MY NAME WAS USED in your Jan. 28 edition under the "Propane Consumer Legislation In Works" reported by Lee Ross. I would like to briefly respond to the article after having 26 years experience in the propane industry and owning and operating two of my own propane companies in New Mexico and other states. I do not want to speak on behalf of Cortez Gas in Moriarty because I am consulting with the firm and not a permanent employee.

In regards to my comments on "Charitable Organizations," I referred to government programs such as LIHEAP that uses tax payer funds to assist those in need. There's not a problem with helping anybody in need but when you have a government program that takes taxpayer money and hands it out like candy to the same address under many different names that apply is wrong. The abuse of the funds is neither controlled or managed well under another government run program. Private and free enterprise would do a better job.

In regard to State Rep. Kathy McCoy, R-Sandia Knolls, comments on "free markets" and "if you are renting a propane tank from one company, you are pretty much tied to them" is appalling and really goes to show how ignorant some government officials are. I am speaking as an individual and a former business owner in New Mexico. If I am renting a propane tank, car or a home, there are laws and regulations already in place to protect consumers and businesses now. There are certain liabilities in place that must be adhered to when renting equipment, especially one with fuel in it. Research how long the propane industry has tried to get the legislators to pass a "limited liability Law" in New Mexico but trial lawyers and politicians in high places have put a stop to it! Other states have passed them! If Ms. McCoy has a rented propane tank from abc propane company today and wanted to change tomorrow to xyz company, it only takes a phone call regardless if she owes any money, used all the gas, failed to give abc company a written notice. That is FREE and FREEDOM of choice by a phone call. Try that with PNM or the Natural Gas Company of NM and see what they tell you.

Where were the legislators when China purchased all the rolled steel several years ago and the price of propane tanks doubled? Where were they when crude oil jumped to record levels and the refineries halted credit terms and all purchases are due in 10 days, automatic bank drafts, no exceptions! Where is my guaranteed territories, guaranteed government loans, guaranteed profit like a public utility?

Where was my protections when a consumer wrote a bad check and used up all the fuel? Small claims court? They don't guarantee payments and the District Attorney won't prosecute a check with no driver's license number. You can't get a driver's license number when the check comes in the mail! Try running a business first, then run for office.

If the Public Regulation Commission and government elected officials want to regulate private and free enterprise companies, then they should do it for all industries. That's my opinion!

DANNY STRODE

Moriarty

Moriarty Plans Business Forum

THE CITY OF MORIARTY, in collaboration with the Moriarty Chamber of Commerce, is planning a "Regional Small Business Forum" on the afternoon of Feb. 25 at the Moriarty Civic Center.

The purpose for this business forum is to bring informational resources to small businesses in the Estancia Valley region. This was triggered primarily by an economic forecast that paints a rather grim picture with the current recession and possible depression outlook for the next several years. And, the fact that there are several bills before state Legislature that will have an effect on business geared to raise taxes to plug the state's general fund deficit.

The city of Moriarty, Torrance County and the towns of Estancia and Edgewood, value the significance and roles of small businesses in our local communities and local government economies. We welcome the opportunity to bring the valuable resources and information to you and our local chambers of commerce that could help through these rough times.

For starters, last week we received commitment from the New Mexico Municipal League, the Department of Workforce Solutions' Economic Research & Analysis Division; the Central New Mexico Workforce Connection; the Veterans Employment Services; and the Small Business Administration.

We'll send out updates as more information becomes available

MAYOR ADAN M. ENCINIAS

Moriarty

Public Support Brought in Clothes

THE EDGEWOOD CIVITAN CLUB would like to thank the community for all its support collecting clothing for our clothing exchange, collecting warm clothing for the needy.

We had planned to have clothing available to anyone in need at the Road Runner Mobile Food Pantry on Jan. 28, but as we all know over a foot of snow canceled that event. We have enough clothing to be at the food bank for the remaining winter months. We would also like to thank the Edgewood Chamber of Commerce, Rich Ford and the Valley View Church for having collection boxes set out for us. Thanks also to the people that included our event on their blogs.

If you know anyone who is in desperate need of warm clothing, I can make arrangements to get some clothing to them. I can be reached at 286-4863.

JUDY MILHOLLAND

Edgewood

Mayor Endorses Councilor Felton

IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE to endorse Glenn Felton for re-election as a town councilor of Edgewood. Glenn's knowledge, skills and experience in his position as division manager in the UNM School of Medicine have made him a valuable asset as a town councilor. This is particularly evident in the areas of planning, budgeting, program management, grant applications and personnel management. Even though he still works for a living, he has always found the time to thoroughly prepare for council meetings, serve on committees and is always prepared for intelligent discussion. Here are a couple of examples of the difference he has made:

Glenn cast his vote to negotiate a lease for the new library location when it was opposed by the other two candidates. Without Glenn's vote the library would still be in a drafty little house by Alta Mae's, or it might have ceased altogether.

Glenn pushed hard to hire a police chief to start the police department while the other two candidates opposed it. Starting the department has allowed our businessmen to discontinue their patrols to prevent burglary, thus removing them from the long hours and dangers of patrolling.

Glenn was the only councilor who spoke up vigorously to defend the property rights of our citizens in the Vista Cerritos and Los Cerritos subdivisions in 2008. The other two candidates for council were seemingly unconcerned about the effort to force a road through the neighborhood across existing residential lots. This effort was ultimately determined to have been in violation of both town ordinances and subdivision covenants. With Glenn's help, that effort was stopped.

Glenn readily saw the wisdom of moving the planned animal shelter and road maintenance yard (public works) to the periphery of our future town center. We were able to obtain ownership of new parcels of land and we reconfigured those facilities in a way that was a better fit with our budget. The council has also developed a bond issue to take to the voters to fund these projects. Glenn insisted that we not impose property taxes without a vote of the people. These are major new developments in the planning for the future of our town.

I have enjoyed the years I have worked with Glenn and have especially appreciated his service as Mayor Pro Tem when I have been absent. I trust that the voters of Edgewood will share my confidence in him and re-elect Glenn Felton to town council.

MAYOR ROBERT STEARLEY

Edgewood