County commission concerns
Attending a county council meeting on Tuesday (May 3) made me realize that it is not easy to communicate views to the county commissioners unless you know proper protocol. A group of concerned Taos residents wanted to explain their views regarding hiring of a new director of planning. The person holding that position will guide decisions involving spending millions on a variety of local projects, not just the ones attracting the wealthy to invest here. The director has to create balance, and have the foresight to realize our way of life is at risk, when money threatens to take control. Investors will dominate unless our leaders are strong enough to say no and figure out how to guard our resources. When will these issues be openly discussed?
Has anyone noticed the largest amount of funding coming into the county recently is assigned almost solely to solving challenges posed by the airport and Taos Ski Valley and do not solve the problems facing the rest of the town and county? An example of a serious oversight is the ski valley’s sprawling expansion. In a time of drought and water shortage, building at Taos Ski Valley continues without proper recognition of the obvious fragile location and extreme danger it poses. Current events should make people aware if a sudden wildfire were to happen on the mountain, the only way in and out is a narrow twolane road. No alternative evacuation route exists. The ski valley is not adequately prepared and they do not have their own natural resources.
The ski valley resort also appears to be planning to buy Taos County property with unlimited use of ground water rights. Water and sewage treatment in a rocky high altitude terrain presents daunting challenges. It is assumed money will provide an answer. Land with water is being purchased so that water can be pumped to the airport and ski valley from other places. This raises the question: Is it wise to take water from one location to aid another when we do not have a surplus? What is happening to our streams and aquifer? Why are massive building projects allowed to continue before a solution is found? Money dominates. These projects, with unlimited funds, distract from urgent needs like affordable housing, health care, employment, education and support of locally owned businesses. What are your thoughts? How can we stop exploitation and make sure expansion is controlled?