Dear Editor, A compelling vision has emerged for an 80-acre parks and recreation complex in (Cibola County) Grants, New Mexico, poised to significantly enhance recreational opportunities for the community. This ambitious project blends recreation, nature, and economic sustainability, offering a variety of amenities designed to appeal to a broad range of residents and visitors.
A paved walk, and a bike path will wind through the complex, encouraging healthy activity and providing scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Dedicated courts for pickleball, cornhole, bocceball, and putt-putt; offer opportunities for friendly competition and social interaction. A dedicated children’s playground will provide a safe and engaging environment for the children. A fenced pet area would allow people to exercise along with their pets.
An innovative aspect of the project is the inclusion of a designated revenuegenerating tent camping area with shower facilities. This forward-thinking approach aims to attract Continental Divide backpackers and generate income to support the complex's maintenance and operations. This revenue stream has the potential to contribute to the park's future.
The project also prioritizes convenience and accessibility. Ample parking conveniently located restrooms, and essential support facilities are all integral components of the plan.
A Southwest-Style Community Center is integrated for events, meetings, and a wedding venue, providing a beautiful backdrop of Mt. Taylor. The use of native plants and trees throughout will further enhance the natural beauty of the area and support local ecosystems.
Securing funding through public-private partnerships, donations, sponsorships, and grants will be essential. Community input will ensure Lobo Canyon II complex truly reflects the needs and desires of the community.
This vision aims to create a valuable parks and recreational hub promoting an active lifestyle, outdoor recreation, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike, in (Cibola County) Grants, New Mexico.
Natalie Candelaria
Social Security and Representation
Dear editor, I wanted to answer a letter to the editor in the last Cibola Citizen by Mr. Henry Meyer on whether his social security was safe “THAT HE PAID FOR.” I had half my social security taken away from me already by the United States Congress in 2014 called the Windfall Elimination Provision. I had 20 years of Social Security reduced from $865 a month to $565 a month when I turned 62. Give you one guess who the President and Vice President in 2014 was, not a Republican. So, I would ask Mr. Meyer where did the other half of my Social Security I PAID FOR GO? After they took out $140 for Medicare A & B it went down to $420 a month. Because of my NM Police Officer Pension called PERA they had a right to cut in half and “If I didn’t like it, I could complain to my congressmen” by an employee of the Social Security Department a Federal employee. I was told if I wanted to contest the amount it would stop payments I had coming for years. In 2025 the WEP Act under House Bill H.R. 82 got overturned by guess who. A Republican. After hearing how many undocumented immigrants, and over 100- to 300-year-olds may still be getting social security it is no wonder the program may be going broke and they may not have had to take half of mine away, the question is will I ever get it BACK.
It also appears from the last Cibola Citizen finding a replacement for the representative District 6, which is still up in the air because the Governor cannot find someone that lives in the district. The only person that ran for that office who lived in the district and was nominated by the Cibola County Commissioners but no one who second the nomination because he was a Republican go figure. Hats off on the article and keeping the Cibola County citizens informed and the timeline of events.
Signed Mr. Harry L. Hall Retired USAF Veteran Retired Police/Sheriff Lt.
Advocating for Cibola
Dear editor, I want to bring attention to some legislation navigating the Legislature that directly impacts our community.
Let’s start with the latest in the long-standing fight to have the toxic waste in our backyards addressed and eradicated. House Bill 333 would provide $50 million to clean up abandoned uranium mines and other neglected contaminated areas. With over 350 contaminated sites identified, this bill would be a viable starting point toward cleaning up the uranium remnants that continue to reek havoc on our lives and our environment.
House Memorial 15 would urge Congress to pass United States Senate Bill 243 to finally get the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, or RECA, expanded to New Mexico after Congress denied us last time.
We need to make sure that our legislature helps our families during these tough economic times. House Bill 14 would replace the working families tax credit with the New Mexico earned income tax credit, increases the amount of money qualifying taxpayers would receive, and increases the income eligibility for all taxpayers.
House Bill 11 looks to create the Welcome Child and Family Wellness Leave Act, which would provide eligible applicants with up to six weeks of paid family wellness leave, up to 12 weeks of unpaid Welcome Child Leave for the birth of or adoption of a child; the bill would also allow one parent to apply to receive a one-time rebate of $9,000 for the birth or adoption of a child.
House Bill 9 would stop our public resources and agencies from being used to detain immigrants. If this passes, Core Civic’s ability to stay open and provide needed jobs to our families will be threatened by the loss of ICE contracts.
It is more important than ever to demand our county, city, and village leaders go to Santa Fe and fight for the needs of our community. We chose them to work for us and our best interests, and they are compensated for that work-they need to be up there fighting for us all.
I have been to Santa Fe on my own dime, and discussed these issues and more with legislators and our governor. We need people to stand up for our community and make sure we are heard.
Respectfully, David Lee Alcon