The Challenge Issued Again.

This author had a post in the comments section after "Howie's" and again after "Sady's" comments.

"Howie" says this blog is dripping lies. "Sady" agrees and says that much has been taken out of context.

Really? Has it?

Take a moment "Howie" and "Sady" and share what lies are posted on this blog and what has been taken out of context?

-Did Councilor Linthicum not talk about the transportation plan and the negative parts of it?
-Did Mr. Kennedy not clean up his yard just prior to beginning a campaign?
-Are Councilor Linthicum and Councilor Eldridge not outgoing Councilors?
-Did Mr. Proctor not have a sign on the workplace of a convicted felon?
-Did Councilor Wallace not drive to Sante Fe to talk about dead horses?
-Did Councilor Knowlton not talk about raising water and sewer rates in a meeting?
-Is Mr. Capshaw's yard trash not nice?


You can see the original challenge here:
http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2006/02/who-has-time-for-job.html

Free Speech and The Supreme Court,

This blog has been told recently that this type of speech is not what the founding fathers had in mind. Not only did they protect free speech of a political nature that was anonymous they participated in the same type of expression of opinion.

The Supreme Court has heard cases about this and here is just a little bit of information about what the Supreme Court has to say: (The bolded words were done for emphasis by the author of this blog). OR you can skip to the bottom for a quick wrap up if this is too complicated to read.

____________________________________

In 1964, the United States Supreme Court heard the case of The New York Times v. Sullivan. The Supreme Court recognized that the First Amendment, which protects an individual's freedom of speech and expression, protects even speech that is defamatory. (And in case you don't know defamotry means libelous and/or slanderous)

In Sullivan, the plaintiff was a public official who sued The New York Times for libel after the newspaper published unfavorable allegations about him. The First Amendment exists, according to the Court, to help protect encourage the exchange of opinions, particularly on public or political issues. The Founding Fathers of the United States valued open debates regarding political issues or governments, determining that citizens in a democracy need a free marketplace of ideas in order to become informed and make good decisions.

Open debates can be emotional with opponents attacking each other. To stop libelous and slanderous speech would stop adversaries from attacking each other but would also stop an open exchange of opinion and debate.

The Court saw the need for balancing an individual's right to be protected from false and defamatory accusations with the country's right to be informed. It decided free speech and expression outweigh the public official's rights unless the public official can prove that the defendant acted with actual MALICE.

So what is acutal malice? Actual malice means The person that communicates a statement does so knowing that the statement is false or very likely false.

And what is a public official? elected officials; such as Councilors, non-elected government employees with substantial responsibility, candidates for public office also fall in this catagory.

And all of this applies ONLY when the public official sues for slander or libel.

______________________________

In other words, The Supreme Court and the Founding Fathers felt free speech is vital particularly when discussing political issues. Public Officials (which include elected Councilors and Candidates for office) must prove that anyone who has published or said anything negative about them is false and that the person saying the negative thing knew it was false.

Read more here where this information originally came from:
http://law.enotes.com/everyday-law-encyclopedia/89977

Founding Fathers and Free Speech

Is there any doubt that the Founding Fathers protected free speech? Is there any doubt that they protected free speech for the purpose of expressing political opinions anonymously?

Not only did they protect this right they also participated in debate in just such a manner.

The Federalist Papers were written by several of our Founding Fathers under the pen name Publius. Others wrote what are now known as the "Anti-Federalist Papers" and most of them were written under pen names as well.

To this day, although there are best guesses about who wrote what, there is not complete agreement about the authors of any of these papers (The Federalist Papers or the Anti-Federalist Papers).

And of more consequence, it was through this debate by nameless men that consensus was reached, the public was encouraged to learn the facts for themselves, and critical weaknesses in the Constitution were addressed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federalist_Papers


http://www.law.ou.edu/hist/federalist/


http://www.constitution.org/afp/afp.htm

One additional thought about "Kennedy Translated"

A previous Blog post titled "William D. Kennedy Translated" Had this to say (copied and pasted here) :

• If elected what are your plans to promote economic development in Bosque Farms? (newspaper Question)
  

(Some removed for brevity. See the original post for the complete remarks.) ....
Mr. Kennedy also says "streamline the process to make it easier for new businesses to locate here." But no word on how he proposes to do this. Should we simply throw open the doors of Bosque Farms and cry out "Used Car lots, spaces available?"

Translation: There are some things we can do and I'm doing some research but I haven't completely thought this through.

And here are the additional thoughts that have occured since this post:

Mr. Kennedy has been in a position to change the process. He is on the Planning and Zoning Board that makes the decisions about which business will be allowed to set up an office and which ones will have a harder time to locate in Bosque Farms.

Has he led a committee to establish new procedures? NO.

Has he suggested in a meeting that this should happen? NO.

Has he done anything to" streamline the process to make it easier for a new business to locate here in Bosque Farms"? Not that the authors of this blog are aware of, NO.

He didn't do it when he was in a position to do it. What makes anyone think he will do it when he's in a higher position?

Per a special request

One reader of this blog "Just Here" has asked that some of the posts be shorter. This seems to be a special request only on the posts of "Comparing Councilor Candidates" and the posts about "Mr. Proctor or Mr. Kennedy Translated."

So per request.

The best that can be gathered from talking with one candidate, reading literature, reading questions and answers in the newspaper and so on.... there are some basic differences between Councilor Candidates and their views on the issues.

Aresenic is apparantly a big issue. Mr. Proctor and Mr. Kennedy seem willing to raise water rates. Mr. Proctor does not pay for water and has his own well. This is a negative because he will have to reason to try to keep rates low as it won't hurt him to raise rates. Mr. Madore and Mr. Capshaw have said water rates will remain low if they are elected.

Having a plan for arsenic is apparantly important as well. Who has a plan besides raising water rates? Mr. Capshaw seems to.

Keeping Bosque Farms rural, a rural character, maintaining large lots is a question the newspaper asked about. Mr. Capshaw recognizes that rural is also a way of life. People knowing each other and he has a plan to encourage the rural life style. Mr. Madore mentions the community center. No one else seems to have a plan to keep Bosque Farms rural. Mr. Proctor says it's land locked so that is fine. Mr. Kennedy will do what is already being done.

Developing a budget based on the money that comes into the Village from grants, property tax and other fees and taxes is important. It is more so important when you realize water rates may go up to take care of arsenic problems. Only Mr. Madore and Mr. Capshaw have said they will stick to a budget.

Mr. Proctor has repeatedly mentioned completing a fire station that is almost complete. No one else seems willing to take credit for previous administrations work.

Economic development appears to be an issue in this election. Mr. Proctor has been on the Bosque Farms Business Association. But what has that done for anyone? Held a food drive a few years ago maybe. That seems to be about all that the author/s of this blog know about. Mr. Kennedy is on the Planning and Zoning board and what has he done to help businesses? Nothing to date.

Mr. Kennedy works full time in Albuquerque and might be busier than the other candidates. The other three are local businessmen. Mr. Proctor's property has a used car lot on it.

That is an attempt to make a very short comparison of candidates but it lacks complete information. "Just Here" the best thing you can do is read the articles in the paper yourself, talk to the candidates, and make up your own mind.

One way to vote

While every vote is private and every person can vote the way they want and not tell anyone - the author/s of this blog will share.

The write in candidate to vote for will have the initials A.P.

The people of Bosque Farms would be well served by this person. She would have high standards and would represent everyone in the community.

One reason for Large Lots

The author of this post on this blog wants to remind everyone there are many reasons to keep large lots. This is just one. Look for more reasons and thoughts on large lots and rural Bosque Farms in the future.

Horses!
Despite the large expenses and constant care required, there is the potential for a large payoff.

Horses
...Are wonderful Companions
...Can be come a lifelong hobby
...Can help create a wholesome environment for children and adults
...Can help handicapped children in ways humans can't.
...Provide an opportunity to develop enduring friendships
...Help develop a compassionate approach to life
...Will provide exercise and recreation
...Can help when camping and backpacking

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.

~Winston Churchill

I never give them hell. I just tell the truth and they think it's hell."

~Harry Truman

Where to vote

Vote early at the Village Office.

• Park in the parking lot in front of the Village Office.
  
• Walk towards the library on the right.
  
• You will see the door for the Police Station.
  
• That is where you vote.
  
• The signs are easy to follow and the ladies in the office very helpful.
  
• You can vote until Friday from 8a.m. until 5p.m.
  

Vote on Tuesday in the Rodeo Arena

• Drive down North Bosque Loop.
• Pass the Community Center on the Right.
• Turn in the little dirt road on the right.
• It goes to the Cowboy Hall at the Rodeo Arena.
• The signs should be there, they are every year.

Vote! March 7.

Of course voting is useful. But then again, I don't put a big glow to it. Voting is about as essential as washing yourself. It's something you're supposed to do. Now, you can't go around bragging, expecting to get props because you voted. That's stupid.

~Chuck D.

After the election, Then what?

This blog will continue to post interesting pieces of information, facts, and opinion about the Government of Bosque Farms and who is representing you.

This blog will continue to encourage each person who reads this blog to find the facts out for themselves and make their own decisions.

This blog will continue to recognize the nice things that the Councilors do. The things that make our community a better place to live.

On the Freedom of Speech

If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led,

like sheep to the slaughter.

~George Washington

____________________________________

We can never be sure that the opinion we are endeavoring to stifle is a false opinion; and if we were sure, stifling it would be an evil still.

~John Stuart Mill, On Liberty, 1859

______________________________________

Censorship reflects society's lack of confidence in itself.

It is a hallmark of an authoritarian regime.

~Potter Stewart

_______________________________________________

I am thankful for all the complaining I hear about our government

because it means we have freedom of speech.

~Nancie J. Carmody

________________________________________________

Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so, too.

~Voltaire

The pledge in the paper.

There were so many problems with the pledge that appeared in the paper.
This blog has not broached this subject out of respect for the woman who initiated it. Despite having never met her the author of this post has the upmost respect for any citizen who might try to encourage a nice campaign.

"Howie" however mentioned it and now the problems are showing up.

The first being that the candidates can not control what everyone says or posts particularly on a blog. And they certainly can't control what the author/s of this blog are saying if they a. don't know about and b. don't know who is doing it.

Just as "Howie" has anonymity so does the author/s of this blog. Just as "Howie" can comment and say what s/he wants so can "Sady" and so can "Just Here" and so can anyone else.

Second: Not only can the candidates not control every person they know in the community and limit what each and every person says and shares with the public; they should not even try to control those people they don't know and limit thier freedom to speak out. The freedom of speech is no small matter to be trifled with, particularly during a campaign.

It is 'appalling' to use "Howie's" own language that anyone would expect that free speech would be limited to saying only nice things during a campaign.

Unfortunately, in this case nice things would be a lie. Mr. Proctor and Mr. Kennedy do not have nice yards. To say othewise would be a lie. Mr. Kennedy does work and will have limited time to devote to the position of Councilor. To say otherwise would be a lie.

That seems to be the problem "Howie" has with this blog- that it tells the truth.

Go do your own research. This blog encourages you continually to search the truth for yourself.
- Get a list of the names of the cops. Look them up in the court databases.
- Drive by the candidates homes.
- Think about what a clean yard means to you in your neighborhood.
- Read the Fair Housing Act. Read what it says about senior living.
- Drive around and look at where Mr. Proctor's signs are hung.

But know this. Mr. Proctor and Mr. Kennedy could not stop this blog. Mr. Madore and Mr. Capshaw can not. They don't know the author/s of this blog. They probably don't know about this blog.

The freedom to speak is no small matter. How tragic that "Howie" would encourage this and expect the candidates to suffocate opinion and fact being spoken out loud.

Do the Candidates Know About this Blog?

"Howie's" long comment to the posts on this blog also had this to say:

I am also appalled that the "perfect" candidates
Mr. Madore and Mr. Capshaw who I
understand are aware of the blog do not honor
their word--the campaign pledge that they signed
(which appeared in the paper) that said that
they would conduct themselves well, and not
allow their supporters or others they
knew to carry on a dirty, mud slinging
campaign. Where are their denouncements of this blog.?

"Howie" says the candidates have violated their pledge because some person is writing a blog.
Let us take this thought and tear it apart to get at the truth.

Are Mr. Madore and Mr. Capshaw aware of this blog? Are any of the candidates aware of this site? The author/s of this blog certainly have no knowlege that they do know about it. Certainly there are not comments signed by any one of the candidates. And when the candidates have knocked on my door they did not mention it nor has anyone mentioned mentioning it to them.

So the real question would be to "Howie", how do you know that they know about this blog? And do they know you know that they know about this blog?

And the more important question would be this: It appears Howie from your comments that Mr. Proctor and Mr. Kennedy do know about this blog. Where is their denouncement? I haven't seen it in the paper. I haven't seen it in the literature that says 'Sorry they missed me' put on my door by three women.

With all earnestness let this author assure every resident that only one candidate has knocked on my door. I have spoken to and met one candidate. That is it. The others have overlooked me or maybe thought their job complete because someone did their job and left a brochure on my door.

This blog is merely a gathering of thoughts and facts and opinions of the author/s.

Ethics and Anonymity

When the author of this blog was at home sick, from work, the other day several women were observed walking down the street. They were leaving brochures on doors, mine included, but not knocking. These women have names but shall remain nameless (anonymous) to protect their reputation in the face of their unethical behavior.

What were the brochures? Campaign literature for Virgil Proctor and William Kennedy. That is fine, finally someone leaves something on my door for these two candidates. BUT WAIT! On this literature as bold as day it says something like "sorry I missed you".

What a lie!!

Mr. Proctor and Mr. Kennedy didn't "miss me," they didn't even come near my door. It was several women walking the street and dropping off brochures for Mr. Proctor and Mr. Kennedy.
Had I wanted to speak to these two men I could not have done so easily.

Is this considered doing thier part to run a clean campaign because they didn't say anything negative about another candidate? Or maybe this is considered 'clean' behavior because they are not the ones who participated in the lie? (Oh, but they did, they signed the papers saying they would miss me before they missed me and then they didn't miss me at all.)

It is one big lie and it's not ethical at all. They missed me before they missed me and then they didn't miss me but would have led me to believe they missed me because the paperwork was on my door saying they missed me when it wasn't them who came to my door to miss me but the ones who came to my door didn't miss me either because I was home and the ladies didn't knock.

How unethical is that??

Anonymity, A response

One poster named "Howie" recently made this ugly comment:

It is a coward that requires you to put in your
name/email (no anonymous responses) but who
is afraid to reveal their true identiy by signing
their name to their opinions.

Ahhh, but let's look at that. If you follow "Howie's" name back to the profile of this person, what do you find? NOTHING. No Name.

"Howie" Even insured that he or she would remain unkown by taking the same coward's way out and signing the comment "resident of Bosque Farms".

You are required to list an email or register for the simple reason that there many people who will post ads, bulk mail, links to porno sites, and other garbage if they can do so without registering. There are even computer programs that do that now in bulk.

So yes, this blog expects you to register as a small way to stop that from occuring.

But rest assured "Howie" the author of this post has no more a clue who you are than you have an clue towards who the author is right now. And in fact, you probably know more about the author/s of this post than anyone may know about you.

What does a clean yard say about you?

A clean yard says many things about the man and/or who lives in the home.

• You care about your neighbors.
  
• You care about first impressions.
  
• You care about property values.
  
• You can manage your time wisely. You can clean your yard and you can hold a job.
  
• You care about yourself.
  
• You care about your environment.
  
• You are conscientious.
  
• You are a hard worker.
  

Take a drive past the candidates four homes.

Mr. Madore- Nice. Well kept. Lawn mowed. Front Porch swept. Looks like he even has his own little driving range, or is that a putting range.

Mr. Capshaw- Very nice. A gardener. He obviously takes pride in his home. Nice driveway.

Mr. Proctor- Dogs maybe? That might explain the lack of landscaping (unless you count dirt). Dogs do a lot of damage to a yard. Weeds. Good thing his house is way back there where it can't be seen. And what is that in his back yard? A church? A broken mobile home?

Mr. Kennedy- Lots of weeds. In fact, he used to have weeds growing up through some of the old cars and trucks on his lot. Looks like he cleaned up some of the weeds. And I don't see old towels hung up on the fence. I bet his neighbors are glad he ran. He might have cleaned up a bit.

So who will you vote for? The two people who have already demonstrated that they care about their neighbors, have been good neighbors by having a clean yard, have taken the time to keep their environment clean?

Or will you vote for Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Proctor.? The two who only cleaned up their yard to impress you while they run?

Will you vote for weeds and someone who can't manage his time and energy to clean up his yard unless there is something in it for him (like your vote) or will you vote for someone who cares about first impressions and takes the time and energy to devote to a nice yard.

It makes a difference. The way you live says something about you. I know what kind of person I want in a leadership position. The conscientious person who cares about first impressions, who cares about himself and about his neighbors, who values the belongings he has and will take care of the community I live in.

Who has the time for the job?

Each and every job a person does takes some amount of time. The more jobs a person has- the less time he or she can devote to doing one job and doing it right.

So who has the time to be a quality first class Councilor? Who will have the time to do the research? Who will have the time to attend all the meetings?

NOT Mr. Kennedy.

Has he knocked on your door?

Nope. Not yet. Mr. Kennedy has not knocked on the door of anyone that has spoken to the authors of this blog.

Has he been walking the streets and trying to get you to vote for him?

Nope. Not yet. Mr. Kennedy has not been seen once walking the streets. He wasn't even seen riding his horse on main street waving a little vote for me sign.

Mr. Kennedy works full time. He drives to Albuquerque and drives home. That at a minimum is an hour commute (counting both ways). He won't have time to go to meetings and workshops, and special meetings and public hearings and run committees and do research and be prepared for meetings.

Go request the roll calls for the Planning and Zoning meetings.
-- Has he been there for every one?
-- has he run any special committees to write ordinances?

The authors of this blog would tell you--- no, not really.

Tell Mr. Kennedy a big NO! Tell him by not voting for him at the polls to be Councilor. Tell him you deserve better. You deserve someone who has been here, will stay here, will have the time to do the job right.

One thing right!

The Councilors are to be commended.

They voted NO to the transportation plan. From the very little information available through public hearings, newspaper articles, and Council meetings it appears that this plan was all about how Bosque Farms could make everything better for the communities below us.

First it was a bridge and now it is busses in a residential area. What garbage.

Councilor Linthicum spoke out strongly on behalf of all the many residents and school children who walk along the proposed bus route.

At first is seemed that Councilor Knowlton and Councilor Wallace were going to vote for said garbage. They are to be recognized for listening to the reasonable argument presented by Councilor Linthicum and voting against this plan.

Poor Confused Mr. Proctor

Let's hope for the sake of all the residents

this is the last installment of Poor Confused Mr. Proctor.

Poor Man, he just can't seem to think very clearly.

_________________________

He says he is pro business.

BUT

He puts his signs on some of the ugliest businesses.

______________________

He says he wants to be a Councilor to set the laws.

BUT

He can't obey the law when he's running for the position and puts his signs in illegal places.

___________________________

He says many people are supporting him. He puts his sign up to show who is supporting him.

BUT

He allows his sign to be put up in front of a convicted felon's place a business.

_____________________________

He says he will bring a senior living place to Bosque Farms to care for the Seniors.

BUT

He has not completely answered all the questions about this issue. AND he says this despite what a recent survey shows is a lack of need.

_____________________________

He says he will maintain a rural environment.

BUT

He will wilingly open the door to apartments in Bosque Farms.

____________________________

Poor Confused Mr. Proctor.

Isn't it time we elect Councilors who are not confused?

A good quote

"We have two types of politicians-the incapable and those capable of anything."

~Slogan written on a wall in Paraguay, according to the Economist

Something to think about...

"I've seen many politicians paralyzed in the legs as myself, but I've seen more of them who were paralyzed in the head."

~George Wallace

More Mr. Proctor Signs

Have you noticed?

Mr. Proctor's signs are on the back of some large trailer homes right on the blvd. No problem. They are legal and they are on some nice looking trailers.

BUT

Have you seen some of the other trailers that are sold by the same dealer? GROSS!!!

Look for yourself. Take a drive down Abo just to the day care. Look right across the day care play yard to some of the other trailers near the back of the lot. GROSS!!!!

Mr. Proctor is running on a ticket of supporting businesses. Is this the type he will support?
Are you sure Mr. Proctor will represent you?

A last thought on senior housing apartments

Mr. Proctor and Mr. Kennedy promise to help seniors by giving them something- a place for themselves.

Mr. Proctor and Mr. Kennedy and Councilor Wallace are willing to jeopardize your property rights for this senior living.

Mr. Proctor and Mr. Kennedy and Councilor Wallace are willing to go against the wishes of everyone in this community to provide senior living.

And while Councilor Knowlton has been suspiciously mum on the issue it would not be surprising to see him fall on the side of Councilor Wallace.

"For the Seniors" has begun to take on the same meaningless blather in Bosque Farms politics as "For the Children" has in state and federal politics.

Sounds nice. But it means very little. Particularly when you look at the facts.
Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Proctor can run around promising it but when it comes time to vote, they can lay the blame on the Federal Housing Act and yet get the credit for 'trying'.

You, The residents of Bosque Farms had better wisen up and not vote for these men if you care for proper represntation that reflects your wishes, if you care for property values, etc.

What you wont see is Mr. Proctor and Mr. Kennedy and Councilor Wallace helping those seniors in need themselves.

Let's double check that:
- Have they kept a list of boy scouts who would be willing to help? NO.
- Has Councilor Wallace suggested the Village do such a thing in a meeting? NO
- Has Mr. Proctor or Mr. Kennedy suggested such a thing to the Councilors in a meeting? NO
- Do any one of these three routinely help seniors in their neighborhood? NO
- Is Mr. Proctor and Mr. Kennedy capable of keeping their own small lots upkept and looking nice? NO (so what makes you think they can help anyone else?)


Maybe before promising things they need to take a good look at the facts and wishes of the citizens.

More about Senior Housing

Realize that it hinges on the definitions. The definition of family. The definition of Senior.

It is nice to say Senior Housing and think you are taking care of those elderly who need a little bit less yard and little bit more help.

But what is a senior? Pick any business and you will hear a different age in every business. Who will decide?

But let us just say for the sake of argument- a senior is 65 and older. Is it fair that her 30 year old husband is living with her? Is that fair? Is that providing housing in the spirit of the meaning?

Is it fair that a senior have his three grandkids living with him? Would that be fair? Would that be providing housing in the spirit of the meaning?

It would certainly be legal. Family is the definition it all hinges upon. Read it yourself in the Fair Housing Act. Family is basically someone you are related to that is living with you. Or someone you have married.

Before rash promises are made just to get elected, every thought should be considered and every action rethought.

Apartments in Bosque Farms???

Everyone should take the time to read the final survey results. (For those of you who might not remember- a survey was sent out and some of us filled it out and returned it so our opinion could be heard.) And in there was a question about higher density housing.

Hmmmm. Higher Density Housing. APARTMENTS! Here in Bosque Farms?

It brings to mind the many discussions on senior living that have been circulating lately. Despite the low numbers of people who saw a need for senior housing, Mr. Proctor and Mr. Kennedy are making this a political campaign issue.

The literature they and their cronies have been handing out state they will actively chase a special home for seniors. A gated community for seniors. A place for seniors that will not have lots of land for them (the seniors) to care for and manage.

Sounds nice.

Except. If there is housing for seniors, there MUST be housing for other types of residents. Low Income housing must also be available.

The Federal Fair Housing Law is very clear. The Village can not set apart land for one type of housing without making housing for everyone. The Village can NOT say APARTMENTS FOR SENIORS ONLY.

So if these two men get their way- there might very well be Apartments here in Bosque Farms despite the fact that no one on the survey wanted them.

And you think they are just two people? Well. Councilor Wallace recently voted NO to the Master Plan documents for this very reason. She wanted to allow apartments for seniors.

She read the Federal Fair Housing Act and saw where it said a club might be able to limit who lives in a house owned by a club and saw this as an opportunity to have apartments for seniors.

Again- the Village can not set apart land or set up one type of housing wihtout taking care of other people who also need housing. Read it yourself. Fair Housing Act.

Apartments in Bosque Farms- the future is coming and it is uglyl.

Mr. Proctor's Campaign

Oh ha ha.
At least one of the authors of this blog saw Mr. Proctor on his horse campaigning in Isleta.

Did he forget that if he's elected he will be representing Bosque Farms? OR does he forget where Bosque Farms starts and finishes?

And does he forget that there are people in Bosque Farms who do not own horses? The best guess answer to this is that he believes ONLY horses will vote for him.

Oh please. The residents can only hope that no one will vote for Mr. Proctor.

If Mr. Proctor is elected to sit up there with Councilor Wallace and Councilor Knowlton the residents can count on higher taxes, apartments, and more..

Something to Think about

Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.

~Winston Churchill

Let us hope that Councilor Wallace and Councilor Knowlton learn to pay attention to the facts.

Of course, there is no reason to expect that they will pay attention to the facts.

One Example:

Councilor Knowlton was quick to misinterpret a report from the Police Chief Handbook or something like that. It said that almost everyone surveyed said an officer needed many years of experience to be a chief. He was quick to read it the way he wanted it to read to justify hiring an officer with NO leadership experience into a chief position. Very sad.

Another Example? Easy!

I'm hearing from neighbors and friends at least one councilor (of the two that are left) is telling them that 80% of the Village population wants a pool. I ran and picked up the numbers for myself. Ha. More like less than 5% of the total population wants a pool and if you count ONLY the ones who turned in the survey we recently filled out it was 19% of those people who wanted a pool.

Are these councilors once again twisting facts to suit their own personal wants? It seems so.

Surely when you, the voters, put these two people into positions of power you expected better. As the author/s of this blog did not vote for these two Councilors, they are only in there until the rest of Bosque Farms wants and expects better.

Please spare Bosque Farms the indignity of being represented by four people who overlook the facts and vote for special interests, their own!

Is there hope?

Did anyone notice?
Some of the signs mentioned just a few posts ago are removed.

That is, the signs that were on a convicted felon's fence are now removed. The ones right in front of the business advertising that Roger Baldwin, the convicted felon, supports Virgil Proctor are gone.

So is there hope? Is there hope that in the horrible event that Virgil Proctor gets elected, he might do what is right? That each and every time he does something not right if the people of this Village watch and stay alert and raise the alarm he might fix it?

Hopefully we won't have to find out. But it does provide some small solice that the resident by watching and being involved and raising the alarm might encourage Virgil Proctor to do right by us.

AND still- make no mistake, the ones on the empty lot right by Roger Baldwin's business are still on Roger Baldwin's property. That empty lot belongs to him, it merely wraps around the small building that houses Camco Reality. So, Virgil Proctor is still being supported by a convicted felon.

And still again- make no mistake. The signs in the right of way have not been moved yet. Let's hope everyone will point out to Mr. Proctor and Mr. Kennedy that the citizens want someone who will follow the law to be our representatives.

Another addition to the Confused Councilor list

Poor Councilor Wallace

She has no clue what she thinks.

_______________________________

Councilor Wallace wants to talk about the saftey of the residents and demands more signs on the walk path.

BUT

She has spoken about removing the speed humps on McNew that were put in with very specific standards and are demonstrably safer than having speeders in residental areas.

______________________________________

Councilor Wallace wants to put more signs on the walk path, lots of signs that will make this community look ugly and trashy. And this will be what? To prove to us residents we can't take care of ourselves.

BUT

She wants to keep Bosque Farms rural and claims we're an independent bunch out here and Bosque Farms is different and Bosque Farms needs to be kept 'pretty'.

______________________________________

Councilor Wallace can quickly work to redo work others have done already. She is willing to take out speed humps and would have done so already if she could have gathered the support. She is willing to question the work Councilor Linthicum did on the walk path.

BUT

She can't get her committee working fast enough to turn in a request to the state for money for a horse trail. She can't get her committee (a different one) working fast enough to turn in an ordinance by the time she was asked to do so by Mayor Ake.

_________________________________

Poor Councilor Wallace.

Wow! A better walkpath!

Did you hear??? If you went to the Council meeting last night you did!
The walk path is going to be even better. Improved.

There will be water fountains or as Councilor D.L. called them 'drinkers'.
There will be benches and there will be covers over the benches.

Maybe there will be enough left over for some nice trees?

I find it very sad and very telling that it took Councilor Linthicum no time at all to put in a walk path after it had sat in a committee for two years. As mentioned in a previous post- the current councilors now, Councilor Wallace and Councilor Knowlton sat on that committee.

I hope that this is not a telling what the future will be like.

http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2006/02/who-has-done-work.html

Where did 'Sady' go?

Isn't it funny? She gets called on one inconsistency by another reader and she dissapears. The authors of this blog enjoyed the debate.

But isn't that typical of some people who are involved in politics? They can't be consistent and when called on it the run away and hide.

Read it here on the post titled "Bosque Farms and the Budget"

http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2006/01/village-of-bosque-farms-and-budget.html

A convicted felon's opinion

Have you seen where Virgil Proctor's signs are located?

Just a quick drive down Bosque Farms Blvd. (Highway 47) show two interesting signs.

1.
In the right of way. There is a law that says signs in the right of way are not allowed. They block line of sight, they are ugly, there is no one who will take responsibility for them. And Virgil Proctor and William Kennedy's signs are right smack dab in the middle of the right of way.

If you get in an accident leaving the old Morris property, the new subdivision right across from Curves, blame Virgil and company.

2.
On Roger Baldwin's property. Yes. The Roger Baldwin who is a convicted felon. The one who pled guilty to arson.

That just begs the question- who will you vote for?

Someone who can't obey the laws of the Village right now or someone who will stand up and be counted on the right side of the law. (Thank you Mr. Capshaw and Mr. Madore for obeying the laws in your campaign!).

Will you vote for someone who is supported and friends with a convicted felon? Or someone who believes their good name is worth something?

Something to think about.

If you have been voting for politicians who promise to give you goodies at someone else's expense, then you have no right to complain when they take your money and give it to someone else, including themselves.

~Thomas Sowell.

Something to think about

Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.

~George Jean Nathan

My vote

Of course votes are private affairs as well they should be for everyone.

But at least one author of this blog has plans for voting day.

A write in candidate with the initials D.L.

This person has already demonstrated his worth to the community. His integrity and humor is well appreciated.

Maybe others will do the same?

A positive thought

Thursday is the very last Council meeting for two Councilors.
And what is so positive about it when the author/s of this blog seem so negative to the candidates?

It is a chance to once again excercize the very important right everyone has to vote.
It is a chance to help point the Village in the direction is needs to go in to meet our needs.
It is a chance to elect two new fresh faces into Government.

A Quote

“The majority of men meet with failure because of their lack of persistence in creating new plans to take the place of those which fail.”

~Napolean Hill

Let's Compare Potential Councilors

Because the two translations were so long, a simple comparison might help.
Following is a list of some of the key issues and who mentioned them.

FOr those of you who will keep count here are the tallies. Out of 11 items, not counting the last section titled "Other Comments":
Madore: 7
Capshaw: 8
Kennedy: 3
Proctor: 3 (one of which is taking credit for something almost complete, - not a positive)

Mentions Incentives for Businesses

- G.A. "Butch" Madore
- James W."Bill Capshaw

Mentions Water Rates

- William Kennedy - "Safest water with lowest cost"
- Madore- against raising water rates
- Capshaw- against raising water rates

Has a Plan for Getting Money to Meet Arsenic Regulations

- Virgil Proctor- he's "Familiar with the new regulations"
- Kennedy- yes has a plan
- Madore- Yes has a plan
- Capshaw- has a plan AND Says we should look at other options.

Mentions the Community Center

- Madore
- Capshaw- mentioned this in his first newpaper article.

Mentions Owning Large Animals (Cows, Horses etc)

- Madore
-Capshaw

Mentions Setting A Budget and Living In It

- Madore

- Capshaw - mentioned this in his first article for the paper.

Mentions Traffic Control

- Capshaw

Mentions the Police and/or Fire Department

- Proctor- Thinks they are doing an excellent job and just need some new stuff
- Madore- They need a budget to buy equipment and pay competitive salaries
- Capshaw- Wants to be sure they have the latest equipment and training.

Mentions completing the Fire and Police Station
(The one that is almost complete.)

- Proctor- Also mentioned this in his first newspaper article.

Mentions Restricting Business to the Boulevard

- Kennedy
- Madore- Talks about maintaining current zoning, and a 'bustling business district'.
- Capshaw- Says the Boulevard should be allowed to develop to its potential.

Is a Local Businessman

- Proctor- doesn't say he is but mentions being on the Bosque Farms Business Group
- Capshaw
- Madore

Other Comments

- Proctor- Says someone says the Village should do a website.
- Kennedy- says the Village should join the NM Economic Development Department
- Madore- Wants to work to keep taxes low
- Capshaw- Wants a budget that will save money. Wants to look at additional options to meet arsenic regulations. Wants to set up neighborhood watch programs.

William D. Kennedy Translated

Again. On the page 7A in the February 11, 2006 paper there are the same questions for each candidate and their answers. But what does it all mean? This blog is here to help. Blue are the questions, red are the quotes from Mr. Kennedy.

• If elected what are your plans to promote economic development in Bosque Farms?
  

He mentions the Main street program. Here is some information about that:

New Mexico MainStreet is the local division of the National Main Street Center
in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The organization restores economic vitality to America’s downtowns through city
design, promotion, economic restructuring, and organization

This group recenlty designed a new building for the train stations in Los Lunas. But wait! There is a problem. What will we preserve in Bosque Farms? The used car lots? And how will the city be designed differently? Maybe move 47?

And this same group does things like this "addressing special projects like renovating Silver City’s Gila Theatre or financing a downtown farmers’ market in Clovis". Again, what will Bosque Farms renovate? And certainly Bosque Farms can fund their own farmer's market right?

Mr. Kennedy also says "streamline the process to make it easier for new businesses to locate here." But no word on how he proposes to do this. Should we simply throw open the doors of Bosque Farms and cry out "Used Car lots, spaces available?"

Translation: There are some things we can do and I'm doing some research but I haven't completely thought this through.

• What steps should be taken to acquire funding to bring Bosque Farms' water system into compliance with the new federal guidelines regarding arsenic levels?
  

This was his chance to say he won't raise water rates. Notice. No assurance of that. In fact, in a very round about way he mentioned bonds which are what? Basically an increase on your property taxes. He says we should "Work with Sandia Labs to ensure... the safest water at the lowest cost to our residents." read into this 'your water rates will be raised. (and for the record- let me quote Mr. Capshaw "Raising Water Rates should not be an option we consider".)

Translation: Your water rates will be raised. I really don't know what other options there are regarding coming into compliance. I think it is all about money. I don't realize that maybe we can look at drilling a new well, look at the water our well is drilling from each level and testing it etc. I don't know enough.

• As Valencia County continues to grow, do you believe the Village should retain its rural atmosphere or should Bosque Farms consider an alternative.
  

"I would do everything that is necessary to preserve our heritage, including retaining large lot sizes, encourage agricultural land uses and restricting commercial development to the commercial district". Nice, but isn't that already being done?

Translation: There are things that can be done but I forgot rural is not about people. Unlike Mr. Madore or Mr. Capshaw both of whom mentioned using the community center more.

• What are the three main issues you believe are most important to the Village of Bosque Farms and how do you plan to address them?
  

Unfortunately Mr. Kennedy didn't say anything new in this section. He addressed arsenic standards and said he would work get money through grants and again mentioned your water rates. He said he would preserve our rural heritage and again forgot to mention the people. Third is economic development and mentioned a state agency and overlooked any option Bosque Farms has to develop the economics of the community. Sad really.

The one thing he did talk about that should ring warning bells is his comment about supporting the Rodeo Association. This is not Village owned and operated. He would support it how? Certainly he can't provide money to it, there is a state law about just such a thing. Yet he seems to think he can do something to support it. It has to worry the average resident.

Virgil J. Proctor's translated.

Lest any voter read the February 11, 2006 newspaper on page 7A and think that Mr. Proctor's answers made sense- here is a simple translation.

For background: The four candidates were provided the same set of questions about the current political 'issues'. They had roughly one month to answer the questions. By the limited answers it appears they had to keep the answers under some number of words (maybe 75-125).

Any reader is capable of looking up the answer verbatim in the paper. However, some portion will be quoted here for the benefit of the readers of this blog. The quotes will be in red. The questions from the paper are here and written in blue.

After age, occupation, family, and previous political experience there are some meaty questions.
All in all the author/s of this blog think Virgil J. Proctor is out of touch and unprepared for the job of councilor. Hopefully everyone will be spared the idignity of being governed by him.

Let's translate:

• If elected what are your plans to promot economic development in Bosque Farms?
  

He says "I'll continue working with our existing businesses." Doing what? He doesn't say. He tosses some names around and stated again he was on the Economic Development Committee and then said "She suggested that we start by setting up a Bosque Farms Web site". Again? No clarification. Will he set up a website? What will be on it? How will it help businesses?

Translation: I'll continue to work with businesses who pay their dues to the Bosque Farms Business Group. I'll talk about myself. I'll talk to people and I'll tell you what they think. But I really don't have a plan. (For the record read what James W. "Bill" Capshaw wrote "research options for incentives" and "Recruiting business compatable with our rural lifestyle".)

• What steps should be taken to acquire funding to bring Bosque Farms' water system into compliance with the new federal guidelines regarding arsenic levels?
  

Virgil Proctor says "Our mayor are working with Los Lunas, Belen and state officials seeking possible funding, extensions, and justification for the new EPA arsenic levels." Well at least he gives credit where credit is due and did not take credit for this like he would for completing a fire station that is almost complete if he is elected. Then he talks about himself and ends with this "will work closely with our mayor and council to find a financially workable solution to meet the new arsenic levels".

Translation: I really have no clue what steps to take. I really care only about it in as much as it impacts me and honesltly, I have a water system so I don't really care what the Council and Mayor do about this. (For comparison read what G.A. "Butch" Madore says "hold the Village fiscally responsible by adhering to the budget so we won't be forced to raise water rates or other fees and taxes")

• As valencial County continues to grow, do you believe the village should retain its rural atmosphere or should Bosque Farms consider an alternative?
  

Mostly here Virgil Proctor is saying there is not much that can be done because "Bosque Farms is land locked". No comment about what he would do to maintain the rural atmosphere or protect farms or anything else.

Translation: It should be rural. But I really have no clue that rural does not just mean large lots but also the people that live in Bosque Farms. I have no clue that there are grants available to protect farmland. And really, remember, Virgil Doesn't live in a rural area of Bosque Farms. He lives in a trailer park where they are jammed in as tight as possible. Drive by Trinity Mobile Home Park and see what you think, it's right behind Sopa's. Does that look rural to you?

• What are the three main issues you believe are most important to the Village of Bosque Farms and how do you plan to address them?
  

Safety is his number one answer. And what does he say needs to be done? Not much it seems. "Our police deparment, volunteer fire department and volunteer Community Watch are all doing an excellent job. We need to complete and equip the police/fire station with up to date equipment..." So what up to date equipment are the police missing? They don't need a dispatch center, that will provided through the new Valencia county one. They don't need computers as the Village buys some new ones almost every year for the employees. Up to date file cabinets? That is about it. Up to date phones? Maybe. And how will that help them do a better job?

Notice this: No word about hiring quality police officers that are trained and that will lead by example. No work about not hiring cops that beat people when they are arresting them. Nothing.

Translation: Uh, we need to do some things and I don't know what. I think we need to finish something that is already started that will be finished soon. I'll take credit for that. Uh. Maybe equipment for fire and police stations. That sounds good. I'll mention water but really, I don't care what everyone else does- I have my own system to worry about.

Eminent Domain and You in Bosque Farms

As mentioned, the way our laws, our ordinances are written, right now your property is safe. For now. That is easily changed. Laws are changed all the time in Bosque Farm and very few people even know about it much less think about it.

So depending on who is elected, be prepared. You too could be a victim of eminent domain.

And why would they? Take away property? Are you kidding?

One resident lost property when the community wanted a sewer plant. With all the talk of a pool being bandied about it is a short hop to the next step. Eminent Domain laws says that the Village can take your property away for a park or a pool. And now, with the Supreme Court ruling the Village can take your property away if the Councilors believe they can get more money with a business or an apartment there than your little house.

• Councilor Wallace has mentioned dead horses and a grant available to run a place to take care of dead horses. Eminent Domain, here she comes.
  

• Councilor Knowlton has mentioned he wants a pool. He has even at various times picked out places he thinks a pool would do well. Eminent Domain, here he comes.
  

• Councilor Knowlton suggested to the Council before he was elected that the Village needed more parks, a softball field, and a soccor field. Eminent Domain, here he comes.
  

• Councilor Wallace is leading a committee to design a horse path. Ha. Don't think she won't willingly get rid of a few houses if it means a more places for horses. Eminent Domain, here she comes.
  

• And what could be more business friendly than making sure a business has a place to set up shop. And as pointed out, this is exactly what the latest Supreme Court ruling made possible.
  

The possibility is there. The ability is there. It only takes a change in the local laws, and as mentioned, many people aren't aware the laws are being changed, and eminent domain is back in business in Bosque Farms.

That is why your vote is so important. That is why it is important you read the newspaper, talk to your elected Councilors and Mayor, stay in touch with the issues.

One thing Bosque Farms did Right (So Far)

In an earlier post I wrote this:

"And now, with the Supreme Court ruling, if you don't pay enough money the community you live in can come and take away your property and give it someone else who will pay more money in taxes. "

And that is true in most communities. Not so in Bosque Farms.

While Councilor Eldridge has voted in ways I disagree with at times, she did do this correct. She wrote and presented to the Council a law stating that Bosque Farms could not take away your property unless it was for reasons of health and safety.

Of course, that is easily changed.

In our age there is no such thing as "keeping out of politics." All issues are political issues, and politics itself is a mass of lies, evasions, folly, hatred and schizophrenia.

~ George Orwell

What if Water Rates go up?

If you lend someone $20, and never see that person again,

it was probably worth it.

~Author Unknown

_______________________

Funny quote. Too bad it isn't true of taxes and government.

When you sit by and allow your property tax to be raised, the Government doesn't go away and you don't hear from the tax man again. No. Instead the next time you hear he wants more and more and more.

The same is true of water rate increases, sewer rate increases, gross reciept tax increases, property tax increases, garbage rate increases, and on and on.

And now, with the Supreme Court ruling, if you don't pay enough money the community you live in can come and take away your property and give it someone else who will pay more money in taxes.

Do not for one second believe that the water rates will be raised to pay for whatever needs paying and then they will go back down. Oh no. There will always be a new something that needs to be paid for and the hard earned money of the residents will pay for it.

Bosque Farms and the Budget

This is simply to bring up the previous post made with the same title.
As two readers of this blog are debating with in the comments, it seems only right to keep this easy to find with in this blog.

http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2006/01/village-of-bosque-farms-and-budget.html

And the author/s of this blog thank you for continued reading.

Money, Money, Money...

Right now it appears this is the year of the money in Sante Fe. The state seems to have a surpluss of money. Every community is now doing the annual trek up there begging for their fair share.

Wonder how much money will Bosque Farms get from the state senators and representatives and governor?

Each of us had better be hoping that they are asking for a lot of money to go towards the big things we are hearing about that need to be done- water purifier for arsenic levels, for example.
If the Village of Bosque Farms government is not thinking ahead, everyone will be paying for it later with higher utility bills.

Speed Humps

Bosque Farms has a few speed humps. They do their job well. I don't know how many more Bosque Farms needs, but the ones there are have slowed down traffic, just like they should.

Based on what she has said, Councilor Wallace doesn't like speed humps. Councilor Knowlton doesn't seem to care for them. And who knows how the next two Councilors will feel. Virgil Proctor, because he doesn't live in that area, would probably not care if he was asked to vote to remove them.

Because of who is Councilor now and because of who might become a Councilor and because this is a good place to track information - here is some information about speed humps.

I hope others living here take note and start gathering their resources, just in case.

http://www.ajph.org/cgi/content/abstract/94/4/646
This study from the American Public Health Association says that children living in areas with speed humps are safer.

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3734/is_200507/ai_n14823224
An article with a set up very similar to Bosque Farms, but more traffic, about a study on speed humps. End result is that speed humps are effective. The traffic using roads for short cuts, just like Bosque Farms, is decreased. The cars are slower. There are fewer speeding violations. FWIW- study done by Institute of Transportation Engineers.

http://www.transalt.org/press/magazine/023Summer/17speedhump.html
Debunking the myth that speed humps cause noise.

http://www.co.larimer.co.us/engineering/traffic/TrafficCalm.htm
One community. What they do and when and how.

Why Shouldn't the Village Raise Water Rates?

When discussing the budget, one reader and frequent commentor on this site "SADY" says this:

Let's get realistic for just a second...we have the lowest water & sewer rates in the County!!! Why shouldn't the Village increase the cost? Maybe by increasing the water & sewer rates the Village COULD SAVE SOME MONEY!!!

Surely this does not say what I think it says. The Village should increase the cost of sewer and water rates just simply so it can save some money?! That is reasonable? I have read and reread that and the idea behind this comment shocks me.

Let me provide some reasons why raising rates is not a good idea.

• If the money is going to the Village simply for saving money it means tax payers like myself and others are not spending in this community. Less Gross reciept taxes will come.
  

• So far there isn't a good reason to raise rates. It certainly isn't reasonable to raise rates so that the Government can save money. What is the money being saved for?
  

• Many elderly here are on fixed incomes. This means it is difficult for them now to pay bills and an increase will only hurt them more. Do the elected officials not care about our fellow neighbors and friends?
  

• It appears they don't care about taking care of those of us who do live in this community. Especially in light of the fact that Councilor Knowlton soon after being elected was quick to talk about raising water rates. This was long before the clean water and low arsenic levels went on the front burner.
  

• If water rates go too high some may chose to go back to a well. That means even less incoming money for the budget and then what? Raise the water rates some more to make up for lost income? And the same ugly cycle can be said about the older homes still on septic tanks.
  

• Would the money be saved? Not too long ago the budget was front page news regarding what the Councilors were choosing to pay employees.
  

• Since when does anyone care what other communities are doing? Belen has apartments and so does Los Lunas. Should we have those as well? Los Lunas has a bridge. Should we?
  

• Having low rates for water and sewer is a selling point. The Councilors and Mayor could advertise this fact and have more people willing to live here. This would bring more property tax.
  

• I keep hearing some of the many things this Village needs. Candidates now are promising what they will do when elected: an addition to the sewer plant, water cleaned up from arsenic and so on. AND...
  

• Arsenic in our drinking water is something we are hearing about alot right now. Did I not hear Mayor Ake talk about raising water rates in connection with that as well?
  

So what? The rates will be raised to just bring the Village into line with others in the County and maybe save money and then raised again to pay for meeting the arsenic standards? And then what? Again raised to pay for employee raises? Maybe it is the council just wants to raise rates to pay for their special interest projects. They get their pet project and everyone else pays for it. What happened to the idea of doing things to benefit the community at large?

???????

I don't get it. I would ask anyone

- are you willing to pay more in water rates just because other communities do? This is the same as saying you are willing to have the most expensive maid service clean for you just because they are more expensive, even though you can get it for less somewhere else.

- are you willing to pay more in sewer to give one person a raise?

- are you willing to pay more so the Village of Bosque Farms can save money (or more likely to pay for dead horse removal, or some other scheme)?

There are other options. Realistic options that should be considered before raising water and/or sewer rates. Make sure everyone is no longer using a well and septic tanks. If everyone was hooked up, there might be no need to raise rates. Saving money. Asking for funds from the state legislatures. I'm hearing on the news how they have so much money this year. Are we requesting money?

I have to believe that raising water rates and sewer rates is a last ditch option. Of course, based on the comments from the elected Councilors, sadly, it appears to be a first choice.

What about the two out going Councilors?

?????

There are some things that could be pointed out about the two Councilors that are on their way out. (For example, look how long it took to get the laws of Bosque Farms rewritten.) But mostly the question is why write about them? They are on their way out. Every one will soon have an opportunity to vote two new Councilors in to a position of power.

The important question to ask yourself is what kind of person you want in office.

What do you want to see achieved?

Why Vote?

One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.

-Plato

So what is Right at the Offices?

There is a comment to one of these entries that says - essentially 'I am proud of living in Bosque Farms'. The connotation being that the author/s are not proud of Bosque Farms. Being "proud" though does not mean being blind to reality.

Bosque Farms and it's governmental offices has some very good things that deserve esteem.

• It is election time and residents can once again vote about who they want to represent them to make laws, set the budget and so forth. The government 'by the people' in action. Be sure to vote.

• Some residents have volunteered their time for the many committees. The economic development committee, the walk path committee, the fire and police station building committee, the master plan committee, the new ordinance committee on property maintanance, and so on. Each one of these residents should have a special day recognizing their hard work.

• There is a nice park and it looks like a new little league field. It appears the sand volleyball courts are gone and in their place a new field. Did anyone ever use those volleyball courts?

• New businesses are moving into Bosque Farms. Just recently a Dollar store and a movie rental store opened up. A car wash too. Shop local when you can.

• There is a neighborhood patrol. Residents volunteer their time to drive around Bosque Farms generally watching out for trouble.

• There are some good employees who do work hard and are helpful when someone walks in the Village offices.

• Bosque Farms is not on the front page of the newspaper near as much as it was prior to Mayor Ake.

• The Village of Bosque Farms has been given more money for projects in the last four years than the four years prior. And under Mayor Ake Bosque Farms has recieved funding for the fire and police station. Thanks to good lobbying also by Councilors.

• Some residents have volunteerd their time and money for the fire department. They work to keep all of us safe. They are willing to put their lives on the line for us.

• There is a nice walk path for everyone to walk on and bike on.
  
  
• The new fire and police station is almost finished. It will be nice to have more parking, at least it looks like we'll have more parking, and a new facility.

• Large lots and the ability to own horses, cows and other animals has been protected.

• There is a planning and zoning board that works to protect property rights

The question is- can this go on? Will your property value go up while your taxes remain as low as possible? Will this community continue to improve and look nicer? Will those who represent us take care of people as well as animals?

Will who is running get the job done?

Unfortunately all I have are questions for you. I certainly don't have an answer. But I can provide some facts and nuggets for thought.

• Bill Kennedy can't keep his own yard clean. He picked it up a bit to run for Council but I don't think having a car with weeds growing up through the engine is neat and tidy.
  

--- Why in the world would you vote for someone who can't keep up his own yard?

--- Do you think he'll do a better job running the Village budget?

--- Do you think he cares about how businesses look? If you are tired of the Boulevard looking like South Broadway, let me point out to you- he thinks that looks just fine. His house looks like that.

• Virgil Proctor- There are so many things wrong with him as a candidate it astounds me.
  

--- He wants to open a camping park here in the middle of Bosque Farms. Nothing wrong with that except it brings in a transient population. Nothing wrong with most transients but remember there are also pedophiles, rapists, and so on.

--- He wants only what he wants. Go listen to any of the tapes for the planning and ordinance meetings. You will hear Virgil Proctor asking repeatedly 'how will this impact me? what will this do to me. I don't like this because for me it means...' He doesn't offer reasonable arguments or convincing reasons - just that HE doesn't like it. IT all boils down to ME ME ME with him.

--- He is the same one who promised a park when he put in his mobile home lot. Does he have one? Nope.

• Bill Capshaw ran the nationwide sales team for an important medical company. Hmm. Think he can run the Village? I do.
  

• Butch Madore ran a large part of a large company.
  

-- Both of these men are comfortable talking big money numbers and yet both understand the reason to save for future hard times. Both are capable of running and were trusted by their boss to run a large part of a business. So I guess I can trust them to run the Village.

Who has done the work?

Let's look at what has been done and who has completed it.

The walk path.
- It was up and usable within a year of Councilor Linthicum being elected into office.
- Prior to that it languished in committee for two years or more.
- Look at who was on that committee and it might explain why NOTHING is getting done now

• Dolly Wallace- yup. Current Councilor Wallace was on the committee that didn't get anything completed on the walk path. IS that maybe because horses were not going to be able to use it? Remember, she doesn't care if horses are not involved.
  
• Mr. Wilke- Yup. The current Judge Wilke was on that committee. He fought this walk path going in tooth and nail. IT started while he was on the committee but he has said he'd willingly tear it up if given the chance.
  
• Bob Knowlton- Yup. You got it- The current Councilor Knowlton was on that committee. Couldn't do a walk path, what makes you think he's going to take care of your drinking water. In fact, he appeared before the Council begging them to not put in a bike path for children but a bike path for racing bikes. Hmm.. Do you think Councilor Knowlton wanted something for himself again?
  

What else has been completed? Well the Fire station is in progress. Fire and Police station I might add when it was originally discussed that the Village could only afford a Fire station. Let's take a look at who got that going and who is directing this project- this MAJOR construction project.

Ask yourself: Who wrote the paperwork that the legislature turned in to get us the money? Who helped provide the paperwork so it could go out to bid? Who is on the committee and will stay on the building committee to get things finished? Who leaves work sometimes several times a week to come down and make decisions, discuss this project, and in general lead the construction?

- The answer is NOT Councilor Knowlton despite what his wife might want you to believe in her Christmas cards. NO. The correct answer is Councilor Linthicum.

Who rewrote the ordinances for planning and zoning? It took three years from start to finish but she did it. And no, the correct answer is not Councilor Wallace, it's Councilor Eldridge.

- And as a side note let me point out - Virgil Proctor, yes, The one running for Council -he did everything he could to stop the progress of this major law rewrite. Is this someone you want for Councilor?

More Unfinished Business

So- the Village Office under the direction of Mayor Ake couldn't finish the top five priorities themselves - the top five projects that the Councilors decided were important. Are there other projects that are unfinished?

Ha. Is the Moon round?

Of course. Let me share some with you-
-- Adopt a street program.
-- itinerant workers and contractors should be paying the Village some money for
being able to work in the Village. This is common practice and good income for the Village.
Income they could use to keep your water rates down. Has it been put into ordinance?
No.
-- Air Conditioning in the library.
-- A website. Email for the Government Officials.

That is just a SHORT list of unfinished work.
And those are the easy ones. IF they are not taking care of the small things, what makes you think they will take care of the big things?

-- emergency evacuation routes.
-- emergency commmunication plan.
-- emergency plan for anything
-- keeping your taxes down.

Unfinished business?

Unfinished business? Ha. More like Never Started Business.

What do you do when you have things that need to be done. Your boss is counting on you and you have a lot of projects that are half finished or never started?

Let me guess. You don't look at list of what needs to be done, you just start something new? Does that sound about right? It does if you work at Bosque Farms Village Government Offices.

There was a provided list of unfinished business to the current Mayor Ake. That list came from a previous Clerk Administrator- 3 people back. So it was already old when Mayor Ake recieved it. Five of those things were put on the agenda for the Council to discuss and decide priority. So it sounds like it would be done two years later correct?

NO.

Here they are-

• Longevity pay - research and policy.
  

-- This is in progress- sort of. ONLY because Los Lunas is doing this and Mayor Ake decided to just 'piggy back' on their work. Oh yeah, that is keeping Bosque Farms in the front and center. Ha.

• Safety Policy- No progress. None.
  
• Speed Hump Policy
  

-- Do you know what it takes to put a speed hump in your neighborhood? Do you know if the Village would be willing to put a speed hump in your area, even against your will? Neither does the Village. They have no clue.

• Background Check Policy
  

-- Did you know that the last officer the Village hired had problems? Two Councilors voted no to him which made me do some more research. Get a list of the officers names and search for them yourself in the Court databass. Amazing what you will find. But it's ok. Councilor Wallace believes everyone deserves a second chance.

• Water Conservation Policy
  

-- Finished- BUT Only because Council of Governments got a grant to do it. So someone else who doesn't live here wrote this for us and the Council passed it after trying to make it better for three months. What? you ask... We didn't write one ourselves? Yup. You got it- once again, letting other people do the work for the Village and not putting the Village residents first.