Archive for May 7, 2010
Is The Stimulus Package Working?
by John Weckerle
It was with some interest that we read this Wednesday’s article on at Gadabout-Blogalot.com regarding an announcement by Governor Bill Richardson that Federal recovery funds had created 3,000 jobs in New Mexico, 2271 of which were “public sector jobs” and 738 were “private sector.” Ignoring the “missing man” there, the complaint is that these public sector jobs will be a tax burden upon the citizens of New Mexico.
We haven’t seen the press release, and haven’t followed through on each and every job category to see what individual jobs have been “created,” so we don’t know what the nature of the “public sector jobs” may be. However, we should not that “public sector jobs” is a fairly vague expression. If we’re talking about important jobs that we used to be able to afford and will be able to afford again when the economy picks up and tax revenues increase, that’s different from putting people in make-work positions who will be either a burden or jettisoned after whatever recovery is going to occur comes through. »» Is The Stimulus Package Working?
Consider Carefully…Are You Ready For The East Mountain Fire Season?
by Karen Takei, Fire Information and Public Affairs, Sandia Ranger District
For the group that have taken our East Mountain Interagency Fire Protection Association classes “fire indices” (measurement of fire potential) are starting to bump up due to drying winds and the Southwest is starting to see some fire activity. Hopefully you have worked on getting rid of winter slash that is around your property.
- Cut and remove grasses around your homes.
- Remove pine needles from gutters.
- Campfires Dead Out.
- Cigarettes Extinguished.
- Fireplace ash drenched with water and let stand for weeks.
- Remove wood from around your home.
- Careful welding.. consider having a fire extinguisher with you.
- Do not park on tall weeds.
- Limb your trees getting rid of ladder fuels.
Call for information to reduce fire hazards or go to firewise.org.
If we are in red flag warning we recommend the following: No open flame (welding, campfires, smoking etc. ) outside till the red flag order is rescinded.
Consider carefully…….. are you ready for East Mountain Fire Season? If not get ready…