City of Espanola - Mayor’s Blog

Congratulations Alice Lucero for winning the Mayoral election March 2nd. I’ve known Mayor Lucero many years, she served as Mayor Pro Tem under my administration, and I know she will do a fine job representing the citizens of Espanola.

Congratulations to all of the newly elected officials, and thank you to those who are leaving office for your service to the city.

And thank you, the citizens of Espanola, for supporting me as I served first as a City Councilor then as Mayor. I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve you, and I know I leave you in good hands.

–Joe Maestas

As we approach the March 2nd election, it is really hitting home for me that my time as Mayor is winding down. I am remembering all of the great people I have met over the years, all the projects we worked on, and all of the celebrations we shared.

Until Espanola elects a new Mayor on March 2nd, however, I still have things to do and am still working on accomplishing as much as I can in the time I have left as Mayor.

On February 24th at 10:00 am I will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the Downtown Development project. This will be at the Plaza de Espanola. I hope you can join me.

On February 25th, I will make my final appearance on “Coffee Break” on KDCE Radio (950AM); Coffee Break begins at about 9:15am, following the news at 9.

Please join me if you can. I look forward to remembering all we’ve done together, and sharing a few last moments together.

Congratulations to actor Jeff Bridges. At the 67th Golden Globe Awards, Bridges won Best Actor in a Drama for his role in the movie Crazy Heart. Crazy Heart was partially filmed in the City of Espanola.

An initiative I have been pursuing for some time, and that the City Council members have begun to address, is increasing the presence Espanola has in New Mexico’s film industry. The film industry brings dollars to local economies. It is a green industry. It has the potential to increase tourism in areas where filming has taken place.

Other movies that were filmed in Espanola include The Astronaut Farmer and The Cowboy Way.

The Film Industry has the ability to bolster our local economy. I hope to see more filming in our beautiful city.

In the meantime, congratulations to Jeff Bridges for the Golden Globe Award, and thanks for visiting Espanola.

On Saturday, January 16th, at 10:00am, I will be hosting a visit by Congressman Ben Ray Lujan. The Congressman and I will be discussing the positive impact ARRA (stimulus) funding has had on the City of Espanola. Please join us at the Police Department at 1316D Calle Adelante.

I hope you enjoyed the holidays. The new year is a few days old now and there are two things that make 2010 special - it is an election year and a census year.

The municipal election will be held on March 2nd and at that time voters in Espanola will elect four city councilors, decide on whether to pass a proposed General Obligation Bond to fund a new library, and elect a new mayor. As I had said a few months ago, I decided not to seek reelection. However, that does not diminish in any way my interest in the future of our beautiful city and the wellbeing of Espanola’s citizens.

I encourage all of you to excercise your right to vote. If you are not registered, you have until February 2nd to register with your county clerk. Choosing our political leaders in a free and unbiased election is one of our greatest rights.

Your vote counts.

2010 is also a census year. Just as your vote counts in the election, you count as a citizen, too.

The decennial census is used to determine the representation New Mexico will have in the House of Representatives. Accurate census numbers ensure we have equal representation.

But there is more to the census than this. Our federal government allocates more than $400 billion each year for things like schools and hospitals. To be sure Espanola gets its “fair share” of these dollars, our population needs to be accurately counted.

Please fill out and return your census form.

You count. Your vote counts.

Happy New Year, and have a great 2010.

Today is Christmas Eve. I hope that you are having a very Happy Holiday Season and that you are looking forward to a bright and prosperous New Year.

We had some exciting things happen in Española this year, like breaking ground on major transportation and plaza improvements. We also received almost three million dollars in stimulus grants that have allowed us to improve public safety, build infrastructure and create jobs. We implemented initiatives to keep you informed about your government like broadcasting council meetings on KDCE radio (950 AM), and creating a city facebook page.

Next year we will continue seeking ways to improve how we at City Hall serve you.

I hope you will want to be involved in city issues, too.

On behalf of all of the people at the City of Española who proudly serve the people of the Española Valley, I wish you a very Happy Holiday and Prosperous New Year. Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo Española!

On December 11, 2009, the US Attorney’s Office awarded Certificates of Commendation from the US Department of Justice to New Mexicans who had been involved in successful federal prosecutions, or who had made significant contributions to law enforcement efforts in their communities. In a ceremony held in Albuquerque, US Attorney Gregory J. Fouratt awarded the Certificates to federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers and outstanding citizens.

City of Espanola Weed and Seed Coordinator Stephanie Martinez was one of the recipients for her implementation of the Weed and Seed program and for the positive impacts her efforts have had on reducing drug trafficking and gang influence, and for her contributions to strategic planning. Ms. Martinez was nominated by Ron Lopez of the US Attorney’s Office.

Also receiving Certificates of Commendation were Major Gonzales and Staff Sergeant Martinez of the Espanola Military Magnet School.

Congratulations to all of the recipients, and especially to our Outstanding Citizens of Espanola!

Congratulations to the City of Espanola Fire Department and Fire Chief John Kitchen. The Chief wrote a grant for life-saving equipment for the department, and was awarded a mobile communications package called a Tac-Pak, worth $19,000.00.

The Tac-Pak is a portable communications package that can be carried to emergency scenes that can’t be reached by vehicle.

Congratulations again, and great work Chief Kitchen.

Please join me on December 5th at the Plaza for the Electric Light Parade and Christmas on the Plaza. Festivities will begin at 3pm with booths and entertainment at the Plaza. The parade will begin at 6pm. Following the parade, I will light the city’s Christmas Tree.

I hope you and your family can join me for a great way to kick off the holiday season.

The 24th Annual Espanola Valley Toy Run was yesterday, and it was a great success. Santa Claus led a parade of 300 motorcycles on his 1957 Panhead. Over 500 toys were collected for valley children. Congratulations to the organizers for a great job, and thank you to everyone who participated and who came out to watch and lend support.