Economic Development, A reader's Comment

Here is a well thought out response from someone who has tried to help and can't.

"The Flash" said this:

There are a great many ideas around to get people to town and I would truly appreciate hearing about where to present them. There is an economic development group but so far three attempts to contact them have failed. The expansion at Isleta is a grand opportunity to get business in our community. There will be worldwide tourists, interested in the American west and we should accomodate them. let's go Bosque Farms. The fair could use some professional help in the marketing area and again that's do-able, I think the people involved don't want success...too much work?

http://bfgovernment.blogspot.com/2008/01/january-23-national-pie-day.html



Thanks for joining the discussion "The Flash" and thank you for your well thought out comments. Let's see here is what this author read:



1. "The Flash" has tried to help but three attempts have failed.

2. There are some ideas for marketing the American West to tourists at Isleta (and others)

3. The fair could use some professional help.

4. Why isn't any of this being discussed? And why isn't anyone willing to listen to good ideas?



Good questions.


This author wishes to point out to everyone Councilor Knowlton wants to take credit for the economic development group he has put together.

Councilor Knowlton also needs to take credit for NOT listening to others who are interested. And remember, this man is running again.

Vote Today

This author has told you why this blog is not supporting the bond election the School District wants you to vote for this year.

• This author thinks the school district can be more budget aware.



• They get more money than the local governments do and need to use it wisely.



• To just give them more money because they promise to raise test scores is not good enough. They need to be helping children develop skills needed for the 'real world'.



• If we vote no to this bond, it will send a message to the district that they need to do a better job before we blindly give them money.
  
  

And here is another reason:
The school district is paying a lot of money to hold this election at a time when there are no other issues to vote on. They do this because they know most people will not show up to vote no but people will show up for a special election if they really believe in something (thus to vote yes).

Don't let them do this to you. Even if you believe this bond election is a good thing, Go Vote.

http://www.llschools.net/

A Quote

'It must be remembered

that the purpose of education is not to fill the minds of students with facts...

it is to teach them to think, if that is possible,

and always to think for themselves.'

--- Robert Hutchins

Remember this as you get ready to vote Tuesday about the bond fund.

Do we want to pass a bond to encourage the district to just test the students for facts and more facts to prove they are learning?

This author says no.

This author says let the school district teach the children to think.

This author says bonds should be passed for special things - a new lab for students, a car shop for those students who want to be mechanics so they too can learn their skills, a new pool and so on. The things that are above and beyond what taxes will pay for easily.

But let's not raise our taxes and keep them raised to pay a school district to do what it is already supposed to be doing- teaching our children. Particularly when that school district has a larger budget than many of the munipalities it serves.

Firefighters, Background Checks

Did you see this?

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/77036-01-12-08.html

A volunteer Meadow Lake firefighter was arrested Thursday night on suspicion of DWI after the tanker truck he was driving flipped while en route to a structure fire...

It makes one wonder. Does Bosque Farms require background checks on the fire fighters?

This author realizes they are volunteers and as such they are pretty great folks. However, so what the Meadow Lake firefighter. Maybe Bosque Farms should be looking and learning from the mistakes of others.

And yes, a background check won't rule out all of this happening, but it might help prevent it from happening. And, it certainly would show the community and those of us who live here that the Council is trying to protect our children and our safety.

The Council should probably take it one step further and do background checks on anyone who has contact with children. The librarian, the summer program workers, the library aids, and so on.

Did You know This? (From 1/9/08)

More than $300 billion in federal, state and foundation grants are available to local governments each year. Analysis shows grant expenditures account for 7 to 18 percent of local governments' annual budgets, depending on their services, goals and effectiveness.

Did you know that? The Village of Bosque Farms needs to be chasing some of these grants. And it's not an easy task but there are ways to make it easier.

form grants teams that meet monthly to set grant goals, align funding opportunities with projects and collaborate on applications. Or assign a central liaison to communicate with departments during and after the grant application to disseminate financial and budgeting information.



They can also considering hiring someone to find and apply for grants. They can get volunteers to help write the grants. They can make each department head, such as the one not carrying tools in his car, to write their own grants with a bonus for any grants they bring in that will cut Village spending costs in that department.


http://americancityandcounty.com/admin/economic_dev/government_grantwinning_plans/

Bond Vote

Is anyone going to vote for the bond for the schools?

Here are the concerns this author has about education and bond funds and the current school district:

The School District has a larger budget than the Bosque Farms Village. The budget of the school district rivals Los Lunas's budget. They have a large budget.

And what do they do with that money? They have less to do with it than the Villages do. They don't have to hire police, they dont have to enforce zoning, they don't have to have building inspectors, hire fire fighters, pay for new fire trucks etc.

Basically they have to hire employees, buy some books, take care of some buildings and teach our kids. Granted it's not as simple as all that, but money wise it is pretty simple.

And what do we get for voting yes on a bond election?
If you notice the sign doesn't say - more teachers, new buildings, new books, or even a better education. The sign says we'll get better test scores. So tell me this: How will better test scores equate to a better education? A better opportunity for our children? It doesn't. Not really.

All better test scores mean is that kids have learned to take tests, or they had a good day that day or they were taught the information that was tested. But it doesn't mean they are smarter children, better able to hold a job, or any other important living life skill.

This author is voting No to the bond. This author hopes others do to.

Now, if the Village of Bosque Farms was asking for a bond election for a new fire truck, then ok. Or an full time with hired employees ambulance service, then maybe.

January 23. National Pie Day

January 23 is National Pie Day.

Now Pie Town New Mexico has it's own celebration each year. It might not be on this National Day but celebrate they do. And Pie Town Pie Days brings in people far and wide for a special day of fun.

Get that? Brings in people far and wide- outside money. People who don't live in Pie Town stop to celebrate with those that live there and they spend their money in Pie Town.

Of course, Bosque Farms has a small fair that is a lot of fun (Thanks Fair Board), but isn't it time we celebrate more things? Isn't it time we look to bring people who don't live in Bosque Farms to Bosque Farms for a special event?

This author thought Belen had it all wrong when they tore up the road and made this 'town center' but you know what? They did it right. There is a place- right on main street, lots of parking, right by the businesses (such as they are), lots of room to celebrate and you can even shut down the road without causing a lot of grief for commuters and maybe most important, people who live in town are not inundated by those who come to visit- They have a great place to throw a party.

Maybe Bosque Farms needs to do the same. Pick up an empty lot on the Blvd. Maybe even two? And then start throwing some bashes. Start inviting those who live out of town and invite some businesses that would benefit from this type of system to set up and reap the GRT.

Martin Luther King Day

Today is Martin Luther King Day. The mlkday.gov website has information about this history making man, and ideas for a day of service.



Dr. King sought to forge the common ground on which people from all walks of life could join together to address important community issues. Working alongside individuals of all ages, races and backgrounds, Dr. King encouraged Americans to come together to strengthen communities, alleviate poverty, and acknowledge dignity and respect for all human beings. On January 21st, 2008, Americans across the country will again honor King’s legacy of tolerance, peace, and equality by meeting community needs and making the holiday...



http://mlkday.gov/

A thought about Government

Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the
most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under
omnipotent moral busy-bodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes
sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those that torment us
for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the
approval of their own conscience.

--C.S. Lewis

Does Councilor Wallace...

Does Councilor Wallace Keep her Promises?

What do you think? Have you heard much about a horse path committee lately?



...— and this is part of what this community is about — the rural lifestyle," Wallace said. "Hopefully, this committee will act as a fact-finding body so we will be able to preserve what we do have left."... http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/48926-02-19-05.html


Have you seen any businesses Councilor Wallace has brought to the Village?


As a village councilor, I will work towards bringing businesses to Bosque Farms, while protecting our rural environment, and work on bringing unity to the village," Wallace said. ...


Wallace said she will work with seniors to address their needs, promote youth activities, support Bosque Farms' schools and promote community recreation with a swimming pool and additional playing fields, such as for baseball and soccer.

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/37873-02-07-04.html

Now while most long time readers will know the opinion of this author about a pool, do tell, have you seen any work towards a pool? towards soccer fields?

How about working with the seniors. Has anyone seen her even attend the senior lunch? Not this author. How about supporting the schools? This author isn't sure how a Councilor can do that but it was her promise, has she even stepped foot in the school since her children have been out of school?

Is Councilor Wallace thinking of running again? It seems the rumor mill thinks so. Only time will tell. However, this author is a bit concerned about that possibility. Who wants a Councilor that makes rash promises and doesn't keep them?

And You Thought...

Many of you probably shook your head and thought this author was crazy for suggesting a running from the tar barrels type tradition in Bosque Farms, but look at this:

Pay $20 to run down Fourth Avenue shoulder-to-antlers with a bunch of reindeer.

Forty people have already signed up to participate in the inaugural Running of the Reindeer, the northern version of Spain's famous Running of the Bulls.

The event is part of this year's Fur Rendezvous and happens Feb. 24, the first Sunday of the festival -- when dogs and reindeer will own downtown Anchorage.



http://www.adn.com/anchorage/story/253273.html



Yup. You heard it, a new tradition that is a fund raiser is going on in Anchorage, Alaska. And folks don't you think something like that can be done here?

Think about it- A new farmers market with the annual pushing the squash with your toes contest, a pea tossing contest, a muck in the mud race... The ideas are endless. It just takes a Councilor with some push and creativity and bravery to suggest some of these great ideas. Lets hope someone like that runs for Mayor and Councilor, next time.

Bosque Farms

Why not set a goal to be a new Yountville?



The Town of Yountville, renowned for its world-class restaurants and award winning chefs, has earned the unofficial title of 'Culinary Capital of the Napa Valley'. From French, Italian, Pacific Rim, Bistro and California Cuisine to down-home comfort food, an array of fine dining and unmatched ambiance are yours to discover in Yountville.



The Village could recruit new young and up and coming chefs to come and build wonderful new restaurants and start off a new tourist industry here in Bosque Farms.



Ok. Maybe not. But it seems there is something Bosque Farms has to offer and it could be ballooning? Take off from our park and glide over the Bosque. It could be bird watching? See the road runners as the catch lizards.



It seems the Council should be working with the chamber of commerce and the local businesses to see what Bosque Farms can offer and market- and it should not be used cars.



http://www.yountville.com/

A Thought

Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession.

I have come to realise that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.


Ronald Reagan

What Has this Council Done

In light of the fact that the Councilors and Mayor have been discussing their desire to run for office again, lets look at what they have done in the past few years. What will the Councilors and Mayor take credit for doing when they didn't do much at all?


Let's see, this author will predict:


They will take credit for...

Making the walk and bike path safer. They will take credit for that. Of course, as this author has pointed out, it was already safe and already pretty wonderful. But they can take credit for mucking up the Village with painted lines on the path.... lines that are fading and chipping and looking pretty ugly as this author writes this.

Building a maintance building that isn't built yet.

Finishing the fire and police station. They will do this despite the fact that they were barely elected (with the exception of Mayor Ake) when it was almost finished. If you can give them credit for something being finished while they were elected, they will take the credit for this.

Bringing in new businesses, being business friendly, getting the economic development approval. Of course, you can give them credit for the latter. Councilor Knowlton has picked his battles wisely and done the few things he can that were easy to do. Good for him. He deserves the credit for economic development committee. But business friendly? I think this blog has demonstrated that this is pretty much a wash from businesses in to businesses out.

Doing maintenance on the well tank. Of course, good for them. They did this, even though the process was started prior to them being elected, they did the large bulk of the work on this. Of course, the contract did go to Councilor Knowlton's brother. But it was honestly done. This author will point out that it is basic ongoing work that should be done and should not be considered a major event.

There are other predictions this author has about what this Council and Mayor will take credit for in an effort to get elected. This author will share more of these soon, prior to the actual candidates tooting their own horn. Then the readers of this blog can see if this blog predicted correctly; just for fun.

Promises Promises...

Does Councilor Wallace Keep Her Promises

The News- Bulliton sends out a set of questions for each person running to answer. Check out these questions and snippets of answers and see what you think.

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/38180-02-18-04.html


Bosque Farms has not had a permanent police chief since June. What type of individual is needed for that job?


I envision this individual bringing ... project-management skills for the purpose of completing a new fire and police station.

How did that work? He rehired Chief Stidham without putting out for new applications and now, less than two years later- Stidham is upset that the new police station doesn't have enough storage.

What needs to be done to complete the water and sewer systems in Bosque Farms?
"A solid plan exists to complete the wastewater collection system and construct a second clarifier at the village wastewater treatment plant. This plan needs continued support from the council in the areas of planning and funding.

Do we have a new clarifier? no.

Let's take the next question in parts


Do you think Bosque Farms should recruit businesses into the village and, if so, how? If not, why?
"Economic development within the village limits must not only consider recruiting businesses but must also consider retention of existing businesses.

See this author's previous posts. The businesses that have stayed are those that have been around for a long time or are franchise businesses. Many businesses have left while Councilor Knowlton was in office. What has hed one to attract new ones and keep old ones?

I propose foregoing seemingly attractive call centers and exploring agrarian supply businesses, such as a farmer's market.

This author has long been an advocate of a farmer's market. It might not bring in bunches of GRT but it certainly would be good for Bosque Farms. It would be good for the economy as people travel to visit these and it would be good for those of us who live here. Is there one up and running now? How long does it take to set one up? More than four years it seems.

Other businesses, such as a grocery store, hobby store, health spa and doctor's offices, would benefit our village residents and generate gross-receipts-tax revenue for Bosque Farms. I would also support medical and/or assisted living services."

Do we have any of these? Nope. Not even the oxygen delivery business that was considering coming down here is here.

The Election

Bosque Farms

Unopposed, Mayor Wayne Ake is seeking a second term.

Had this author realized that Mayor Ake would be running unopposed, this author would have decided to run for Mayor. Yup. The very truth.

Three candidates will run for two seats on the village council — incumbent Robert Knowlton, a hydrologist at Sandia Labs; Russell Walkup, a village planning and zoning commissioner who works at the University of New Mexico; and incumbent Dolly Wallace, a business owner.

Good Going Mr. Walkup. Thank you for running and making this not a shoe in for all of the current Councilors. What a shame that more of us who live in the Village didn't run.

In the municipal judgeship race in the village, three candidates will vie for the office now held by Richard Wilke, who announced several months ago he would not seek re-election.
Municipal judge candidates are Brad FitzGerald, who is semi-retired and now works as a part-time school bus driver; Terrence Griffin, a local business owner; and Bob Kavanaugh, a retired attorney and retired Navy captain who designs Web sites.


http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/76949-01-09-08.html

The man to vote for...

http://www.darrenwhiteforcongress.com/

He's got great hair, a nice smile, he has a dog named Trixie and he's running for Congress.

This author and this blog is supporting Darren White for Congress.

What a strong leader he is and what a great opportunity for us to elect someone new to Congress. He went to New Orleans when Katrina happened and demonstrated to everyone how he could swoop in and save a city and the residents left in that city. And now, he's sending helicoptors off to Colorado to look for lost people from New Mexico.

Wait! Maybe this author wants Darren White in the office of Sherrif so he can continue to send off helicoptors to save people lost in Colorado. (After all this author rides a motorcycle in Colorado all the time). Nah... because think- if he'll do that now, how much more will he do when he's in a higher position of authority.

What a great man.

It's been 66 years since Japanese fighter aircraft, dive-bombers and torpedo airplanes swept over Pearl Harbor in the early morning of Dec. 7, 1941, sinking five of eight battleships within two hours and leaving more than 2,400 Americans dead.

The attack came in two waves, and for 84-year-old James Rounding, the memory of the attack is still vivid in his mind

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/76884-01-05-08.html

Mr. Rounding has been a family friend for a while now. If you ever get to hear him speak about this time it is amazing. He is one lucky person to be alive even now. He has many fascinating stories to share.

Character Building

This author recently read an article about building character and marketing the character of an area towards those who would come visit that place.

This author has long thought that Bosque Farms has character and a uniqueness that can be built up to be something more than it is currently. Just has Belen is trying to become and bills itself as "Fiesta City", Bosque Farms could do the same.

While this is not the exact article this author read, it is similar and interesting and makes some good points.

“The business district didn't promote an image. People were only comfortable in their cars — there was no place else for them to go,” says Marcia Hirshmann, Hermitage planning director. (Of Hermitage,PA) Does that sound familiar?

“It is incremental and slow, but there is new development in the town center,” Hirshmann says. “The landscaping is coming together, and even those who didn't believe it was possible have responded positively to the changes.”

Bosque Farms has a lovely new building and a great parking lot that could be put to good use. A farmer's market, lighted poles for Christmas and other holidays, advertising for the Village Fair, and so on. This author isn't the expert but it seems more can be done with what is there than currently is being done. The Village office area could be a centerpiece of Bosque Farms life.



http://americancityandcounty.com/admin/economic_dev/government_building_character/

Voters in Bosque Farms will be electing four officials, including a mayor, two village councilors and a municipal judge.

Current Mayor Wayne Ake and Councilors Robert Knowlton and Dolly Wallace previously announced that they all would be seeking re-election to their seats. All three have held their seats for one term. Village councilors in Bosque Farms are elected at large, meaning the two top vote-getters will win the seats.

Municipal Judge Richard Wilke said he will not be seeking a second term in office.

This author hopes more than those currently listed will run for Council. The more the merrier. And maybe someone great will run. What about it?

This author might be willing to support a lady who has the same last name of one of the Councilors (but isn't related to her or so this author has heard). Or D.L. Again. Certainly someone who is strong minded with the initials R.L. could run and would do a bang up job. What about the very own commen tator (just joking) our own reader L.W. who has attended meetings in the past. She's helped others run, why not make a run herself?

Those who will be running for office in Bosque Farms, Peralta, Belen and Los Lunas are required to file declarations of candidacy on Tuesday, Jan. 8, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at each respective city or village administration building.

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/76885-01-05-08.html