Mailbox

Volunteers make a difference

in our county, across nation

Editor:

Volunteers are one of the nation’s most valuable resources. During National Volunteer Week, April 17-27, millions of these dedicated men, women and young people here in Valencia County and in communities throughout the nation will be saluted for their efforts and their commitment to serve. The week’s theme, “Celebrate the American Spirit — Volunteer!” reflects the resolve of the American tradition of neighbor helping neighbor.

On behalf of all of us at Mid-Rio Grande RSVP, I want to say a special thank you to the many volunteers here in Valencia County who make a difference every day in our community and in the lives of many of our neighbors. The Mid-Rio Grande RSVP in Belen will be honoring 150 RSVP volunteers at an appreciation luncheon on April 26.

Mid-Rio Grande RSVP is part of a national network of nearly 500 volunteer centers that connect thousands of men, women and children to millions of volunteer opportunities in their own communities.

National Volunteer Week began in 1974, when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Every president since has signed a proclamation in support of the week.

Sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network, National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the efforts of volunteers at the local, state and national levels.

Volunteers make a difference in our community. They make our country a better place. What better way to honor them than to give them a hand — not just applause — a little help. We urge those who are not yet part of this special group to join. Everyone can serve, and there are volunteer opportunities for seniors, families, people with disabilities, youth and businesses.

Call 864-8630 to find out how to celebrate the American spirit — volunteer!

Theresa Chené

Director

Mid-Rio Grande RSVP

Belen

Decision meant low rates

Editor:

My company’s waste disposal proposal to the village would have resulted in lower rates for the residential and commercial community. We were not even taken into consideration because “anti-Mayor Baldwin” council members thought my proposal was initiated by him. They did not support it, regardless of the facts. The mayor was only polite and said he would bring my proposal to the council for consideration. I contacted the village office; the mayor did not call me.

I was told early on in the process by local villagers that I had very little chance for success because it was presumed that Mayor Baldwin wanted someone other than Waste Manage-ment to get the contract.

I put little faith in this advice because I was confident that my proposal was the best and least expensive for the village. The council just needed to analyze my proposal and compare (it) to the current contract with Waste Management.

I prepared a formal complete 40-page proposal furnished to each of the council members and also sent each a personal letter highlighting some aspects of my proposal and assuring them that I was confident I could do the job. I asked each to call me if they had any questions. What a waste of time — it was evident at the council meeting that all the information I submitted was ignored. You could tell by the questions that were asked or, more importantly, were not asked.

If the councilors had concerns that my company could handle the job, why was I not asked any questions along those lines? I had an operation plan in place. I also furnished the councilors pictures and purchase agreements for new equipment that would be used exclusively for Bosque Farms.

The only call I received was from Councilor (Ginger) Eldridge, and her main concern was how my recycling operation worked. I gladly explained.

The night of the vote, she told her fellow councilors and the audience that she had done extensive research and found that only 28 percent of the people recycle, therefore it was her opinion that it shouldn’t be offered to the residents of Bosque Farms, even though it is part of the services we offer and not charged additionally. …

Two councilors said they had received several calls from residents saying they would like the village to keep Waste Manage-ment. I respect their comments, but I must ask were these residents told they would pay a lower rate, receive recycling services and have smaller trucks on their roads? That the local businesses would pay less for their dumpster services? Were they told that my company offered more freebies than their current company? I bet they had no idea what was involved.

One local longtime resident of Bosque Farms … said she thought Waste Management was doing a good job because they picked up all the trash on trash day. They did so much for “the kids.” I would like to ask this lady if she knows that the purpose of a trash company is to pick up trash on trash day? That my proposal offered the village even more support? And when was the last time Waste Mange-ment sponsored a Little League baseball team or YAFL football team from this area? We have.

Anyone who has attended a Bosque Farms council meeting since the new councilors have taken seat will agree that a significant power struggle is evident.

… One last comment. I own commercial property on Bosque Farms Boulevard. After this process and partisanship shown to me, I will be another business owner to put up a for sale sign. As a resident of Bosque Farms, I would hope that the governing body could somehow work out their differences and stop embarrassing the body they represent.

Mel Sisson

Superior Waste Systems

Bosque Farms

It was good career advice

Editor:

We would like to acknowledge and thank kind-hearted professionals in our community who participated as speakers for our annual Mustang Careers Day on April 18, 2002.

The purpose of this event is to give students an opportunity to explore various career options for their future — and to begin to focus on the skills, disciplines and preparations they might need to achieve their career goals.

Special thanks to the following individuals who came to Central to discuss their careers with our students:

Police Chief Paul Skotchdo-pole; Fire Chief Wayne Gallegos; Deputy Gary Hall; Cindi Stewart and Carol Chavez, cake decorating; Joe Fraley, mechanic; Rosalind Monaghan, nurse; Sheran Dodd, EMT; Jay Tabet and Ron Trujillo, businessmen; Stella Torres, cosmetologist; Elizabeth Rivera, florist; Yvonne Gabaldon, registered nurse; Tibo Chavez, attorney; Robert Rimorin, supervisor, waste plant; E.J. Sherry, rocket scientist; William Schorr, New Mexico Air Guard; John Baca, nurse; Teri Montoya, pharmacist; Clara Cano Garcia, News-Bulletin reporter; Eileen Tobin, school nurse; Kitty Rivera, dental hygienist; Emily Cano, Air National Guard; Julie Tyrell, environmental engineer; Mark Baca, attorney; Mark Jaramillo, CAD drafting; Colleen Kennedy, miniature-horse breeder; Winona Kennedy, nurse; Cheri Bertani, flight attendant; Jacob Armijo, banker; Selma Martinez, funeral home; Andrew Wellner, Air Force; Margaret Mason, waitress; Steve Sandoval, construction; Gary Wolfe, railroad; Lori Dearing, computer technology; and Pauline Purcella, policewoman.

The students, parents and staff at Central Elementary School greatly appreciate your support for our Mustangs Careers Day. Thank you!

John E. Padilla

Principal

Marsha Sherry

School counselor

Central Elementary School

Belen

Why this action now?

Editor:

I wish to respond to the letter authored by Mr. (Bob) Davey. I am uncertain as to how to begin, but it seems that Mr. Davey is simply doing damage control by appearing to others to be expressing grief over the county employees. Mr. Davey didn’t seem so broken-hearted about the 35 to 40 employees who lost their income, benefits, etc., in the last several years at VIA. In fact, where was Mr. Davey? It is not noble to be indifferent.

It is astounding to me that Mr. Davey writes about how the VIA is assisting the county with its financial problems when, in fact, the VIA created some of those problems. This was first apparent, with the knowledge that VIA owed delinquent taxes of up to approximately $800,000. Then, in a very suspect way, coming forward with the acknowledgement and the plan to repay these taxes. Another glaring question I have is: Why not? Mr. Davey has admitted that the VIA knew it owed these taxes, yet it only comes up when the public starts to ask questions. Why didn’t he come forward many months ago when the county’s financial crisis was first reported? Coming forward at that time may have avoided the downgrade in working hours, the extension program fiasco and other problems created by this financial crisis.

The VIA’s position, according to Mr. Davey, is presented in “savior” fashion. To the public, I say, don’t buy into this!

Celina Ervin

Tomé