To the future leaders of Cibola County,
As the 2024 election approaches, we stand at a critical juncture for our community. The decisions made by the next Board of Commissioners will determine whether we build on the success we've achieved or risk falling back into the struggles of the past. Cibola County has made tremendous progress, thanks to the hard work and dedication of outgoing commissioners Daniel J. Torres, Robert S. Windhorst, and Martha Garcia, as well as the continuing efforts of Chairwoman Christine Lowery and Commissioner Ralph Lucero. Their sacrifices, alongside County Manager Kate Fletcher’s leadership, have brought us back from the brink of insolvency and positioned us for future success.
But this progress did not come without pain. Our rural bookmobile was scrapped, outside funding to nonprofits was cut, and businesses we once relied on have closed. Today, we must ensure that this hardearned momentum is not lost.
Over the last decade, Cibola has faced the painful closure of businesses, leaving lasting effects on our community.
When Terry Menning, our only practicing optometrist, shut his doors, residents were left without local eye care. If the slow economy wasn’t enough, the pandemic came and claimed another staple of our community, the original Wow Diner, followed by La Ventana, our only steakhouse. These two restaurants served more than just food; they celebrated the legacy of Cibola’s uranium mining history. A prime example of this was the iconic “Sheepherder” dish—a roast beef burrito with au jus, smothered in red or green chile, named in honor of Paddy Martinez, the sheepherder who discovered uranium in Cibola County.
With these closures, part of our history was shut down as well.
In the race for District 2 of the County Commission, only Ray Carpenter took the time to respond to questions about his vision for the community. Readers will see his thoughts in the 2024 Election Guide, while Grants City Councilor Fred Rodarte failed to engage with voters before the deadline.
Similarly, in District 4, Charles Lundstrom actively responded to our inquiries, while Tanner Windhorst’s response came too late to be of meaningful use – after deadline.
The incoming commission has big shoes to fill.
Chairwoman Christine Lowery and Commissioner Ralph Lucero, who have played key roles in steering this government toward success, will need to guide the new members in maintaining and building upon the county’s progress. The future is knocking, and we must be ready to answer—not with a return to outdated practices that drain taxpayer dollars, but with forward-thinking investments that secure a prosperous future for all.
The energy sector— particularly uranium—offers Cibola County a path forward. We stand on the verge of leading the charge in clean energy, but we need leaders who are willing to fight for us, ensuring that Cibola benefits from this opportunity. The closure of businesses like Wow Diner and La Ventana serve as a reminder of how fragile our economy can be, but it also highlights what is possible when we honor our history and look toward the future.
As the new Board of Commissioners takes shape, I call on you to recognize the sacrifices that have been made.
The people of Cibola County, our local government, and our businesses have all worked hard to get us to where we are today. We owe it to the children of today—and the children of tomorrow— to continue investing in their future. Energy, housing, infrastructure, these are the keys to success.
Let’s stop pretending that government happens by accident. It requires leadership, commitment, and vision.
The future is knocking. Will you answer?