Letters to the Editor
Taking exception to letter to editor
Editor:
In response to Mr. Kimball’s letter in El Defensor Chieftain’s Jan. 14 issue, “North end feels unwanted, too.” I take a strong exception to his negative comments about Commissioner Griego’s lack of attention to the people in district 2.
We have only lived in Veguita for six years, as opposed to Mr. Kimball’s 19. During that relatively brief period, Commissioner Griego has arranged for and chaired many meetings at the Northern Socorro County Senior Center and has addressed many of the items facing our end of the county. These issues have ranged from law enforcement to litter removal. His efforts have resulted in an additional deputy sheriff, a nuisance abatement ordnance, road repairs, and several other items, including a program to clean up the tire dumps in the entire county.
I would like to suggest that Mr. Kimball attend these meetings and offer his input and what he would like to see accomplished in northern Socorro County rather than write complaining letters. Has Mr. Kimball ever made an effort to set up a meeting with Commissioner Griego?
By the way, if Mr. Kimball had attended the meetings that Commissioner Griego arranged, he would know that the issues of the roads in Rio Grande Estates and Tierra Grande have been addressed many times.
Perhaps if Mr. Kimball is so unhappy with the performance of Commissioner Griego he should step up to the plate and run for District 2 commissioner.
Steve Randall
Veguita
More support for commissioner
Editor:
I have lived in Veguita since 1971 and wasn’t a boy when we moved here, but this is my first ever letter to the editor.
After reading the Jan. 14, 2012 edition of El Defensor Chieftain that included a grumpy letter from my neighbor, Tom Kimball, I wanted to disagree with him and give a round of personal applause to my county commissioner, R.J. Griego.
After retiring and moving back to his roots in Socorro County, R.J. felt the nudge (I think from the Lord) to serve his fellow man and Socorro County by running for the seat on the board of county commissioners, realizing even before being elected that it would be a time demanding and often thankless job.
As a friend, I’m aware of the time he spends just talking to people and working for them — locally and in Alamo too.
In addition, I believe our county road superintendent deserves a vote of confidence, too.
David Handley
Veguita
Saddle up and ride for St. Jude’s
Editor:
Senaida Romero, who is 10 years old, is doing a community service project through 4-H by organizing a trail ride to help the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The New Mexico State 4-H Office offers Community Service Scholarships to 4-H members who organize a worthy community service project once a year.
Last year her sister organized the first of hopefully many more that will continue, Saddle Up for St. Jude Trail Ride. Since you can only do the community service project once, she hopes that someone else will take it over next year. Senaida feels as strongly as her sister that this is definitely a great way to give back to someone a little less fortunate than yourself. This volunteer-based horseback trail-riding event is an excellent way to do just that.
Senaida, along with many others, feels that every child saved at St. Jude means children saved around the world. Through events like Saddle Up for St. Jude, the community of Socorro can support the St. Jude mission of finding cures and saving children everywhere. A couple of businesses, friends and family have already started donating to this great charity event.
This year, Claudia Gallardo de Campbell, Instructional Coordinator of New Mexico State Monuments in Santa Fe is working together with Senaida. El Camino Real Heritage Center, south of Socorro, is collaborating with her to make this event an even brighter and bigger one. The center will provide special speakers to talk about the historical monument on that day of our event, Saturday, March 3, for all those who don’t have a horse but would like to partake in the cause. For that day only, the center will also waive all admission costs in hopes that more contributions will be given to St. Jude.
Christina Romero
San Antonio, NM