Simmering dirt is not all that is cooking in Bernalillo County. By the time this Alibi edition hits the streets, Bernalillo County Commission will have taken a couple of brave steps by issuing important declarations about current controversial national and global matters.No More SeparationsAt their last meeting, Commissioners pondered an administrative resolution respectfully asking the United States federal government to permanently end the practice of separating migrating children from their parents and to immediately begin the reunification of separated families. It asks for the New Mexico congressional delegation to support ending this practice and commits to further evaluating all county policies to make sure the county is doing all it can to promote full immigrant integration.“Separation of families in this manner for this purpose creates adverse childhood experiences and needs to end,” County Manager Julie Anne Baca said in her review of the proposed resolution.We will be quite surprised if the three Democrat and two Republican commissioners fail to pass this statement on behalf of county residents. There may be a nay vote from the R side of the table but it should outweigh the more sensible side. This well-written resolution should also be used as a template for other municipalities and organizations to take a stand against such crimes against humanity.Check Me Before I ShootThe Commission continued to take strong stands with another proclamation that supports local politicos to get on the ball with increased gun safety measures and background checks. The resolution calls for universal background checks for all gun sales and transfers, mandatory waiting periods for purchases, banning bump stocks, “Red Flag” legislation to not allow gun purchases by persons with violent or suicidal behavior or history, closing loopholes such as gun shows and aggressive prosecution and penalties for those buying guns for others.County Manager Baca said simply what needed to be said, “This is a public health crisis and deserves implementation.” Statistics say about 34,000 people are killed each year with guns.More Money, PleaseTopgolf USA LLC and Albuquerque Investors have their collective hand open and extended to the county, asking for and receiving an additional $1.75 million to locate one of their golf mega-entertainment centers at the eyesore formerly known as the Beach Waterpark. The Albuquerque City Council gave them a $2.6 million economic incentive at its last meeting. As of press time Mayor Tim Keller (who is not a fan of giving the golf corporation our tax dollars to provide basically high school level jobs) had yet to veto his City Council money move. If the county and the city move forward—Topgolf will get close to $4.5 million in real money enticements to set up this $39 million project to entertain people and improve golf swings.County CandyOkay, so it is not real candy but here are some fun things BernCo has going on for the rest of the summer to help keep our collective cool.• Free outdoor movie screenings at various community centers and parks. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks. Food trucks will be on hand. Check out the list at: bernco.gov/moviesinthepark.• Pools, water slides and spray parks are a great place to cool off. BernCo has several pools offering a variety of aqua based classes for all levels of mermaids and mermen. Here is the link: bernco.gov/community-services/swimming-pools-spray-parks.aspx.• BernCo’s many open space areas provide nearby hidden gems to go on a walk, a hike, a bike, a picnic or to spy on some birds and critters. Some favorites include Valle de Oro Urban Wildlife Refuge on the south edge of town; Tres Pistoles on the east edge of the Sandias, Bachechi Open Space to the north and the enchanting Valle del Bosque right in the middle of our metro area. Check out these and other breathable open spaces at bernco.gov/community-services/open-space-properties.aspx.• Don’t forget the city-county public library system. At the local library one can borrow much more than just hardbacks, audiobooks or electronic books. There are genealogy consultants, movie screenings, coloring and Lego groups, knitting and other crafts, computer and literacy online courses. You can borrow art for your walls, music for your ears; you can learn how to code or how to play the harmonica. Bookmark this link: abqlibrary.org/home.
Send your comments about the County Commissionto Carolyn@alibi.com.The next Bernalillo County Commission meeting:Tuesday Aug. 14, 5pmVincent E. Griego ChambersAlbuquerque/Bernalillo County Government Center1 Civic Plaza NWView it on GOV TV 16 or at cabq.gov/govtv
