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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”
Board Members Beware
by John Weckerle
Given the amount of interest (and correspondence) generated by our earlier article on the tax exempt status of the Moriarty Chamber of Commerce, we find this recent letter in the Albuquerque Journal rather interesting. In the letter, the author, Linda Drilling of the Country Club Homeowners Assocation in Deming, expresses the opinion that a judge’s recent decision renders null and void certain state laws associated with “so-called immunity” for the directors of nonprofit organizations.
Little information is easily available on the case – it’s apparently a recent case, and disputes involving homeowners associations may fly a little below the broad radar of journalism - and the specifics are perhaps less important than the broader issue in any case. “So-called immunity” is perhaps a better choice of words than Ms. Drilling realizes; the statute does grant some level of immunity, but specifically excludes situations in which:
- the director has breached or failed to perform the duties of the director’s office; and
- the breach or failure to perform constitutes willful misconduct or recklessness.
Altogether too many people, including nonprofit board members, are under the impression that there is a blanket immunity granted that essentially prescribes that those who do good can do no wrong. This is in error. The law does appear to grant some protection to those who find themselves in difficulty due to innocent mistakes and the acts of others, but that protection can be tenuous, and there is no protection for those who choose to “play it fast and loose” with the law and ethics associated with serving on nonprofit boards. The short course I took on this issue earlier this year through Jean Block Consulting in Albuquerque was very informative, and I highly recommend that those serving on nonprofit boards consider taking this or similar training to learn just what is expected of them by those who can award damages.
Taxation & Water, Taxation & Public Safety And Taxation & Transportation
Look for more to be written regarding the above in light of the North Central Regional Transit District’s “input” meeting:
Stay alert!
Public Service Announcement: Edgewood – Eldorado – Santa Fe Bus Service Meeting
The North Central Regional Transit District will hold a public input meeting concerning the GEE-Line (Greater Eldorado Express) bus service at the Edgewood Community Center on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 p.m. at the Edgewood Community Center. For contact information and the facility address, see the announcement.
While The Rain’s Away…
by John Weckerle
What with the rain over the last couple of days and preparing for a “grand opening” Saturday, there’s been precious little time to test out the new lens that arrived Friday. Precious little, but not none – here are a few shots from around the house.
Grow Your Own – Vegzilla
by John Weckerle
Despite the unusually cool (mostly) weather we’ve been having, our two little beds are still producing plenty of food. The pictures below include Saturday’s haul and a last look at the beds before removal of the cauliflower plants – they have run their course and were unlikely to produce anything more this year.  They were just taking up space and using up water that is better directed to the adjacent tomatoes. It is not clear whether some green onions or salad greens might do well there; it is a little over-shadowed by the tomatoes and squash.
Public Service Announcement – New Torrance County Office Hours
by John Weckerle
The Estancia Valley Economic Development Association has informed us that the new hours for the Administrative Office of Torrance county will be from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, beginning Monday, September 29. The offices will be closed Friday. The Sheriff’s Department will remain open 5 days a week; for hours of operation, call (505) 246-4773.
Au Revoir, Mr. Mayor
by John Weckerle
It was several years ago that I first met Estancia Mayor Marty Hibbs at an Estancia Valley Economic Development Association annual meeting. At that time, Mr. Hibbs shared some thoughts on rural economic development that were unusually resonant with the thoughts of economic development guru Ernesto Sirolli. Since that time, I have had the privilege of serving with Marty on the EBRA Board of Directors and speaking with him on a number of occasions on topics ranging from economic development to water resources to renewable energy and more. I can honestly say that I can’t recall a conversation with Estancia’s Mayor that I didn’t enjoy, and I feel that I have learned much by working and speaking with him.
Marty’s leadership and dedication to his community, to the Estancia Valley, and to the State of New Mexico are well known, well respected, and widely recognized – and the kudos coming in from all directions confirms that. To that I would add simply this: For some, service to the community is a fundamental aspect of one’s nature, and I suspect that we will at some time see Marty Hibbs in a new role, giving himself to the community in a new way. For my part, I think that “au revoir,” and not “adieu,” is the thought I would like to express – along with my gratitude for the service that Marty has given.
I Saved The Energy. The Bulb Is Dead. So Is The Computer. Now What?
by John Weckerle
Well, with respect to the compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) bulbs you’ve been told not to toss in the trash, there’s a handy option. On June 24, The Home Depot announced that it would accept expired CFLs at all their stores. Just take them to the returns desk, and the representative there will take them. As most of us know, the nearest store to New Mexico’s REAL Central Valley and the East West Mountains is the one on Eubank Blvd SE and Central Avenue, just north of Costco.
This is short notice, but New Mexico Business Weekly reports that the City of Albuquerque, Intel, KOAT TV, and Natural Evolution have teamed up to hold their annual electronics recycling drive. Unfortunately, we were late in discovering this information, and the time for small businesses to drop off their old equipment was today. Residents may drop their items off tomorrow. For times and locations, see the New Mexico Business Weekly article.
Contrary to what you’re hearing, “The Sky is not falling”!
by Kelly Krauth
Disclosure: Kelly is a mortgage broker at Vanguard Mortgage. Your editor is a Vanguard customer.
Every time you hear the news or see a report on the current economic status, you are sure to hear those words, “The Mortgage Crisis”. The national media continues to publicize and advertise to consumers that investing in real estate is a bad idea. What they are trying to do is to make real estate into a national market and look like the Crash of 1929! This is simply not the case!
The majority of the delinquencies and foreclosures that are being publicized are concentrated in the subprime market. Agreeably there is a huge increase in foreclosures but it is mainly because of borrowers who, in most cases, would not have previously qualified for a conforming loan. These borrowers were given a “golden ticket” to buy a home that they obviously did not qualify to own. Lenders began to advertise these great new programs, i.e. adjustable rate mortgages, “no fee” loans and many people signed on in order to obtain the great American dream of home ownership. Things like Stated Income, and Stated Asset loans (SISA) allowed these borrowers to do this easily without much verification; basically negating normal conditions that would traditionally be required to “qualify” for a home loan. Normal requirements such as steady, dependable employment, assets, reserves, and good credit were no longer a necessity. Basically anyone could now buy a home. But at what cost? »» Contrary to what you’re hearing, “The Sky is not falling”!
Subscribe To New Mexico Central By E-Mail or RSS Feed!
by John Weckerle
There are now two new ways to subscribe to NM-Central.com! Readers can now subscribe via e-mail using the Subscribe to New Mexico Central link located just below the calendar. You can also add the blog to your RSS feeds. In Internet Explorer, click on the “feeds” button, select either RSS 2.0 or Atom 0.3 (either should work for you). Then select Tools -> Subscribe to this Feed, and subscribe! In Firefox, select Bookmarks -> Subscribe to This Page, and select your feed options. Note: The full text of the articles may not appear in the feeds page, but you will at least be able to see part of the article, and a link to the full version will be provided.
New Blood On The Ol’ Blog
by John Weckerle
NM-Central welcomes guest contributor Kelly Krauth of Edgewood to our bullpen of correspondents. Kelly, co-owner of Vanguard Mortgage Services, has offered to write articles on the regional implications of the mortgage crisis and the economy. We look forward to seeing Kelly’s first article soon!
Checking In From The Road
by John Weckerle
We join you today from Florida, where we are visiting friends and family. For the last couple of days, we have been staying at the home of Rufus, the now-famous Hallmark dog. Rufus is a finalist in Hallmark’s pet photo contest, and his card is now the No. 2 best seller of the series. The photo is titled “What Chocolate Cake?” Rufus lives with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law in Brooksville. Those who would like to help Rufus win the contest by voting for him can do so here.
Public Service Announcement – Mountainair Firecracker Jubilee, July 5
The Mountainair Firecracker Jubilee will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2008. Festivities include a pancake breakfast, horseshoe tourney, children’s games, vendors, live music, a barbecue lunch, fireworks, and a dance. For more information, see the post at the Mountainair Announcements blog or the event web page.
Supreme Court Upholds Gun Ownership Rights
by John Weckerle
The Supreme Court today issued its first major ruling to interpret the rights of individuals to own firearms, striking down gun bans in Washington D.C. and, presumably, in other cities where such bans are in effect, such as Chicago. The ruling, which effectively settles the longstanding debate over whether the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution applies to individuals or only those serving in state militias, apparently leaves most other gun control statutes intact. Articles: