Community accurately identifiesproblems

Editor’s Note: Part One of this article was published in the July 21 issue. This is part two and final part of the article.

CIBOLA COUNTY - The countywide survey results from this spring have prompted statements from city, county and village officials. More than 300 residents (from Grants, Milan and other villages) named the people and the landscape and climate as major strengths. Primary areas of concern relate to basic services, the quality and accessibility of medical care, leadership and education. All were rated as “fair to poor” in survey results.

City of Grants

Mayor Joe Murrietta and City Manager Bob Horacek addressed the issues of gangs, DWI, underage drinking and domestic violence. The city police department is fully staffed with 16 officers plus the chief of police. Grants takes a pro-active approach in juvenile delinquency prevention with programs funded by grant monies. Responding to the needs of homeless residents, the city shares the same challenges faced by other municipalities.  Currently Grants has no homeless shelter but recent contacts with organizations in Gallup and in Albuquerque are the initial steps in addressing this problem, according to Murrietta.

The approval, earlier this year, of a 1 percent gross tax receipts increase is expected to generate an additional $400,000-$500,000 for street projects. Funds for the Nimitz Street bridge are allocated from the federal stimulus package. The city works within budgetary restrictions to provide services to residents. Horacek said, “We are here to serve the public. Our open-door policy gives residents easy access for discussing concerns and asking questions.” Murrietta remarked, “This city council is the most active of any I have been involved with during my 20-year career in local government.” Murrietta said he sees progress between city and county in dealing with issues of mutual concern.

The prisons, casinos and schools are the largest employers, according to the mayor. It is difficult for Grants to attract the job opportunities available to Belen and Los Lunas. Their proximity to Albuquerque has more appeal to industries and employers.

Village of Milan

Tom Ortega, Milan mayor, agrees with Murrietta that the community did a good job of identifying the important issues facing Cibola County residents, especially those in Milan. He was pleased with the diversity of views recorded by Hispanic, Native American and Anglo survey participants. The Milan police department is fully staffed and is pro-active in maintaining good communication with residents. People are happy with public services and feel safe in the community.

Ortega recognizes that transients need services and said, “People should never take advantage of those that have less than we do.” In reference to the attacks in Grants last month on homeless residents, meetings with elected officials and representatives of the Navajo Nation continue. Public input is being sought, according to Ortega. The local economy is “not that great” and, Ortega said, “We are going to try to clean up our town.”  He notes the parks' improvements, the median-strip plantings and the removal of graffiti are some of the steps Milan is taking.

Cibola County

Cibola County Commission Chairman Eddie Michael stressed the need for more programs that will reach young people in the outlying portions of the county. “If there is nothing for kids to do, they will find something to do.” He acknowledged the tribes do offer certain programs.

Communications between the city, village and county are improving, according to Michael. An example is the current proposal between the county and Grants concerning the greenhouse near the golf course.  In reference to concerns about economic development, Michael said, “We need to diversify our economy. Uranium mining may or may not return to Cibola County.”

The 2009 Health Council survey results are available from Future Foundations Family Center, 551 Washington Ave., or call 285-3542

Editor's Note:  The Health Council survey was done in March and April, before the recent attacks on homeless residents in Grants. Those surveyed recognized problems associated with homeless individuals in the community. Survey comments include: “We have a homeless problem; too many homeless panhandling; we need to be more active in seeking funding for services and programs.”