MAYOR'S REPORT
November 2003
"Politicians are interested in people. Not that this is always a
virtue. Fleas are interested in dogs." - P. J. O'Rourke
Politics is the only profession, short of a babysitter, (I hesitate
lumping babysitters and politicians together as I have respect for
babysitters) requiring no previous preparation, past training,
schooling, certifications, etc. and has no governing board to determine
one's fitness to perform the job. However, I understand that unlike
politicians, babysitting does require a level of skill and concern for
one's charge.
On October 30th the Lincoln County News under the lead headline "LCSWA
Wants Action From DA "' reported, "LCSWA alleged Simpson while serving
as LCSWA manager had not properly documented travel and per them for
which he was monetarily compensated The allegations were sent to DA
Key, but nothing has been done since, and now the statute of
limitations of two years is approaching." In the article Leo Martinez
says the board at LCSWA "on the spot accepted Simpson's repayment and
forgiveness" He goes on to say, "The authority board, with Sederwall on
it, was ready to do that." Leo needs to find someone to read the
minutes of past meetings to him to refresh his less than accurate
memory. I was not a member of the board when this issue was decided.
The only time per them has ever been discussed in my presence is when I
asked who checked the mileage Ms. Ingle was claiming and Mr. Coleman
stated he did. I pointed out that the odometer on Ms Ingle's truck
shows less miles then she has claimed and been paid for in her per them
reports. Her claims could not be true. This allegation was swept under
the rug without an investigation or further discussion. This issue was
later resolved, with Leo and the boys deciding she would not have to
claim per them on written reports any longer and they would still pay
her an additional $750 a month.
If Mr. Martinez wishes to be a flea on this dog and attack Mr. Simpson
he can do it without attaching my name to his political pursuit. Mr.
Martinez, for the sake of consistency, please hold the current
operational supervisor to the same standard as the previous.
For the November agenda I'll ask the Capitan board of Trustee's to
enact an ordinance whereby term limits for the Mayor and Trustees will
be limited to two terms. Nearly everywhere but Capitan the need for
term limits seems to be the law. Our President, right down to our
county commissioners are limited to two terms. I believe the Mayor and
Trustee's should only be able to serve two terms and then must lay out
for four years before being allowed to run again. When a politician
stays in one office too long he/she learns to work the system. It
becomes too easy to learn to manipulate the system in one's favor. It
will be interesting who on the counsel will vote for this proposal and
who will vote against it. I will report the vote in the "Mayor's
Report".
Kathryn Griffin, our Village clerk, has resigned to pursue her degree,
Kathryn, if I failed to express to you how much I trusted and depended
on you during our time together, I want to do so now. You are a woman
of integrity who never gave me pause for concern. I know, I know, it's
just like a man not to express how he feels until after they leave you.
You can't look around you without constant reminders that the holiday
season is upon us. We are a village of diverse beliefs and opinions.
The one thing I believe that we can all agree on is that for the most
part, most of us have affection for our home town. As we head into the
holidays, I would like to have direction for our collective sense of
generosity and community. Last year I really wanted to do something for
someone in need. 1, like many of you, lacked direction, and ended up
doing nothing. I am still haunted by the death several years ago of the
elderly woman who was alone and whose body was not discovered for
several days. We have neighbors who are alone. We have families who are
struggling. Whether you celebrate the holidays spiritually, secularly,
or not at all, we can band together and provide ourselves and those in
need with a sense of belonging and community. I have already made
numerous phone calls and every response has been the same. Pastors,
civic leaders, citizens have all said, they have felt the same
stirring. I know that this time of year is busy and it's hard to think
of putting one more thing on our calendar but when it is all said and
done, when the gifts are opened, the paper and ribbon cleaned up, and
the Christmas dinner dishes are done, we will have a deeper sense of
satisfaction that we have shared our blessings, and yes Virginia ....
there is a Santa Clause
We would like to make up boxes to be delivered in time for Christmas
and fill a need in our community. For those who are shut in and alone,
we would like volunteers to invite them to join them, or take a small
portion of their Christmas dinner and deliver it with a warm smile and
some holiday cheer. Those of you who are interested can contact your
church, the library, Rio-Ruidoso Realty, the Chamber of Commerce or
fill out the bottom portion of this page and return it with your water
bill and someone will call you back. Let's make a difference this year.
Charity is twice blessed - it blesses the one who gives and the one who
receives
Your
name
phone number
___yes, I can volunteer my time. ___yes, I can provide a Christmas
dinner. ___yes, I know someone in need. Contributions can be made
through a local church.
Name of
recipient
phone # or address
# of people in residence
