As I am coming close to the end of my term as Cibola County Commissioner for District 4, I have been looking back at what has been accomplished in the past almost eight years and have to say it has been quite a ride! The secret to the success of Cibola County came from the constant concern and collaboration of each of the County Commissioners. Each member of the Commission brought their own views and talents to the table. What has impressed me the most was how we all realized the importance of setting our personal political views aside and rolling up our sleeves and doing the work of the people.
One of the things I am most proud of was when the Cibola County Commissioners met a few years ago to put forward a resolution that would make Cibola County a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary County to protect our residents right to bear arms from attacks on those rights. Little did we know at the time how important this action was until we showed up to the meeting with lines out the door! We filled the great room with over 750 people! All along the walls of this room there were veterans, republican and democrats, each holding a United States Flag. Passionate speeches were given, and all views were considered. The Resolution was passed and still in effect.
We kept our promise not to waste the taxpayer's money by taking expensive junkets to Washington DC. We worked together to interview twenty people to be our new County Manager. And after 12 hours of interviews, we unanimously hired Kate Fletcher to turn our county ship from crashing into a financial iceberg. She is recognized state-wide for her knowledge and managerial skills. Shortly after that our Financial Director, Paul Ludi was hired. We went from being a failing, almost broke county, to becoming a strong, well managed, financially sound government entity. Because we got our financial house in order, we received money for infrastructure improvements for our roads, bridges and cattleguards. The Governor gave Cibola County the Old National Guard Building and the $4.5 million to turn it into a First Class Law Enforcement and Emergency Services complex that now holds the Cibola County Sheriff's Department, our 911 Emergency call center and Emergency Services. We kept our promise to the Cibola County General Hospital, by giving them their independence from county interference in their operations and their funds. We took care of our employees by increasing the county's PERA contribution to 75% and providing them with 100% coverage for their health insurance. We made it possible for all residents to get free helicopter insurance. We hired a consultant to do a comprehensive wage study and brought wages to where they should be. We set our own ambitions and pride aside for the betterment of the people of Cibola County. Our meetings were always respectful and informative and the commissioners were always prepared.
It has been the privilege of my life to serve with Christine Lowery, Daniel Torrez, Martha Garcia and Ralph Lucero. I will always be grateful for the respectful way they conducted the work of the people. We have storm clouds ahead with a great need to convince our State Legislators to move forward with meaningful tort reform to stop all the frivolous lawsuits that are threatening law enforcement, our hospital and our governmental entities. We need to let our legislators know that their bills to shut down private prisons and empower lawyers to seek foolishly high settlements for nuisance lawsuits are sending our doctors and other medical professionals out of our state and increasing crime.
May our newly elected County Commissioners have the wisdom and fortitude to make good, sound decisions.
May God always County.
Robert S. Windhorst, Cibola County Commis-District 4