Last Tuesday, June 13, The Village Council approved opting-in to the November Regular Local Election cycle. This changes our elections to conform to the Local Election Act passed by the New Mexico state legislature in 2018. There have been many discussions by previous councils about advantages versus disadvantages to making this change, but this time “opting in” was approved. These non-partisan elections held in November of odd years are for school boards members, Soil and Water Conservation members, SSCAFCA, and for other communities in the state that have opted in for their local municipal officers such as Mayor, Council Members, and Judge. Bond questions will also appear on these ballots. Local contests will appear first on the ballot, followed by the school board, community college, and finally special districts such as Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority (SSCAFCA). 92 of 106 municipalities in New Mexico have now opted-in to the November elections. Partisan elections will still take place in even numbered years and include president, governor, and other state and federal contests.
This next election and subsequent elections will be run by the state, not the Village Clerk. All the equipment and hiring of election workers will be coordinated by the Sandoval County election clerk, whose ONLY job is to oversee elections. Election expenses will be paid for by the State of New Mexico, estimated at about $40,000.00 for Corrales. In addition, expenses for any legal challenges to the election results will be covered by the state. Security and liability issues are also covered. Providing security for the workers has become a concern as more polarization of the electorate occurs.
So, mark your calendars: the next local election will be November 7, 2023 instead of in March of 2024. Those elected will take office on January 1, 2024. Voters will vote for council members in Districts 2, 5, and 6 as well as municipal judge. In-person absentee voting will take place at the County Clerk’s office starting October 10, 2024. There is now a permanent absentee voter list being compiled by the Secretary of State’s office, so if you would like to have a ballot mailed directly to you for every election, please visit the Secretary of State’s website at: https://www.sos.nm.gov/voting-and-elections/voter-information-portal-nmvote-org/absentee-and-early-voting/. Early voting will still take place at the Village Community Center beginning October 21st and will run through November 4th. However, voters are eligible to vote at ANY voting convenience center in the county. Election Day voting will still take place at the Village Rec Center on November 7, 2023.
If you are interested in running for one of the open positions in this election, candidate filing day will be August 29, 2023 between 9 am and 5 pm at the County Clerk’s office. This is the only day to get your name on the ballot. If you miss that date, you can file as a write-in candidate on September 5, 2023. If you have any questions regarding voting or running for office you can reach out to the Sandoval County elections clerk or our Village Clerk, Melanie Romero at mromero [at] corrales-nm.org or 505-897-0502 ext 208.
When you visit our pool, if given the chance, thank Lynn Siverts, Parks and Rec director, for all the hard work this year in getting the pool ready. He and his team are having to replace or significantly rehab our aging pool equipment, filtering system, pumps, and heater. We believe things are good for this season, but some additional equipment replacement and repair will be needed in the off season. There are fish in Liam Knight’s Pond. Enjoy!
There are still high and rapidly moving waters in the Rio Grande River. We are losing coastline along the eastern edge of the bosque, and it remains unsafe and unstable, undercutting the river’s edge resulting in trees of significant size falling into the river. Some have been removed from the river but be aware of their presence in the water because they can get a hold on you or your watercraft. Heed the warning signs and always wear a life jacket when engaged in activities on the river. We need to give a HUGE THANK YOU to our firefighters who are out there looking out for us, occasionally putting their own lives at risk. Last Tuesday evening our fire chief, Anthony Martinez, reported 44 rescues had been required in recent weeks.
Summer is almost here. Don’t forget the Growers’ Market. Visit: https://corralesgrowersmarket.com/ to see what is available so you can have a plan for purchases. Visit the Master Gardeners while there and see what you still have time to plant.
Everyone should know that the Mayor’s Message is a cooperative effort significantly aided by the very talented Melanie Romero and Skye Devivi, the Corrales Village Clerks. They give life and color to what might be a dull and drab message. I feel very fortunate to have their assistance in adding to and editing the message.
CRIME AND SAFETY UPDATE
Tuesday 6/6, a resident reported receiving a collection notice for non-payment concerning purchases which he never made. The citizen did not know how or when his information was compromised. Remember to stay vigilant about safeguarding your personal and financial data both on paper and online and review the helpful information concerning Identity Theft at: https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security
Saturday 6/10, a citizen reported that she left her vehicle parked and unlocked on the 4000 block of Corrales Road from 1:40PM-2:30PM, during which time her purse was stolen from within. Don’t be a victim—leave unattended vehicles locked with the alarm set and the keys and all valuables removed.
Sunday 6/11, a 33-year-old Corrales man was arrested on an outstanding bench warrant (original charge of Public Affray) near the intersection of Corrales Road and Academy Drive. During the booking process, the suspect was discovered to have two Fentanyl pills concealed in his clothing and is subsequently facing additional charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance and Bringing Contraband into a Place of Imprisonment.
Please be careful on the roads and:
- Make sure your vehicle is in safe operating condition by checking tires, brakes, lights and wipers often.
- Leave early and give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going.
- Make sure everyone in your vehicle is properly buckled up.
- Don't text or otherwise drive distracted.
- Watch your speed and following distance.
- Don't let an aggressive driver bait you into a road rage incident.
- Don't drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs or let someone you care about do so.
- Motorists: Look out for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians.
- Pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians: Watch out for vehicles.
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATES
The Corrales Fire Department, MRGCD, Albuquerque Fire Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff, and Albuquerque Open Space Police worked together to remove two hazardous trees that were in the Rio Grande River just south of Siphon beach this week. These two trees have caused multiple rescues to occur on the river over the last couple of weeks. The operation took 5 hours to complete and while there is still debris and other trees in the Rio Grande River, we hope that the removal of these two trees will make the area a little safer for everyone. Corrales Fire would like to thank all of the surrounding community first responders and the MRGCD for helping with this important project!
The temperatures will be climbing through the weekend, wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, make sure to drink plenty of water, use bug spray, Do NOT leave pets or children in cars, and wear sunglasses and sunscreen.
The Corrales Fire Department is still holding vaccine drive-through clinics and registration is available by going to: https://goodtimes.vaccinenm.org/stay-ahead-nm/. Please call Fire Commander, Tanya Lattin at 505-702-4182 with any questions or if you need assistance with registration.
FREE Covid Home tests are still available at Village Hall, the Corrales Library, and the Fire Station. If you feel sick, please stay home, and wear a mask when traveling and in crowded areas.
There is no smoking of any kind, including electronic cigarettes, in the Bosque. Also, no campfires, lighters, or barbeque grills. The Bosque is a FIRE-FREE environment. For information on all rules and information pertaining to the Bosque, please visit website.
Citizens that need to burn in the Village for agricultural purposes, such as planting or harvesting of crops, for ceremonial, or recreational burning, should obtain a special permit by calling 505-898-7501. Burn hours on designated burn days can be 8am to 5pm and may be shortened or canceled based on weather conditions. Please call 505-899-9819 to verify that it is a “burn day” and to register your address. It is OK to burn dried vegetation but NEVER household trash, paper, or manure. For more information, please visit website.
If you feel that you are in need of emotional support, please remember to call or text 988 which is the National Suicide and Crisis Line. It is available 24-7 and certified crisis center staff can assist you with finding the resources you need.
Paving on Cadillo Lane will conclude today.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday 6/18 – Corrales Growers’ Market from 9:00am – 12:00pm.
Sunday 6/18 – Father’s Day!
Monday 6/19 – Juneteenth – Village Offices are CLOSED.
Thursday 6/22 – The Library Summer Movie Festival continues with a showing “The Princess Bride” in the Teen Room from 1pm-3pm. All ages are welcome to this FREE event with popcorn & candy provided. For the schedule of upcoming movies, visit website.
Tuesday 6/27 – Regular Council Meeting at 6:30pm
It is that time again! The call for Artwork for the Fine Arts Show at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church in Corrales. This is a juried show which will be displayed during Ballon Fiesta this year. Please contact Jenn Noel, CSA President with any questions and for more information at: jenn [at] nmnoels.com or 505-417-0418.
Mark your calendars! The Village will be hosting a vehicle and surplus equipment auction on July 7th from 10 AM to 2 PM. This will be a sealed bid auction, and forms can be picked up from the Village Administration office or downloaded from the website. Items must be picked up by July 10th at 2 PM.
Are you struggling to feed your companion animals? “4 Paws Pet Food Bank”, sponsored by CARMA, is here to help! Canned, dry, and veterinary special diet food is available for cats and dogs and can be picked up from the pantry on Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat between 9am-5pm (closed Thur & Sun) at: Corrales Kennels, 490 E. Valverde Drive, here in the Village. For more information, please contact Lisa Isenberger @ 505-228-3395 lisenberger [at] gmail.com OR Barbara Bayer @ 505-321-6275 barbaracarma [at] msn.com.
If you know someone who would like to receive the weekly mayor’s message electronically, please email the Village Clerk, Melanie Romero at mromero [at] corrales-nm.org or make a request by phone at 505-897-0502.
Please visit our Village website to find out about what is going on in the Village of Corrales. You can also print important forms, view our Village Ordinances, see the calendar of events and much, much more!
Jim Fahey
Corrales Mayor
