New Mexico Sex Offender Registry Site
by Chuck Ring
I am not by nature an alarmist. But, I also believe forewarned is forearmed. With Halloween and other holidays coming very soon, it might be valuable for parents and others to know more about some of the areas and individuals to avoid during trick or treat and other activities where children and adults are placed together.
The New Mexico Department Of Public Safety (DPS) maintains a website known as the Sex Offender Registry. The site is user friendly and there is no need to provide detailed information in this article. You can get to the site by clicking here
Be sure to read all of the warnings contained on the various pages of the website and recognize that the information provided on the website is provided as a public service and there is a disclaimer for accuracy. In other words, please use the information as it was intended to be used. Do not use it to intimidate, harass, or to take any action outside the bounds of propriety. Nor should individuals or groups do anything that would be a violation of any law regarding any information found on the website.
Early Voting: The Great American Ripoff – Unless…
by John Weckerle
Yesterday after work, my wife and I went to the Edgewood fire station to exercise our constitutional right to participate in government. We cast our votes for the candidates of our choice, and went out for pizza to celebrate a successful conclusion to our involvement in this year’s elections.
Our elation was to be short-lived, however. When I arrived home this evening, the television was already on – and when the first commercial break came on, I discovered the horrible truth…
They’re still there.
What, pray tell, is still there? The multitude of attack ads, complete with unflattering, doctored photos; vilification; personal attacks; disinformation; misinformation; and misdirection. Everything I thought I was leaving behind when I voted was still right there in my living room. The only other thing that seems to get through are prescription drug commercials and those idiotic Alltel ads – and maybe a Geico ad here and there. Not even the ones with the gecko, though; just the caveman spots. Phooey.
Suddenly I realized: Early voting is a ripoff unless we all do it, and fast. That’s why I want EVERYBODY who hasn’t already voted to get out there and do so tomorrow. If all the campaign organizations realize that more or less everybody in New Mexico has already voted, they’ll stop buying ad time, and we can go back to the blissfully monotonous attempts to sell us automobiles, frighten us with the fiberglass-headed Burger King, or convince us that Coke tastes a little less like malted battery acid* than Pepsi.
I’m John Weckerle, and I approve this message. Yeesh.
*With thanks to Berke Breathed’s Bloom County.
A Howl Of Glee And A Meow Of Appreciation
By Chuck Ring
Edgewood Mayor Robert Stearley hosted a meeting on Friday, October 17, 2008 in an attempt to determine if the regional animal shelter idea previously scuttled in March of this year might be worth further study.
New Mexico State Representative Kathy McCoy (R) whose district covers a great deal of Edgewood and who previously saw that $150,000 was appropriated for a feasibility study of the shelter was present to lend her support and suggestions for the project. Representative McCoy pointed out to those present that the New Mexico State coffers are likely to be quite empty if the present economic downturn continues, so it might not be prudent to depend on much help from the State of New Mexico during the upcoming legislative session. Susan Simons, who is largely responsible for the new impetus given to the issue was present and presented information on shelters that might be adaptable to this region should the effort continue. Official representatives and staff from Bernalillo County and staff from Edgewood were present as were representatives from the animal humane sector of the region.
In spite of some negative aspects, i.e., present economic problems, the meeting conducted by Mayor Stearley was upbeat and the mayor promised to carry a request to the Edgewood Council that would seek funds for Ms. Simons and Edgewood Animal Control Supervisor Vickey Murphy to travel to an appropriate location to view previously constructed animal shelters.
A future meeting has been scheduled for Friday, November 21, 2008, 9:30 AM at the Edgewood Community Center. All interested individuals are encouraged to attend to lend their opinions and ideas toward the effort.
Several canines and a couple of felines waiting outside the community center after the meeting were seen to swish or wag their tails in apparent approbation for the mayor’s and other attendees’ actions during the meeting.
If you do support this effort, please let Representative McCoy, Mayor Stearley, the Edgewood Town Council and other potentially interested officials know of your desires.
The Effrontery Of Those Rascally Citizens
by Chuck Ring
At the October 8, 2008 meeting of the Edgewood Town Council, Councilman Glenn Felton was heard to lament (in effect) that a reasonable person would not object and apparently could infer, that the discombobulated action of the council at its October 1, 2008 meeting on a particular resolution was understandable and proper. The action in question was covered in this previous article on this blog
It is elementary that the public has a right to expect that their business will be conducted in a clear, open and above-board manner. Councilman Felton has often rightly stated the same in so many words. The citizens should not have to ponder the meaning of the actions of their governing body and governing body members should not expect them to guess or second-guess their actions as a governing body. Instead of veiled “gotchas” maybe an apology to constituents (all constituents … even those who may not support individual governing body members) would be both proper and refreshing. The public is not to blame for the council’s hasty and erroneous action of October 1, 2008. In an apparent drive to secure the library space, the action taken was responsible for a couple of missteps which ended up costing time and and perhaps some reputation.
Of course, subsequent lamentations about the public’s not recognizing the council’s intent amounts to nothing more than disingenuous icing on a crumbling cake. Maybe when sitting before the public in a position that should garner respect, it might be more prudent to swallow a margin of pride than to try to have the last word when the first words or actions taken were absolutely outside the bounds of proper government. As I pointed out in my previous article, the solution or fix to the incorrect action was simple, but absolutely necessary.
Any person who serves in a position of authority or official contemplation is bound to make a mistake if they are trying to do their job. But, the mistake is compounded if the mistaken party insists on shifting the blame to innocent people or marginalizing his or her personal involvement and responsibility for a particular action or actions.
Farewell To A Community Leader And A Wonderful Neighbor
by John Weckerle
On Monday of this week, Mark Jensen – native New Mexican, benefactor of the Edgewood Library and my next-door neighbor – passed away after a long illness. Mark, a genuinely positive person and the best one could ask for in a neighbor, will be fondly remembered as somebody who was always looking out for others. Whether it was a road in need of repair, a neighborhood project, or just someone who needed snow removed from their driveway, Mark was always there to lend a hand. His dedication to the community can be seen in his support of the library and the other community initiatives he supported. The world was a better place for having Mark Jensen in it, and will remain a better place for his having been here.
According to another neighbor, Doug Schramm, the Albuquerque Journal may not have properly conveyed the information on the memorial service for Mark. Doug drove into Albuquerque to get the facts straight and informs us that the memorial service will be at the French Mortuary on Lomas Blvd, just east of Eubank, at 2:30 tomorrow, Saturday, October 18.
Our neighborhood, Edgewood, and New Mexico have all lost a great friend in Mark Jensen – and gained a great memory. Let us hope that his generosity and positive outlook on life will live on in each of us.
All Hail To The “Weedsters”
by Chuck Ring
If we in Edgewood are not noted for our deeds — we are certainly known for our weeds. But, just in time to prevent the alien weeds from taking over our small community, “weedsters” have appeared and made significant progress toward ridding State Road 344 of most of the noxious Christmas tree size devils.
Those of you who have been around New Mexico for a long time can recall or have heard, that former Albuquerque Mayor and New Mexico Governor Clyde Tingley, was responsible for awarding New Mexico thousands of Siberian Elms, sometimes mistakenly called Chinese Elms. He did so in a sincere desire to help beautify Albuquerque and other areas of New Mexico. The elms were planted for crop windbreaks and at many other places for both municipal beautification and erosion control. They worked toward accomplishing both; sometimes modestly, but more often, with limited success. Albuquerque and Hobbs are two locations in New Mexico that have managed to make their Siberian Elms living legacies because they have carefully pruned and nourished them. Many people are allergic to the blooms of the trees, the roots of the trees can invade sewer lines and if they are not properly cared for they look like ugly has sprouted out all over their bulk. They also love to drink their share and more of water while making sure that they perpetuate themselves by tossing their single seed pods to the four winds. Perhaps, the foregoing explains why you will hear many old timers refer to the Siberian Elms as Tingley Weeds.
Many concerned community members and tourists from far and wide have had to wonder if our mayor was attempting to practice “thrice-upmanship” and use the Russian Thistle (tumbleweed), the Amaranthus palmeri (Careless Weed) and the Puncture Vine (Goathead) as his plant legacies. Fortunately, or at least hopefully, thanks to Ms. Karen Mahalick’s efforts in securing the “weedsters”, we will no longer have to puzzle over the mayor’s objectives or lack thereof in allowing the weeds to hide our new and expensive landscaping.
We do heartily congratulate Ms. Mahalick for carrying through on her promise from the last town council meeting.
Weedsters” = those who weed weeds, whether large or small
“thrice-upmanship” = three times one-upmanship
Alright, so Webster will not add either of these words to their dictionary, next year or any year.
Extra-Cheap Entertainment For The Excessively Bored Young Person
by Chuck Ring
Yes, gas is cheaper than it was a month ago, but no one can say for how long. Even so, it is still an expensive proposition to drive to Albuquerque for movies or other entertainment. Then, when you get there, you’ll likely bust a twenty dollar bill for admittance and popcorn for two people and you haven’t taken into account the cost for gasoline and the wear and tear on the family buggy. What to do?
Don’t fall back on the couch and watch that big screen that has somehow managed to deliver everything that has become important to you and most of your family. Instead do what your grandparents did before television and computer games inserted themselves into every corner of their lives and brain containers. To further clarify, for those of you lost in space or just spaced-out, I’ve lifted a little content from “Radio Lovers.Com” to better explain where we’re going.
“We offer hundreds of vintage radio shows for you to listen to online in mp3 format, all for free. Before the days of video games, shopping malls, MTV, and the Internet, families used to sit in their living room each night to listen to radio shows such as Superman, Groucho Marx, The Avenger, Gunsmoke, Sherlock Homes, and many others. When TV become popular in the 1950’s, most of these shows went off the air, but they now live on at websites such as this one and on weekly nostalgia radio broadcasts worldwide.”
Find yourself one or more URLs that will direct you to “old time radio shows” which can be downloaded to an IPOD© or an MP3 player for a listening time of your choice. If you wish you can listen from your computer, but knowing that you would want to get outside for fresh air, exercise and Starbucks, I listed the players first.
To help you get started, here’s one of the most extensive and free download sites to be found http://www.radiolovers.com/There are many other sites for this kind of content, both free and fee. Just grab a Google and find them using old time radio show for the search term.
One last hint for the older crowd. This was really subterfuge meant for your eyes. Armed with in-depth information after listening to countless hours of old time radio, you should be able to answer the following question. Who ended his show with, “Good night, Mrs. Calabash … wherever you are.” And, why did he use the phrase? Using the preceding information will allow you to enjoy life a little more and actually force you to be secure in your oldness. Maybe we can look at it as the first step in the “12 Step Program To Growing Old And Almost Liking It.” Nah!
In any event, check it out, young or old. Nostalgia does not have to mean “a wistful or excessively sentimental yearning for return to or of some past period or irrecoverable condition” as Webster would say.�
We Are Known By Our Deeds – Not By Our Words
by Chuck Ring
One can find allies in the oddest places. Take most any war or human conflict. It seems there is always someone to be found that will agree to ally themselves with another for a price or the sake of a credo. So it is with Santa Fe Commissioner Jack Sullivan and myself – although the Commissioner is likely oblivious to our partnership.
I first met Jack Sullivan just after he started his first term as a Santa Fe County Commissioner. I suppose it was around the beginning of 2000 when he attended our first town event approximately one year after Edgewood’s incorporation. I was a neophyte Edgewood Town Councilor and found Sullivan’s then stated concepts regarding taxation and assistance from the county to Edgewood, to be akin to my own. The ensuing years were to offer less than positive reinforcement to my opinion of Commissioner Sullivan’s actual taxing policies.
Fast forward to 2002 when Santa Fe City and Santa Fe County initiated efforts toward placing a quarter cent gross receipts tax on a referendum for or against the tax which was commonly referred to as a water/wastewater tax. This referendum passed and with what appeared to be a “hands across the waters” attempt, Commissioner Sullivan penned a letter dated February 6, 2003 wherein he enumerated what each of them (county and city) could have if they could but agree one with the other. Click Me To See The Letter The goodies subsequently received and action taken by each entity is a study in provincialism and greed on the part of Santa Fe City and Santa Fe County. An in-depth study of Commissioner Sullivan’s letter will leave no doubt that the process of doling out the money to Santa Fe County and Santa Fe City, along with a few paltry crumbs to to other Northern Santa Fe County entities, was meant to be tight-fisted unless the benefactors were “real” players in the process.
A cursory examination of the minutes and work history of the Santa Fe County/Santa Fe City Regional Planning Authority (RPA) Some Examples Of RPA Work will serve to reinforce what is stated above. Additionally, the governing board of the RPA consists of Santa Fe County Commissioners and Santa Fe City Councilors. What’s the point in all of this nagging?
Here’s the point. In all the years that the “water/wastewater tax” (actually titled “County Capital Outlay Gross Receipts Tax”) has been in place, no monies from the fund created by the tax has accrued to Edgewood or the greater Edgewood Community. Instead, to put a twist on an old observation, the money has flowed uphill. It has flowed uphill to the two Santa Fe entities’ joint projects. Edgewood tax proceeds have unfortunately proceeded post-haste to Santa Fe to the tune of close to a million dollars.
In several letters and observations made by Commissioner Sullivan in recent months, the eighth cent gross receipts transportation tax has been denigrated by Commissioner Sullivan as “taxation without representation.” Commissioner Sullivan cites the one-sided composition of the Regional Transit Authority’s board as proof of under representation from Santa Fe City and County. Of course, I agree that the tax is another case of taxation without representation and I am opposed to the tax for that reason and a few other reasons. But, I have to wonder where Commissioner Sullivan and the rest of the Santa Fe County Commission (excepting Commissioner Mike Anaya who has fought an uphill battle for Edgewood) have been when Edgewood Town Government members and staff have journeyed to Santa Fe to get a thin slice of the pie that we in the Edgewood Community have helped to bake.
I will vote against the eighth cent transportation tax on November 4, 2008 and will work to convince others to oppose the tax, but just as important, I will continue to “rail” against the unfair taxing policies of Santa Fe County and their city partner regarding the water/wastewater tax and other similar taxes where Edgewood gives, but Edgewood does not receive.
Anyone desirous of stopping the unfair treatment of Edgewood in the future might consider penning their own letter or email to their county commissioners, state representatives and senators pointing out the sheer inequities foisted on Edgewood through taxing policy that allows taxing of small communities for the sole benefit of counties and larger communities.
Winter Is Coming
by Bob SteinerÂ
The main focus of the Edgewood Town Council meeting last Wednesday night (October 8, 2008) was to resolve the remaining questions concerning the lease of the Pittman building (former fitness center) as a temporary location for the town library. This agreement could potentially be extended for a period of up to three years. Councilors Hill and Simmons were particularly effective in helping to clarify several minor points which have seemed to plague past council discussions on the lease. Barring some last minute difficulties, it appears the Edgewood Library will finally be getting more space. While I am happy that the library staff will now have a somewhat better work environment, this writer’s only regret is that the funds expended on the lease could not have directed toward the ultimate final location in Section#16.Â
  While most people present at the meeting were still absorbed by the euphoria of the moment, Councilor Simmons directed the group’s attention to the subject of snow removal during the coming winter season. Taking note that a harsh winter is being forecast, as well as the fact that the current economic situation may have a negative impact on our tax income. She implied we might want to be more frugal in our expenditures. She further indicated she was concerned about the lack of a suitable all-weather maintenance and parking facility for our road crew’s heavy equipment. I also seem to recall her mentioning that such a facility is part of the plan for Section#16. Once again, that “piece of real estate” is brought up. I, personally, almost wonder if some higher power is trying to tell us, “You own it! why not use it now?”
  We long-term residents of Edgewood well know what four feet of snow with eight foot drifts can do to our local environment. In the past, due to the hard-working road crews we employ, this problem has been manageable. We should however note that in years past our heavy equipment was parked at a more central location then today. Today the designated equipment “park” is located on a dirt road some three miles away from the closest main street. Would it not seem “awkward” if our heavy equipment became snowed in and couldn’t make it to our major roads during a heavy snow storm? Councilor Simmons should be commended for her farsightedness. Let’s hope the other councilors are listening!
A Brief Autumn Interlude
by John Weckerle
A couple of weeks ago, I decided to take a break and walk around Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood on a crisp Saturday morning. I always enjoy Wildlife West in the fall, in part because the cool weather seems to trigger more activity on the part of the animals and in part because I just like being outdoors in the fall. With the many new habitats now at Wildlife West, some of the residents are easier to see and enjoy than ever. Over the last couple of years, the Park has added new habitats for the roadrunner (finished just a few weeks ago), foxes, raccoons, bobcat, golden eagle, and pronghorn. This time around, I was lucky enough to find the roadrunner enjoying the perch in her new, expanded home and catch a couple of the other residents in mid-yawn.
Wildlife West will be holding its final Chuckwagon Dinner for the season, featuring the Bar D Wranglers, this Saturday. Reservations must be made by 1 p.m. the day of the show. For more information, see the Park’s event page. »» A Brief Autumn Interlude
A Grinch Or A Temporary Glitch
by Chuck Ring
According to an article in today’s (October 7, 2008) Albuquerque Journal and word on the street, “The Connection” call center will “disconnect” operations in Moriarty on December 6, 2008.
As is often the case when operations are shuttered, the action comes at a most inopportune time. The state of the economy and this loss of 150 area jobs serves as a double dose of sadness for our area and our citizens. As a former employee at the facility, I know that some employees at The Connection have been employed there since the facility opened in 2000. The jobs offered a foot in the door of their future life for many young people who were looking for a way station before embarking on an academic career or a higher salaried job. Other employees, such as single mothers, were offered a job that allowed the opportunity to better feed and clothe their children and themselves. Most of the employees have been decent and loyal employees who thought of their fellow employees as family.
I know that Moriarty Mayor Adan
In the meantime, the area service organizations, churches and others able to offer help should jump in with both feet and with all the resources they can spare. Let us do all we are able toward making this coming season as comfortable and joyous as possible given the dire prospects for immediate recovery.
I’m confident that the good folks in this valley will not forget their fellow citizens in their time of need and financial discomfort.
Who will be the first to step forward? This can be a temporary glitch if we work together.
Something Weedy This Way Comes
by John Weckerle
Our correspondent, Chuck Ring, has provided us with several entries describing his attempts to convince the current administration in Edgewood to get cracking on weed control over the brand new (nearly) landscaping along NM 344. Thus far, Mr. Ring has been unsuccessful in convincing the Town to take responsibility for removing the weeds, which include, among other species, a significant amount of tumbleweed.
Purportedly, there is some amount of finger-pointing between the Town and the New Mexico Department of Transportation with respect to the question “Who is responsible for the situation?” Certainly, blame may be assigned to both parties – NMDOT for poor design and execution, and Edgewood for failing to maintain the right-of-way. While this supposed argument proceeds, weeds along parts of the road are growing out of control (see photos below).  Regardless of what long-term solution emerges, it is time for the Town of Edgewood to get its act together and remove the weeds. The condition of the roadside is a disgrace, and the people of Edgewood deserve better. It would certainly be a feather in Mayor Stearley’s cap if the weeds were to disappear forthwith, never to return. »» Something Weedy This Way Comes
Do It Right Or Do It Twice
by Chuck Ring
At Wednesday’s (October 1, 2008) Edgewood Town Council meeting, the mayor’s zeal to accomplish got in the way of accomplishment in a legal manner.
On a vote of 3 to 2, with the mayor voting to break a tie, the council voted to adjust the budget. I say they voted, but they really did not, because they did so in an illegal manner.
How did this happen? In addition to the mayor’s obvious desire to ignore any reasoned opposition to his hasty need to get his way on the adjustments and the lease for the library; a series of actions by the mayor and his supporters on these issues led to improper action in an attempt to give the mayor his way.
To add clarity to what happened, it must be explained that Resolution 2008-58 was on the agenda to pass or not pass town budget adjustment items. There was both opposition to the some of the adjustments and support for some changes to the overall resolution. An initial round of voting saw a portion of the resolution pass. What followed was a misguided and slippery-slope attempt to renumber the remainder of the adjustments to arbitrarily form Resolution 2008-59 (a completely new resolution). Such action is clearly outside the proper bounds of town government as there was no such resolution appearing on the agenda. Basic elementary town government will tell the mayor and the councilors voting for the illegal action that the action taken by them was both improper and unnecessary. »» Do It Right Or Do It Twice
Grow Your Own – Winding Down
by John Weckerle
With the beginning of autumn now safely behind us, we find that the yield on the garden has begun to decline. At least part of this is due to the fact that something, probably a squirrel, managed to gain entry to the south bed and took out several eggplants and part of the string beans. I believe it was entering through a spot where the vegetation had pushed the chicken wire away from the frame, and have closed that point of entry. They have had access to the north bed, and have been taking tomatoes. New enclosures next year should prevent future depredations.
There are still a few string beans to be had from time to time, and the zucchini and yellow squash continue to produce. the first of the brussels sprouts should be ready in a couple of days. There will still likely be enough eggplant for one more parmigiana. The spaghetti squash provided dinner Friday and lunch yesterday (made with tomato sauce and Trader Joe’s meatless meatballs). The lettuce is about gone, and the field greens are still too small to harvest, so at this point it’s just a question of how long we can hold out before the frost.
Transportation Tax, Good Or Bad?
by Bob Steiner
Since becoming governor, Bill Richardson has done a lot for this state. The various construction activities he has championed under G.R.I.P. (Governor Richardson’s Improvement Program) are, for the most part, commendable and noteworthy projects. Now as we approach the November 4th election,we are called upon to vote for a tax which provides little or no tangible benefits to citizens of South Santa Fe County. For the reasons listed below, in this particular case, I ask you to vote no on this transportation tax.
At a recent meeting in Edgewood, Mr Guillen from the Regional Transportation District out of Santa Fe, stated that the proposed transportation tax would provide some funding for bus commuters who travel daily from the Edgewood-Moriarty-Stanley area to Santa Fe ( a recent physical count at the bus stops in question revealed there were a total of 13 area residents taking advantage of this service). This limited ridership doesn’t justify the spending of any tax money. According to Mr. Guillen, while other benefits for our area might be forthcoming, half of the funds brought in are destined to go to support the ailing Railrunner, a Richardson G.R.I.P. endeavor. IÂ just seem to find it difficult to understand how I, or any East Mountain resident, living some thirty miles East of the rail line, would receive any benefit from this additional assessment.
Since the tax proposal was first annnounced some weeks ago, I have been discussing the ramifications of this plan with other citizens, who seemed to not really understand or appreciate the impact of such a tax. I had really begun to be disheartened regarding this tax when Santa Fe County Commmisioner Jack Sullivan announced that he was against this matter. Then on Wednesday morning on AM770 at 7:00 A.M.there was an hour-long discussion on this tax, which is also on the ballot in three other counties. All of the call-in participants spoke out in opposition to the plan! This has given me hope and for the reasons stated, as well as the fact that we have no representation within the Transportation District, causes me to appeal to you and all Santa Fe County voters to vote no on this measure. Let’s Slip The GRIP!