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.
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