Setting the Record Straight
This letter will be the last response I make in reference to your reporting. In fact I have spent my last dollar buying your paper —I will no longer buy nor read your rag newspaper as it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see behind your intent — divide our city and county.
One only has to look at the source — owner of the paper is a multimillionaire Republican, Harvey Yates, from Southern New Mexico who has no ties to our community.
I would like to point out the many mistakes in your Editorial of January 25, 2024.
Barbara Romo not Barbara Romero of the 13th Judicial District which covers Cibola, Sandoval and Valencia Counties, was appointed Special Presecutor in the matter of the perjury indictment by a Special Grand Jury against me and Tomas Campos. I would think she knews the law better than your editorial staff, Mr. Yates and reporters at the Rio Grande Sun when she dismissed the charges as this is what she does for a living.
I have never met the woman and for you to chasstise her saying it was for political reasons is just wrong. Also, our distinguished Attorney General’s name Raúl Torrez not Raul Torres. Mr. Yates, your staff should check for correct information before printing.
What you should investigate is the motive behind Mr. DeVargas’ petition to empanel a Special Grand Jury to investiate North Central Solid Waste Authority. In fact, I signed his petition for the investigation.
In ending, I am very proud of my public record of service of over forty (40) years and will continue to proudly serve the citizens of our great Rio Arriba County regardless of your negative portrayal of me.
Respectfully submitted,
Alex M. Naranjo, Chairman
Rio Arriba County Commission
Española
Editor’s note: Harvey E. Yates, Jr. leads the El Rito Media investor group, owner of The Rio Grande Sun, but he does not direct news and opinion coverage. Our editorials are written locally.
Losing Fan Base
I recently attended a high school basketball game at the Española Valley High School campus. The gym is improving and is on its way to hopefully look really nice when renovations are done with the bleachers. But I was wondering what has happened to the nice half time routines?
Different elementary cheerleaders, dance, etc. used to be invited. What about the 50/50 raffle? That was fun & exciting. What about opening up gates at least after the games finished so traffic can get out instead of waiting forever. The whole gym just seems like it’s lacking something.
The games are lacking something to draw in the crowds. Part of attending basketball games in northern new Mexico is the fun in watching the sport. That concession stand — my goodness. You go to everyone else’s concession stand at other schools — they are fully stocked with good candy, snacks & drinks.
If Española can’t man the concession — contract it out to someone who can. I’m not sure who’s running things over there but it sure isn’t what it used to be a few years ago. I hope next basketball season — someone over there livens things up — your losing fan base and I’m not sure why but make it exciting for those hard working athletes & their fan support!
S. Martinez
Española
ERPO Law Can Save Lives
New Mexico’s extreme risk protection order law (ERPO) gives the court authority to issue an order that temporarily keeps firearms out of the hands of people who are experiencing a mental health crisis.
Currently, a person who poses a significant threat of harm to themselves or others is given 48 hours to relinquish their firearms. That is a completely unrealistic expectation. Other states with ERPO laws require immediate relinquishment and authorize a police officer to get a search warrant, day or night, if the person fails to turn over their firearms. Without these provisions, law enforcement is reluctant to use this law. HB 27, introduced by Representatives Chandler and Garratt, addresses the concerns of law enforcement, and streamlines the process. Their bill incorporates best practices from other states. Tell your legislators and the Governor that New Mexico needs HB 27.
Rev. Michael Brown
Santa Fe
‘Recurrence of the Same’
Recycling is a good practice when it comes to “solid waste” materials. They can be ground up and re-manufactured into something new.
However, recycling is not always beneficial. For instance, recycling politicians, from one political body to another. Or politicians who occupy multiple political positions simultaneously. They get voted into their offices by virtue of a small letter behind their name on the ballot. Or by name recognition.
Apathy is one reason why voters don’t take time to examine a candidate’s character. The other is the age old problem of “expecting a different or better outcome” from performing the same behavior the same way over and over again. (You should know what this is the definition of, without saying it).
This is what has created the “Recurrence of the Same” In Española, Rio Arriba County, State of New Mexico and, indeed our federal government.
The City of Espanola has deteriorated significantly over the past 17 years that I have lived here. We now have -zero- new car dealerships since the recent, unexplained, closure of Desert Sun Motors. Many crumbling buildings sitting on “valuable” property. Why does Espanola not have a major regional park for many activities for our youth? Drugs is their primary recreational activity and you wonder why? Many empty lots where homes could be built. The large parcel on Riverside Dr., next to “Pizza 9”. Why?! Who, in our city and county government bodies can offer answers?
Jon Petersen
Española