Letter to the editor

Message from Former County Manager

Dear Editor,

We all have chapters that end with some people in life. I take pride in knowing the best parts of my book are still being written. My wish is that the County doesn’t revert to their same script. Socorro County deserves a rich and prosperous future. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

I take solace in knowing that any attempt to impugn my integrity, honesty and dedication will be merely pretextual as there aren’t any written reasons for the Board’s action and that all information was previously shared with the respective state and federal agencies.

I will continue to work to effectuate the positive change that Socorro County deserves, just from a different desk. From the free admittance to sporting events to the fuel breaks along the Bosque, there are too many examples of the positive vision I had for Socorro County that will continue to flourish and prosper.

I planted the seed that Socorro County could be a great place to grow. Like any field that is being planted, there are some weeds that attempt to choke out the crop. Through persistence, time and effort, it is possible to cultivate a sustainable product.

I was able to change the focus of the RISE program, and rather than using the detainees as cheap labor to cook in the senior center, we were teaching the detainees how to cook for their own families. We were beginning to instill personable accountability, while providing life skills and job certifications to end the high recidivism rates. Our detainees are now leaving the jail with certifications in hand, and opportunities to bring their families back together.

Two of Socorro County’s fire districts were basically non-operational and unresponsive when I started. We changed the fiscal oversight of the districts because 70% of all loans were being paid for equipment that couldn’t be used. For years, equipment and resources went without upkeep and maintenance. We now have processes and procedures in place to keep this from happening again.

Socorro County was finally getting interest from large companies and corporations. It will be a shame for this positive momentum to be lost. I have created Socorro County’s seat at the table.

It is not too late for Socorro County to make reservations. I hope to see you all at the table of prosperity. Know the truth and the truth shall set you free. I am, and always will be, available to answer any questions you may have.

Andrew Lotrich

Former Socorro County Manager

Downwinders Update

Dear Editor,

I wanted to give you some updates on RECA and downwinders. Several people have filed their claim forms for the compensation by mail and have reported approval of their claims and are awaiting payment. You can file by mail or wait until the claim form becomes available online. You can find claimforms at Socorro City Hall or at the Public Library. You can also download them at Department of Justice Civil Division RECA claim form.

Also, I am working on getting the documentary First We Bombed New Mexico to screen here in Socorro.

We are looking for sponsors to help with the cost of bringing the film here. If we could find several sponsors the cost would not be too great. If you are interested in sponsoring this film about Trinity and the bomb please contact me and I will put you in touch with the proper people so we can get this done.

Thank you, sincerely,

Louisa Lopez

Luis Lopez