Forgotten Pioneer New Mexicans

My wife Bobbi spotted a rather big factual mistake in an article by Roberto Suro in the June 26th edition of the Washington Post. The story was about the power of Latino voters in America. In the Article Suro said,

"True, Latinos have made gains in elected positions, but the advances have been relatively modest. The first two Hispanic U.S. senators were elected last year, and the number of Hispanics in the House edged up to 27."

The problem with this statement is that New Mexico long ago elected two Hispanic Senators. Any one who has been around in the "Land of Enchantment" for any amount of time in recent history knows that we had the services of Senator Dennis Chavez for four terms and Senator Joseph Montoya for two terms. Bobbi moved here in 1973 and she knew it!

This is Architect Chris Calott on the left and entrepreneur and businessman Jay Rembe of Infill Solutions Inc. outside of the Flying Star in downtown Albuquerque. They are doing some beautiful infill developments in downtown, including the old gas company building where the Flying Star is located at 8th and Silver. Across the street you can see reflected in the windows the first phase of their loft development which will eventually cover the whole block on both sides of Silver Ave. They are building for those seeking urban living at central locations that require only a walk to work, entertainment and services. It is exactly what we should be doing in this community.

The City Council and the Mayor have been sparring over the Capital Improvement Program and where millions of dollars should be spent. They Mayor wants a big Panda exhibit and the Zoo and the Council insisted that money be set aside for more basic needs. As this has been unfolding an article appeared about the horrible sewer stench in the area of Coors and Central. I remember this was a growing problem back when I was Mayor and I thought it would have been fixed by now. The city is spending $1000 a day to treat the problem. The stench is caused by an obsolete and overworked main sewer line. The residents in that area have suffered a long time and it is probably time to put in a new line. It will be expensive but it should be done. After all, brand new lines are being built out to the new areas in far northwestern section of the city to serve people who don't live there yet.