Short spurt of monsoon weather (so good to see rain) and then back to dry. Today and tomorrow we may have another chance for rain. As always, June afternoons are increasingly hot and may feature winds and blowing cotton. Please take care.
Congratulations to those who will be facing each other in the November elections. Some highlights: US Senate: Ben Ray Lujan (D), Mark Ronchetti (R); US Congress Dist. 3: Teresa Leger Fernandez (D), Alexis Johnson (R); NM Senate Dist. 9: John Clark (R), Brenda McKenna (D); NM House Dist. 23: Rep. Damon Ely (D), Ellis McMath (R); NM State Rep Dist. 44: Rep. Jane Powdrell-Culbert (R), Gary Tripp (D); Sandoval County Commissioner Dist 2: Comm. Jay Block (R), Leah Ahkee-Baczkiewicz (D). For full results and final count, check out: https://electionresults.sos.state.nm.us. Voter turn-out was high. Many candidates ran from Corrales and kudos to each and every one of them for standing for office. Thank you.
66.8% of our residents have completed the Census, well above the state-wide average of 48.7% (and a tiny bit above our neighbors). Let’s go higher: https://2020census.gov.
I would like to address the humble topic of civility. Civility are those small rules of courtesy and respect that allow us to live peaceably with each other. When things are going well, it's fairly easy. But right now things are far from easy. Under these conditions, long-held ways of getting along with each other can fray. It’s been an exhausting week. We have the pandemic and renewed struggles with racism and we are also going into a highly charged election season. As a community, how can we move forward in a positive way?
The response of this community to COVID-19 may serve as a model. I have been so proud of the actions of our residents who have emphasized community and care for each other over personal preference, opinion or belief. With very few exceptions, businesses have also been responsible partners in our fight against the disease. As more businesses open up, many citizens have reached out to me and expressed gratitude for this. However, they are dismayed at the few places that are ignoring public health directives and tell me they will be taking their dollars elsewhere. My goal (and we’re close) is to be in partnership with all our businesses so together we take the better path, follow the CSPs and focus on everyone’s wellbeing.
In our response to COVID, our care and concern for Corrales helped us to think beyond ourselves and act more as a community. I trust we will continue on this path as we meet new challenges. I know we can do this.
On Sunday, visit the Corrales Growers’ Market at 500 Jones Road from 9-12. Thank you to vendors who will give unsold food to Corrales Fire Department Commander Lattin; she will distribute to Corrales families in need and to the Corrales Senior Center for Senior pick-up. Whatever you do this weekend, please enjoy it Corrales-style.
Jo Anne Roake