“A reader wrote (The Observer, Nov. 2): ‘… considering a large block of Christian/Catholic voters are praying that Obama still wins. After God, we believe he is the best hope for our nation.’ You’ve got to be kidding me ... ‘After God?” This is the worst part about Obama worshippers; they really think he is ‘next to God.’ Next to Obama were a lot of devils; I only hope that he doesn’t reveal himself to be one of them.”

“It’s about time some good things are said about our outstanding school system (“BusinessWeek,” page 1, The Observer, Nov. 16). This is a great place to live and raise kids and it seems like most of the people who don’t know it already live here. Wake up. This is a great place to live.”

“Why did voters vote for all the bonds? One, the average voter is basically stupid. Second, renters could care less … all they see is ‘free for me.’ We need a California-style prop 13 in New Mexico to put a stop to the looting of homeowners.” “I am very disappointed with what I’m hearing about Rio Rancho. I would like to see actions taken to remove officials and a task force of retirees appointed to look into the problem.”

“Renters don’t see it as ‘free for me.’ Renters must pay the tax, just indirectly. Also, renters don’t get to deduct the tax from their income tax returns, like homeowners. When you rent, the property tax is put into your rent payment. Also, assessed values of homes for tax purposes only increase by three percent per year. As for a task force removing officials, we have that — it is called an election. We have a democratic process in this city, similar to the rest of the country. The mayor has created task forces to study issues in city.”

“After reading the article about Dean Alexander retiring and working with Watermelon Ranch, on programs with kids, I have to say I was taken aback. This man had no business being a cop, let alone working near kids. I have always held Watermelon Ranch in high regard. Why on earth would a good organization like that even consider this? Alexander was sloppy, unprofessional and harassing as a sheriff’s deputy. People like him give cops a bad name. It’s good that he’s not in law enforcement anymore and he should not be around schools.”

“It was announced on Nov. 17, that the State of New Mexico is facing a 500 million dollar shortfall in the coming budget session of the Legislature. When Gov. Richardson took office, the state had a surplus and a rainy day fund. After six years of his spend-happy reign the citizens of this state are noticeably poorer and the Governor and his friends are sitting pretty with fat wallets.”

“It seems that Rio Rancho property owners are now going to pay an additional $300 to $400 per year in property taxes for some unbudgeted hospital improvements. When asked how this money would be spent, the hospital spokesman replied that they would have to figure it out. How did our city/county ‘rulers’ ever allow something as unspecified as this get onto a ballot and why are non-property owners allowed to impose these taxes on the property owners? If it benefits the entire city/county, it should be funded by a sales tax increase. Do we need a taxpayer revolt?”