Letters to the Editor

10.05.16

News, September 14: “Secede From Santa Fe!”

Let Us Go

Commissioner Henry Roybal's comments ... regarding the annexation effort by Santa Fe County residents living within the city of Española suggest that Rio Arriba's lawsuit filed against Santa Fe County "could jeopardize future collaboration between the two counties." … For years, Santa Fe County has collected property and gross receipts taxes from residents and businesses in Española without representation. In return, Santa Fe County has cut off minimal support funds to the City of Española. ... Santa Fe County has failed to make any major investments in their portion of the city, which is evidenced by businesses moving north into Rio Arriba County. [The Santa Fe County portion] of Riverside Drive, in the heart of Española, is in decay. … It's difficult to jeopardize collaborations when none have ever existed.

I know that Roybal has made no effort to contact our citizens group regarding our annexation petition. Seven hundred and twenty of his constituents want to secede from his district and he hasn't asked why, or what our concerns are. I, personally, am not surprised. Mr. Roybal was absent from the only meeting our group had with Santa Fe County officials. … On such an important issue concerning his district, Mr. Roybal did not bother to attend.

Ninety-five percent of Santa Fe County residents who signed the annexation petition didn't know the name of their District 4 Commissioner. … I personally have lived in Española since 2004 and have not seen or heard from Mr. Roybal or any of his predecessors. Does this feel or look like an inclusive government, one whose constituents trust will do right by them?

… All we want is for Santa Fe County to give our Santa Fe County residents living in Española the opportunity to be a part of the great city of Española, the heart of Rio Arriba County, which is our natural home, by approving our petition … and schedule the special election to let the citizens decide.

George Martinez
Española

Corrections

Signe Lindell is Santa Fe's mayor pro tem. In "The Other Mike" (Sept. 28), SFR incorrectly identified Peter Ives as the city's mayor pro tem. He formerly held the job.

Also, Mark Berndt provided the artist photo in "Photo Set" (Sept. 28). His name was misspelled. Additionally, Pilar Law is founder of Edition One Gallery, not co-founder.

SFR regrets the errors.

SFR will correct factual errors online and in print. Please let us know if we make a mistake, editor@sfreporter.com or 988-7530.

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Letters to the Editor

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