‘Band-aid’ put on money woes

By John Larson
mountainmailreporter@gmail.com

SOCORRO – The special legislative session ended Friday, Oct. 23, with several bills being passed in an attempt to find needed funds to help keep the state government running through the fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2010.
A total of nine bills were passed by both houses, including a budget bill which cuts more than $200 million in spending.
The budgetary shortfall this year is $650 million. Don Tripp, Socorro’s representative in the House, told the Mountain Mail “the best I can say is that we got through session.” “We put a band-aid on it to stop the hemorrhaging without hurting any agency or group,” Tripp said. “The impact is very minimal to any one group.”
One of the cuts was in education.
“The cuts in education was seven-tenths of one percent,” he said. “I think all school districts can move around in those parameters. We’ve given them leeway to use what they already have.”
Tripp said the largest concern was that cuts the legislature made were in non-recurring expenses, including current expenses, capital outlay, and “the rest in our savings accounts. Also we took next year’s capital that we anticipate getting in for next years budget.”
“This is all one-time money, which means we will be facing a 2010-2011 budget that is still out of balance in actual income versus expense,” he said. “We’ll be addressing all this more at length in January, and making more cuts in the governor’s unauthorized hires.”

‘Band-aid’ put on money woes

Girl, 9, begins recycling quest in La Joya

By John Severance
MountainMaileditor@yahoo.com

SOCORRO – Loretta Chavira is just nine years old but she stole the show at the Socorro County Commission meeting Tuesday at the County Annex Building.
Chavira wants to start a recycling program in the town of La Joya. First, she and her grandfather Marcel Abeyta addressed the La Joya association.
“They said it was a great idea,” Abeyta told the three commissioners in attendance – Rosie Tripp, Phillip Anaya and Dan Monette. “But they said they should go to the county to be heard.”
Loretta then addressed the commissioners, saying “I got the idea from watching television on the Disney Channel and I got interested in recycling.”
The commissioners were all ears but county manager Delilah Walsh said permit issues made it impossible for the county to set up a recycling program in the town.
But it wasn’t all bad news.
Walsh said the county can help by obtaining funds by applying for a Keep NewMexico Beautiful grant. And if the grant is awarded, the funds could be used to purchase recycling containers for the community.
Walsh directed Loretta to talk with Terry Tadano, the director of the Chamber of Commerce, and he had some ideas for how the recycling program could work.
When asked what he thought of Loretta’s presentation, Tadano said, “Excellent.
I have some ideas for her and I will be working with her. I just wish more young people would become involved in civic issues.”
Loretta, who was accompanied by her mother Mary, said she was happy with how the meeting went.
“I’ll do whatever it takes,” she said. “I will do whatever I need to do and if I can get it started, it will be really good. We’re just going to have to see what happens.”
Tripp was impressed.
“I am proud to see a child that young to show such initiative. I think she’s a future politician,” Tripp said.
In other business, the county:
Appointed Tommy Gonzales and Valentin Anaya as county representatives to the Mid-West NMCAP Grantee Board;
Approved agreement for County Road 91 Project and the construction will be done by La Calerita Contruction;
Approved MOU with City of Socorro: Veteran’s Park Project;
Approved Resolution 2009-72, which transferred ownership of the youth center to the city of Socorro;
Approved agreement for fixed assets system: RCI Approved Resolution 2009-70 which is the designation of precincts and polling places;
Approved an amendment to Detention Center SOP;
Approved a bid award for FY 2008-2009 Audit Services;
Approved its quarterly fiancé report, vendor checks and payroll payments.

Girl, 9, begins recycling quest in La Joya

Tri-county jail an alternative?

By John Larson
mountainmailreporter@gmail.com

MAGDALENA – Magdalena Municipal Judge Robert Serna wants Magdalena to have its own jail. Serna voiced his concerns to the Village Board at its meeting Monday night.
“I know it costs a lot of money, but we’re paying Socorro County $91 a day for our prisoners,” Serna said. “And it costs the village a lot in gas to drive them to Socorro.”
Trustee Jack Fairweather said he has reservations about any private business running such a jail.
“The private prison industry is a scam and I will never be in favor of bringing it in,” Fairweather said.
Mayor Jim Wolfe said building a jail for Magdalena would require federal or state grant money, and possibly capital outlay funding, which would not likely to happen soon in light if the state’s budgetary problems.
“But,” he said. “There may be an alternative coming up.”
He said he spoke with County Commissioner Rosie Tripp Saturday at the Village Hall open house ceremony.
“There is a possibility that the city of Socorro and the county will be talking of a new detention facility on the west side of Socorro,” Wolfe said.
Commissioner Tripp told the Mountain Mail Tuesday that a new detention center for the county is crucial, and that she plans on meeting with city and county officials to discuss its feasibility.
She said the idea is for a new tri-county detention center to house prisoners from Socorro, Catron, and Sierra counties.
“This is something we desperately need,” Tripp said. “I think that was thought about a number of years ago, but then it was to include Torrance County prisoners. It’s more realistic to combine the responsibilities with Sierra and Catron counties.”
She said the best location would be on city land near the National Guard Armory.
“I had a really good meeting with Mayor Bhasker about putting our resources together, Tripp said. “He said there is plenty of land out there.”
She said she would like the county to do some long range planning, “instead of going year-to-year-to-year trying to get things done.”
“I would be looking to the future for this project, doing it in a five to ten year plan,” Tripp said. “We could also consider, looking ahead, of putting the entire judicial complex out there, and possibly getting county administrative offices, such as the assessor, the county clerk, and county treasurer. All on one location.”

Tri-county jail an alternative?

Magdalena releases funds to replace vandalized street signs

By John Larson
mountainmailreporter@gmail.com

MAGDALENA – The Magdalena Village Board Monday night approved the expenditure of $1,500 to replace street signs that were vandalized.
“Vandals have gone around and torn down almost every new sign, even stop signs,” Mayor Jim Wolfe said. “These signs were required by the state’s E-911 program, and they need to be replaced.”
Marshal Larry Cearley said the signs were noticed missing two weeks ago. An investigation resulted the apprehension of three teenage girls.
“Two of the juvenile females have been charged with two felonies apiece in connection with the theft of 36 street signs, most of which were along First Street (Highway 60) in Magdalena,” Cearley said. “They have been turned over to the Juvenile Probation and Parole Office.”
He said it appeared that the vandalism was entirely an act of mischief.
The signs were discovered dumped on private property.
Clerk Rita Broaddus said the signs had been a welcome addition to Magdalena.
“Even many of the old timers here say they weren’t sure which was Spruce and which was Pine, and some said they used to get Oak and Elm mixed up,” she said. “Before the signs went up people would give directions by landmarks and ‘who used to live on whatever corner’.”
Joint Utilities Director Steve Bailey is now faced with the task of replacing the signs, which he and his crew originally installed in Oct. 2007.
“Of the 36 signs, some are a little bent but reusable, but most will have to be replaced due to the damage to them when they were removed,” Bailey said. “Most of the poles are still there. But there are a few stop signs that also need replacing – those which shared the same pole with street signs.”
The installation of the street signs was mandated by the state government and the E-911 program.
“The signs stolen were from First Street, and three streets in the Montoyaville area off Kelly Road,” Bailey said.
“The first step is to go back there and take a look at the signs, looking at which are good and which aren’t.” he said.
He said it may take up to six weeks to replace the signs, but that the $1,500 approved by the board may not be enough.
“It depends on how much the prices have gone up since 2007,” Bailey said.

Magdalena releases funds to replace vandalized street signs

Police Blotter

Information for the following items was provided by the Socorro Police Department office.

Sept. 19
A vehicle was pulled over at 1:57 a.m. for a traffic violation on California St. Signs of intoxication were noted on the driver, who failed field sobriety tests. He was advised of the New Mexico implied consent law, and booked and incarcerated. Intoxilyzer results showed a blood alcohol level of .09 and .08.
* A woman reported at 4 p.m. that when she was booked into jail she had $308.55, and when she was released she was given $208.55. She also said that someone had been using her bank card. Sheet copies were provided by her which stated she was booked with $308.55. She was advised to file a report with Albuquerque Police Department’s property sheet and booking.
* A complainant in the 900 block of California reported at 6:40 p.m. that he witnessed the suspect leave his store without paying for some candy bars. He detained the suspect, who admitted to the officer to shoplifting the candy bars, and then offered to pay for them. A citation was issued and the suspect was advised not to return to the store ever again.
* A person was picked up at 7 p.m. in the 700 block of California, highly intoxicated in full public view. He was placed under arrest for his safety and the safety of others.
* A woman in the 400 block of Bullock reported at 11:39 p.m. that someone had burglarized her residence and stole tools, assorted movies, a VCR/DVD player and prescription medication, all valued at about $500. There were no witnesses and no signs of a forced entry.
Sept. 20
A highly intoxicated man was found lying in the street at 2:25 a.m. in the Plaza area. An ambulance took him to Socorro General Hospital for medical clearance. After his release, he was arrested and booked. A small amount of marijuana was discovered in his possession during booking, and he was cited for that.
* A man in the 500 block of Park reported at 12:55 p.m. the rear tires on his vehicle had been slashed. He gave the name of a possible suspect, but requested nothing be done until he spoke with her. The two tires were valued at $80.
Sept. 21
A woman on Bullock reported at 3 p.m. that her vehicle was stolen at her residence. She signed a theft declaration for the car, valued at $15,450, and it was entered into NCIC. At 6:30 p.m. she called police back and said her car had been located in Corrales, and asked that it be removed from the NCIC.
* The manager of a trailer park reported at 10 p.m. that she had several complaints from neighbors about a loud party held at the suspect’s trailer, and that she had been threatened by the suspect herself. She stated she wanted the report filed and the incident documented.
Sept. 22
A woman in the 500 block of Manzanares reported at 11:20 a.m. that while she was out someone had kicked her front door open and removed a 42-inch flat screen TV, valued at $800, from her residence. No other items were missing.
* A San Antonio woman reported at 12:35 p.m. that her mother, who was under a court order not to make any contact with her, sent her a birthday card with money and a text message. She stated she was going to send the card and money back. The officer made contact with the mother and advised her to comply with the court order and not to send any letters or attempt to contact her.
* A man in the 900 block of Highway 85 reported at 5:30 p.m. that he witnessed a woman take food from his vehicle, and then leave in a four-door silver vehicle. He wrote down the license plate number and the officer ran a check on it. Information came back on the woman, who was not located at time of report.
* An officer was dispatched at 8:35 p.m. to the 500 block of Spring St. on the report of a possible drug overdose of prescription pills. Several items of drug paraphernalia and drug residue were found at the residence. The suspect was transported to Socorro General Hospital by ambulance.

Police Blotter

Obituary: Fidel Diaz

Fidel A. Diaz, 90, passed away Monday, October 26, 2009.
Fidel was born on March 15, 1919 in San Marcial, NM to Luis V. and Luz (Alderete) Diaz.
Fidel is survived by Daughter, Sylviana D'Ouville of Albuquerque, NM; Sisters, Amalia Chavez of Albuquerque, NM; Louisa Barreras and husband Benny of Socorro, NM; Marina Gallegos of Socorro, NM; Sally Fernandez of Socorro, NM; and Priscilla Torres and husband Max of Socorro, NM; Grandsons, Xavier D'Ouville; and Carols D'Ouville.
He is preceded in death by his Wife, Denise (Tolliver) Diaz ; Sister Rosela Diaz; and his Grandson, Ed D'Ouville; Brothers, Sam Diaz, and Joe L. Diaz; and Brother- In- Laws, Miguel Chavez; Tony Gallegos; and John Fernandez.
A Visitaton will be held at Steadman-Hall Funeral Home on Friday, October 30, from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. A Rosary will be recited on Friday, October 30, at 7:00 PM at San Miguel Catholic Church in Socorro, NM.
A Mass of Ressurection will be celebrated on Saturday, October 31, at 10:30 AM at San Miguel Catholic Church in Socorro, NM with Father Andy Pavlak as Celebrant. Burial will be held in the San Miguel Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Carlos D'Ouville, Sam Gallegos, Clarence Barreras, Alfredo Fernandez, David Torres, and Max Torres SR.
Honorary Pallbearers are Xavier D'Ouville and Felix Barreras. Arrangements are under the care of Steadman-Hall Funeral Home, 309 Garfield, Socorro, NM 87801. (575) 835-1530.

Obituary: Fidel Diaz

Ortiz garners state’s top honor

By Thom Guengerich
New Mexico Tech

Socorro’s Tony Ortiz was selected to receive one of the state’s most prestigious civil service awards – the 2009 Governor’s Distinguished Public Service Award.
Ortiz, a New Mexico Tech staff member, is being recognized for his efforts to expand and improve the state Science Fair and state Science Olympiad. Since taking over as state director of the program in 2002, Ortiz has significantly increased participation among high school students across the state.
“I was shocked and surprised to hear I had won,” Ortiz said. “I’m very appreciative for the recognition. This is huge. Now, I feel challenged to do even more so that I’m truly deserving.”
Tech president Dr. Daniel H. Lopez said Ortiz is an exemplary choice for the state’s highest civil service award.
“Tony Ortiz is a tireless champion of education in New Mexico,” Lopez said. “His office is directly responsible for opening the world of science, engineering and technology to thousands of youngsters in the state. At a time when the United States is lagging behind the rest of the world in these areas, it’s vital that we have leaders like Tony to serve as leaders and mentors.”
New Mexico Tech has played host to both the state Science Fair and state Science Olympiad events for many decades. By virtue of his tireless leadership, recruiting and promotional efforts, the two high school science programs have exploded in participation. Both programs offer more than $100,000 in scholarships to deserving high school students.
Ortiz was also instrumental in bringing the International Science and Engineering Fair to Albuquerque in 2007, an event that attracted more than 8,000 participants and visitors to New Mexico and gave the state unique visibility and recognition. Lopez said Ortiz volunteered to co-chair the committee that organized the International fair, helping to raise money and generate publicity for the event. Lopez said Ortiz’ efforts on the International Science and Engineering Fair certainly played a large factor in the award.

Ortiz garners state’s top honor

LETTER: Welcome back

To the editor:
What a treat to have the Mountain Mail back! I am happy to have it on sale again! When news hit that his intrepid small-town newspaper was ceasing publication, everyone I know of was in a little bit of luqubrious shock. Readers of the Mountain Mail should thank the Jaramillos and everyone else involved in saving this fine newspaper.
Welcome John Severance, the editor in chief! I know you will enjoy working for the Mountain Mail, as it is a highly spirited paper where we the citizens of Socorro (and surrounding areas) speak our minds frankly and often passionatly.
Cheers as well for Eddie Padilla for not only training young boxers, but also for being such a friendly gentleman whenever one enters Walmart. Some folks are as warm and bright as the morning sun, Mr. Padilla, is one of those kind of people.
My mom and Eddie are childhood friends. I am happy to know him too as Eddie is a classic car buff!
Car people rule!
Keep up the great work, Eddie! Many people love you. I urge all Mountain Mail readers to subscribe today!
Sincerely,
Vivian McAlexander
Socorro

LETTER: Welcome back

LETTER: Proud SEC Trustee

To the editor:
I want to begin this letter by thanking all the SEC members for electing me to represent them on the SEC Board of Trustees. I served on the Board over 25 years, because you elected me to the position.
I am proud of our accomplishments throughout the years that I served you. I gained valuable experience, I've met many people and have countless number of friends on the state, regional, and national level. I have many good memories and some sad memories but all in all, I am proud of what the SEC has become while I was on the Board.
Contrary to what Mr. Cole of the Albuquerque Journal stated in his recent article, I have congratulated all the newly elected trustees. He called the three of us that lost "disgrunted" trustees,
I wonder where he got that information. He never contacted me to ask me how I felt. If you want to talk about disgruntled, how about me pointing out both Charlene West and Richard Epstein ran for the Board and got soundly defeated by our President, Paul Bustamante.
Even Ms. Albrecht's husband "Bear" ran for the Board against Dave Wade. I would venture to bet that all three did not receive 50 votes altogether, yet all three have made their voices and opinions known by writing numerous letters and columns in both of the local newspapers, where they were always interviewed and quoted by the columnists.
How many times did these columnists contact the SEC Board members to ask them about our opinions? Was it because the newspapers didn't want to find out the facts so they could sell more newspapers by printing their biased news articles and opinions?
I want to wish the three new trustees all the luck and best wishes as they start their terms on the SEC Board. Believe me, they will need it. We have to endure over two years of hearing Charley Wagner shove the bylaws and Robert's Rules of Order down our throats. We have had to hear him insult us, we've had to listen to him throw tantrums.
We've had to remind him constantly that he voted on motions that he swore he voted against. He even wanted the Board to forgive his admitted oversight during the 2008 District V Meeting and allow the resolutions passed at that meeting to be introduced to the members at the 2009 Annual Meeting.
He admitted that the bylaws weren't followed at that meeting but later denied it. He wanted us to override the bylaws, which he had been telling us we never followed, and tried to intimidate us into forgiving his mistake. If he would have actually read the bylaws, he would have realized that he had made a BIG mistake.
He stole the Board's dignity, he killed our spirit and he destroyed the very principles the SEC and Co-ops around the nation abide by.
To you "followers" who didn't know where the Finley Gym was, I challenge you to find out the truth about Mr. Wagner's untruths and lack of real knowledge about our Co-op. I wonder if you can handle the truth. Beware of the wolf in sheep's clothing.
Proud SEC Trustee,
Juan Gonzales
Socorro

LETTER: Proud SEC Trustee

Magdalena Marshal's Blotter

Information for the following items was provided by the Magdalena Marshal’s office.

Oct. 10
An officer stopped a vehicle on school property at 11:30 a.m. A male passenger was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell. The under age female driver was also charged with the same crimes, and the report was turned over to Juvenile Probation and Parole.
* An officer was called at 2:06 p.m. to a residence at Fifth St. and Kelly Road on the report of battery on a household member. An information report was taken and turned over to the District Attorney’s office.
*A report was taken at 4:30 p.m. of possible child abuse on South Duggins. The case was turned over to CYFD.
Oct. 14
An officer spotted a woman at 5:31 p.m., he knew was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant from Municipal Court, in a vehicle on First Street. She was arrested and immediately taken to court.
Oct. 15
An officer recovered 36 signs which had been stolen from Magdalena, the state highway department, and a private citizen. Three underage girls were taken into custody and turned over to Juvenile Probation and Parole, where they face felony theft charges and tampering with evidence.
Oct. 16
An officer responded at 4:20 p.m. to the bridge on Highway 169 where a man and woman were found highly intoxicated. Both were taken to the Socorro County Detention Center and charged with public nuisance.
* An officer pulled or a vehicle that almost hit him on Highway 60 at 11:20 p.m. The driver was arrested for DWI and blew a .14 blood alcohol content level. The driver was also charged for not driving within the roadway lane.
Oct. 17
An intoxicated subject was stopped at mile marker 112 on Highway 60 at 11:45 p.m. and was arrested on an outstanding warrant from Socorro Magistrate Court.
Oct. 18
An officer was called at 4 p.m. to pick up an intoxicated male on First Street. He was arrested and charged with public nuisance.
Oct. 21
A woman reported at 5 p.m. that she was being stalked and harassed. The male in question was charged with stalking, harassment, and violation of a domestic order.
Oct. 22
An officer answered a call at 2:30 a.m. from the 100 block of First Street on a report of domestic violence where a woman had been beaten, and the windows of her car broken out. The male suspect left the scene and an arrest warrant on him for two felonies was issued.
* An officer was dispatched at 9 a.m. to Magdalena Schools where four boys were questioned on possession of marijuana, possession of tobacco, and having a knife at school. Three of the four were turned over to Juvenile Probation and Parole for prosecution.
Oct. 23
A woman reported at 10 a.m. that she had her license plate stolen from her utility trailer.

Oct. 24
An intoxicated male subject was picked up at 4 p.m. on Highway 60 and arrested on an outstanding bench warrant from Socorro Magistrate Court.
* An officer picked up a man and woman in front of a business on First Street at 7 p.m. on warrants. She had three outstanding warrants, and he had one outstanding warrant from Socorro Magistrate Court. Both were taken to the Socorro County Detention Center.
Oct. 25
A highly intoxicated man was found at 4:30 p.m. on Highway 169 at the bridge. He was wanted on an outstanding warrant from Socorro Magistrate Court. He was transported to the detention center.
* At a driver’s license checkpoint a man was stopped at 4:34 p.m. and arrested for DWI. The subject blew a .21 BAC.

Magdalena Marshal's Blotter