Opinion
Let Us Let Go of Restaurant

Folks Around Here Ready To Help Out

Co-op CEO Challenges Editorial

Letters To the Editor

Letters To the Editor

Editorial: Electric Co-Op Kidding Itself

Guest View: Loving Nation Means Those in It

Fire Response Shows Spirit

Discuss Drinking Before the Prom

Letters To the Editor

More
Opinion

HOME	CLASSIFIEDS	OBITUARIES	SPORTS	OPINION

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Letters To the Editor



      Let City Council Hear Your Voice
       CITIZENS OF EDGEWOOD — people in the Edgewood community, if you want to continue with the events we've had in the past through our Parks and Recreation Department, you need to step up and let the mayor and all the council members know why this is important to you and your family and friends.
       If you really care about Parks and Recreation in Edgewood, Wildlife West events — bluegrass festivals, other music events, COW Awards (volunteer recognition), the melodrama for kids, the Wind Festival, the Star Party, riding and walking trails, soccer fields, and our town's three-day birthday celebration Run, Rally and Rock, then contact your town leaders and give your view. All the councilors need to hear from YOU to be able to represent YOU when decisions are being made about the future of our TOWN.
       The budget hearing is on Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the community center. This is open to the public. If you are really interested, call Mayor Stearley and ask him if he could give an approximate time the topic of the Parks and Recreation Department would be discussed. I hope you'll seriously consider coming — it's a once-a-year meeting that could make a big impact on the future of our parks and recreation programs in Edgewood. YOUR VOICE NEEDS TO BE HEARD!
       The town phone number is 286-4518 and the town Web site is www.edgewoodnm.gov. E-mail council members at info@edgewoodnm.gov.>       Thank you.
       SUE WEST
       Edgewood
      
       If You Give Park A Try, You'll Like It
       IT WAS WITH GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT and no small amount of amazement that I read the comments attributed to Edgewood Town Councilor Glenn Felton in the April 17 edition of the Telegraph regarding events held at Wildlife West Nature Park. The funding to which Mr. Felton refers in his statements represents the Town's contribution toward several events that are sponsored cooperatively by Wildlife West, the Town of Edgewood, and local organizations that come together to provide the community with entertainment, education and interaction. The events I have attended have been both well conducted and well attended, and I consider them a substantial asset to the community.
       One aspect of Mr. Felton's comments that I find disturbing is the apparent opinion that the park should receive no financial benefit from events to which the town makes a contribution, especially when that contribution does not fully fund the event. The park is operated by the New Mexico Wildlife Association, a 501(c)(3) organization, and relies on such revenue streams to help fund the events and other programs that it offers the community. The implication that holding pie auctions and collecting fees from vendors at these events is somehow improper defies belief, and describing these activities as “commingling of funds” suggests an incomplete understanding of that term on Mr. Felton's part. The use of such language clearly implies improper or even potentially criminal behavior on the part of the park, and if Mr. Alink did consult with an attorney as a result of that remark, he was wise to do so.
       It also seems inappropriate to suggest that reporting is somehow inadequate if it is, in fact, in conformance with the MOU. If, as stated, Mr. Felton has been working on this issue for 2½ years, then it is unclear why the Memoranda of Understanding for these events do not meet his approval, especially if they are prepared by the town.
       I was not at the council meeting at which Mr. Holden apparently made comments which Mr. Felton found irritating. It does not seem inappropriate to make mention of the considerable effort made by the park to prepare for these events, especially in the context of a discussion on the merits of those events. Mr. Holden has substantial knowledge of the scope of such efforts that comes not only from his tenure as Parks and Recreation director, but from his long history of community service associated with parks, recreation and trail development, so he would appear qualified to speak on the subject.
       I was, however, present at Wildlife West's presentation following one of last year's music festivals, and found myself confused by what I thought was rather hostile demeanor on Mr. Felton's part toward the park's representatives. If I recall correctly, Mr. Felton remarked at that time that he did not attend the festivals because “bluegrass wasn't his thing.” I have come to know quite a bit about Wildlife West since taking over their Web site (www.wildlifewest.org) in 2006, and every new thing I learn about the park makes me feel better about my association with it. This seems to be a common theme with people who learn more about the park and take advantage of its offerings. Perhaps now that a broader range of acoustic music styles will be represented at this year's August music festival, Mr. Felton will be more willing to give it a try — and perhaps a greater understanding of what the park has to offer, and what goes into making it work, will soften his attitude toward the park. Mr. Felton is an intelligent man, and I'm willing to bet the price of a ticket that he will come away feeling differently.
       JOHN WECKERLE
       Edgewood