From Dante's Inferno to Monty Python, or the DMV
“Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here,” is a sign for those on their way to the “Inferno,” a poem by Dante written in 1303. We've had troubles, especially in the last four months. We, however, are not the only ones.
As a teacher of history and literature, I remember reading Dante of his trip through hell, purgatory, and heaven. It seemed a useless task to read about a guy who had it rough 700 years ago. How could it apply to us in the 21st century? And then I went to renew my driver’s license last week. The opening quote from Dante could indeed apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV. I had a large folder of important information, my original birth certificate, those cute little footprints were mine. I had my marriage license, 1972. I had a 1099 from the I.R.S., tax guys, my current driver’s license, a letter from my doctor saying I still could drive. I had a letter from Lovelace Clinic explaining that my social security number was stolen from them six years ago and that was why the first five numbers on the 1099 were blocked. The letter from Lovelace was to explain what my real number was. Guess what? It did not matter to DMV that I had not been paid tax returns for a year and that is why it was blocked. The supervisor, the Duchess of Darkness, began our trip thru Inferno by opening the door late. She had been in the hall gossiping with others who worked there. We stood outside waiting. When my husband tried to help her by holding the door, she yelled, “STAND BACK.” Unfortunately, our masks were still in my purse and we fumbled to get them on. “Only the one needing the license can come in,” Lady Dark bellowed.
“No one expects the Spanish inquisition,” is a line from Monty Python. It applied here. Nervously I handed the papers as called for to the young lady behind the plastic window.
“You don’t have your social security card.”
“Yes, but I have my 1099.”
“It is blocked. I will call my supervisor.” “No, we don’t take it.”
“I have many documents to prove who I am. I have two letters from Lovelace and a doctor.” “No!” And the Lady of Darkness left. This was taking too long. I dumped my purse and folder. I was clumsy with gloves on. The man next to me said, “She,” meaning me, “is talking too loud, I can’t hear you.” My mask was trouble. Behind the counter the decently polite young lady said, “You can get a local license, but not one that is nationally compliant.”
“Sure, just let me get out of here.” Hope for purgatory, but not heaven!
After trying to get in on my birthday in April, with the next month closing in, we had finally gotten an appointment in June. In the mail three days before, I learned I was totally illegal to drive on May 15. I got a provisional license. I was desperate. I read the line to her satisfaction. Yea, I could read. I got my photo taken. I look like my dog just died. Actually, it was my cat, Phantom, who was 23. There was no room for redemption here. You obeyed or you were exiled forever. They have all the cards. You are nothing and in this little Queendom, there is only one judge. You are guilty when you walk through the door.
Over 2000 years ago, the smartest man was held up by a group of judges. Their evil purpose was to trick the good man who was subject to very strict laws. The law was you could not work on the Sabbath. “If your beast of burden falls into a hole on the Sabbath, do you pull him out or let him die?” This was the trick question. The wisest man replied, “There is the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. Always go with the spirit of the law.” The judges were silent but plotted more evil later.
Common sense and common courtesy are gone in small Kingdoms. Years ago, I went to MVD and knew all those working and greeted them with a smile and neighborly friendship. No so today. We should not allow that which shall not be named to corrupt us as fellow human beings. No one asked why I was in the hospital and my social security number was stolen or if I ever got my tax money returned. I refuse the title, “Abandon Hope,” we are better than that. I have a piece of paper that says I should get a plastic wallet-sized license in August. Wave, if you see my old car— I am still driving. Roaring Mouse, zoom, zoom, out.
Mark Twain is credited with the saying that it's easier to fool people than it is to convince them that they've been fooled. Even so, people who previously listened to Citizens for an Open and Responsible Edgewood (CORE) are beginning to have second thoughts. CORE is desperately trying to maintain a nonviable status quo. There are several challenges Edgewood must deal with no matter what form of government emerges when the votes are tallied on August 24. Those serving in town government come January 2022 may not want to face them, but they won't have a choice.
Town councilors Rita Loy Simmons, Chuck Ring, John Abrams, and Mayor John Bassett made it clear that they were thinking about these challenges when they first considered buying EPCOR and Thunder Mountain assets. Federal and state governments stand ready to return tax money to help small towns acquire and improve water and wastewater infrastructure, but there's a catch: the assets must be municipally owned. Most towns in New Mexico have been proactive in taking advantage of the opportunities. Edgewood has already tapped these funds to build and improve the wastewater system.
What if it turns out that Edgewood can afford to buy the water company and improve the system for its residential and commercial customers? One of the primary reasons for incorporation was to get away from Santa Fe County government and gain local control over Edgewood's future, yet councilors Audrey Jaramillo and Sherry Abraham have already said “No!” to the idea of the town taking the lead in water policy. Bravo councilors John Abrams, Linda Holle, and Mayor John Bassett for holding firm and reserving judgment until you have solid information on which to base decisions.
How much longer will it be possible to continue the original promise made to Edgewood residents that the town would be funded primarily by Gross Receipts Taxes (GRT)? Within a decade the town will have to replace its “hold harmless” reimbursements from the state. If a future town government decides that economic development isn't worth the effort, how can it raise enough through property taxes to supplement the town's mostly retail GRT, keep the town running at current levels, and support future growth?
In 1999, Edgewood's first mayor and council made a decision to seek funding for a wastewater plant first, and put off the water question for later. Who could have predicted then that Edgewood Water Company would pass from local control and end up in the hands of a municipal government in Canada?
Edgewood has changed a lot since 1999. More people today say the town needs a larger variety of housing types and lot size options. They expect more municipal services, and they want more amenities. More people, especially younger families, want to “live, work, and play” right here in Edgewood instead of commuting to Albuquerque.
Demographic trends are probably the most important but the least regarded of the challenges facing the town. Edgewood grew a lot in the the 1980s and 1990s. However, by 1999, the growth had leveled off. The number of school-aged children began to drop. The declines eventually leveled off, but the Edgewood of today has become a bedroom community whose residents' ages are significantly higher than the state average. Edgewood must look to the future and develop in a way that attracts younger families with children.
If the town were to purchase EPCOR, Edgewood would then be in a position to offer investors both water and wastewater services. This combination would enhance the possibilities for economic development. Investigating a possible purchase of the EPCOR system is not a crime. It is a prudent first step towards securing Edgewood's long term water needs; a worthy goal for any community in the arid southwest. Janelle Turner Edgewood