Clearing up the facts
Dear editor,
After the article that was in last week’s newspaper, I felt it imperative to address a few statement that concerned me:
Modey Hicks States: "The County gets all its money from the city"
This is not correct. The city of Grants is incorporated and an autonomous entity. It is its Own governmental entity that receives funding from GRT, Property tax, lodger's tax, to name just a few. The City of Grants imposes their own rates on these taxes. The County imposes its own rates. The County acts as a collection agency for the state. The county distributes all property taxes received to those who have enacted mill increments, for example, the hospital, the public schools, Rio San Jose Flood Control District, Lava Soil and Water Conservation District, the City of Grants, Village of Milan and the County. https://www.nmdfa.state. nm.us/local-govenrments/budget-finance-bureau/property-taxes/certifi cates-of-property-taxrates/
Modey Hicks stated "that the county says they can not help fix a road" I am assuming that the road he is referring to is in the city limits. The County has 330+ miles of roads to maintain throughout the entire county. The county prioritizes roads to be maintained every year. The county must and shall focus on the whole county. I am aware of many intergovernmental agreements between the county and multiple government entities, including the City of Grants that are implemented and honored every year. Here is a list of some of the intergovernmental agreements between the city and the county; Animal control, senior center, Library, E911 Dispatch, vector control, school bus routes roads in the city, collaborating with Cares Act funding, ARPA funding, Mainstreet funding, chamber of commerce funding NMSU Extension services, Community pantry, Rockin 66 express funding, and the list goes on!! I anticipate more in the near future! I am a moderate conservative democrat and I do not support the "Transition act" as Modey Hicks states. The timing of the transition act was voted on in Santa Fe before the regular commission meeting date. Therefore, the county commission did not
Participate in a resolution. this does not mean I was in favor of the act.
To End, I want to reiterate that the county is managing the budget wisely, transparently and efficiently. We have commissioners that work together, this does not mean we all agree. but we are all here to provide a public service to our community that we love.
Respectfully,
Ralph Lucero
County Commissioner
District #3
Responsible Gun Ownership
Dear Editor,
The View' co-host Whoopi Goldberg: 'I don't want all your guns, I want that AR-15' (msn.com) "I don't want all your guns the way you don't want to take all my rights to abortion. I do not want all your guns. I want that AR-15. I want it." Whoopi Goldberg Net Worth & The View Salary (parade.com) 60 million plus 5 to 6 million paid from the view! I can remember when Whoopie said if Trump got Elected, she would move to Canada, she is still here guess if she moved, she would not make all that nice money from the view? Gun control in Canada: Trudeau proposes national freeze on handgun ownership - CBS News, first its register all guns in Canada, no high capacity magazines, no assault rifles, now let’s go after the rest of them, Five things to know about Canada’s gun control legislation (yahoo.com). Canada has struggled with rising gun violence. While all violent offenses have stayed flat, firearmrelated violence spiked in 2015 and has slowly climbed since. I have some of those types of weapons which I keep locked up when not in use or when I am in control of them, and I do not sell them to anyone, and if I did, I would take the time to go through a licensed gun dealer jut to play it safe. I also keep a current list of all my firearms by the serial number. It is too bad the NRA does not take time to tell the public or its membership just what responsible gun ownership is, guess they expect you to figure it out on your own, and when one person does something bad it’s all the lawabiding gun owners’ fault.
Signed:
Mr. harry L. Hall
USAF Veteran Retired Police/Sheriff lt.
Memorial Day
Dear editor,
New Mexicans have a long and proud tradition of service in our Armed Forces, bravely answering the call of duty when our country needs them most. This Memorial Day, I’m proud to join New Mexicans and Americans to honor the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country, our values, and our people. On this day, let’s reflect on the stories of the brave heroes who have left an impression on our hearts and souls, and be inspired by their courage. Let us never take for granted the ultimate sacrifice they made for our freedom, and let us continue working to provide our veterans, service members, and their families with the greatest support and care.
US Senator Ben Ray Lujan