Dear editor,
Most people have seen the negativity that has continued at the Grants City Council meetings. I will not be a reason for fake City Councilmen to abandon our citizens. The Council’s role is to provide oversight, review policy, and vote. I was doomed before I was even hired, thanks to the action of Fred Rodarte making a motion to adjourn(end) the City Council meeting in September. This proved he only cared about his agenda item. All the city employees, guest speakers, and city business did not matter to him. Our City Clerk was relatively new and she had already finished the packets and agenda. He wanted an item added and decided to pout when I communicated this fact to him. All City Councilmen had received an email to submit their agenda items a week prior to the regular meeting. Fred Rodarte and Rick Lucero expect to have everything dropped and changed for them at the last minute. When City Councilmen have been catered and spoiled without a single "no" in six and a half years; no wonder I wasn't a good fit.
Rick Lucero primary focuses on the golf course and demands more water (potable water) as this has become his new role. Solutions instead of demands is what our City needs. Leadership in action is what Grants hasn't seen from our three dictators. Fred Padilla requested to sit in on the interview with the former Chief of Police despite it not being allowed by the city charter. Is this why Steve Chavez keeps coming to meetings, to help those who helped him?
I removed my name in hopes that the dictators would show up and agree to put City business first; not their own agendas.
I appreciate Laura Jaramillo for helping me when I reached out to her to clarify several issues regarding the former chief. I apologize if she felt that I was ever critical and was speaking in meetings from factual data. Good luck to the next City Manager.
Vanessa Chavez,
Grants