Archive for May 27, 2008

Racing Commission Approves Albuquerque Downs Move To Moriarty

by John Weckerle

NM-Central.com has just received word that the New Mexico Racing Commission has approved the Albuquerque Downs application to relocate from the New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque to Moriarty, New Mexico.

Plans for the facility, as presented by the Downs’ representatives at the recent Moriarty public meeting, include the racetrack, Las Vegas-style slot machine casino, food court, upscale steakhouse, advanced veterinary facility, stables, and other features. Congratulations are in order for the Downs, the governments of Moriarty and Torrance County, the Town of Estancia, which supported the project, and the local and regional organizations such as EVEDA who worked hard to demonstrate the community’s support for the project.

Fighting Poverty by Yanking Rural Services?

Guest Commentary by Flo Maze

Editor’s Note: Ms. Maze asks that anyone wishing to assist with this issue, including but not limited to signing petitions and providing other support, contact her at fmaze21@comcast.net. As stated in the article, a meeting on this issue is scheduled for June 12, 2008 at the Moriarty Civic Center. Members of MRCOG’s Workforce Connection Executive Committee are listed here. The July 2007 roster of the Workforce Connection Board can be found here. We have been advised that Pat Lincoln is no longer on the Board, reportedly having resigned in April. We note that only two of the remaining 35 members are listed with an address in the East Mountains and Estancia Valley, although Moriarty City Councilor Steve Anaya is listed with an Albuquerque business address. We do not currently have any confirmed information on the makeup of a local Board for the Workforce Connection.

On June 30, 2008, the Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico will be closing its doors to the citizens and businesses of Torrance and Southern Santa Fe County and Eastern Bernalillo County permanently. The Executive Board for the Workforce Connection under MRCOG (Mid Region Council of Governments) has made the final decision for this closure. »» Fighting Poverty by Yanking Rural Services?