Dear Editor, Regarding the New Mexico Tourism Department's pitch to go international in FY26. While the enthusiasm for attracting international travelers makes sense, a crucial element seems to be missing from the equation: adequate transportation infrastructure. International tourists are accustomed to diverse transport options including buses, trains and more. New Mexico, particularly along Route 66, currently lacks these essential services.
Tourism Department Cabinet Secretary Jen Paul Schroer states 'international travelers are ready for the Land of Enchantment,' and that the department has 'laid the foundation,' the reality suggests otherwise. Simply stating that the state is ready doesn't make it so. Before actively soliciting international tourism, New Mexico must address the glaring transportation deficit for tourism. How can we expect visitors from around the world to explore our state when they are effectively stranded without transportation options.
The call for 'adequate resources' from the Legislature should not just be for marketing campaigns. A significant portion of resources needs to be directed towards developing a robust, multi-modal transportation network. This includes: improved connectivity between airports, bus and train stations, and local communities: Tourists need seamless transitions between modes of transport.
Along Route 66, development of long-distance shuttle services, reliable buses, and other transportation options are critical for international and domestic travelers; without the sole reliance on personal vehicles.
Investment in local transportation options and efficient transport within communities is essential for visitors to explore local attractions.
Create transportation hubs that serve as gateways in New Mexico communities. Hubs could integrate bus, shuttle, and potentially train services, while incorporating visitor centers, local shops, restaurants, and other amenities supporting economic development in New Mexico.
Attracting international travelers is a worthy goal. Let's work together to prioritize building a transportation network, along Route 66, that truly welcomes the world to the Land of Enchantment.
Natalie Candelaria
Law Enforcement
Dear editor, I want to thank the Cibola Citizen for printing letters. I remember some life experiences that are happening again today.
Not being able to secure police work in Dallas/Fort Worth in 1983, I came home from the military as a Firearms Instructor, Security Police Law Enforcement Staff Sergeant for six years. I ended up working in the Western NM Correctional Facility in 1984. I had to train at the Central prison in Los Lunas for four months and carpooled with several locals every day until we opened it. The New Mexico State Penitentiary riot, which took place on February 2 and 3, 1980, at the Penitentiary of New Mexico (PNM) south of Santa Fe, was the most violent prison riot in U.S. history. Inmates took complete control of the prison, and twelve officers were taken hostage. Thirty-three inmates died more than two hundred were treated for injuries. None of the twelve officers taken hostage were killed, but seven suffered serious injuries caused by beatings and rapes. There had been riots at PNM before it moved in 1956, the first occurring on July 19, 1922, and the second on June 15, 1953.
Working at WNMCF we had someone work overtime every day of the week, and did have one riot there. In 1986 I went to the Village of Milan PD, and took a pay cut to $6 and hour from $8 an hour at WNMCF. Years later while dropping prisoners off at the Central Prison I got stuck before I could leave for a prisoner count. On the radio they needed 35 COs to work overtime. Today over 30 New York State Prisons have COs on strike and the National Guard is being called out. Caused by left wing Democrats polices who do not allow prisoners to be locked down because it is in-humane. CO’s today must wear knife proof vests just like police officers have to wear bullet proof vests. The New York Governor wants to fire the NY Mayor because he wants ICE to be able to go into his jail to pick up undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes, in her Sanctuary state. I wonder how long she would last as a CO inside one of her prisons, try walking a shift in their shoes surrounded by hundreds of criminals.
Signed, Mr. Harry L. Hall USAF Veteran Retired Police/ Sheriff Lt.
Praise for Grants city services
Dear editor, Good News! I am happy to note recognition of some recent services by the city. First, in the recent enduring freeze in late January, there were a lot of homes with frozen water pipes, mine being one of them. I'm sure the Water Dept. was very busy with calls to check meters to see if they were frozen. It's the first step in trouble-shooting this problem. I sent a request to the city on a Saturday and they came Monday morning to check it! Thank you Water Dept.! It was not frozen so then I could then find a contractor to replace the line from house to meter. Second, high praise to Code Enforcement and the staff there! I had some weed complaints around our church, First United Methodist on First St. The alley behind the church was being choked off by tumbleweeds. The lot to our south, to the drainage ditch, was full of weeds for years. Part of that may have been because it had a tax lien on it and it was finally sold at auction. Now, it took awhile probably because of that and the backlog, I'm sure, but patience brings results. So thank you to Code Enforcement Officer Mr. Windhorst and the kind lady who answers the phone and takes requests. There was a 3rd weed request for a property near me on Washington Ave, in the block preceding Nimitz. This property has been a tumbleweed problem for years, producing 5' high ones. I see there is a posting on the now of a letter to the owners stating if they don't resolve it, the city will do it and put it on the taxes. To the Parks Dept., you all did an amazing job on cleaning up Mesa Park where a lot of dog lovers take their pets! You mowed, trimmed and raked it so well. Even picking up all the broken glass around some edges. A really, really great job! Unfortunately, there is already some broken glass creeping back in and someone appears to be burning doughnut tracks from an ATV near the middle, destroying the grass in a circular pattern. Some people were not raised right! Of course people complain to the city, but it is very important to give feedback for good things done to give balance. If the city does good things for you or your neighbors, say something, post something, or write a letter giving praise and credit! Be kind and respectful in your dealings with personnel and thank them. Let's have some city pride in all the good things happening!
Cliff R. Trainor