 1pm in the parking lot of Liberty Development, next to the old Radio Shack building on Route 66. You can donate items for sale, or you can rent a table to sell your own items. For more information, contact Jim Smith at 505-934-1075.
In addition, several local businesses, including The Furniture Connection and Banjo Bob have donated valuable raffle items. Contact Roger Alink at Wildlife West at 505-281-7655 for a complete listing.