Please, let’s not become another Aspen

There seemed to be a theme to the July 22 Taos News. I hope I never see this headline: “Taos, New Mexico’s Aspen.”

Is this what the people in Taos want? Well, the theme I picked up on in the paper is a strong no. It seems that the powers that be, especially Bellis and his gang, want exactly that – with no regard for the struggling families in Taos.

Over 70 tons of food distributed to families in need in the Taos area in 2020. But no worries. Our mayor gives out free dinners on New Years, and don’t forget the free pancake breakfast on July 4. Question: When you are no longer mayor will you continue to provide these free meals? Meanwhile, Mr. Bellis and crew have put all of their resources into getting a $50,000,000 airport expansion.

In her article, “Progress and the Water Jukebox,” Anita Otilia Rodriquez writes, “In March 1,011 households were in arrears to Kit Carson Electric for a total debt of $422,517. This means that while the promoters of ‘progress’ are desperate, way too many Taoseños are desperate, too many households in this community are darkened by anxiety, depression, and stress.”

What are the priorities of the ruling elite in Taos, as represented by the Barrone administration?

There was another article in the Taos News, “Should I stay or should I go? County clamps down on travel trailer living.” So, now the county is pitching in with ending trailers on private land while agreeing to an obnoxious “glamping” resort, which will effectively disrupt the lives of the people living nearby?

Housing prices have risen around 40 percent in one year in Taos. Rents have risen as well. Where in the [expletive] are people supposed to live? Sorry to say, but for the most part, pay offered to Taoseños cannot cover these cost increases.

Another excellent My Turn was written by Robert Silver, “The ‘Big Lie’ comes to Taos.” He brings out Mr. Bellis and his Trumpian ways. Mr. Silver writes, “If the Town Manager’s charge of voter fraud were defensible, the New Mexico Attorney General and Secretary of State would be asked to investigate. However since there is no evidence to back up the statement of rampant voter fraud, it appears the Manager is the true fraud and not the voters.”

Then there’s this from Mr. Hahn, “I’m not worried about getting re-elected; never have been. This job is about service to the community.” (Really?) Mr. Hahn, “Nobody works harder on the Town’s behalf than Mr. Bellis who considers the whole community and not just a segment or a singular issue.” This is a joke, right?

This town runs things behind closed doors. We don’t know what they’ve got planned until they hit us with it, like putting our democracy on hold so they can continue with their ride to making Taos into another Aspen.

We must vote Hahn and Barrone out of office so we can be rid of Mr. Bellis. This may be the most important election ever in Taos. Vote. Get your friends and neighbors to vote. We do not want Taos to become an Aspen.