Monday January 18 is the day we honor and contemplate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The events of 2020 make this contemplation especially relevant, but MLK Day is also about action. It’s a National Day of Service, so please consider what positive actions you can take to make your community a fairer and more just place to live. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr.
State legislators zoomed into our Council Meeting to give an update on what they hope to achieve in the 2021 Legislative Session beginning on Tuesday January 19. It’s going to be challenging. The House will be completely virtual; the Senate will be a mix. Public input into Committee meetings will be via zoom. The state budget is unchanged from last year, which means monies will be available for state legislation and for local infrastructure projects. However, operating in a pandemic and with increased security risks will likely decrease the number of things that can be accomplished. Many thanks to Senator Brenda McKenna and Representative Damon Ely for their insights and willingness to work for Corrales. Special thanks to Parks and Recreation Director Lynn Siverts and Librarian Brynn Cole for their hard work in developing the brochure given to our legislators.
The vaccine roll-out has been frustrating. However, it turns out New Mexico is actually one of the best in the nation at getting vaccines into arms. The state has already distributed almost 2/3 of the vaccines it received (100,000 of 150,000 doses). The federal government is now looking at effective distribution rather than just population, so we may get increased vaccine amounts. The state’s goal is for all to be vaccinated by mid-summer or sooner. A state vaccine dashboard (much like the COVID-19 dashboard) is here and will keep us better informed. To secure your place in the vaccination line, register at: https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/. Here in Corrales Emergency Manager Commander Lattin and Dr. Braude (our own Dr. Fauci/Scrase!) answered staff questions about the vaccine. You can see the video and informative presentation here. https://youtu.be/2oY_KD0ut6s
Vaccine or no, we must adhere to the safety protocols (Mask, Social Distancing and Stay at Home). Our cases are increasing (Corrales has 219) and Sandoval County is in the red. But it is not all bad news. Our testing has increased, dropping our positivity rate to 9.6% (GOAL is 5%) and our infection rate is 1.03% (GOAL is < 1.00). Not bad. If we can wait out the post-holiday surge, we can see a sustained downward trend, especially as more New Mexicans get vaccinated.
Many of us are receiving an Economic Impact Payment debit card in the mail. Coming in a plain white envelope, it may look like a scam or just another credit card offer, but it is part of the stimulus money you are getting through the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020. Do not throw it away. Check details at: https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/info-2020/stimulus-payment-debit-cards/.
The Nature Conservancy wants to improve the area around the Harvey Jones Channel. They need your feedback. They have prepared a mailer which should be sent out soon, inviting you to online community meetings. See info below. Learn more at: https://www.nmconservation.org/hjc. Special thanks to Corrales Fire Chief Anthony Martinez and Public Works Director Michael Chavez for their coordination efforts.
Welcome new District 4 Councilor Tyson Parker. Confirmed at the Tuesday Council Meeting, he will be sworn in next week and assume his official duties at the next Council Meeting on January 26th. Please join me in wishing Councilor Parker every success.
Thanks again to the citizens who offered to fill the Council vacancy for District 4. You are a credit to the community. Lot of talent here in Corrales!
Music in Corrales is continuing to offer online video concerts featuring artists who were originally scheduled to perform at the Old San Ysidro Church. The next concert will be available anytime from Saturday, January 23, 7:00pm thru Sunday, January 31. Tickets at www.musicincorrales.org/concerts/
Our state and our country have gone through a lot this last week and we are all concerned about what may be coming next. But we in Corrales are strong and we are neighbors. This is a week to stay steady and focused on the things that matter – our family, our shared values and our community. Take time to do things that bring you a sense of calm, even if that means watching the NFL Divisional Rounds. Whatever you do, let’s do it Corrales-style.
Jo Anne Roake
Mayor of Corrales
