And The Contestants Are…(You Read It Here First)
by John Weckerle
Yes, we were there – and only us. As the deadline passed for the candidates to register for the Town of Edgewood’s upcoming election, New Mexico Central – and ONLY New Mexico Central – was on hand to witness the last chance for the willing to become the possible. It was, perhaps predictably, a moment that will stand out among some, but not many. Amidst the cheers and well wishing*, we were fortunate enough to get the names of the candidates for the upcoming electoral event.
We were not terribly surprised to find that the rumors that incumbent Rita Loy Simmons would not be running again turned out to be rather predictably inaccurate. Ms. Simmons will be sticking to her guns and, voters permitting, sticking to her post for the next term. Incumbent Glenn Felton, who ran as part of a ticket with unsuccessful candidate Tim Fleming last time around, will also be volunteering his services for another term. Joining the fray will be former Town Council member and former mayoral candidate-turned neoconservative blogger Chuck Ring, who has remained active, visible, and rather conspicuously vocal during his hiatus as a government official.
Frankly, Edgewood, it would have been just a bit more interesting, or at least more interesting to write about, if one – just ONE – other potential candidate had thrown down a gauntlet (note: your editor is more or less surrounded by, but not a citizen of, Edgewood, and therefore cannot run). There are a number of potential explanations for the lack of interest. Perhaps the citizenry is happy with the status quo. Perhaps they are just simply trying to survive in the current economy, and can’t make the time to step up to the plate. Perhaps we have seen an apathy that may be unprecedented in Edgewood’s very short history. Certainly there were more interested parties in the past, and certainly there are only three people in the entire municipality willing to run for two seats on the Town Council.
One way or another, we’ll keep an eye – two, when we can spare them – on the race.
* Admittedly, live music on the car stereo. Maybe. Our apologies.