Feb. 25, 2008

Rio Rancho Journal

Think Before Casting Your Vote (Letter to the Editor)
By Mike and Genie Ryan For the Journal

COMMON SENSE: It's only about 10 days until the city election. We have no doubt the city of Rio Rancho will conduct a flawless election with enough voting places and enough ballots. They always do.
   
Not meaning to sound negative, but the biggest concern in Rio Rancho is whether the voters will make wise decisions; we can't say they always do.
   
The University of New Mexico is asking the citizens of Rio Rancho to approve a gross receipts tax increase to build a four year school out here in conjunction with Central New Mexico University.
   
As you may remember, we have voiced our doubts, not about the school coming here but about the tax increase. Our doubts aside, we do believe now that the community should support UNM. To begin with, we're only going to be taxed 25 cents for every $100. That's not a lot; we will probably hardly be aware of it.
   
And, for Rio Rancho to end up with both a community college and a four-year university right in our own backyard will be great. Who knows what it will ultimately look like, but at the very least having UNM and CNM work together to ensure that students at CNM will be well prepared to enter UNM would be a super result. Saving our students the driving time and frustration will also be good, and the coordination between two great institutions will only make them greater.
   
We also believe it will benefit Rio Rancho in other ways. It will be much more feasible for nontraditional students who live here to take classes. From high school students to senior citizens, even taking one class will be a lot easier without the drive and the parking problems at UNM.
   
In reality, the city will also benefit economically. People will move here for the university, people will spend money here, and a certain number of support businesses will be needed for the school. Sounds like a win-win situation.
   
We're going to vote for UNM. We believe the results Rio Rancho will see far outweigh the small increase in taxes.
   
Rio Rancho will also be electing a new mayor and half of its city councilors. We're not going to tell you who to vote for, but we do have some thoughts we'd like to share.
   
We feel very strongly that we don't want to continue with a city government that is not open to the community. We want elected officials who understand the value of the people and believe that closed doors should not be a part of government.
   
From what we've read, there have been a lot of candidates promising teamwork and assuring us they will listen to their constituents.
   
Although it's not easy, do your best to determine whether it's campaign rhetoric or honesty. Honesty and integrity are too important to be left to chance.
   
Vote for people who have proven their commitment to Rio Rancho in one way or another. Read everything you can find about the candidates and attend any forums where you can meet them.
   
The SAD 7 issue has dominated this campaign. It's not a bad thing because it's an important— and, to say the least, controversial— issue facing our community. But it's not the only issue. Voting for anyone based on a single issue is not a good idea. Listen to the candidates' stories; try to understand their philosophies of government. SAD 7 should only be one aspect of your decision.
   
As usual, the most important thing we can do is vote. If we want our elected officials to listen to us, then we better be involved enough to make our voices heard.
   
Common Sense appears each week in the Sunday Rio Rancho Journal. The authors, Mike and Genie Ryan can be contacted by e-mail at ryan@abqjournal.com.