It’s A Bungle Out There
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
At a time when folks are jolly and throwing holly, you would think we all would exercise a little common sense when it comes to operating dangerous vehicles. Tain’t so Edgewoodians (hate that nickname). And, it is very obvious when you visit certain retail establishments. »» It’s A Bungle Out There
It Is All Bass-Ackwards
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
The title puts it mildly. Edgewood, has for some time, failed to convince Santa Fe County to return taxes to Edgewood that rightly belong to Edgewood. Additionally, Edgewood has missed opportunities to joint venture with Santa Fe County for a regional library, a public safety facility, a recreational complex and an animal control facility. »» It Is All Bass-Ackwards
Turbines Galore — But, Not Without Combat In San Miguel And Taos Counties
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Pueblo, Colorado has just landed a wind-turbine factory which will likely employ 500 or more Coloradans. It is estimated that the facility will manufacture 1000 wind-turbines a year when it is operating at full capacity. You can read more about the good luck in Colorado. Click the colored text for more READTHESTORY
Meanwhile, some folks in San Miguel MaybeSpinNotWorthyInSanMiguel and Taos Counties WeHaveAHumAlready have been decrying the fact that wind energy developers are trying to install wind-turbines in those counties. You may wonder why the opposition is of interest to folks in the Estancia Valley (the valley). It is really quite simple; the valley already has its first wind-turbine farm and there will likely be additional turbines in the future. Which we deem to be a good effort. Edgewood and the Moriarty-Edgewood School District are both very serious about generating wind energy to power various aspects of their electric energy needs. That is not to say, that they are not interested in solar energy, but they have each seriously started the process of examining the viability of wind energy for the near future.
»» Turbines Galore — But, Not Without Combat In San Miguel And Taos Counties
Into Every Life, A Little Snow Must Fall…
by John Weckerle
And sometimes we get a good light show, to boot. A break in the cloud cover this morning gave us yet another spectacular sunrise to go along with our late Fall moisture (remember: winter doesn’t start officially until Sunday!). It looks as if the kids in our area will have some time to enjoy the snow – according to the KOAT school closings page, all the schools in our area are closed except for Mountainair’s schools, which are on a 2-hour delay. State offices are also closed today. According to my “more or less personalized” weather page, there’s an 80% chance of snow today and 40% chance tonight. It also says that less than half an inch of snow is to be expected – but that’s what it said yesterday, so it’s possible we could see quite a bit more today. Another storm appears to be taking aim at New Mexico, and the rest of the work week may see us getting even more. If the predictions hold true, we’ll see a return of “mud season” this weekend.
Lights Out … Quite Often
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Green light, yellow light, red light, green light. That’s usually the way a traffic control signal cycles through to allow for the efficient flow of vehicles through high volume intersections. Why then does Edgewood have two signalized intersections that often blink red for days at a time?
The intersection at State Road 333 (Old 66) and State Road 344 and the intersection of State Road 344 and Interstate 40 have been “out of order” more than any signalized intersection I have ever seen … and I have seen many of them.
I recall that the Edgewood Town Council voted not to contract to maintain the lights, yet for some reason (I don’t recall a second vote) the town has contracted with someone who is supposed to maintain and repair the traffic signals when they become inoperable. I and others would like to know why a chronic problem exists with the intersections mentioned above and why the contractor takes an inordinate amount of time to respond to the problems and often takes days to rectify the problem.
Saturday Evening — Mourning For Section 16
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Since shortly after Edgewood was incorporated in 1999, it has been the town’s policy to move forward to develop a center for town facilities on Section 16. It has been the policy, but nothing has been done toward that end. One of the facilities to be constructed on Section 16 was a library, either as a library alone or as some sort of combination facility. The governing body recently voted to move the library from its location off of Old 66 to a building adjacent to State Road 344 rather than to apply available funds to a new library on Section 16. The budgeted cost for this move, which included monthly lease payments and monies for remodeling amount to at least $70,000 for the first year, if there is not a cost overrun for the modifications. Of course, monies for the lease, maintenance and utilities will continue as operation of the library goes forward. Additionally, money for a full time librarian salary and benefits, along with a library assistant’s salary and benefits has been budgeted.
While I and others support the idea of a town library, we did not support the move mentioned above as we believed that it made economic sense to build a completely new library and money spent on the move and other elements of the library at its new location amount to throwing money away that could have been more sensibly spent toward a new library on Section 16. It should be said that the mayor and other volunteers involved in preparing the new location and moving the books to the new location deserve our thanks and appreciation and this new location for the library will be fine for a while, but the governing body needs to start now to plan a new library for Section 16, preferably so that it is ready within a three year period.
Free Christmas Eve Dinner In Moriarty
by John Weckerle
The First Baptist Church of Moriarty and El Comedor Restaurant are presenting a free Christmas Eve Celebration and dinner at the El Comedor Restaurant in Moriarty. Seating is limited, so tickets are required. Tickets are available on a “first request” basis by reservation only and include admission to a free Christmas dinner and time of worship. Tickets must be picked up at the Church office in advance. Tickets are required for all attendees – so make sure to reserve a ticket for each member of your party. Two seatings will be offfered – one at 4:30 p.m. and the other t 6:15 p.m. For more information and to reserve tickets, call 832-6385.
Holiday Raffle To Support Community Radio
by John Weckerle
A raffle to benefit the establishment of a new community radio station is under way! Prizes include:
- 1st – $500
- 2nd – $250
- 3rd – $100
Tickets are $1.00 or $5.00 for six tickets. The drawing will be held at the Torrance County Project Office holiday open house on December 18, 2008. For more information and to buy tickets contact Ellen Burgess, Programs Manager, at (505) 832-0332 or by e-mail at eburgess@lobo.net.
We here at NM-Central wholeheartedly and enthusiastically support this outstanding project and urge you all to do so as well, so please call Ellen and find out how to get your tickets today!
Sneaky Petes With Dirty “Feats!”
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Have any of you noticed how your eyes have become defective. I mean, have you seen that packaging in food stores seem to be the same size, but the contents weigh less than they did perhaps a month or a few days ago? Can we lay this on a sign of the times or pure fraudulent deception? Can we just chalk it up to sophisticated packaging to allow for a more comfortable ride for the various items as they zip to their various destinations? Or, should we accept one or more of the manufacturers lame explanations (revelations) given when they are pinned to the wall?
Revelations are popping-up all over and it makes one wonder, why the deception? Wouldn’t it be proper and honest to just raise the prices? The manufacturers seem to say that the consumer will accept deception before they will accept honest increases in prices. Well, let’s view a television spot which sheds more light on the issue
That’s it, except that if you want to keep up on consumer scams, you might want to subscribe to the newsletter offered here TrappedByAMouseÂ
Do The Right Thing, Bill!
By Bob Steiner
The voters have spoken! Bill Richardson endorsed the presidential candidate for his party’s nomination, who ultimately won the national election. Congratulations are in order for  all parties concerned! Our Governor (it seems after much obvious “delay” by the President-elect) was rewarded for his support for Obama by being designated as a member of the President’s cabinet.  While he was beat out for the much desired Secretary of State position by the less-qualified “pants suit” competitor, he at least was finally rewarded with the offer for the Commerce Secretary job. In view of the potential impact this position can have on the present national economic crisis, this appointment should not be taken lightly. In this position he could do much (or little) to improve the present financial situation the country is experiencing.
We all are aware that George Bush is in control of the government until January 20th. In preparation for the change of administration on that date, other cabinet member appointees have already become involved with their respective “counterparts” on the Bush team. Their goal, of course, is to insure a smooth transition to the Obama contingent. The Commerce Department, being so important to our economy, especially in view of the present business crisis, would certainly warrant having the total focus of its appointee. This, however, as regards Bill Richardson, seems  not to be the case. »» Do The Right Thing, Bill!
Alice King Passes at 78
by John Weckerle
It was a sad moment yesterday when we learned that Alice King, wife of former governor Bruce King and long-time advocate for troubled children, passed away yesterday after suffering a massive stroke Thursday.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. King several time at functions here in the area, and she was always friendly and warm in her greetings.  As a first lady, and later as a tireless advocate, she worked and fought to protect and serve New Mexico’s children. Even though she is gone, a part of her will always be there in the lives of those who have been helped by the programs she started and sponsored.
We are asking that anyone who has information on a public memorial service pass the word on to us, so that we can post the details here.
Let It – Well, You Know
by John Weckerle
Well, perhaps this is our fault. We hauled out the Christmas decorations and started decorating this weekend – and, of course, a winter storm rolled in this morning. The snow began falling here at about 7:18 this morning. In keeping with the unusual weather we’ve been getting, online sources indicate that we’ll be having a couple of days of wintry weather, and we’ll be back into the 50s again Thursday. We’re looking forward to some snow on the ground but, given that it won’t be enough to warrant breaking out the snowshoes, we’re also looking forward to it melting and running into our water harvesting system.
Like A Good Neighbor … Time To Belly Up
 by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
On October 7th of this year I posted the following article
Since that time area churches, other non-profits and area businesses have contributed money and other items to assist those losing their jobs through the difficult transition in times that were perilous even before the closing of the call center. Temporary assistance is always welcome by those in need, but more is needed in order to secure another employer or employers to employ those who want to work.
The rumor on the street is that Moriarty has asked for the help of Edgewood to refurbish parts of the building or grounds where a new tenant might locate. I believe this is a fitting proposal for several reasons:
- those who have or will lose their jobs want to work and they need to work
- some employees who lost their jobs live in Edgewood and other points outside of Moriarty
- as a former employee of the connection, I can attest to the fact that a majority of the employees spent a portion of each paycheck at Edgewood businesses
- Edgewood is not in the charity business, but this potential assistance is not charity. It is taking care of our own; no matter the location of their residence
- this assistance would demonstrate Edgewood’s willingness to recognize the assistance given to citizens of this valley and reward that assistance in a meaningful way
- it would be one more illustration of a regional approach to economic development
- it would demonstrate to the legislature and Santa Fe County that our dollars need to stay here to help our own, before sliding to Santa Fe City and Santa Fe County
Torrance County P & Z To Vote On Animal Control Ordinance Today
by John Weckerle
We have received word from Vanessa Vaile and Pauline Dube that the Torrance County Planning and Zoning Committee will meet today (Tuesday, December 2) at 9:30 a.m. to vote on the proposed new animal control ordinance. We have not had the opportunity to review the ordinance, and with only a few hours before the meeting we have no time for research. However Ms. Dube has expressed numerous concerns regarding the ordinance, which she says places unreasonable restrictions on legitimate animal ownership, and she has provided a link to a web site for the East Mountain Animal Interest Alliance that discusses the ordinance and concerns related to animal ownership.
While we have not had sufficient time to educate ourselves on this specific topic, we are inclined to express an opinion on a related issue – that of the scheduling of Torrance County’s P & Z and County Commission meetings. The practice of holding meetings during the day has the effect of seriously limiting the ability of working people to participate in government, whether it be as observers, elected officials, or citizens seeking to offer comment on the decisions being made by their elected officials. Most of the other governing bodies manage to meet in the evening, and there is no reason that the Torrance County Commission cannot do the same – unless, of course, the actual intent of meeting during the day is to limit public involvement and/or public scrutiny.
Former County Commissioner Leroy Candelaria proposed moving the meeting times to the evening several years ago and was voted down. We’d be interested in hearing the other Commissioners’ reasons for opposing this obvious step toward open government in Torrance County. This was not a major issue in the recent election, but perhaps it should be in the next.
Support Your Local Vendors First
by John Weckerle
In the November 19 issue of The Independent, editor Wally Gordon showed support for an Edgewood Chamber of Commerce proposal that the Town of Edgewood “formalize an arrangement for giving a 5 percent preference to town businesses” – a proposal that we also support. Mr. Gordon also urged the Chamber to follow its own advice and support local business, citing publication of a recent magazine that was contracted to a Colorado business, Sixtus. In a subsequent exchange in the November 26 edition, Myra Oden, executive director of the Edgewood Chamber, stated that this was a tri-chamber publication, and that two local publishing companies – not including The Independent – were contacted and asked if they were interested in bidding on the project, but neither was interested. Ms. Oden went on to explain how she came to be familiar with the firm selected to do the work, and suggests that The Independent market the Chambers of Commerce throughout the entire state in order to business with the Edgewood Chamber and other area Chambers. »» Support Your Local Vendors First