Another Federal Representative

http://domenici.senate.gov

Would you like a photo of Senator Pete Domenici? The directions to get one can be found on his website. As well as many little tidbits and facts.

Domenici elected to Albuquerque City Commission, 1966
Elected Commission Chairman (equivalent then to Mayor), 1967
First Republican in 38 years in New Mexico to be elected to U.S. Senate, 1972
With re-election in 2002, Domenici became the first New Mexican elected to serve six full six-year terms in the Senate.
Domenici has served longer in the U.S. Senate than any other New Mexican in history

A Quote

If you have an apple and I have an apple

and we exchange apples

then you and I will still each have one apple.

But if you have an idea and I have an idea

and we exchange these ideas,

then each of us will have two ideas.

~George Bernard Shaw

Business Failures And Some Reasons Why

Here is another article snippet about studies and business failures.

Studies focusing on failure rates deemed failures as business closures which could be due to any reason including selling the business, mergers, and owners simply bored and closing shop. A NFIB study found that over the lifetime of a business; 39% are profitable, 30% break even, and 30% lose money.

http://sbinformation.about.com/b/a/257199.htm

And what are the seven major reasons a new business fails:
1. You start your business for the wrong reasons.
2. Poor management
3. Insuffecient capital
4. Poor Location
5. Lack of planning.
6. Over Expansion
7. No Website

http://www.businessknowhow.com/startup/business-failure.htm

Businesses

This author wouldn't go so far as to say that if a business does not advertise on the internet then it's not taking care of itself. The internet is huge and one business with a website would easily get lost online unless it was done the right way.

But having said that, which businesses do you see advertising in the local paper? Which businesses do you see advertising in the Albuquerque paper? And which businesses do you see advertising online?

Certainly they do not have to advertise. But if they don't, and they fail, it's not the fault of the Village Council. It is due to a hundred other reasons. But by expecting businesses to follow the law, take care of themselves, pass some minimum standard is not such a hardship that a business owner that understands what he's doing won't set up and won't succeed right here in our little Village.

Are you tired of hearing about how the Village needs to be 'business friendly'?
This means the Councilors pass to allow for variances for cell phone towers when they could easily make it work within the law. This means we might advertise for businesses and make color brochures so people know what stores are here and come shop here?

Try searching online for some of the businesses that are in Bosque Farms.
You won't have much luck.

Yard Art

"Been Around" heard something: I heard that this group wanted to only allow "yard art" that they determined reflected the rural quality of the Village?

This author was curious and so went searching for more information. It took very little effort and time to learn more. The committee, led by Councilor Wallace, were trying to say that 'old farm equipment as yard art was ok' but old broken down cars that were wasting away were not ok. So that is what they tried to write.

Sounds ok.

But in the last meeting at least one committee member stated and restated that you couldn't have a statue of an elephant in your yard if it wasn't reflective of the rural quality or history of Bosque Farms.

Makes you wonder what happened in all their other meetings doesn't it? And thank goodness for open government and open meetings and public hearing of local laws.

Thank goodness, it seems the attorney quickly explained that yard art, statues of elephants or horses or farm equipment, was legal and was a matter of Free Speech

The Fire Department - Thank You

Wood said firefighters from Bosque Farms, Peralta and the Valencia-El Cerro fire departments were able to contain the flames

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/68467-01-27-07.html

This above quote came from the same article discussing the recent house fire in Bosque Farms.

Thank you fire fighters for volunteering your time and putting your lives at risk to save our homes and businesses and our lives.

Thank you to the other fire departments also that came to help.

fff fff fff

The fire department has come a long ways. The fire department began in response to some one almost losing his life when returning to his burning house for a class ring. When they began they were holding fund raisers and stored their equipment at the chief's home. When they began they would often arrive in time to watch the house (or barn, or hay stack or or or) burn down.

Slowly they have decreased their response times, bought newer equipment, and have saved many homes and many lives through their dedicated service. These volunteers train many hours often on their own time and use their own money to pay for this training.

This author extends a large thank you.

Someone To Help

This is important enough that this blog author has chosen to once again to make a post on a weekend. This family certainly had a harrowing escape.

Less than week after flames destroyed a Bosque Farms home, a family of six remains homeless.
...
Barajas said when she went to file a claim with her insurance company earlier this week, she was told that her policy had expired in December. Now, the family is trying to figure what their next move will be.

They are currently living with neighbors while looking for an apartment.

"We have nothing," Barajas said. "The Red Cross has helped us with clothes and will help us with the first month's rent, but, right now, we're stuck."

An account has been established at MyBank to help the family with their financial needs. Anyone who wishes to donate can ask for the Aurelia Barajas donation account at any MyBank branch.

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/68467-01-27-07.html

Why a Small Business Survives

Earlier research has explored the reasons for a new business's survivability. Major factors in a firm’s remaining open include an ample supply of capital, being large enough to have employees, the owner’s education level, and the owner's reason for starting the firm in the first place, such as freedom for family life or wanting to be one’s own boss. (Emphasis by this author)

And of course, this author would add advertisement. It doesn't matter if you rely on word of mouth or ads in the paper, your business name some how needs to get out there in the public and become a place others think of to visit.

Sources: "Survival and Longevity in the Business Employment Dynamics Database" by Amy E. Knaup, Monthly Labor Review, Volume 128, Number 5 (May 2005), pp. 50-6; "Redefining Business Success: Distinguishing Between Closure and Failure" by Brian Headd, Small Business Economics, Volume 21, Number 1 (August 2003), pp. 51-61.

http://www.sba.gov/

Business Failures, The Numbers

There are many many studies out there about the failure and success rate of new businesses. Each one has a slightly different result, depending on what was studied, and how the numbers were computed. But here are a few.

In a study in Columbus, Ohio, Professor H.G. Parsa of Ohio State University, tracked new restaurants from 1996-1999. In the first year, 26% closed. Another 19% closed the second year, and 14% the third. Collectively, 59% of new restaurants closed those three years. By the way, the "failure" rate wasn't very different between franchised restaurants – 57% — and independent restaurants – 61%.

Of course, some of the failure was due to divorces, illness, and the work being harder than anticipated. But overall 60% of new restaurants opening have closed doors at the end of three years.


So what is your chance of success? I think Birch's statistics are probably as accurate as any. His survival rates: (David Birch is former head of a research firm specializing in studying small business data)
• First year: 85%• Second: 70%• Third: 62%• Fourth: 55%• Fifth: 50%• Sixth: 47%• Seventh: 44%• Eighth: 41%• Ninth: 38%• Tenth: 35%

"Once you've hit five years, your odds of survival go way up," Birch said. "Only two to three percent of businesses older than five shut down each year."

http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/abrams/2004-05-06-success_x.htm

Money Money Money

Guess who went to Santa Fe? Mayor Ake. He wrote a letter to the state representatives asking for some large amount of money. (Good for him). And guess what? They called him and said, come tell us what you want in person. So he was there the other day asking for money! Good Luck.

Jeff Bingaman's Website

http://bingaman.senate.gov/index.cfm

Take a few minutes to look at the website of someone who is representing New Mexico. You can contact him about issues that interest or concern you. While you are visiting his website be sure to look at the historic New Mexico photographs. You will see some from Bosque Farms included.

The New Ordinance Hearing (Dated Jan. 16)

Last night was a special meeting about the law that Councilor Wallace and her committee has been working on for the past year. This is the property nuisance law. Did anyone attend? How was the meeting? Has anyone paid for the copies of the ordinance? Any opinions?

Some businesses in Bosque Farms

http://www.dollargeneral.com/

And wow, look at this one:
A family owned store that has a website and would you believe, this author has even seen some advertising by this business.

http://www.badtotheboneclothingandgifts.com/

Family-owned-and-operated, Bad to the Bone Clothing & Gifts offers a large selection of biker apparel, jewelry, and gift items that you won’t find anywhere else. Count on us for quality products, personalized services, and low prices. There isn’t another biker store in Bosque Farms, so come see us today!

An Interesting Site

http://www.merchantcircle.com/directory/NM-Bosque-Farms/category/Professional.Services

This is an interesting site. Probably one that isn't used much. And some of it seems outdated, because it has some businesses that have moved to cheaper places (like Gimni Crickets). But it lists the businesses in Bosque Farms. It seems if you have visited the business you can rate it and write a review.

Been Thinking, Economic Development

This author has been thinking about Economic Development and driving through Bosque Farms today the thought occured:

We are so lucky to be living in such a nice community and as good people who live in this Village we should be willing, even thankful for the opportunity, to provide more money to the Village of Bosque Farms through higher property tax in order to help the businesses on the Blvd. current and future. After all it is the businesses that keep our property taxes low because they bring in taxes.

The businesses that are set up in Bosque Farms on the Blvd. provide a valuable resource.
They provide us items without making us travel to Albuquerque or Los Lunas to shop. That saves us gas and wear and tear on our vehicles. They have a luminaria night, (except this year it didn't happen) and yes, according to the Village Website we should donate to that too. They have a food drive to help the needy. And yes, you should donate to that too. And some of those same business owners live here and spend their own money here.

This money they bring in should be plowed back into helping them clean up their own property so more people shop at their place of business thus bringing in more money. This money they bring in should be given right back to them so they can afford to fix their lots so more people will shop there. And they could use the money for advertising, after all they just can't afford to advertise themselves.

It just seems reasonable that we, those of us who live here, pitch in to help by paying more for property taxes. Our money could do so much good for those business owners. They could use it for advertising, to help other businesses set up, to waive their property tax.

Seems reasonable right?

A site to visit.

http://newmexicomatters.blogs.com/

Here is an interesting blog. It is calling itself "New Mexico Matters"

and the description blurb is "News that Matters to New Mexico".

It is jam packed with interesting articles, voter resources, and even more links to even more blogs about New Mexico.

Master Gardeners

One of the programs the Valencia County Extension Office has many helpful programs.
You can contact them here:


P. O. Drawer 10591000
Main St. NW BLDG # 16
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: (505) 841-5301
Fax: (505) 565-1316

One of the enjoyable programs they have is the Master Gardeners. Here is a little bit more information about it.

New Mexico Master Gardeners are knowledgeable gardeners who assist their local Cooperative Extension Service office in providing accurate, research-based gardening information to county residents.

http://mastergardeners.nmsu.edu/programs.html

The New Ordinance Part Two

The newspaper reporter Clara Garcia went to the meeting it seems as she has reported on this important issue. It is worth reading this article completely, but here are a few selected quotes and information.

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/68203-01-17-07.html

According to Donna Baker, Bosque Farms planning and zoning officer, the village's current ordinance deals with debris and weeds, but it doesn't address poorly maintained property. She said without the proper ordinances, she does not have the authority to ensure that property conditions are not detrimental to the value and community appearance.

Clara Garcia also pulled out a few points from this law to highlight what it will cover and not cover.

Vacant structures and land: All vacant structures and premises or vacant land shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition ... as not to cause a blighting problem or adversely affect the public health or safety.

Inoperable motor vehicles: It is unlawful for any person to have an inoperable motor vehicle parked on a property, except for owners of antique and classic cars.

This author has noticed though that inoperable motor vehicles have been allowed to some degree previously. Is this a change in the zoning requirements? Or are we all going to be expected to put our cars that don't run behind those lovely metal fences?

The New Ordinance Part One

The new ordinance that Councilor Wallace and her committee has been working on for the past year is in front of the Council for change and in front of the public for comment.

One of our readers went to the meeting and expressed some concerns and a desire for more people to attend the meeting

"Formerly Counciled" The big problem is the ordinance is not direct and clear. Many words were not defined. Example: Blight is used continually but it is not defined in ordinance. It says use the dictionary definition. The attorney repeatedly said, if a word is used in the ordinance, define it. Even watching this blog it's obvious people can't agree on a definition used out of a dictionary.
...
There is another meeting to discuss this ordinance, Monday at 6pm. I hope people will attend, listen and express their opinions.

http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2007/01/new-ordinance-hearing.html

A Police Program to Attend.

Way to go. This author encourages everyone to attend.

Bosque Farms Police Sgt. Gabriel Beardsley, who has three years of experience as a training officer at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in Santa Fe, will be conducting the meetings and giving residents information. The police department is also thinking about bringing in guest lecturers who can speak about issues such as child restraints and gangs.

The first meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23, in the police department's training room, The meetings, which will be an hour long, will be held once a month. (emphasis added by this author)

The first one will focus on crime prevention trends... and we'll be talking about basic knowledge of crime and what people can do to protect themselves."


http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/68330-01-20-07.html

Water Control

Do you doubt that storm water ordinances are needed and legal? Besides being required by the EPA for many communities, they make good sense.

Here is one place that specializes in this very topic. In fact, there are some model ordinances on this website.

http://www.stormwatercenter.net/

Speaking of model ordinances this author finds it interesting that the Village attorney was present during the discussion of the ordinance that covered storm water draining and pumping into the roads. And guess what? The Village attorney thought it was a fine ordinance.

Now, this author asks you, if the attorney thinks he can defend the ordinance in court, what purpose does it serve for to be fighting the mere idea that anyone might want this ordinance enforced?

Some communities are saying, never mind, we'll take care of it but you will pay us.
Under this new Storm water utility all residential customers are charged for an average of 2,543 square feet of impervious surfaces. The residential charge is $2.44 per month. http://www.citizenreviewonline.org/august_2002/the_rain_tax.htm
And for commercial properties it's even more. And some communities even charge more, to the tune of $36 a month for the rain tax for homes and thousands more for businesses.

A quick search will even turn up questions about the legality of a rain tax.
So rather than fight it and charge everyone more, particularly businesses, Bosque Farms has asked that everyone control the water on their property. Simple.

Here is another article about this subject:

http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/stories/2002/10/14/story8.html

Storm Waters and Drainage

So this discussion on pumping water into the road and controlling the rain that ends up on your property generated a lot of discussion. This author decided to dig and see what was available for information.

Stormwater pollution from point sources and nonpoint sources is a challenging water quality problem. Unlike pollution from industry or sewage treatment facilities... stormwater pollution is caused by the daily activities of people everywhere. Rainwater and snowmelt run off streets, lawns, farms, and construction and industrial sites and pick up ... pollutants on the way to our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Stormwater runoff is our most common cause of water pollution. (emphasis by this author)

http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwatermonth.cfm

What is stormwater?
Stormwater discharges are generated by runoff from land and impervious areas such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops during rainfall and snow events that often contain pollutants in quantities that could adversely affect water quality. http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=6

Obviously much of this is from the EPA. What is very interesting is that the EPA has recently been making laws for just this topic, for example:
Construction activities (including other land-disturbing activities) that disturb one acre or more are regulated under the NPDES stormwater program

Meth, Another Post

http://www.mappsd.org/Faces%20of%20Meth.htm

This is from South Dakota but the information is no less valid for being from another state.

The above link will take you to some pictures of Meth users. It has a before picture and an after picture of meth users. In addition to that, reading around through the site will provide you much information about meth and what to watch for when looking at homes or people.

Another business

And searching for lazer wash I came across this busines man as well.

http://www.greggriego.com/

Unfortunately, this author was unable to find any business websites promoting the local car wash.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

We call you to commemorate this Holiday by making your personal commitment to serve humanity with the vibrant spirit of unconditional love that was his greatest strength, and which empowered all of the great victories of his leadership. And with our hearts open to this spirit of unconditional love, we can indeed achieve the Beloved Community of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream. May we who follow Martin now pledge to serve humanity, promote his teachings and carry forward his legacy into the 21st Century.

http://www.thekingcenter.org/holiday/index.asp

Meth Labs, Some FYI (original post date Jan 5, 07)

Every so often someone mentions Meth Labs in Bosque Farms. This has been used previously to justify the use of unmarked police cars to hiring more officers. While meth labs are horrible and are not something to be taken lightly this author did a little bit of research.

A phone call to a meth lab clean up business says business is dropping off in Albuquerque. This is not because the use of Meth is less wide spread (in fact it is probably more wide spread) but the Meth labs have moved to Mexico. This is partly related to the local law of locking up certain drugs. The few statistics this author was able to find for this area backs up that claim.

• Meth lab seizures in Albuquerque over the last three years:
2005 40 labs
2004 63 labs
2003 90 labs

The Methamphetamine Problem). In meth drug seizures in Bernalillo County, deputies report an increase of Mexican manufactured meth ... over locally manufactured meth.

"Methamphetamine is of major concern to New Mexico as it is still the most favored
drug for abuse. In general, methamphetamine is produced in Mexico in its purest form
and then smuggled into the United States in bulk quantities where it passes through New
Mexico for distribution to other parts of the United States. Methamphetamine also comes
into New Mexico for personal use from mid-level distributors in Arizona and California.
Additionally, methamphetamine is produced in small quantities in New Mexico by users,but in such small amounts, it usually only reaches the personal use level." (Emphasis added by this author)

http://www.bernco.gov/upload/images/sheriff/methamphetamine.pdf

Please understand, this author is NOT making light of Meth use in any form. Nor is this author claiming meth is not a problem. This author simply was curious about Meth Labs as they have been mentioned in posts recently and is sharing the limited research done, by this author, to date.

Businesses in Bosque Farms

This author recently ran across a business on the website that is set in Bosque Farms. That led to a search for other businesses in Bosque Farms that might have a web page. So be on the look out for businesses in Bosque Farms and their websites.

Bosque Farms Bowl didn't have it's own website but there were two or three sites and an article in the local paper to note:

http://www.bowling2u.com/centers/find_detail.asp?ID=5314

Tiger coach Charlie Lyon says he and Bosque Farms Bowl owner Jackie Gillette have been discussing the possibility of school-sponsored teams for years.
"She and I have been pushing for this," Lyon says. "I talked to her three years ago, saying 'Can't we get high school bowling?'"

Their wish finally was granted when the New Mexico Activities Association decided to make bowling a sanctioned activity. Official practice for the 2006-07 season began in October. The state championships are scheduled for Feb. 24, 2007.

http://www.news-bulletin.com/sports/66978-11-29-06.html

Another Quality Business in Bosque Farms

This author loves the businesses that have a website. Even an oil change place can have a website that will provide quality information, sometimes coupons, and more. In this case Jiffy Lube has an interesting website.

http://www.jiffylube.com/

One this this author likes is going into the Jiffy Lube and seeing the girl in there. She is a great worker and has always done it with a smile. Of course, every employee there seems to do a great job.

A Reader Appreciation.

It is always nice when readers compliment others on their discussions and explanations.
For no particular reason this exchange stood out and this author thought it was nice enough to post up front.

"US Military Man" said:
BFWatcher, you have provided a great deal of information on this site that I appreciate. It sure gives me something to think about. When I have more questions, I will be looking to you.Thank you.

"BF Watcher" Responded:
Your welcome guys, and really it's just to make the Village a great place to live. I think it's great that if we put our heads together for the common goal we can think outside the box and get things done.

And this author would like to concur with both of those statements.

http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2007/01/more-about-budget-comparisons.html

The Running To Do List (Original Post Sept 25, 2006)

Just a review for New Years.

This is not an attept to say "nothing gets done" this is just an updated copy of a post from August 25, three months ago. The purple items are added, the items that have been accomplished have been crossed off but are still included for 'record keeping'. Green is ongoing currently. (Some wording has been changed for clarity or space.)

__________________

--- An emergency evacuation plan needs to be developed.
--- The take home car policy needs to be evaluated and the numbers and facts need to be considered before continuing this program.
--- A pay comparison needs to be completed. If it is completed, the results need to be shared.
--- A Master Calender needs to be developed (for National Night Out, Yearly Garage Sale Day..)
--- Volunteers and those who have donated items need to be appreciated.
--- The park bathrooms need to be available and vandelism limiting methods considered.
--- The Community Center needs to be used for everyone in the community.
--- The Horse Path Committe is doing what? The public needs to be updated.
--- Aresnic needs to be taken out of our water.
--- Does the fire department need a new truck? * (See note)
--- A neighborhood watch program, the public needs to be aware of this.
--- The Property Law needs to be completed and passed.
--- FEMA needs to, be petitioned to take Bosque Farms OUT of the flood plain.
--- The Current hiring and background check policy needs to be rewritten and clarified.
--- The Mayor needs to inform the public of the economic status of the Village, monthly.
--- The Fireworks Ordinance needs to be considered now (Not in July!)

Related articles

*Read that some money had been put aside for this purpose in a budget meeting. Is this still a need and if so, money needs to saved and combined with the fire funds to fill this need.

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/48926-02-19-05.html

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/56012-11-05-05.html

It's Embracing

These days, my practice is teaching me to embrace imperfection

-Anne Cushman

lll

people embrace what they create

lll

I don't embrace trouble; that's as bad as treating it as an enemy.

But I do say meet it as a friend,

for you'll see a lot of it and had better be on speaking terms with it.

-Oliver Wendall Holmes

lll

You Can Now Be the "Big It"

• You can be a prince or a princess (or even a king or queen it seems) should you wish.
  
• You can make your own laws, including the one that demands everyone embrace your opinion and believe your 'facts'.
  
• You can be in charge and be unquestioned in your statements and actions (or lack of action.)
  
• You can have the final say and say it in any way you want, including calling people stupid, retard, or any other unpc term.
  
• You can hire who you want for your personal law enforcement team.
  
• You can demand obedience from your loyal subjects, including directing them in the management of their personal blogs.

HOW?

You ask a good question and this blog has the answer.
The Principality of Sealand is now for sale.

What is this principality you ask? An island.
On 2 September 1967, former English major Paddy Roy Bates formally occupied the island and settled there with his family. ... Roy Bates proclaimed the island his own state. Claiming jus gentium, he bestowed upon himself the title of Prince and the title of Princess to his wife and subsequently made the state the Principality of Sealand. Roy Bates, henceforth Roy of Sealand, exerted state authority on the island and thus was an absolute sovereign. The royal family and other persons that have declared loyalty to Sealand have occupied Sealand ever since.
http://www.sealandgov.org/index.html

Information about the first 25 years is here at this site: http://www.fruitsofthesea.demon.co.uk/sealand/

They have their own art shows, their own stamp, money and their own official language. And now there is an internet company there that will help develop the economics of this principality.

Sounds great you say. And how much is it? Maybe a lot, maybe not so much. And maybe if several get together they could afford to buy it and live there.

Spanish property firm InmoNaranja is listing the property as a micronation. The listing says the "nation" is "not for sale, but yes to transfer."The Bates family wants to pass Sealand on to a caretaker that will maintain the economic and sovereign spirit of the "principality," according to the listing. The InmoNaranja listing is for $977 million, but the London Telegraph put the figure closer to $126 million and AFP reckoned the Bateses would entertain any bid over eight figures. An e-mail sent to Sealand by FOXNews.com was not returned Monday.

The future titleholder of Sealand will likely share the same pioneering spirit proffered by the platform's motto: E Mare Libertas — "From the Sea, Freedom."
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0%2C2933%2C242351%2C00.html

A Response to "Couldrophobic"

A response to "Coulrophobic". He (or she) said about this blog: The campaign politicking may not be able to counter the buzz that would be occurring over the course of a year or more.
http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2006/12/budget-police-original-post-dec-22-06.html

You are concerned that when the time comes for people to run for office they will have a hard time countering what is on this blog?

The official response of this blog would be this:

This blog has first and formost discussed the right to freedom of speech.

When the Councilors, the Mayor and the judge run, if they decide to, their actions and their records will speak for themselves. As you have pointed out, what is accomplished, or discussed, is often times reported in the local paper. Voters will vote for who they vote for and the winner will have to do the work.

Those that are in office have an opportunity to develop a record and make comments in public that will begin to set the stage for their running again. In essence, they are running now and have four years of politicking before it is time for them to run again officially.

What would you have? Would you: Not allowed anyone except those with what you deem passable opinion to post? Not question what is happening? Not have anyone express their disapproval? Only allowed those that 'spin' it your way to post their comments and opinion?

This was tried in 1798.

http://www.crf-usa.org/terror/alien_sedition_acts.htm

A thought from "Been Around" about the budget

There has been some discussion on the budget and what the money should be spent on (or not spent on). When one reader had a well thought out response about the budget and what money is spent on, or not spent on, and what expenditures are discussed.

"Been Around" said...

I think the concern comes from people bandying about ideas. We want a pool. We want a rec center. We want the Village to fund the rodeo association. We want, we want, we want.

We need our roads kept up, we need a second donut, we need the weeds kept down, we need good garbage service, we need P&Z to enforce the laws we have, we need good water. We need decent police and fire protection. We need decent equipment for employees, decent vehicles, and fair pay for fair work.

We're a small town and to stay semi-rural we can't afford improvements. We need to focus on maintenance. That's the difference. There are some services or amentities we may not be able to have if we don't want big business literally in our backyards.

http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2006/12/budget-few-thoughts.html

Happy Birthday Valencia County

Jan. 9, 2007, marks Valencia County's 155st birthday (1852-2007).

Happy Birthday

Used Car Lots, A Crazy Idea

Maybe this would help solve one of the problems that everyone complains about:
Used Car Lots.

Maybe if everyone who sold a used car was expected to do this (Gotta see the picture on this one) then it might either generate a lot of visitors to the used car lots and maybe to McDonald's and the gas stations too. Or it would get rid of a lot of used car lots.

And if the numbers are to be believed the world needs more people who can do this.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/070107/swords.shtml

And what is this?

Different he is. According to the Sword Swallowers Association International, he’s one of between 12 and 24 people worldwide who actively swallow swords.

“It’s cool,” he said, matter of factly.

Meyer, a salesman at Honda of Decatur, has turned what he calls a “sideshow” into a regular occurrence at the dealership.

Every time he sells a vehicle, he swallows a sword for the customer.

Note: This was just in jest. This author is not expecting that Larry of Larry's Used Car Lot or anyone else would even attempt this.

A Police Stop

Note, this author is not an attorney.

In light of what this author has heard in the recent past about what should have been a routine traffic stop, and in light of recent discussion under the post "The News We Have Been Waiting For- Crime Here" here is some of the information gathered by this author.

Did you know the police can not stop simply to ask you questions such as 'where are you going? or what are you doing in this neighborhood?' This is a violation of your Civil Rights.

What are your civil rights? Basically, civil rights are those rights that you have as a result of the U.S. Constitution, federal laws, a state's constitution or a state's laws. http://www.alllaw.com/articles/civil_rights/article1.asp

In this case, the civil right under discussion, comes directly from the Fourth admendment.

The police can stop you if you are doing something that gives them probable cause . And what is probable cause?

Reasonable cause; having more evidence for than against; a reasonable belief that a crime has or is being committed and is the basis for all lawful searches and arrests. www.sedgwickcounty.org/da/legal_terms.html

A car driving down a street in broad daylight would most likely not give anyone the idea that the car or driver is doing something wrong (or about to do something wrong). The same car driving very slowly and repeatedly past a home where the owners are gone and it is late at night and their car lights are off would provide a different idea to someone watching this car.

Even in Terry Vs. Ohio, in front of the Supreme Court, where the legality of a "Terry Stop" was deemed legal, there must be suspicious activity. While a "Terry Stop" can be made upon "reasonable suspicion" that a person may have been engaged in criminal activity, an arrest requires "probable cause" that a suspect committed a criminal offense.

Upon seeing suspicious activity, the police may perform a "Terry Stop," and may temporarily detain people... The scope of a "Terry Stop" is limited to investigation of the specific suspicious activity, ... For their own safety, the police may "Pat down a suspect" ... if they feel something that may be a weapon, they may remove it from the suspect for further examination. However, they are not entitled to remove items from person's pockets that do not appear to be weapons, even if they believe that the items are contraband.
http://www.expertlaw.com/library/criminal/police_stops.html

And because, no matter what anyone does want to say about the ACLU, they are the ones that have more easily found and available information about this topic than most other places of information. From an ACLU brochure:

To stop you on the street, police must have a“reasonable suspicion” that you are engaged incriminal activity or have information regarding the criminal activity of others. You may ask why you are being stopped... When the police stop you, you have the right to remain silent. You don’t have to answer any questions, but you must show your driver’s license and registration when stopped in a car.

What it all seems to boil down to is it is just as other readers have said :
"My Turn" Stop all of the traffic in the village if you want. The only thing I ask is that you have cause to stop them.

Other Articles of Interst.
http://www.aclu.org/police/gen/14528res20040730.html

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

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_v._Ohio

The Budget, The Police (original post Dec 22, 06)

This blog has been highly critical of the Council and their budgeting and lack of comprehensive consideration of all departments and needs in Bosque Farms.

In a recent article there was this information.
...
In Belen, 28 percent of its budget is spent on law enforcement. It's 16 percent in Los Lunas, 35 percent in Valencia County and 50 percent in Bosque Farms. In Albuquerque, 27 percent of the operating budget is spent on the police department.

And let's look at those numbers a bit more.
There was this to say about Albuquerque with 27% of it's budget being spent on the police dept.
State Police Lt. Robert Shilling. "Hats off to Albuquerque. They have done a good job at addressing their crime problem. But the reality is they have not squashed it. They have just moved it." Unfortunately it was moved this way.

The County has about a 7.5 Million dollar budget. Thirty Five percent of this is about 2.6 Million dollars spent on the needs of the sherrif department. Bosque Farms spends almost the same amount (2.4 Million) if the newspaper is to believed about the budget and the percentages spent.
Yet Valencia County covers more land, hires more employees, and has a bigger crime problem.

In recent years other departments and other employees have been overlooked, given a minimal raise in order to fund the police department. Let's hope that this is the year that the Bosque Farms Councilors decide to fix this inequity. Let's hope that this is the year they chose to save money rather than spend it. Let's hope this is the year the decide to look at the long term goals and needs and begin working towards them.

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/67453-12-16-06.html

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/52890-07-23-05.html

An Appreciation

"My Turn" said something that might have been lost in the discussions on this post:
http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2006/12/news-we-have-been-waiting-for-crime.html

For those officers reading, Thank You for everything you do. I know no one here has come out and said it, but you guys do a great job. I know you can't be everywhere at the same time, but you are definitely here when we need you the most.

This author wanted to take a quick moment and express the appreciation of this blog for the police.

During Christmas Break, while off of work, this author saw the community patrol drive by each day. This is a great thing and well appreciated. The volunteers who spend their time doing this are appreciated. And the fact that the Judge sometimes does his turn, well that too is a great thing, provided he follows the laws and ethics of his position. The police help make this program work by recruiting volunteers and making sure the car is up and running. And this author would guess, but does not know for sure, the police also train these volunteers for their work.

Why A Blog! Almost a Year (Jan 27, One year Anniv.))

Every so often the author/s feel the need to provide some thoughts about why this blog was started. It is a good reminder for both the author/s and the readers. Here are a few thoughts.

It is hoped that thoughtful discussion, sharing of facts and documentation will foster an open discussion. This open discussion, in turn, will help the Village as those of us who live here become educated voters and participants in our Village.

Sometimes the posts are written about an interest than an author has on a given topic. Sometimes the decision to write about a topic comes directly from this blog and the comments that the readers make on this blog. This blog has often copied comments directly from a response and posted it on the main page of this blog. Other times the decision to write about something is due to the Council actions at a meeting, problems that are obvious to the authors or a newspaper article.

Please, learn for yourself about the issues at hand and speak out to the Councilors and Mayor. This blog has asked everyone to do that repeatedly. The authors of this blog have tried to provide some of the documentation available so you can see for yourself what this blog has found. This blog has tried to provide links to information for a place to begin learning about the issues.

The authors of this blog welcome and enjoy the comments and reasonable discussion. The authors recognize they do not have all the facts and appreciate when a reader shares what they know, particularly when they provide documentation and sources. The readers are a valuable part of the process and provide much input and direct in many ways the posts of this blog.

While the authors of this blog have no clue how many people read this blog, each and every reader is appreciated. By reading what is posted and thinking about it and discussing the topics with friends and family, learning more, and forming your opinion; you are working towards making Bosque Farms a better place.

Well Said

It is not the function of our government

to keep the citizen from falling into error;

it is the function of the citizen

to keep the government from falling into error.

-- United States Supreme Court in American Communications Association v. Douds

"BF Watcher" Does the Math, The Budget

The complete post below is written by "BF Watcher". It sums up the budget, in regards to the police department, very well. For ease of reading, because this post is long, this author chose to deviate from the norm of posting quotes in blue. For the complete discussion visit the post linked to at the bottom of this quote.

_________________________

As far as the police department and the budget. The 2005 census numbers for Bosque Farms is that the Village has approximately 3,969 residents. In 1990 the census numbers were 3,791. Percentage wise this is a growth of less than 1% (.95%). The police department size in 1990 was 7 officers one Chief, one Sergeant, one detective.

Now the size of the police force increased to 11. Four of those positions are ranking positions. That is a 63% percent increase in overall personnel. A 25% increase in ranking personnel (increased salaries).

Why? The crime rate has not increased per interviews given by prior police chiefs. An argument could be made that there is more traffic related calls for service on the Highway 47. Not really. In 1994 there were a total of 201 crashes reported. In 1995 due to construction on Highway 47 the number jumped to 308 (with 8 officers serving). In 2005 there were 49 reported crashes. The number fluctuates between this time period averaging approximately 105 crashes per year. The calls for service on the highway has decreased. Now can the police take credit, they should! The credit also needs to be given to the highway department for the expansion of Highway 47.

So if there is basically the same amount of residents being served, the basic calls for service being logged, why has the department increased 63%?

The argument could be made that immediate backup is a necessity. It is! Not to diminish the importance of quick backup to officers, if the Officer's had a good rapport with neighboring agencies as in the past this would be one avenue to help reduce backup time. Again, not to diminish the need and importance of immediate backup, it is the nature of small town law enforcement that you have to work alone at times, just nature of the beast.

So if this administration continues to operate at a 63% increase in police personnel withouth a 63% increase in revenue, of course in time it will be operating in the red! In the near future there is no way other departments can support the police department.

The water department is a revenue making operation. It seems (I do not have the numbers in front of me) that if the water department did not have to sustain other departments then they would be saving some money to pay for the arsenic problem.

For example: On average it costs the Village (all costs, training, equipment etc., salary)approximately $80,000 a year. If you take away the unnecessary personnel (3) it could save the village $240,00.00 per year.

If that was done for lets say 6 years the Village would have 1.4 million in the bank that could be earning interest. Money that could be used to help fund the arsenic reduction.

http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2006/12/budget-police-original-post-dec-22-06.html

More about Budget Comparisons

This is not an attack on the police department. Rather this is a very easy way to compare budgets. All of the information needed is available in public sources and easy to find for the average, not very budget savvy person.

Any one can take this information and make some basic inferences. What this author sees is that the police department in Bosque Farms has less people they serve, fewer miles to patrol and are earning or using more of the Village funds than any other department in the county.

A comparison of sewer plants or water systems of these same communities will most likely show that employees in Bosque Farms in those departments are doing the same jobs others in other communities are doing and yet earning less with less money directed towards their department.

The Village Councilors need to take the whole Village, all of it's needs into consideration. The Village Councilors need to put aside their desire to look good and instead do good for everyone. The Village Councilors need to not be held hostage by a police department that has recieved large raises every year for several years running and yet still threatens to quit if they don't get more and to take care of the needs of the Village.

Bosque Farms Trivia

This blog has published something similar to this previously but the new year is a good time to look back at the old and look forward to the future. Much of this information appeared in the previous post. So although it was supposed to be "FatBoy 5595's" time to develop it, how about a new round of:

Bosque Farms Trivia

1. How many volunteer fire chiefs have there been?

2. Name the one former chief who is also an officer here in Bosque Farms?

3. How many families came from the Harding and Taos area to help settle Bosque Farms?

4. How many of those families stayed?

5. How many horses are on the official Bosque Farms seal?

6. When was the library building built?

7. Before this where was the library?

8. Can you name one of the library employees?

9. Can you name one police officer besides the chief?

10. Can you name the clerk administrator?

11. What does the clek adminimstrator do?

12. Can you name a former Councilor?

13. Can you list three businesses on the Boulevard that are not used car sales lots.

14. What does ICIP stand for?

15. Name someone who attended the last Council meeting?

16. How many times has it snowed this past year?

17. Why did Bosque Farms become a dairy community?

18. What is the name of the new road by the Village office?

19. Share one thing you think others might not know about this Village...

http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2006/05/trivia-answers-by-request-of.html