Thumbs - Our high country lowdown on the news

THUMBS DOWN! THE MAYOR WAS RIGHT. It’s a difficult subject to broach, since Las Vegas councilor David Romero suffered the debilitating affects of a stroke, but Mayor Alfonso Ortiz was right to challenge him to explain his position against an application for a water project grant. Moreover, he was right to suggest that Ward 4 isn’t being represented, since Romero seems unwilling or incapable of expressing an independent viewpoint in council meetings these days.

Perhaps we could let it ride if Romero’s term was one of the two scheduled to expire in March, but if things continue as they are, he’ll be there “serving” his ward until March 2014. That’s too long to carry power without accountability.

THUMBS UP! STRETCHING OUR DOLLARS. The city of Las Vegas has been awarded $351,967 to begin addressing leaks at Peterson Dam. But it comes with a catch — the city must match the grant money with about $35,200 of its own money.  

It will come out of money that’s already there because of the gross receipts tax for water projects, which was approved by the voters about four years ago. Who among us thinks that’s a bad deal for the city and its taxpaying citizens?

THUMBS UP! WEST’S TRAINING. It’s good to see the West Las Vegas School Board being recognized as the only board among New Mexico’s 89 school districts in which all five board members have received more than 20 hours of training from the state school boards association.

That’s commendable dedication, especially since it’s training from a state association. Keeping such training in-state shouldn’t take too much money away from West’s classrooms.

THUMBS UP! WISE DECISION. The West Las Vegas School Board made a smart decision to renew Ruben Cordova’s contract as superintendent. After about 18 months on the job, he’s proven himself a good leader, and deserving of the two-year contract given to him.

THUMBS UP! SO FAR SO GOOD. After last summer’s drought, we sure could use a wet winter, and so far we’re getting it. We hope it continues for months to come.

Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to have a white Christmas this year? Here’s hoping.

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AND WE QUOTE

“Our relationship with the city has been positive as an organization. ... As individuals, people are frustrated over how the situation came about, but we can’t dwell on that.”

— Joe Zebrowski, president of the El Crestón Mutual Domestic Water Consumers’ Association, regarding efforts to bring water back into the Ojito Frios subdivision south of Las Vegas.