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Thursday, April 24, 2008

Letters To the Editor



      Scornful Attitude Toward ‘Doers’
    I WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR COMMUNITY at large for the outpouring of support I have received after the Glen Felton/Wildlife West article and editors comments in the April 17 Telegraph. I do not understand the reasoning behind the hostility toward Roger Holden and myself, but I have a few thoughts I would like to share.
    When I was in undergraduate and graduate school at UNM I remember the culture of academics that sometimes prevailed. The more advanced the education level the more elitist the professors became. Even the language and writing of academics and academic industry are often a distinct and isolated flavor. When I sent my children to college, it wasn’t long before dad became “lame” and my children seemed to know almost everything! For some reason this sophisticated scientific cynical attitude continues to prevail in some of our elected officials here in Edgewood. There seems to be a condescending and sometimes elitist attitude toward certain staff, the public, and especially toward the “doers” in our community.
       There are many talented, intelligent, creative, wonderful “doers” in our community in spite of their nonacademic background. Many people I have talked to feel there is a secret agenda by an insider coalition to squash their progress and enthusiasm through scornful attitudes, delays and unnecessary bureaucratic red tape. The Mayor and Councilors are ambassadors and at large representatives for the whole community and must especially listen to, support, and respect all citizens with kindness and without a personal agenda!
       ROGER ALINK
       Edgewood
      
       Nature Park Is Misunderstood
    IT IS DISHEARTENING to see the low opinion some of our Edgewood leaders have of Wildlife West Nature Park and their misconceptions of the park’s objectives. First, there is the rescue mission of injured or unsocial animals that would otherwise submit the animal to death.
       Second is the desperately lacking summer employment of area youth. Third are the physical facilities lacking in this small community, including amphitheater and auditorium for cultural events, such as community theater and concerts.
       The people opposed to the park need to spend time at some of the many community events in the park. If they are jealous or suspicious of Mr. Alink’s dream it is because they weren’t here during the park’s early years and watched all the struggles Mr. Alink endured.
       Believe me, it is not a cash cow that is often built up in their imaginations. I’m sure Mr. Alink could’ve earned a lot more as a big city curator. Forcing Mr. Alink to sell this “gem” in the high desert is not the solution.
       RALPH HILL
       Edgewood
      
       Obama Sounds Like Faithful Wife
    (SEN. BARACK) OBAMA GAVE a marvelous speech about loyalty in response to his pastor’s hateful tirade against America. Upon reflection, his words sound like the words of a wife who says, “Yes, I know he beats the children, but I’ll remain loyal to my man.”
       PHYLLIS CHISHOLM
       Tijeras
      
       Houses Would Take Away Charm
    CAMPBELL RANCH PROPOSES TO BUILD 750 homes on the east side of N.M. 14 north of Frost Road. Do we want this?
       What will happen to the open wilderness that contributes to New Mexico’s “enchantment?” What happens to the wild horses that roam the area? The traffic on N.M. 14? The pollution and all that goes with it? Not to mention water — when will we run out of H2O?
       I think we should maintain that area as mostly open space — maybe 20 homes, maximum. Let’s keep New Mexico wild and beautiful.
       When ancient man used up the resources in an area, he moved on. No longer do we have that option.
       How can we stop this project?
       MARGE LAWSON
       Sandia Park
      
       Park Is a Family Friendly Treat
    BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION, I have lived in Edgewood on and off for 10 years, and three of my children are raising their families here.
       I am currently retired after twenty years of nonprofit administration and grant writing and management of grants and budgets. For a period of time about five years ago, I was associated with Wildlife West and its founder and Roger Alink, executive director. I am currently a member, frequent visitor and supporter of the park’s marvelous barbecues and concerts. It is surely the best Edgewood has to offer as far as healthy entertainment for families. If you haven’t attended, you have missed a treat!
       I am writing this letter after several thoughtful readings of an article titled “Town Councilor Questions Park Contributions” on the front page of the April 17 Mountain View Telegraph. After giving it some thought, the adage “no good deed will go unpunished” came to mind. It is also “good deeds,” plural, when discussing the park and its founder, Roger Alink. Let me list just a few.
       n From my experience and observation, Roger (and his wife) are available 24-7 to maintain the park and its inhabitants. From my experience, Roger is selfless about taking care of the needs of others (including the critters) before his own.
       n By now, I am sure Roger has provided employment for a hundred or so young people through the YCC program. I know something about YCC’s oversight and if their executive director respects Roger, you can be sure he is worthy of it! Roger’s wealth of talents and information is displayed in this wonderful park “built by kids.”
       n I have brought lots of visitors to the park over the years and it is only through the park that they know and are interested in Edgewood as a community.
       n The park is a wonderful example of the beauty of New Mexico’s high desert vegetation. It is a lovely space just to walk and meditate.
       Mr. Felton notes, “I don’t think that anybody is stealing money,” but I think that’s “too little, too late” as his comments and attitudes cast aspersions on a good and decent man and the project he has built through his caring and generosity.
       I’d like to close with “Thank you, Roger.”
       PATRICIA SIMMONS
       Edgewood
      
       Trip to D.C. Is A Rare Opportunity
    IN FEBRUARY 2006, I was nominated and chosen to visit Washington, D.C., through the National Youth Leadership Forum. While there, I visited many national monuments and museums and got to hear many accredited keynote speakers. Prior to that conference, I was blessed with many donations, making it the sole reason I was able to attend.
       This morning in the mail I received an invitation to the President and Vice President Inauguration (to be held in January) in Washington through the same program. This program’s title is “University presidential Inaugural Conference,” where I will be joining only students who attended the National Youth Leadership Forum in the past two years who are now university students. Only 360 spots are offered to students, so this is a tremendous opportunity. Unlike the last conference I attended, this is a five-day program.
       If I attend, I will bear witness to the swearing-in of the President of the United States, the inaugural parade and presidential motorcade on its way to the White House. I will attend a Black Tie Gala Inaugural Ball and take part in all the exclusive events and activities surrounding this historical occasion. In addition, I will have the opportunity to meet and interact with prominent VIP’s, White House officials, government leaders, political experts and congressional staff. Finally, personal tours of historic sites in and around the nation’s capitol, hear prominent keynote speakers like Lance Armstrong, Sandra Day O’Connor, Dr. Patch Adams, Janet Reno and Ralph Nader. Activities held by the conference will expand my understanding of the presidential election and the nation’s democratic principles.
       Obviously, availability for the Conference is extremely limited, therefore I have already signed up but I have a month to raise $3,450. As a college student, I thought a student loan was my only option, but I realized that the people in and around my community were ready and willing to help the last time a similar momentous occasion arose, and so I am asking for financial help. Anything and everything helps. If a financial contribution is not possible, then pray for my success.
       I am so excited for this program and cannot wait to start the preparations. Thank you in advance for whatever help you and your family can manage.
       ALEXIS J. HASSLEY
       Sandia Park
      
       Former Restaurant A Danger to All
    I AM WRITING IN REGARDS to the current condition of the property formally known as the Bella Vista Restaurant. It has gone from being a noted Cedar Crest destination to an imminent threat to the human health and environment of all residents of Cedar Crest and surrounding areas.
       This structure, once billed as the largest restaurant under one roof in New Mexico, is now an unsecured shelter for the homeless, a reputed drug haven, a threat to the safety of our children and a severe fire hazard to all residents.
       As a Cedar Crest business owner and resident, I want to take action on behalf of our community. I have started a petition to demand that our county commissioners take immediate action and require the owners to remove this hazard.
       I urge the public and other business owners to take on this petition drive. Petitions are available at Home Sweet Home Consignments at 12147 N.M. 14 in Cedar Crest.
       DIANE YANCEY
       Cedar Crest
   

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