While Governor Martinez was politicking in North Carolina, I hope she took time to investigate the economic consequences of the "bathroom bill." Sure, that state lost big conventions and major sports events, but think about the patronage possibilities. Every public bathroom would require one or two monitors, and they should have background checks. All citizens will need birth certificates, and many will order new copies from state or county offices. (Also, this will make work for underemployed forgers!) What a temptation to give the N.M. economy a boost.
Letters: Art Doesn’t Care Art Doesn’t Care
In all the commentary about the ART project I’ve not seen any discussion of safety concerns. As an elderly, very slow walking senior I have no difficulty boarding a bus from the sidewalk curb. To have to cross to the boarding island in the center of the street will put slow walkers like me at risk. Oh well, citizen concerns and the local businesses who spoke against ART just don’t have the clout of the mayor and contractors who have their own priorities. Maybe, like Santa Fe, known as the City Different, Albuquerque needs a label, "Albuquerque, the City Indifferent."
Letters: Five Simple Ways To Love Abq Five Simple Ways To Love Abq
If you love Albuquerque already or want to love it more, read on. Here are five ways to really love Albuquerque: 1. Get what you need from local bricks-and-mortar stores or libraries whenever you can. These businesses provide jobs for your friends and neighbors, who in turn pay taxes and support your business or job. Give local businesses a chance to stock what you want and give managers a chance to match online prices. 2. Value daily school attendance. The more successful all children and teens are in school, the more efficient and cohesive Albuquerque will be in five years. Help young people learn how to prepare for the next day: laying out their own clothes, completing their homework and collecting everything they need. Look for what’s going right in classrooms and schools. You could even host a shower for a new teacher who needs to outfit a classroom, or offer to help a harried parent with school needs.3) Let the Golden Rule inform your driving. Ignore your phone, as you wish others would ignore theirs. Breathe! Let traffic flow as a unified organism, instead of trying to be the first one in line at every red light. You’ll get where you’re going with more serenity. Bonus: Your brakes will last longer.4) Invest in local awe. Attend local arts and culture events. Paying for tickets may seem daunting, but the inspiration you’ll gain from a concert, museum or lecture could repay the ticket price many times over. Most arts organizations offer reduced prices for students, and some local churches and temples present free concerts. Your participation brings you together with others who share your high vision for Albuquerque, and it shows young people that you want the best for them, too.5) Smile! You’re already part of the fun of Albuquerque’s warm and friendly culture. Strike up conversations while you’re standing in line. Be patient while the cashier negotiates a car repair deal with the guy in front of you. Be jovial. When someone gives you squash from their garden, make calabasitas and smile even more. Viva Albuquerque!
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