It’s on the Council
Dear editor, I’ve been absent from writing to you for at least the last two years in hopes that the city leaders have calmed down. It has for the most part, not so dramatic with a storm of chaos with the previous mayor, it’s relatively calm. I don’t agree with the current mayor’s behavior most of the time but it is a lot more civilized. I have been watching the current city council, their actions, the way they speak, facial expressions etc. after observing these meetings, sometimes in person, most of the time on Facebook, the times I have been there in person, you can see the glare of Councilwoman Michael towards the then manager Donald Jaramillo. I believe Jaramillo was turning this city around and moving forward. Yes, he may have made some errors as he is only human and mistakes happen. What I don’t understand is why the three councilmen needed to find someone accountable for a big error that was clearly in their hands as they voted for the pantry deal? It should fall on the council as they are the ones who are the last to approve these items. It all falls on the council. The council is in charge.
Jaramillo may not have a degree as I have heard Councilwoman Michael state but he was getting the job done, yes there could be mistakes but it stops at the council, a city manager cannot make decisions and sign contracts without the approval of the council. I will give credit to Councilwoman Michael for asking the hard questions, but tries too hard to prove that she’s well educated and that can hinder decisions because of ego. I have great respect of Councilman Garcia but I believe he listens too much of Michael’s opinions, that’s what I have observed.
I read the op-ed of Councilwoman Michael’s and I believe she’s just trying to justify their actions. If you believe what you did is right, you don’t have to shout it out later after the fact, it should have been explained to the citizens at the time of the dismissal. That’s another subject, the council invaded on an individual’s right to privacy, they fired him while on a social media platform for everyone to see. Not good, that is a lawsuit against the city, it should have been done in private.
Henry Meyer.
Healthy City
Dear editor, Thanks to Beverly Michael for outlining in good detail lapses in reporting the tax lien on the pantry. An IRS lien must be because the seller of the building did not pay or report income taxes, I imagine. That’s a small blessing; I at first thought “property tax lien” meant county property taxes, which would be recurring yearly!
Her info on the city infrastructure, and how funds for it are being diverted regularly is enlightening; I agree that most of us who live in Grants feel that our water and sewer lines should be an urgent priority; the task is overwhelming, I know, but if our city is going to be economically and residentially vibrant, we must face up to it. We are blessed with water that other cities do not have, but much of it is wasted by our constantly breaking lines.
Beverly’s honesty should not be maligned by anyone, let alone city officials; it demeans them and calls their intentions for the health of our city into question.
Sincerely, Joan Sheski
Collaboratively and Proactively, Let us Revitalize the City of Grants
Dear editor, Empower change by taking initiative with peace and harmony. Revitalizing Grants, New Mexico is for the common good of all.
We the people of Grants, New Mexico, let’s re-boot street by street and idea by idea without the blame game. Cooperatively we can volunteer to write financial grants, attend meetings to understand, share your ideas, and donate to rejuvenate Grants in the areas most meaningful to you.
Who is the target market for growth and development in the City of Grants? Tourists or Locals? If tourists, what would appeal most to tourists on Route 66/Santa Fe Ave. and be an added bonus to locals.
Move the City Hall Building away from Mainstreet, to an area with easy access for locals, yet away from tourist areas.
Renovate the present City Hall. Offer visitors a reason to stop and enjoy the area with a larger welcome center: covering the foundations of brochures, personalized service, maps, toilets, WIFI, a place to sit and collect thoughts while traveling.
Open a much needed community Co-Op Bakery with NM specialties. Locals would be delighted and tourists would be gratified. The buildings next to Sun Loan Company; easy to park and convenient location.
On Route 66/Santa Fe create a particular “look and feel” of a clean, lively and interesting community.
Group Route 66/Santa Fe Ave into separate funding initiatives and committees.
Historic District Route 66 - ReMax Elegance to LaVentana Renaming potentially — more funding as a Historic District.
Old Cibola County Complex could be refurbished into a Native American Cultural Center. Possible finances from federal, state, historical, businesses and residents.
Rehabilitate historic areas with financial assistance grants and diligent research funding availability from Route 66 federal, state, historic national trust, and more.
Additional parking for events and safe parking along Route 66 especially surrounding the Fire and Ice Park. Perhaps shuttles?
Cowboy/Western District - Southside of Route 66 from AutoZone to Sacred Wind Communications. Cowboy Museum, Western Wear Stores (new items/consignment/ used) and a family friendly, live music, social club, dance hall.
Murals and Pop-up Shops - Northside of Route 66 after El Cafecito to Patricios Old Buildings could be used for Food Trucks, Drive-up Coffee Trucks, inside buildings could be local jewelry, arts, and more. Murals from local artists inside and out.
Kindly Be the Change.
Nat Candel