Prosperity sometimes brings frustration

Do you want the good news or the bad news first? We have heard that saying enough that it is probably trite, yet it seems like the good and the bad are often related — sometimes it’s just the flip side of the same thing. Often, the good news is the bad news or the bad news is the good news.

For example, for years, Rio Rancho has struggled to get more businesses to come here and we have been successful in bringing more jobs to our fair city. Obviously, this is good news — more jobs for our residents, more tax money for the city coffers, and a reason for people to move here and prosper. Yet, then we need more schools, more police and fire officers, and the wear and tear on our roads increases. Flip side of the same coin.

The city is working diligently to improve our roads, and taxpayers have stepped up to the plate and agreed to pay higher taxes. We were excited for the widening of N.M. 528, and are looking forward to improvements to Southern Boulevard, Sara Road and others.

But it sometimes seems like the traffic is increasing faster than any work on the roads. We don’t have any official reports and we haven’t talked with anyone knowledgeable about the issue; we’re just voicing an opinion. There is lots of traffic and more congestion than we expect in a small city.

That’s a good sign in one respect: Rio Rancho is growing and prospering. More businesses are coming here and, with them, more shoppers. More people live here and we have more to offer them. The city is doing well and prospering. And, yet ... .

We really shouldn’t complain. We’re glad to see the growth and we know there is no way government entities can keep up with road building. We understand all that. That’s why we didn’t get any official numbers; we really do understand. It’s just that sometimes it’s frustrating. Waiting through more than one traffic light in little ol’ Rio Rancho doesn’t seem like the norm. Not finding a break in traffic to make a turn gets frustrating. But, if we’re totally honest, it’s all good.

We are concerned about safety and remind people to be cautious. More drivers mean more distracted driving and more accidents. Probably everyone has stories they can tell about the number of drivers they see talking on the phone and texting while eating and drinking. We’ve observed too many people speeding and ignoring places where speed limits are reduced, such as the north end of N.M. 528.

The motorcycle accident on Coors Bypass last Sunday reminded us how essential it is to stay aware of motorcycles and bicyclists — and, for God’s sake, wear a helmet.

Next week, we face the additional traffic brought on by the balloon fiesta and, with all those balloons gracing our skies, all drivers — tourists as well as residents — are somewhat distracted. It’s a fun week, but traffic congestion is probably not the best part. Be careful.

Living with traffic congestion and being glad our city is growing are the opposite sides of the same coin. And, except when we’re stuck in traffic, we’re glad for the growth and prosperity that, in turn, causes our tempers to flare when we do wait in traffic.