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By Chuck Ring (GadaboutBlogalot ©2009).
Quote Freely From The Article – Leave The Pseudonym Alone
The boundary commission appointed by Governor Bill Richardson to determine whether Edgewood should be allowed to annex a little over 1000 acres of land that is presently engulfed by the Town of Edgewood has ruled against the annexation. The ruling, made around noon today, after testimony by those affected and deliberation in closed session by the commission, came as a surprise to many attending the meeting.
In some ways it is difficult to understand why the commission ruled against the annexation, but taking a cue from a statement by the chairman of the commission, it appears the commission was hamstrung by their inability to understand that Edgewood is not likely to ever run waste water treatment service to all citizens. Although, Administrator/Planner Karen Mahalick attempted to explain the economic cost is prohibitive to offer such a magnitude of services and that the residential waste water treatment could be accomplished by enhancement of septic treatment abilities, in the end the commission seemed unable to grasp the reality of the present conditions, much less the conditions for the future.
In addition, there were some who testified in opposition to the annexation and their testimony was rightly considered and without successful rebuttal from the Town and supporters of the annexation, the commission was left with a lack of real understanding of the town’s ability to provide the services required of it.
Although, the Town could appeal the decision, it is not likely they will. The appeal process will be expensive and any of the folks who might have been in favor of the annexation can seek annexation through the petition process.
It is sad to say, but there is a very strong likelihood that in the future someone in the area under consideration for annexation will need emergency services of some kind and it will not be as available as it might have if the annexation had been approved. That’s not to say that Edgewood would withhold services, but Edgewood has to take care of its own before venturing from its boundaries to care for others.
Although this was not a battle between a massive government entity (perhaps, it really wasn’t a battle at all) and the people; the process worked to the extent possible given all the circumstances. Some won, others lost.
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Nov 10, 2009 @ 16:25:05
Mr. Ring,
Thanks for another good article!
I was disappointed to hear once again the “I Moved here to get out of the city” excuse from many of the citizens who spoke out at the meeting. I guess, though, it is hard to look ahead when your head is buried in the sand. While the town attorney and Ms. Mahalick may not have able to present the town’s program in its best light at this meeting, a lot of work did go into their proposed annexation efforts. I feel certain that if the town’s annexation request had been approved, a smooth and orderly transition for the newly-joined areas would have occurred.
Like it or not, the town of Edgewood will continue to expand. Those who have rejected the town’s efforts to progress in a orderly manner at this time,. could well have occasion to regret their actions in the future. While several citizens commented on how well the county of Santa Fe had met their needs, as a governmental entity, I hope that their expectations for the future are met. Unfortunately, my personal relations with the County and City to the North have been less than satisfactory. I have the feeling that the old axiom “Out of sight, out of mind” applies. In any case, Edgewood will survive!
Bob Steiner
Nov 10, 2009 @ 21:29:02
Tough situation. It seems like it is one step forward and two steps back. But, we have to keep plugging.