Some Positive Thoughts

Once in a while a new reader will pop up and comment that this blog does nothing but complain and whine. This allegation is not true as a quick glance through posts will show there have been positive posts about a variety of topics. However, maybe it is time to generate another list of positives about Bosque Farms. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts.

1. The large lots and the rural feel of this community.
   
2. Things are a bit more spread out and your not quite as crowded.
   
3. You are likely to know more about what is going on in the local government.
   
4. You are more likely to know your neighbors and have a relationship with them.
   
5. It is close to a bunch of services in Albuquerque without all of the congestion.
   
6. The planning and zoning laws help to keep property values from decreasing.
   
7. The schools near and in Bosque Farms have a good reputation for providing quality education.
   
8. There is a lovely walking/biking path around the loop.
   
9. There is a nice place to eat a picnic behind the Village office by the Library.
   
10. The large lots allows my horse and dogs to both have plenty of space to play without disturbing each other.
    
11. There is always some place to eat.
    

There are plenty of other positives about Bosque Farms. This blog and the readers once generated a list of businesses we like to frequent and each of those places deserve a place on the positive list as well.

The New "Eating Establishment!"

The official Bosque Farms Blog reviewer has visited the new place to eat in Bosque Farms, J and L, in the past few days. And even though it is not about the Government of Bosque Farms it is about a business in the Village.

The reviewer has said the food is great. The parking lot looks nice and clean at all times. Everything pleasant.

This author hopes this business is successful and wishes it luck.

Take the time to enjoy and share your experience with everyone.

And let this author also point out again: Look! This place was set up with out the various typical economic development ploys used to get businesses to set up in a community. This author has more respect for this place and will visit it over one that is willing to take the hard earned money of us who live here as encouragement just to open a business. It was hard work, a willingness to take a chance and a recognition that this was a business that would do well in Bosque Farms that made the owners set up shop here. Way to go.

A Quick County Thought

Because what happens in the County does impact those of us who live in Bosque Farms.

It has been a while since it happened but in thinking on it, this author thinks it is a shame that Mike Trujillo has been fired.

He brought the county back from being broke to having savings in hand. He did this in a very short time. He was always professional. And he was accountable for the actions taken by his employees.

It will be a hard job to fill the void he leaves behind.

Who can top this?
County carries over Cash Begins fiscal year with $3.6 million carryover, plenty of projects

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/61701-05-24-06.html

Finally Catching up on Reading! An Article!

Thank you Clara Garcia!

(For those who attend Council Meetings or read the newspaper for information on the Council Meetings you will know Clara Garcia is the official reporter assigned to the Village Political Scene!)

Unfortunately it seems the News Bulletin does not post every article and this is one of them. If anyone wants to read the original article find a neighbor that hangs on to their paper for recycling.

The authors of this blog hope that new readers will visit and that they might even take the time to stop and comment.

At a record breaking (for this blog) 400 plus posts it is probably an opportune time to revisit the reason this blog began. This blog was started with several goals in mind. In several seperate posts this blog has restated the basic overarching goal.

It was started as an attempt to keep you informed and updated on some of the actions of the Mayor and Councilors and the impact their decisions have on each of us. It was also started as a place to discuss these decisions. In addition this blog mentions ongoing events, businesses, basic services provided in this community, the history of Bosque Farms, the laws and more. It shares events occuring in other communities that may be worthy of discussion in relation to our own Village and may serve as a warning for the future.

This blog asks questions, provides information and hopes for ongoing discussion. Part of the solution is to recognize the problem, discuss it and begin to come to a consensus on a topic. That is when reasonable-in-the-best-interest-of-all action can be taken. Each person reading this blog, without responding, that thinks about the issues discussed and maybe takes action is appreciated. Each person that responds and offers well thought remarks and discussion is appreciated. It is those comments that help shape the blog as it continues.

This blog stands by the belief that those of us who live in Bosque Farms deserve the best and sometimes it seems we are not getting it. We deserve the best representation by our elected leaders. We deserve to understand their actions and their reasoning. We deserve elected leaders who vote with the people who live here in Bosque Farms foremost in mind.

Restating the following two posts:

http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2006/01/introduction.html

http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2006/05/why-blog-post-200.html

Community Policing in a Nutshell. (originally published Aug 15)

"BF Watcher" wrote a nice long post that is worth reading, but this one section is exactly what this blog has been asking for: Community Policing.

Part of the solution is getting the community's respect by hiring well qualified personnel. Bosque Farms is a very unique community, unique in a very good way. I remember when Officers knew most residents by their name and vice-versa. Where the officer's waved and stopped and actually talked and listened to people and their needs. The officers have it very good, most of the Village loves (or loved)their police department. Why?? The former administrations stressed that it is the community that comes first, not the officer.

http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2006/08/take-home-police-cars-original-post.html

A thought about vandalism. (originally posted Aug. 9)

In a recent discussion "Elmerfudd" said this: The village had to take a stand after numerous times of the bathrooms being vandalized. I hate going over there and having to run home to use the bathroom, but what other solutions do any of you have? And if there are some, lets here them at the council meetings.

"elmerfudd" Studies have shown that if you continually and immediately repaint and repair the vandalism stops. This is why mental institutions and schools clean up immediately after vandalism occurs.

This blog has posted some solutions. At least one author of this blog has also provided the Mayor with several solutions and suggestions. None of which were acceptable. He wants an all or nothing solution. Either there will be no vandalism and no one will use the bathroom or everyone will use the batahroom and there will be no vandalism.

And it is interesting to note that at one time there was sports equipment stored in the bathroom, so the teams must have had the key. And this author has heard of keys floating around at various times. One time this author was at the park and watched someone use the key so their daughter got to use the bathroom.

How does that happen? What is the policy on bathroom keys? There isn't one. That is the problem. No policy. No thought. No consistency.

In a council meeting Councilor Knowlton and Wallace were proposing having someone paint lines on the walk path and just touching them up yearly. Yet they won't advocate a way for others to use the bathrooms?

They are willing to pay for that but not willing to have the officers drive by and check on community property once in a while? They will be willing to pay for someone to paint lines on a walk path but not to fix up the bathrooms as needed?

It doesn't make sense?
And as has been mentioned both Councilor Wallace and Councilor Knowlton have talked about getting a pool for many years. They want to add another building, another place to upkeep and yet they can't manage to get the bathrooms opened and keep them open? What happens IF we ever get this infamous pool when the pool is painted on. Will it be closed?

Look, The County is Doing a Job Study for Raises.

This blog recently discussed this exact topic, a pay comparison needs to be completed so that each person is paid an equitable portion of the budget, and look Valencia County is doing just that.

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/64184-08-26-06.html

It wasn't not an easy task and it required a lot of work.

The description includes a list of duties for the positions plus the minimum training requirements and necessary licenses to do the job.

They have also ranked each of the 92 positions regarding its level of importance in the operation of the county.They have interviewed employees, developed a list of positions and began a comparison of similar counties and the pay and benefits each employee earns.

The end result will be worth all of the work though. At the end there will be a pay scale for each job and it will be fairly decided upon.

"When we are finished, the commission will be able to assign salary ranges for each category," Baker said. "Pay will be equitable because the ranking is in regards to the job responsibilities and not connected to who is doing the job."

This blog stands by the stance stated earlier:
In the case of pay raises, there is no policy and the action taken is flawed. It is flawed because there is not enough information gathered to make a wise decision. This will remain the case until the Councilors and Mayor decides to gather a lot of information and develop a method to compare pay and perks themselves or hire someone to do a quality job that compares Bosque Farms to similar communities.

http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2006/08/excellent-idea.html

Questions A Policy Should Answer (originally Aug. 16)

If all of the information was analyzed and all of the facts were considered and if the Council were to then decide a take home car policy makes sense and is in the best interest of the people they represent for some employees, or for the officers or for on call employees then a policy should be developed. A policy makes it fair for everyone and helps every person, employee and average joe, to understand the procedures and appropriate use of a take home car.

A take home car policy should answer many questions and should be very clear. Every can read and understand what the policy is and how it applies to them.

Some of the questions that should be answered might include:

- Who gets a take home car? In some communities the Mayor does, in others it is the clerk administrator, in others it is only the on call employees or the police.

Other questions that need to be answered include:

- Can the officer give their family a ride in the car, say to the store or to school on the way to work? - Can the officer smoke in the car? - Can someone who has had a DUI have a take home car? - What is the procedure if they get stopped for dui while driving a Village car? -What is the procedure if they don't report a dui or accident and someone finds out? - What about if they have a DUI driving their own car? - How far can they drive their car a month or to home? - Who checks the car miles? - What if they violate these restrictions? -Is there places their car better not be seen? The bars? The Strip Joint? In Moriarity? -What are the 'things' that will make an employee lose this benefit?

The policy might also address the question of new cars. -If the Village gets a new police car who gets it? The guy with the oldest car or the man with the most seniority? Who decides?

Or maybe because we want quality officers working here who have proven their mettle another portion of the policy might address the question of how it is decided who gets take home cars. If an officer has worked for so many months or hours maybe that is when they can drive a car home. If they live within so many miles and work so many months? Or if they live within so many miles and have worked so many months and had a positive review?

These are just a few of the questions that have been asked on this blog and that one author has been able to think up with no effort. If this author can come up with these questions why can't the Councilors? Why can't the Mayor? Why are they not developing a better take home car policy that in all inclusive?

There are many many questions that needed to be answered and none of them were at the time of it's inception. Now, instead of being a 'perk' or a 'bonus' it is the expectation of every officer working here that they will have a take home car with seemingly little or no expectations placed on them.

This blog is not against police take home cars. In fact the authors of this blog appreciate seeing a police car parked down the road from them and feel safer with a police car in the neighborhood.

But all things considered at this time, it is the stance of this blog that all of the facts have not been considered. There has not been enough information that has ever been presented to this Council or previous Councils to completely make a rational decision about take home cars. Further there is not a fully developed take home car policy that answers every question so every employee and resident understands the rights and responsibilities of the person who gets the 'perk' of driving the car home.

"EyeCare" asks a Question.

I've been wondering for some time now whatever happened to the benches and "drinkers" which were to have been installed at the North and South end of the Loop? I know that former Councilor Linthicum mentioned them at his last council meeting and a little bit of checking found out the equipment WAS as the Village facilities, however that was this past February. Almost 5-1/2 months ago now, so what's happening with that project?

http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=21274246&postID=115389169578389988

It would be the opinion and expectation of this blog that Councilor Linthicum had taken this on and he will most likely finish it as he finds time, (despite being no longer a Councilor). Just as if you will remember, in the recent past he has helped finish up the Fire and Police Station despite being an ex elected official.

The question is why hasn't the Mayor asked the employees to install any benches and drinkers at this time? Why does it take an ex Councilor to do this? Why hasn't one of the other Councilors taken on the task of doing the work?

This is something to add to the running to do list the Village should have, and it should be given a priority level and worked on accordingly.

As Usual, Post Moved

Some posts have been moved up due to the ongoing discussion within the comments section. Enjoy and take the time to provide your thoughts.

The Council Meeting of August

It took some time but this author has developed a little bit of information about the August Council Meeting.

1. Several items of zoning changes were completed for properties around the Village.
2. A budget was approved and then changed via admendment.
3. The local law (ordinance) was changed regarding fences.
4. It seems the process to hire a water right consultant has been started.

There was more discussion about these topics and there were other items on the agenda, but this about sums up the meeting. Anyone attend and have any comments?

Revitalizing Main Street

Wow. This author came across this site. It is all about revitalizing main street.

http://mainstreet.org/

The main street approaches looks at empowering business owners and cooperating with governmental entities to bring to life a viable main street. Good for everyone. From their site: "The Main Street Approach advocates a return to community self-reliance, local empowerment, and the rebuilding of traditional commercial districts based on their unique assets: distinctive architecture, a pedestrian-friendly environment, personal service, local ownership, and a sense of community."

Albuquerque in the Nob Hill area is a picture perfect example of this approach. It took a run down area and built it up and now it is a place that people love to visit.

It appears there might be grant monies available and some loan funds set up to help with a project of this magnitude.

It all sounds so promising until you dig further and read this:

Is your commercial district a traditional business district? While any commercial district could achieve success using the Four Points, Main Street is intended for traditional business districts. You should have a good concentration of older or historic buildings remaining... Newer, low density automobile-oriented ... strip shopping centers... these types of busineses may want to borrow techniques from the Main Street Approach, but they really aren't appropriate for consideration as a Main Street district.

In other words, to revitalize your main street, you need to have had a vitalized main street to begin with, and Bosque Farms really won't fit into this program. Based on the fact that Bosque Farms is set up as a car oriented shopping area.

Plus it takes 40-60 volunteers to help be on committees, do the work.

Oh well, maybe some of the business leaders in this community will read some of the ideas and use them to increase shopping in their strip malls and small stores.

Motiviation to Do the Work

"Again and again when I talked to successful businessmen and government administrators,

the To Do list came up.

One of the real secrets of getting more done is to make a To Do list every day,

keep it visible and use it as a guide to action as you go through the day."

~Alan Lakein

"Do what you can, where you are, with what you've got."

~M. J. Kraybill

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one." ~Mark Twain

Success is not about hocus pocus ... it is about focus, focus!"

~ Al Way

A To Do List?

This blog has mentioned unfinished business and many promises not kept and many suggestions for improving the Village Business. This author has sat in Council meetings when committees have been formed or directions given to the Mayor and Clerk Administrator, everyone is excited and then ....

NOTHING!

What happens?
It seems the Mayor should have a tickler file or a list of on going business that needs work.

With just a few minutes of discussion the authors of this blog were able to come up with a list of items that need to be completed or even considered or the public needs to be updated on the end result and action taken on these items. In No Particular Order:

1. An evacuation plan needs to be developed if there is flooding or fire near Bosque Farms.
   
2. The take home car policy needs to be evaluated and the numbers and facts need to be considered before continuing this program.
   
3. A pay comparison needs to be completed. This was voted on and then this author is aware of nothing, no action, no end result, no report generated.
   
4. A Master Calender needs to be put up with some of the following dates on it for future planning purposes: National Night Out,
   
5. Those that have helped Bosque Farms in some way need to be recognized.
   
6. Some method needs to be developed for unlocking and locking the bathrooms and limiting vandelism at the park by the Community Center.
   
7. The Community Center needs to be used for everyone in the community.
   
8. The library has been the subject of much discussion- special opening doors, a water fountain, an addition. It seems at one point funding was provided from the state for this so now what?
   
9. The Horse Path Committe is doing what?
   
10. Aresnic needs to be taken out of our water.
    

What else? ? ? The author/s of this blog thought of another bunch but it's your turn. Wht have you heard the Councilors say they were going to do when they were elected but haven't? What has the Mayor talked about during meetings but no action has been taken yet?

This author will try to give credit where credit is due. Some of the things on the to do list can be crossed off. Let's see:

• Mayor Ake does now have an official Village of Bosque Farms website.
  
• Councilor Wallace and Councilor Knowlton have formed more committees to talk about things they are interested in more.
  

What else?

Define Politics

Poli means Many in Greek.

and

Tics are blood sucking insects.

Politics- many blood sucking insects

http://www.health24.com/child/First_aid/833-848,24015.asp

The Fire Fighters

There has been some discussion on this blog about the Village of Bosque Farms Volunteer Fire Fighting Men and Women.

http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2006/08/peralta-and-police-original-posting.html

This author has always had the understanding that the fire chief does have a background check completed on his men and women BEFORE they are allowed to join the department.

However, here was an accusation made by "Observing" that SOME of the fire fighters would not be able to pass a simple background check. Yet when asked for further information "Observing" refused to elaborate or comment again.

Hence, this blog has been doing a bit of simple checking on some of the fire fighters. And while this author does not know all of the fire fighters every name this author has checked showed very little in the way of a questionable background. A speeding ticket at most. Certainly this author was not able to find even one instance of the types of issues "Observing" mentioned.

It is a shame that the fire fighters were brought into a discussion that was originally about the Peralta and the Police Services they will need. It is a shame that the fire fighters were drug into a conversation about the police services Bosque Farms has currently and the police services many of us think we deserve. It seems someone hoped a little bit of misdirection, a little bit of finger pointing and there would be no more comments on this blolg about some of the officers that have been hired with a questionable background, and that instead this blog would turn a blind eye to the officers and pay attention to the fire fighters. This tactic has not worked.

In any discussion about a person this author and this blog has tried mightely to provide resources, proof, and additional places to look for more about the topic of discussion. It has been the policy of this blog to try to not provide just gossip but facts and information and documentation on any topic, but especially on people. It is hoped that if "Observing" chooses to respond now or in the future that he or she will follow the same policy, particularly when pointing fingers at someone.

The volunteer fire fighters are a tremendous resource and do a lot to serve this community. Spencer Wood and his wife have worked hard to make this be a successful program. Each of them and each and every fire fighter are to be applauded.

"BosqueFarms Watcher" had these well thought out comments about if the volunteers needed to do a background check:
The biggest difference in my mind is between being paid and unpaid. And I don’t think it’s a different standard to say that the volunteer firefighters are our neighbors. We know them. We know their children. Many of us know their backgrounds. Because we KNOW them we are willing to give them another chance, if they deserve one.

And This: All volunteers should go through some background process. DWI firefighter VOLUNTEERS shouldn’t be allowed to drive the vehicles. Period. Can they pull a hose and save your house? Sure.

Answer to a question

Eyecare said But can the Village residents get anyone to do anything about these obvious violations and/or violators??? Especially, if they fall under state statutes??? Is there someone in Santa Fe that can be contacted regarding these constant ordinance infractions??

http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=21274246&postID=115285458018539678

Now Remember, this author is not an attorney and this blog is not a legal information site. But here is a very short answer.

No, there is very little you can do.

Here is the rest of the information. Essentially, if you're not directly affected by the non enforcement of the law, there is probably nothing you can do in court about it. You lack what's called "standing"; essentially you have no place to stand in court because you are not the one hurt. However, you can contact your state and federal congress persons and advise them that state laws are not being enforced in their area. Also, your state Attorney General is a law enforcement officer, you could try writing a letter the Attorney General.
Here is a link to her website for your information:
http://www.ago.state.nm.us/

History of Interest

Although this article is from September 2003 it is interesting.
This author has never heard any follow up from this.

Is it possible the long walk went through this area of the state? Right through Bosque Farms?

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/34974-09-20-03.html

A Free Raingage ??

Well lookie here. . You can volunteer your time and you will get a free raingage.
And you can help New Mexico understand rain fall and storms in our area.

Existing networks of official weather stations are separated by distances of 20 miles or more and do not capture individual storms. COCORAHS is a system of raingages operated by volunteers to provide a denser data network.

Volunteers measure precipitation and submit daily reports over the Internet to the COCORAHS Web site (www.cocorahs.org). ... The COCORAHS network does not replace the current weather observation system but provides additional data for a more accurate picture.

The goal of the program is to eventually have one rain gauge per square mile in cities, towns and villages, and one gage per ten square miles in rural areas.

http://www.nmfma.org/cocorahs%20home.htm

Another Business, Another Year of Service

Congratulations to the Village Vet on the Blvd! 19 years in service is a very long time.


Every time this author went into that vet the service was superb and the place was very clean.

A New Business

Wow! A doctor's office. What a coup for Bosque Farms.

If you haven't noticed it, down past Augue's used car dealership there on the left hand side of Highway 47 a new business has opened. Their sign is hung up and on the blue pipe fencing in front it says "Open for Business"!

It appears to be a doctor's office that has walk in appointments only. Maybe an urgent care type office for non urgent care? If anyone visits, drop this blog and note and tell everyone how wonderful it was to visit (or not).

Good Luck to this place. This author for one hopes it makes a go and works great there!

On the way to work this author noticed several others of this same name in Albuquerque. So this may be more than one doctor setting up shop but a franchise type business. They usually do a lot of research before opening up in an area. That increases the chances for success.

As an added thought:
Look! It didn't take anything other than a need for this business to open up. There is a need for a local doctor and someone noticed and opened up shop. It didn't take any special funds. It didn't take any special recruiting. It didn't take the Village buying the land. It took a need, someone recognizing the need and a willingness to do the work to fill the need.

Flooding and Ditches

Reading about Hatch and reading about Belen and the flooding in these two communities recently the question has come to mind that Bosque Farms might want to have a plan in place for this type of event.

How will we be evacuated?
Which area of Bosque Farms will be evacuated first?
How will people be notified?
Is there a plan for clean up?
Is there any funds set aside for Village emergency situations?

The list of questions grows the more you think about it. This blog author imagines that with little effort a list of ten to twenty questions could easily be generated that would be the start of a good plan. In fact, it is and easy bet that there are things to think about that this author would never consider water contamination and so on that need to be considered.

Hopefully a plan of this type is never needed, but remember it wasn't too long ago that Mayor Ake was standing on the ditch hoping the water didn't rise two or three feet more.

And of course, it brings to mind the recent fire near Bosque Farms as well. Had an evacuation been needed was there a plan in place? This author hopes so.

Here is just one article about the recent floodings.
http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/63871-08-16-06.html

The Village Office Fountain

It seems that the Village Offices has forgotten something important.

There should be a plaque in recognition of the former farmers who began this community and thanking Huck DeSmet for his contribution to the fire station.

What did Huck donate to the Fire Station?

Well, Huck has done many many many things for this community. He originally picked up the building that is now known as Cowboy Hall. He helped buy the property Cowboy Hall sits on.

But for the Fire Station in specific?

The architect came over and wanted to 'see Bosque Farms'. One of the places he visited was the dairy farm. He got a look at the irrigating methods and the sluice gates that have been used here for as long as anyone can remember. And when the architect mentioned he might design a sluice gate for the Village Water Fountain, Huck donated his. Just like that!

A recent visit to the Village Offices to pay some bills confirmed that there is no plaque that recognizes the efforts of this one person and thanking him for the donation. Even a small plaque on the side of the fountain that says "Sluice Gate Donated by.." would be appropriate. And this author is sure it is something that Huck and his family would appreciate.

This is an even better idea when those who attended think back to the Fire Station Open House and remember that no one, until Councilor Linthicum stood up, even thought to thank Huck.

Even better, why not proclaim a Huck DeSmet Day and write a nice proclamation for him. Present it framed and then drag him out and let him see the fountain with his name on it.

Pesty Buggers!!

Mosquitos!

Here is a do it yourself Mosquito Spray.

Get one quart lawn sprayer, the kind that attaches to your hose. Fill it half full of amonia, add one cup of cheap liquid detergent and then fill to the top with a cheap beer. You spray this around your home including lawns and any plants that might be hiding mosquitos. This will repel them for 3-4 hours.

Here is information about Mosquito spread Virus Diseases you can catch.
http://www.weather.com/activities/homeandgarden/mosquito/articles/related_diseases.html

Here is a bit of information about the life cycle of the mosquito.
http://entoplp.okstate.edu/mosquito/lifecycle.html

Mosquitos need water to live their early life stages.
STOP! Raising Mosquitos in your yard.

• Get rid of old buckets, bottles, and containers. OR turn them upside down so water will not pool in them.
  
• Empty small plastic pools weekly. If you will be away for a while store it on it's side so it will not catch water.
  
• Repair any leaky pipes or faucets that are outside.
  
• Change water and scrub water pans of pets, bird baths etc daily.
  

And what brought all this up?

Well, this author noticed a Village employee throwing something over the fence one day recently at the draining ponds on either end of the Boulevard. What was it? Mosquito Tablets maybe? Something to prevent the mosquitos from growing in the ponds. Good job throwing!

The question this author has is why doesn't Bosque Farms have a key to the ponds?

Take Home Cars, Policy and a Recap.

Take home cars for employees and take home cars for police in specific have been voted on at Council meetings and discussed in public and on this blog. Should police be allowed to take home cars? How far? Is it a perk? How far can they drive them towards home? And On and on...

"BF Watcher" recently weighed in about the take home cars for police:

As far as the take-home car policy, it is great for officers. This is the biggest moral booster there is, no doubt about it. The cars do last longer as the officers do take care of them much better opposed to 'hotseating' the cars.

This is an argument that has been tossed around in other venues but "BF Watcher" was the first to mention it on this blog. His (or her) argument for take home cars is twofold. 1. They last longer because the officers care for them and 2. It is a moral booster. That makes sense and is a valid argument for take home cars.

He (or she) goes on to say this:

But 50 miles?? That is a joke. Sorry but true. APD which has all this money...NOT has a 10 mile from the county line limit. APD is different because the majority of the officers live in the city, usually handle accidents they drive upon off-duty, and are a constant presence. Not true in Bosque Farms. Captain Cadenhead was the only on that lived in the village throughout his career.

The official stance of this blog has been posted and here it again with more clarification:
This blog will not begrudge police a take home car if it makes sense fiscally and is in the best interest of the people living in the Village of Bosque Farms. Having said that this blog believes the take home car policy as it is now is flawed.

It was flawed from the start. It will remain flawed because it is not based on any thing. There are no numbers that support this program. There is no documentation that we are getting better officers or keeping officers than when there was no take home car policy. This may be the case, although it seems otherwise, but there is no documentation to say that at this time the take home cars are keeping or bringing in quality officers. There is no doucmentation now that a take home car policy has been implimented that says the cars are lasting longer or that the officers are taking better care of them. This might be the case, but where are the facts? There has been no cost analysis run that this author is aware of at this time. There is not even a list of cities our size in New Mexico that have a take home car available for officers.

The policy will remain flawed until every question this blog and the readers of this blog have asked about a take home car policy.

This policy should be reconsidered with all the available information at hand and a policy developed with what is the best action to take for the residents of Bosque Farms.

If it makes sense to the Councilors and the Mayor after looking at the facts and the figures and the data and the information and the studies available and the budget then by all means, let the police have take home cars, let the people who are on call for the sewer plant have a take home vehicle. Just make sure it is done in such a manner that the people living here understand what the expectations for the drivers using the cars are and what the benefits are for the Villagers.

The purpose of having an elected Council and Mayor is to represent the people who live here, not the employees. The Council and Mayor should keep this in mind and explain to everyone who attends meetings, explain to everyone who calls, explain to the newspaper reporters, and even explain in their little mailing why they are making the decisions they are making. Us, the residents who pay the taxes and see our police cars on the roads in Albuquerque should understand the policy and why it was developed.

http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2006/08/take-home-police-cars-original-post.html

Water Use in the Village- Long but Important.

At a recent Council Meeting Councilor Wallace with her limited understanding said shewould not vote to approve the Master Plan because it went against Village Law. Now the Master Plan issue is settled we can focus on the fact that again, it seems Councilor Wallace did not know what she was talking about.

Here are the facts and information about the Village Water Ordinances she should have known. When the Village of Bosque Farms set up the water system a law was passed, a local ordinance covering proper use of the Village Water. It says Village water is for "domestic" or "household" water use only, depending on who you listen to when you ask at the office. Let's look at that:

Domestic:
related to the household or family

Household:
A household is defined as a person or group of persons residing in a dwelling.

The first word: domestic- related to a household or family. There are MANY examples of how domestic use might not be indoor use only while still being RELATED to the family. You fill your dogs water dish and put it outside. You wash your car and ask any mother who hauls her family around and you will learn a car is an extension of a house and part of a family. There are any number of things outside of a house related to family.

Household is the same definition and yet a bit different. Household about the people living in a home but the word related is not in the definition. If household is the correct word and it means not the house but the people living in the house, does it mean only those people can use Village water?

What if you let your dog drink the Village water? What if someone who doesn't live in the home flushes your toilet? What if you use the water to clean your house? Can someone living in the house use the water to fill a pool?

Both words and definitions are vague at best. This has been discussed in meetings, during the term of Councilor Wallace. It needs to be clarified if the Village wants people to use Village water correctly.

What the local law book apparently does not say is Village water is for indoor use only or that outdoor use is prohibited. And if it does, then someone provide the legal referances. So although it might seem these two words, domestic and household, can be used interchangeably with the words "indoor use only", anyone can see this would be wrong.

Councilor Wallace should know this. It has been discussed during meetings. It took this author no effort to discover this information. It seems she has so little regard for her duties she doesn't spend the time to read prior to speaking. Had this been about horses it is possible Councilor Wallace would have had her information correct.

How important is it that Village water is used correctly? And how the Village might decide if someone is using their paid for Village water against the ordinance will be saved for another post.
What is important to note here is this: There is a limited number of local laws or ordinances and it appears Councilor Wallace not only does not know them but doesn't understand what they mean and yet she tries to twist them to her will for the moment. Those of us who live here should be glad she doesn't enforce the laws.

New Commentators and Moved Posts

Some posts have been moved up because some new Commentators have joined and added to the ongoing discussion. Bravo. This blog and the authors of this blog appreciate well thought out responses that help all of the readers understand and learn more.

A Question Answered.

Not too long ago "EyeCare" had a question about being stopped. What do you do if you are being stopped by someone who has flashing lights but is in an unmarked car if you are not sure they are an officer?

As the officers have had (and may still have) in the past an unmarked, black vehicle that looks different than any other vehicle in the Village it is a relevant question.

"BF Watcher" answsered the question:
But to answer the question on what to do if you are suspicious of getting pulled over:
1. Turn your hazard lights on, pull to the most right driveable lane and travel the posted or under the posted speed limit.

2. If you have a cell phone call the dispatch number. Tell them that what kind of car you are driving, tell them that you are leary that the car trying to pull you over is not an officer. They will be able to tell you right away that the car is legit.

3. If you don't have a cell phone stop in a well lit, public parking lot. Professional, trained officers will understand why you did not stop immediately and treat the stop in a normal fashion.

Well Said "BF Watcher" and thank you. Welcome to posting.

A Thought

"Everybody has a right to their opinion,

but no one has a right to be wrong about the facts.

Without the facts, your opinion is of no value."

-Rene Dahinden, 1930-

An Excellent Idea

Los Lunas is doing something this Village should be doing- running a fair and equitable study about pay.

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/63613-08-05-06.html

This blog has heard repeatedly from some that the police of Bosque Farms are not earning enough. While that may be true it is hard to know that for a fact. And that is what the Council should do, gather facts, have a discussion in the public forum and make some decisions.
They should be doing this for every decision they make.

The village contracted Public Sector Personnel Consultants of Scottsdale, Ariz., to examine how Los Lunas employee salaries compared to organizations with which the village competes for personnel. The consultants studied salaries from 15 public entities in New Mexico — including the cities of Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho and Santa Fe — as well as information from the New Mexico Municipal League salary survey and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They used the data to determine a midpoint salary for each occupation within the village.

This author would only complain that they compared themselves to large cities and would hope that Bosque Farms would compare itself to smaller cities. Smaller cities presumably have less work and for police in specific less violent crimes and less chance of being hurt while on duty.

Notice, Los Lunas didn't just take an officer's word for it, nor did they pick up the phone and call five departments and ask for pay information. There is MUCH more to take into account that just the basic pay. If Bosque Farms does this it is to be hoped that they have complete and accurate information.

For Example:
How much is the employer paying towards insurance matching and retirement? While those two items may not seem like much every penny an employee doesn't have to pay and that much more an employee brings home. There are also 'perks' like take home cars or cell phones. If an employee has these perks and employees in similar situations do not have these perks then it should be taken into account. Job descriptions should be compared to be sure that a post hole digger in one community has the same job as a post hole digger in another community before saying someone should earn more based on their job title.

This author does not want to see any more large raises given to a police chief or a clerk just because the Council hears that other communities pay more or because the chief sat at their kitchen table asking for more pay. This author wants the Council to gather the facts, share them with the public, make a wise choice that is the best interest for those who live here.

This author will note that the Council at one point did vote for a study but since then, nothing! No information has been forthcoming to the public about the final results of the study

The policy of this blog about pay raises is the same as take home police cars. The policy is flawed.

In the case of take home cars, it was flawed from the start. It will remain flawed because it is not based on any thing. There is not information in support of this program, nore is there information saying there should not be a take home car policy. This policy should be reconsidered with all the available information at hand and a policy developed with what is the best action to take for the residents of Bosque Farms.

In the case of pay raises, there is no policy and the action taken is flawed. It is flawed because there is not enough information gathered to make a wise decision. This will remain the case until the Councilors and Mayor decides to gather a lot of information and develop a method to compare pay and perks themselves or hire someone to do a quality job that compares Bosque Farms to similar communities.

In Recognition

Lest this author be accused of only pointing out what is wrong this author would like to point out the good that did happen at the Master Plan Special Meeting.

Mayor Ake stood up to the Council and demanded they follow the state law. He told the Councilors he would have no part in their actions if they tried to vote in any changes to the master plan.

It is nice to see Mayor Ake stand up tall like that. This author would like to encourage him to do that all the time.

The Master Plan Meeting

Among the questions each and every one of us who lives here in Bosque Farms needs to ask themselves there are these questions:

• Who would know more about the law and interpreting the law? An attorney or Councilor Knowlton?
  
• Who would have more resources at his disposal in order to learn what case law and other sources say about the law? An attorney or Councilor Knowlton?
  
• What was Councilor Knowlton thinking when he 'begged to differ' with the attorney?
  
• Why did Councilor Knowlton argue with the attorney?
  
• Why would Councilor Knowlton argue with an attorney that has been hired to protect the Village of Bosque Farms and each and every Councilor?
  

These are some of the questions that need to be considered when the next election comes around. His behavior on this topic alone is deplorable. Take a look at his actions on this one subject. And remind yourself that he must make decisions every month on business for the Village.

1. Councilor Knowlton missed the original meeting thus not voting to approve the goals and objectives.
   
2. When it was time to accept the final master plan he tried to claim this was a 'new council' in order to get out of doing his job.
   
3. Furthermore he wouldn't explain what his problems were about the master plan but rather tried to postpone any discussion until a special meeting, thus making it more likely fewer people would attend the meeting. And not meeting his promise of holding meetings and conducting business when the public was available.
   
4. Then he argued with the attorney, the man who has been hired to keep the Village operating within the law, when he learned he was not the one to approve the final Master Plan. He did not want to follow the state law.
   

Isn't It Interesting

Did you know the reason all the goatheads are popping up is because they have a viable seed life of YEARS. Some reports say upwards of 20 years.

Here are some lovely pictures of goatheads and information about them.
Did you know?
Goatheads are basically tetrahedral in shape, meaning that--no matter how they fall to the ground, no matter how they get kicked around--they will always have a spike pointing straight up into your tire.

http://www.socorro.com/fattire/goatheads.html

Peralta and Police (original posting July 24)

The citizens of Peralta are working towards being their own official community. The presented this to the Council at the Council meeting hoping that Bosque Farms would willingly pass a resolutions supporting their efforts.

During this discussion Councilor Wallace questioned what they had planned for police service.
Their response?

They are going to do a JPA contract for police services. They are going to hopefully pay enough to have two officers on duty in Peralta at all times.

And who will they consider contracting with?
The State Police, Los Lunas, Bosque Farms, or Valencia County.

Isn't that interesting. Just what this blog had been talking about at one point, they are thinking of doing it.

In Memory.

Carl "Bob" Chamberlain did double duty for Bosque Farms as its first police chief and second fire chief.

When Chamberlain died on July 25, he left behind a legacy of honor, respect, laughter and a lifetime of memorable stories he loved to share with family and friends.

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/63737-08-09-06.html

This blog extends sympathy and best wishes to his family and friends. Bob Chamberlain was an upstanding man who dedicated his life to protecting the citizens of the Village.

(originally posted August 1) No title

From the National Night Out website linked to in the previous post

Along with the traditional display of outdoor lights and front porch vigils, cities, towns and neighborhoods 'celebrate' NNO with a variety of events and activities such as:
block parties,
cookouts,
visits from local police and sheriff departments
parades, exhibits,
flashlight walks,
contests, and
youth programs.
NNO has proven to be an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer nation. Plus, the benefits your community will derive from NNO will most certainly extend well beyond the one night.

This author encourages every reader of this blog to get outside on Monday night. Get outside and go for a walk, talk to your neighbor, have a cookout.

Develop your own mini National Night Out event tomorrow.

Remember there is a Council SPECIAL Meeting tomorrow night. Go for a walk on the lovely bike path/walk path and stop at the Council meeting. Remind them to pass the Master Plan without changing it, it was community written and reflects the community values at this time.

Grandstanding

Showing off" or going out of one's way to appear spectacular.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=grandstanding

seek attention or admiration: to show off in order to impress people, especially spectators

http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/grandstanding.html

Did You Know?

If you go to the park and if your child has to use the bathroom, unless it is during the time when the recreation workers are there, you can't. The bathrooms are locked!

And if you try to use the community center good luck. A community center it is not. It is reserved for the seniors it seems.

That means when school starts and the recreation program is over, all the kids who visit the park in the afternoon can't use it. All the parents who take their young toddlers to play can't have a place for their children to use the facilities.


Why?

• Are they so ugly they can't be looked at?
  
• Are they sprayed with graffitti and the Village doesn't want to pay to clean them up?
  
• Is this a money saving effort? If they are not used the janitor service doesn't have to clean them?
• Is this a money saving effort? If they are not used the water costs are lower?
  
• Did someone learn that peeing on trees is really good for them?
  

Options for the Locked Bathrooms

It seems that during the day when the recreation program is going on the bathrooms are unlocked. However, should you visit the park during the evening or on a weekend, the bathrooms are locked.

There are some options for this.

The community center director could open the bathrooms in the morning and lock them when she leaves. If she leaves for a field trip, then she could lock them. It might be sporadic but they would easily be open more than they are now.

The police officers could make a point of stopping by the park once in a while. This would limit the oportunity for any supposed vandelism.

Every person who wants a park key could check one out of the Village office. If any strange event did happen then there would at least be a short list of who it might be that did the 'strange stuff'.

WHY? Why should this be done?

• The bathrooms are there. They should be used.
  
• The last time they were vandelized Mayor Baldwin was in office. It is very possible that it will never happen again.
  
• The little league would no longer have to haul in porta potties. Hauling in porta potties makes our park look ugly, they are not as sanitary as a normal bathroom, and they are also prone to vandelism as well. (By the way, this author has heard that the sports people store their stuff in the bathroom! So if they have a key why are they not using the bathrooms the way they should be?)
  
• Young children use this park and young children need to use the restroom.
  
• Other cities around us keep their park bathrooms open and just clean up the vandelism. If the Village has as much money as Mayor Ake says we do, they can allow everyone to use the bathroom.
  

Posts Moved

Some posts have been moved because of the ongoing discussion within the comment section.

Belen

This blog would like to extend a sincere hope for Belen and the residents of Belen that they are quickly back to normal.

The Master Plan, A Follow Up

Many of you have read in this blog that the state law was clear, it was not up to the Council to approve the Master Plan.

It appears that the Planning and Zoning Commission will be allowed to have the authority, as state law has given it, to pass the Master Plan.

Mayor Wayne Ake told the council on Tuesday that he would not allow the council to take any actions that would violate state statute.

"If you (the council) want to pass a resolution to take back the power, then that's up to you, but I won't be a part of that," Ake said of the council's preference to take action on the plan. "The planning and zoning commission recommended approval of the plan as it was and, the way the statute reads, I don't think we can do this."

Good for Mayor Ake. And SHAME on the Council, particularly Councilor Knowlton who still wants to be able to pass the master plan, against state law.

After a lengthy discussion about the issue, Knowlton said he doesn't have a problem sending the changes back to the planning and zoning commission for its approval as long as the issue comes back to the council for final action.

Everyone should show up on the 7th at 7pm to support the planning and zoning commision in this. Everyone should show up on the 7th and request that the plan be passed as it was originally written. Because the man who wrote this for the committee says that the changes Councilor Knowlton wants included is almost a complete overhaul of the plan (read the article!)

This is particularly bad as Councilor Knowlton insured his wife was on the committee to write the master plan.

Each of you that turned in a survey or attended a meeting or was on the committee or voiced an opinion to a committee member had a say in this plan and each one of us should be heard and the Council should respect that.

Rain and Mosquitos

With the rain in the recent past and the standing water it seems to this author that there would be more spraying for mosquitos.

Here is a link to a study showing that the public is scared of west nile virus and likes a spraying program.
http://www.researchmatters.harvard.edu/story.php?article_id=589

With a quick google search about this very topic an interesting link came up that had some valid arguments for NOT spraying for mosquitos.

http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Health/Nsaeha/spring03false.html

So although there is a strong desire and a large support base by the public to have spraying to kill mosquitos, it might be better if Bosque Farms looks at other ways to kill the pests.

Because this author has been accused of making oh so special home made meals for his or her children and because this author thought it might be interesting, here are some special homemade mosquito repelling recipes.

http://journeytoforever.org/edu_homer.html (Rub lemon grass juice all over you)

http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/frugal/naturalbugspray.htm (use oils like clove oil)

You can also mix and put into a sprayer bottle that will go on the end of your hose a mix. This one you will spray all over your yard and it will work for several days or until it rains. One flat beer, about 3 tablespoons of dish detergent (like Dawn).

Marigolds in your yard will help keep the pests away as will garlic and rosemary.

Other links:

http://www.tulsoft.com/mosquito_repellent.html

25 Years in Business

The Bowling Alley deserves to be recognized for the number of years they have been in service. They have a notice on their marquis that says they are celebrating their 25th year in businesses. Good for them.

Comments Deleted and an Explanation (original post July 20)

This blog has gone against it's long standing self set rule of not deleting comments. This post will go up and the authors will begin deleting some specific comments.

Why???
Why would the authors reverse their previous decision? It didn't come lightly and it came with much discussion and consideration. The reason for this reversal in our self imposed rule is complicated. Below is an attempt to explain how we slowly reached this decision.

First "JudgeWilke" stated this:
"I am not supposed to comment on it. Since I am the Judge here I can hold no opinion on anything that happens in this village."

This makes sense. If the honorable judge has an opinion and something related to that same something comes in front of him and he has already expressed his opinion it puts idea that you can go to court to get justice in peril.

Upon thinking about it, it seemed as if "JudgeWilke" was flaunting his disregard for some law or judge ethics class rule. The author of this post decided to get looking at more information. And with very little effort one author was able to obtain this code. It is state law. Anyone can look this up. Some has been deleted for space purposes.

For the purpose of this blog post look at the red highlighted part.

_________________

Code of Judicial Conduct

21-200. A judge shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all the judge's activities.

A. Respect for the law. A judge shall respect and comply with the law and shall act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.

B. Impartiality. A judge shall not allow family, social, political or other relationships to influence the judge's judicial conduct or judgment. A judge shall not lend the prestige of judicial office to advance the private interest of the judge or others; nor should a judge convey or permit others subject to the judge's direction and control to convey the impression that they are in a special position to influence the judge. ... ...

____________________________

Now this author is not an attorney as has been stated repeatedly. None of the authors have any connection with the legal system. But the authors are very concerned because it seems that this is exactly what is occuring on this blog. "JudgeWilke" it seems is using this blog to further his own interests.

Once your an elected official, you really don't get to have an opinion and it seems this is especially true for judges based on the reading the authors have done recently.

In addition, because it was asked this blog has once shared the information the authors have gathered on the cases Councilor Linthicum was involved in and then has tried to drop this issue. As "JudgeWilke" states this event under discussion has happened a long time ago. Councilor Linthicum does not need to be tried in a public forum, when the Court System and prosecutor has already decided to not take either case any further.

The author/s of this blog have enjoyed reading the comments by "Judge Wilke". But because there is not an attorney in the group the authors have taken the stance that it does not want this blog used against state law.

Thus, the authors have decided to delete various posts and comments from this blog.

And One More Post About Ratios of Police and Residents

The national rate of full-time law enforcement employees per 1,000 inhabitants remained at 3.5 in 2004, unchanged from the 2003 rate. and then in the same article there was this quote: An examination of the 2004 law enforcement employee data by population group showed that in the Nation’s cities collectively there were 3.0 law enforcement employees per 1,000 inhabitants.

http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius_04/law_enforcement_personnel/index.html

So based on the population of Bosque Farms being roughly 4000 and the rate as listed above in the quote, Bosque Farms should have roughly12 to 14 police officers.

Right on Target.

Which is it? This author has always heard that Bosque Farms had more officers than was needed. It always seemed it was a way to say 'see, your safe, there are so many officers, your safe'.

But which is it? Are there too many officers thus meaning we are paying for more than we need and paying more for insurance, buying more cars, etc. ??? Or is there just the right amount based on national averages? Or are there too few based on the averages this author was able to find in other places?

Or does it just depend? Does it depend on the community? The size, the economics, the educational level of the community, the number of commutors? Does it depend on the crime rate?

Because of differing service requirements and functions, care should be taken when using the data presented in this section to draw comparisons between and among the staffing levels of law enforcement agencies. What follows is not intended as recommended or preferred officer strength; the data should be viewed merely as guides.
http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius_04/law_enforcement_personnel/index.html

The determination of any city's authorized police level is based on many factors. Although population size is relevant, it is misguided to focus on population solely, ignoring important factors such as the number of calls for service an agency receives, the influx of commuters who live outside but work inside the city with the concurrent traffic and crime issues or the geographic size of the area to be served.
http://sptimes.com/2006/06/25/Perspective/Police_staffing_level.shtml

More about Officer to Average Joe Ratios

Once again, there is no consensus on staffing levels for local police departments. The ratio
of both officers and total police employees per 1000 is significantly related to crime rates.
However, there are many variables that enter into crime rates. Such standards have limited
meaning because the actual number required will vary depending on the size of a city,
geographic region and city type (central, suburban, free-standing rural). Even cities of the
same population size and type may differ widely in staffing needs because of differences in
demographics, socio -economic characteristics, climate or other unique conditions.
http://www.mrsc.org/Subjects/PubSafe/le/le-policeRept31.pdf

But, let's just throw some numbers around, just for fun.

Bosque Farms has a 2000 census of 3931 people, men and women and children.

Yakima Washington has over 80 thousand people and an officer ratio of 1.7 officers per 1000 people. And lest you say, but wait, that is a big city, here are some other numbers for you. Poulsbo has 6813 people and a ratio of 2.3 officers for every 1000 people. Darrington has 1100 and 2 officers for every 1000 people.

By these numbers Bosque Farms should have 7 officers (1.7 per 1000) to 9.5 officers (2.3 officers per 1000).

So by this standard we are drastically overstaffed in the police department. This leads to more leased police cars, more insurance for those cars, more insurance and employee retirement costs, and on and on.

And from the same website quoted above:
Recent reports on the subject indicate that the only reliable
way to determine police staffing needs is to analyze police workload. Workload analysis
allows a community to maximize its use of existing resources before requiring new
resources. It is important to examine where the time is going.

Officer to Average Joe Ratios.

"Observing", a new commentator, said this: Frankly, the village is fortunate to have two officers on duty at one time. According to National Institute of Justice statistics and those of the census bureau, we are over the number of officers that should be working for the village

"Been Around" asked: The Village actually exceeds a standard? How many officers usually work for a town this size?

So this author did some digging to come up with some information. As readers of this blog will note, this author tries to always back up comments and opinions with facts and other sources of documentation. "Observing" is always welcome to provide any information he/she might have about his/her comments.

Here is one way of looking at it:

This came from a large article from the Department of Justice. "In terms of land area, employment increased from 66 full-timesworn personnel per 10 square miles in 1990 to 78 per 10 squaremiles in 2000."

According to the United States Census there is 4 square miles in Bosque Farms.

So here is some math for you, using the numbers provided above you could easily say that Bosque Farms needs more officers than it currently has on the payroll.
4 divided by 10 times 78 is roughly 32 officers.

Of course, the numbers suggested from the department of justice (as quoted above) could be for a large urban population. If you had many apartments there would be more people per square mile than there are per square mile in Bosque Farms at this time, hence the need for more officers per square mile.

But it is always important to know this:
"Once again it is important to note that there is not consensus on staffing levels for local police departments".

http://www.mrsc.org/Subjects/PubSafe/le/le-policeRept31.pdf

But besides police to average joe citizen ratios there are other considerations: Reponse time,

August First, National Night Out

National Night Out, which is its 23rd year, is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anticrime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

So, it is National Night Out. The idea is that you get to know your neighbor, you get out of your house, you walk along your roads, you begin to let criminals know you are going to fight back. This is well and good if you take this night out and use it as a jump start to doing your part to stop crime.

Why isn't Bosque Farms doing this? Why doesn't this article say what Bosque Farms is doing?
Because Bosque Farms is not doing anything?

Maybe because it is a neighborhood watch type of program? And maybe because it would lend itself well to the community police model of crime prevention? Both neighborhood watch programs and community policing seem to be 'persona non grata' around this area.

Los Lunas Police Officer Mark Garcia, who is organizing the village's event, said this event is more like a large Neighborhood Watch meeting where residents can come and get to know each other, get to know the officers and learn how to keep their communities safe.

"We're very happy that Los Lunas is having their own event this year," Chavez said. "The more of these things happening in the county, the better. For us, this has gotten better and better every year."

For next year should Bosque Farms Police Department decide to do this type of event, here is a link that will help provide ideas, a store to buy things at, and so on.

All quotes in blue come from the following local article:

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/63474-07-29-06.html