Editor:
I weigh in on the side of those voicing outrage at the recent voter passage of various bond issues, never mind a deepening recession, if not a global depression.
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I talked to a woman the other day whose husband — and many of his co-workers — had just been laid off. But because this woman holds down two jobs, this young family is hopeful they may be able to make it. Enter the voters of Rio Rancho to slap on an additional property tax in a time of already mushrooming property taxes — to among other things, fund a for-profit hospital — and one wonders if this family, seniors on fixed incomes, or others just barely getting by will be able to keep their homes in a town more interested in tax-subsidies, ill-planned growth and land speculators than in building a quality community with reasonable taxes.
Kathleene Parker
Rio Rancho
Thanks for a beautiful day
Editor:
The 2008 New Mexico High School State Cross Country Championship was recently held on the beautiful campus of Rio Rancho High School. The event was extremely well organized, providing a fabulous environment and experience for athletes and spectators alike.
The New Mexico Activities Association wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to event directors Hilario Chavez and Sal Gonzales as well as the 100-plus volunteers whose time and efforts were the major catalysts in the success of this year’s championship event.
Our sincere thanks also go out to the Rio Rancho Convention and Visitors Bureau, Rio Rancho Fire, Rio Rancho Public Schools Facilities and Rio Rancho Parks and Recreation Departments, Tri-State Scaffolding, TRC Productions, RRHS ROTC, Casa de Ferro and the New Mexico National Guard. Your support and efforts are greatly appreciated.
Rudy Aragon
New Mexico Activities Association,
Assistant coordinator
End of year thank you
Editor:
As 2008 draws to a close, I wish to extend to our community sincere thanks from our Blue Star Mothers and the military loved ones whom we support. Without your generosity, it would not be possible to send out the more than 1,000 boxes which we will have packed and mailed this year.
Special thanks go out to Elks Lodge No. 2500, the site of the recently held benefit dinner and to those who enjoyed a wonderful meal that evening. To the selfless members of the Womans Club of West Mesa: Words cannot express our gratitude for preparing that meal and for donating all the proceeds of that evening, along with proceeds earned through the sale of your cookbooks, to ensure the success of our mission.
We are now preparing for our Christmas shipment of care packages on Dec. 6. Our mothers will sell patriotic items and collect donations at the Wal-Mart on Unser Blvd., on Friday and Saturday immediately after Thanksgiving. For more information, call 792-4552.
Many thanks to all who have supported us throughout the year. We could not do it without you.
Marla Griffith
President, Rio Rancho Chapter
Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.
Don’t throw rocks
Editor:
I am 12 years old and on the night of July 31, I snuck out of my house with my friend. We were walking back to my house from my other friend’s house and I decided to try to throw a rock over the street light, to my friend.
The rock hit the street light and broke it. The neighbors saw me hit it and called the police. So we ran to my house and the police rang the doorbell around 10:30 p.m. and woke up my mom.
I was issued a ticket for destroying or injuring property. I had to go to the juvenile probation office and I was referred to the restorative justice and had to speak to members of the community about what I did and discuss the consequences.
My punishment was to write letters of apology to the city manage and chief of police. And clean up rocks at 10 houses. And this letter that I’m now writing. I learned not to throw rocks and think before I act.
I want everyone to know that throwing rocks is a bad choice to make. Although throwing rocks may be fun, it’s not a good choice to make. I hope you all learn from my mistake and make good choices.
Anonymous
Rio Rancho
Fund the schools
Editor:
To say I’m frustrated and disappointed in our state government is an understatement. I do not ask much from this administration, but there are a few things we should expect them to do for our citizens. Among the obvious is educating our children.
For the past 35 years or so, school systems across the state have been funded based on last year’s enrollment. Recently, several legislators, including our mayor, have supported changing the formula to reflect the rapid growth in many parts of the state. The executive branch has not gotten on board. This year, Rio Rancho Public Schools is in debt more than $4 million.
The schools face much higher costs in heating, cooling, transportation, benefits and wages than were budgeted. Now the state has a solution. Higher gross receipts taxes that add one percent to the already high tax. I wouldn’t mind the tax if I knew it would fund schools. That is what we will be told, but reality is the funds will go into the general fund to spend wherever government chooses.
As all of us are going to have to do over the foreseeable future, government should cut back on unnecessary items and fund schools to the levels they mandate.
We don’t have the money to keep giving to government and if they want more for the schools, then find it in the general fund.
If there is no other alternative but a tax increase after cutting programs, jets and chefs, it should go into an irrevocable school fund. Politicians tell us our children deserve this but politicians never follow through with the promise.
Mark Schneider
Rio Rancho
Slow down, Mr. Policeman
Editor:
To the Albuquerque Police Department officer that was driving 60 mph on Inca and Alcano, apparently on your way home Wednesday night: Either slow down or stay off my road. The person you kill might just be my family member, friend or neighbor. If you want to drive like an idiot, move back to Albuquerque.
Larry Garcia
Rio Rancho
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