We need answers.

I am posting the press release my office sent out today. I have great concerns about the closure of the GE Plant. We cannot let 400 families lose their jobs. I am meeting with GE Officials to address this issue. This is the second time I will meet with management and the fourth meeting between Bernalillo County Officials and the GE Union:

MEDIA ADVISORY Issued by Bernalillo County
For Immediate Release Public Information Department
September 24, 2009 Contact: Liz Hamm
Office: 468-7026 Cell: 238-0888


COMMISSIONER DE LA CRUZ
ASKS GE TO PROVIDE DEFINITE PLAN

Bernalillo County Commissioner Art De La Cruz will meet this afternoon with both General Electric Company managers and union representatives to determine if GE will keep the New Mexico plant open. Commissioner De La Cruz has met with both sides during this negotiation period, however, this will be the first joint meeting where both sides are at the table with a government official. GE announced plans earlier this summer to close its Albuquerque facility by fall 2010. The plant employs about 400 workers and has been producing airplane engine parts here since the late 1960s.

“I have encouraged GE to provide the community with alternatives, and a plan to keep these jobs as well as expanding their operations in Bernalillo County. The congressional delegation, the local elected officials and all New Mexicans want this plant. Time is running out and I want GE to show their commitment to our state and the New Mexicans that have faithfully served this company,” says Commissioner De La Cruz. “If this plant closes it will represent a significant loss to everyone in our community.”

Week of September 20th Report - Street Maintenance and Trash clean up.

One of my campaign commitments was for Bernalillo County Government to clean and maintain our community on a consistent basis. Not too long ago, our streets were clogged with weeds and trash along the medians, and trash littered the sides of these roads. I found this to be unacceptable.

I have worked with staff to institute a regular schedule of street maintenance and cleaning along the arterials and streets in our community. Thus, Bernalillo County Public works will provide regular clean-ups along our streets in addition to sweeping these routes. I have also directed Parks and Recreation to provide maintenance and clean-up at all Bernalillo County Parks and developed medians in the district.

You will now be seeing Bernalillo County trucks and sweepers patrolling the streets and cleaning up the trash, and you will find my office at the forefront of tackling this problem in our community. Please call my office if you find graffiti or want a clean-up in your area.