In the West Side Edition of the Albuquerque Journal of December 5, 2009 a great editorial was written on work we are completing in the district:
- Albuquerque Journal -
TWO FORWARD-LOOKING PROJECTS POSE BENEFITS
"Meanwhile, in the South Valley, on the horizon is a mixed-use development centered around the Rail Runner Express station located close to where Rio Bravo Boulevard crosses the train tracks.
The Bernalillo County Commission on Tuesday approved the 'Bernalillo County/International Sunport Station Area Plan," which is aimed at guiding future development within walking distance of the commuter train station. Envisioned for the now mostly vacant lard are living spaces, neighborhood retail businesses and employment opportunities. The nearby Mountain View neighborhood is lacking in such amenities and residents and business people are upbeat about the possibilities.
The Plan will allow an elective alternative zoning classification for mixed uses and higher density standards to create a pedestrian environment and improvements such as pedestrian and bike paths.
Commissioner Art de la Cruz who represents the area, says,"It's going to have that kind of old-school, old-style community where you can shop and work and, of course, if you've got to get on the Rail Runner, you can do that."
Once developed the area around the commuter station can be used for economic development and as well as improving the quality of life for nearby residents.
While coffee shops, small businesses or studios aren't likely to spring up in the very near future, the visionary plan is a step toward creating a people friendly working and living environment where it's direly needed. The County Commission is to be commended for setting the wheels in motion."
Friday, December 11, 2009
New Town
On January 5th citizens of the South Valley will decide whether they wish to become a municipality and incorporate. This question was posed and supported by State Representative Miguel Garcia, as well as his securing State funds for a fiscal feasibility study. The study completed by the University of New Mexico, in essence determined that current level of services provided by Bernalillo County could not be maintained with the tax base available to the new town. According to their study, this proposed new municipality would have to raise taxes or cut services.
It is possible that a new town would have to do both – raise taxes and cut services. In my estimation this is not logical or feasible and would hurt the citizens of the South Valley.
I believe that we would take a giant step backward in terms of self-governance and determination. We are faced with a worldwide economic crisis and we are a community that needs greater services, not reduced services.
We cannot simply rely on raising taxes, we must control our budget and work within our means. If a new town requires new taxes for less services – that is bad government. I am staunchly opposed to incorporation because of these facts.
An additional issue is the type of election that will be held. We were posed with the question as to whether the election should be by “all mail” or “traditional.” I supported a traditional election and this was supported by two other Commissioners.
I was recently criticized by the local news paper for supporting this type of election due to the fact that a traditional election will cost approximately $100,000more than an all mail in vote. My rational is this; by having a traditional election we will ensure South Valley citizens have as many options to vote on this critical issue.
This issue is simply not whether to proceed with a town, it involves governmental services, taxation, and representation – all issues which will seriously impact the lives of South Valley citizens.
A traditional vote means absentee voting (mail in), early voting, and lastly the vote on January 5th, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. I believe that these varied options serve South Valley residents best and will ensure a greater turn-out.
We have faced small interest groups desiring to change our governance status in the recent past, i.e. consolidation with the City of Albuquerque, a new County, and new towns before. How many times do South Valley residents have to say no?
It is possible that a new town would have to do both – raise taxes and cut services. In my estimation this is not logical or feasible and would hurt the citizens of the South Valley.
I believe that we would take a giant step backward in terms of self-governance and determination. We are faced with a worldwide economic crisis and we are a community that needs greater services, not reduced services.
We cannot simply rely on raising taxes, we must control our budget and work within our means. If a new town requires new taxes for less services – that is bad government. I am staunchly opposed to incorporation because of these facts.
An additional issue is the type of election that will be held. We were posed with the question as to whether the election should be by “all mail” or “traditional.” I supported a traditional election and this was supported by two other Commissioners.
I was recently criticized by the local news paper for supporting this type of election due to the fact that a traditional election will cost approximately $100,000more than an all mail in vote. My rational is this; by having a traditional election we will ensure South Valley citizens have as many options to vote on this critical issue.
This issue is simply not whether to proceed with a town, it involves governmental services, taxation, and representation – all issues which will seriously impact the lives of South Valley citizens.
A traditional vote means absentee voting (mail in), early voting, and lastly the vote on January 5th, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. I believe that these varied options serve South Valley residents best and will ensure a greater turn-out.
We have faced small interest groups desiring to change our governance status in the recent past, i.e. consolidation with the City of Albuquerque, a new County, and new towns before. How many times do South Valley residents have to say no?
Appointment of New Sheriff - Manuel Gonzales III
Recently, the Bernalillo County Commission was required to appoint a new sheriff with the resignation Darren White. This was a selection that necessitated the most careful deliberation and urgency since constitutionally, the Sheriff’s Deputies cannot carry out their law enforcement duties without a Sheriff in place.
We interviewed a wide array of candidates from all sectors of law enforcement. There were many excellent candidates and the selection process was both informative and enlightening.
On November 30th, we selected Captain Manuel Gonzales of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Gonzales brings twenty years of law enforcement experience to the position. He worked his way serving as a Deputy First Class, serving as a SWAT Officer and attaining the rank of Captain. Additionally, he has a bachelor and Masters degrees. To my knowledge this is the first time in history that an individual from within the Sheriff’s Department now holds the Sheriff position.
In selecting the Sheriff, his experience in law enforcement, specifically within the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office was beneficial for both the department and the citizens of our county.
Sheriff Gonzales was born and raised in the South Valley and has a unique understanding of the problems, opportunities that face Bernalillo County residents. I believe Sheriff Gonzales will serve us all well.
I wish those who applied the best in their future careers and thank them for their service to the citizens of Bernalillo County.
We interviewed a wide array of candidates from all sectors of law enforcement. There were many excellent candidates and the selection process was both informative and enlightening.
On November 30th, we selected Captain Manuel Gonzales of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Gonzales brings twenty years of law enforcement experience to the position. He worked his way serving as a Deputy First Class, serving as a SWAT Officer and attaining the rank of Captain. Additionally, he has a bachelor and Masters degrees. To my knowledge this is the first time in history that an individual from within the Sheriff’s Department now holds the Sheriff position.
In selecting the Sheriff, his experience in law enforcement, specifically within the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office was beneficial for both the department and the citizens of our county.
Sheriff Gonzales was born and raised in the South Valley and has a unique understanding of the problems, opportunities that face Bernalillo County residents. I believe Sheriff Gonzales will serve us all well.
I wish those who applied the best in their future careers and thank them for their service to the citizens of Bernalillo County.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Press Release for Hand in Hand Event
Bernalillo County Commissioner Art De La Cruz Hosts Informational Community Event to Address Questions and Concerns
Issued by Bernalillo County
Public Information Dept.
Liz Hamm
lhamm@bernco.gov
Office: 468-7026
Fax: 768-4444
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bernalillo County 2nd District Commissioner Art De La Cruz will host a free, community-wide program Saturday, November 7, 2009 that will bring County Hall to the South Valley. The public is invited and refreshments will be served.
The event, called “Hand in Hand (“Mano en Mano”): Bernalillo County Working with You,” will be held at Westside Community Center, 1250 Isleta Blvd. SW, from 10 a.m. to noon. The Commissioner and the County Manager, Deputy County Managers and other high level administrators, as well as the Treasurer, Assessor, Sheriff, and County Clerk will be on hand to answer any questions residents and businesses have about the programs and services the County provides and to respond onsite their concerns. The DWI Batmobile, K-9 Unit and Mobile Command Unit and a pet adoption will also be a part of the morning.
South Valley native Art De La Cruz has served in local government for 34 years. In that role and as an elected official he believes the most important service government employees can provide is to be responsive to the public.
“I have had positive feedback from many people regarding this event. I look forward to visiting personally with you. I encourage people to take a few minutes to join us for a cup of coffee and take advantage of this opportunity to come out and talk to us. This is a great example of how much Bernalillo County cares about the South Valley,” says Commissioner De La Cruz.
Issued by Bernalillo County
Public Information Dept.
Liz Hamm
lhamm@bernco.gov
Office: 468-7026
Fax: 768-4444
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bernalillo County 2nd District Commissioner Art De La Cruz will host a free, community-wide program Saturday, November 7, 2009 that will bring County Hall to the South Valley. The public is invited and refreshments will be served.
The event, called “Hand in Hand (“Mano en Mano”): Bernalillo County Working with You,” will be held at Westside Community Center, 1250 Isleta Blvd. SW, from 10 a.m. to noon. The Commissioner and the County Manager, Deputy County Managers and other high level administrators, as well as the Treasurer, Assessor, Sheriff, and County Clerk will be on hand to answer any questions residents and businesses have about the programs and services the County provides and to respond onsite their concerns. The DWI Batmobile, K-9 Unit and Mobile Command Unit and a pet adoption will also be a part of the morning.
South Valley native Art De La Cruz has served in local government for 34 years. In that role and as an elected official he believes the most important service government employees can provide is to be responsive to the public.
“I have had positive feedback from many people regarding this event. I look forward to visiting personally with you. I encourage people to take a few minutes to join us for a cup of coffee and take advantage of this opportunity to come out and talk to us. This is a great example of how much Bernalillo County cares about the South Valley,” says Commissioner De La Cruz.
Increment of 1 Press Release
Issued by Bernalillo County
Public Information Dept.
Liz Hamm
lhamm@bernco.gov
Office: 468-7026
Fax: 768-4444
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In an unprecedented effort, the Board of County Commissioners and the Economic Development Team are reaching out to local businesses through the “Increment of 1” initiative. The objective is to help several local businesses create one job over the next few months. To achieve that, Commissioners are interviewing a variety of local businesses to gather information which will be used to create an agenda for an upcoming Business Summit on January 12, 2010. The information will also be used to prepare a “Local Business Needs Presentation” to the State Legislature and the New Mexico Congressional Delegation.
“This initiative is very innovative and unique. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, especially now,” says Commissioner De La Cruz. “We have been meeting with several types of businesses, gathering their thoughts and ideas and finding ways to have the County work with them to expand.”
“Our objective is twofold; the information we gather will help us prepare a fundamental and beneficial agenda for the upcoming Business Summit scheduled for January 2010. If we can have 500 small to medium sized existing businesses create and fill one job over the next few months, it will have the same economic impact as a big company moving into our community and the positions may be more sustainable,” says Commissioner De La Cruz.
“The Commission is refocusing the County’s economic development efforts on local businesses, on giving our existing employers the support they need to grow and prosper,” said Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins. “We will continue to attract new employers to this region, but we are putting our local businesses first.”
NEWS CONFERENCE
DATE: Thursday, November 5, 2009
TIME: 10:00 a.m.
LOCATION: New Mexico Foods
3041 University Boulevard, SE
# # #
Public Information Dept.
Liz Hamm
lhamm@bernco.gov
Office: 468-7026
Fax: 768-4444
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In an unprecedented effort, the Board of County Commissioners and the Economic Development Team are reaching out to local businesses through the “Increment of 1” initiative. The objective is to help several local businesses create one job over the next few months. To achieve that, Commissioners are interviewing a variety of local businesses to gather information which will be used to create an agenda for an upcoming Business Summit on January 12, 2010. The information will also be used to prepare a “Local Business Needs Presentation” to the State Legislature and the New Mexico Congressional Delegation.
“This initiative is very innovative and unique. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, especially now,” says Commissioner De La Cruz. “We have been meeting with several types of businesses, gathering their thoughts and ideas and finding ways to have the County work with them to expand.”
“Our objective is twofold; the information we gather will help us prepare a fundamental and beneficial agenda for the upcoming Business Summit scheduled for January 2010. If we can have 500 small to medium sized existing businesses create and fill one job over the next few months, it will have the same economic impact as a big company moving into our community and the positions may be more sustainable,” says Commissioner De La Cruz.
“The Commission is refocusing the County’s economic development efforts on local businesses, on giving our existing employers the support they need to grow and prosper,” said Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins. “We will continue to attract new employers to this region, but we are putting our local businesses first.”
NEWS CONFERENCE
DATE: Thursday, November 5, 2009
TIME: 10:00 a.m.
LOCATION: New Mexico Foods
3041 University Boulevard, SE
# # #
Increment of 1
I am proud to sponsor and initiate Bernalillo County's "Increment of One" program through the Office of Economic Development. During my campaign for Bernalillo County Commission, I made a promise to focus on Economic Development. I often said that over the past 9 years Bernalillo County was serious about Economic Development. So serious that they had one guy and a part time assistant. The budget appropriated to the Office was less that of smaller sections in the County. Despite the limited resources, the Office did an exceptional job in attracting companies such as Tempur Productions, the relocation of Verizon, and the issuance of IRB's such as Sennheiser Electronic, SBS Technologies, and New Mexico Foods (to name a few).
With the support of my fellow commissioners we have added staff and resources to the Office and they are now moving forward. An initiative that I promised during the campaign is a focus on small businesses. We spend all of our time trying to lure these international companies and forget about the backbone of our community - the small business persons. I am proud to say that the Increment of One Program is started and is now a great success. Each commissioner is visiting businesses in their district and - "listening to the concerns of the business people." It has been an eye opening experience. We have heard how government does not listen, how government impedes, how the small business people need connections with other businesses, and the need for a clearing house that will answer the most simple of questions. One overarching concern is that government offers incentives to large businesses and forgets about the smaller business people.
The second part of this program is that we will have a summit on January 13th at Albuquerque Studios. We will have micro-lenders, small business assistance and over 400 small businesses speaking of their experience. Finally, we will develop a legislative packet to submit to our local,state and federal delegation. For more information call Jesse Lopez at 468-7000.
With the support of my fellow commissioners we have added staff and resources to the Office and they are now moving forward. An initiative that I promised during the campaign is a focus on small businesses. We spend all of our time trying to lure these international companies and forget about the backbone of our community - the small business persons. I am proud to say that the Increment of One Program is started and is now a great success. Each commissioner is visiting businesses in their district and - "listening to the concerns of the business people." It has been an eye opening experience. We have heard how government does not listen, how government impedes, how the small business people need connections with other businesses, and the need for a clearing house that will answer the most simple of questions. One overarching concern is that government offers incentives to large businesses and forgets about the smaller business people.
The second part of this program is that we will have a summit on January 13th at Albuquerque Studios. We will have micro-lenders, small business assistance and over 400 small businesses speaking of their experience. Finally, we will develop a legislative packet to submit to our local,state and federal delegation. For more information call Jesse Lopez at 468-7000.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
South Valley Clean Ups
The SOUTH VALLEY CLEAN PROJECT, which I initiated when I took office in the beginning of the year, is going full steam ahead. We continue to remove weeds, trash debris, old tires and graffiti from the South Valley. Through the support from the County Manager, deputy directors as well as other County management and staff our latest successful clean up focused on a neighborhood-wide clean up in the area around Rio Bravo and South Second Street in Mountain View.
The Neighborhood Association joined our endeavor working with the Solid Waste department and the Public Information office and me to produce an informational flyer. It proved to be a great tool that sustained a very productive cleanup in Mountainview Saturday, October 17, 2009. The Neighborhood Association used funds from a small grant to pay for the flyer printing costs and mailing advertising the clean up in English and Spanish that was circulated to over1400 People. The partnership with the neighborhood reinforced the efforts of over 75 Volunteers including high-level county staff and others that were engaged in physically cleaning up junk from yards and roadways.
The CCP details were onsite long before the major clean up to clear the path for us and in the vicinity on September 26, 27 & October 3 & 4 at Prosperity, and 2nd Street, William Street, Kinney Road SW and Mountain View Community Center. The total trash weight collected by the crews was: 22,320 lbs or 11.16 tons. We accomplished the following on the day of the clean up Recycled Items - 180 cubic yards total. Mountain View Site: Green Waste – 90 Cubic Yards; Metal – 60 cubic Yards; Tires – 180 cubic yards / 1800 tires. Solid Waste Removal-930 cubic yards total. Mountain View Site - 270 cubic yards; Illegal dump site - Prince Avenue-300 cubic yards. Independent Properties: Mary Street – 30 cubic yards; William Street-180 cubic yards; Sunnyslope Avenue-150 cubic yards. Graffiti Team: 2895 square feet of graffiti removed.
The Neighborhood Association joined our endeavor working with the Solid Waste department and the Public Information office and me to produce an informational flyer. It proved to be a great tool that sustained a very productive cleanup in Mountainview Saturday, October 17, 2009. The Neighborhood Association used funds from a small grant to pay for the flyer printing costs and mailing advertising the clean up in English and Spanish that was circulated to over1400 People. The partnership with the neighborhood reinforced the efforts of over 75 Volunteers including high-level county staff and others that were engaged in physically cleaning up junk from yards and roadways.
The CCP details were onsite long before the major clean up to clear the path for us and in the vicinity on September 26, 27 & October 3 & 4 at Prosperity, and 2nd Street, William Street, Kinney Road SW and Mountain View Community Center. The total trash weight collected by the crews was: 22,320 lbs or 11.16 tons. We accomplished the following on the day of the clean up Recycled Items - 180 cubic yards total. Mountain View Site: Green Waste – 90 Cubic Yards; Metal – 60 cubic Yards; Tires – 180 cubic yards / 1800 tires. Solid Waste Removal-930 cubic yards total. Mountain View Site - 270 cubic yards; Illegal dump site - Prince Avenue-300 cubic yards. Independent Properties: Mary Street – 30 cubic yards; William Street-180 cubic yards; Sunnyslope Avenue-150 cubic yards. Graffiti Team: 2895 square feet of graffiti removed.
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