2006 Article Archive
It was only a matter of time…
Editorial Comment 12/13/2006
We were wondering how long it would take, and it looks like now we have the answer; Mayor Kevin Jackson has had enough. We’ve been posting for some time the growing tension between the Mayor and City Manager Jim Palenick, and the details of the struggle have been printed in today’s Rio Rancho Journal – front page. It appears that Mayor Jackson has come to terms with the disheartening realization that you can’t run a city with a city manager that minimizes your position, seeks to undermine your authority, and generally bad mouths you – even in public.
You can see what’s going on here folks. We have Jim Palenick, who transferred here several years ago after he allegedly trashed another town with the same stunts he’s pulling in Rio Rancho, trying to run the show and feather his cap with all sorts of projects, some of which are suspect. He’s gone to the point of telling the Mayor how it will be, and he’s forsaken the spirit of cooperation that every town needs to realize success. The article linked below on the Review Magazine Website, states that Palenick exhibited an attitude of “insubordination” as Bay City’s council took action to remove him. According to the Review, Palenick thought he could run his own show in their town too, until citizens started to complain, and the council there filed for a “Just Cause Dismissal.” Now we’re facing the same attitude and actions from him here, and the Mayor is putting a stop to it.
Don’t get me wrong – it’s a sad situation. The role of city manager is an important one in any town. It’s a position of authority, control, and carries with it great responsibility. It can also be abused. By contrast, a lot of people think the position of Mayor is one of limited authority and is basically a figurehead. Wrong. The Mayor of our town has shown that he takes action when he feels things aren’t running properly. That’s what’s been ruffling a few feathers down at city hall. That’s okay. We need that type of administration; one that will move decisively when problems arise, even when they involve issues within its own ranks.
And what’s with Jim Owen? The former Mayor has jumped to Palenick’s defense, calling Jackson a liar? Could his attack of Jackson in the press be at all related to the fact the he was the one (Owen) that hired Palenick in the first place? Hmmm, we wonder. I think we can all see that there’s a reason why Owen is no longer Mayor – the people have spoken. Mayor Jackson inherited this problem, and now he has to clean it up. Thanks Mayor Owen - thanks a lot.
We want to express our thanks to Mayor Jackson. We want him to know that we appreciate having a man in office that is looking out for our best interest. Now all that remains is to see how the council will vote. We’ll be paying close attention to how each member casts his or her ballot. We know that, with all of the good people that sit on the city council, we’ll see a favorable outcome; one that thinks of the citizens first. One thing is for sure, all of the council members are working for the good of our town just as the Mayor is, and here’s the chance for them to show it.
(This article reflects the opinion of the writer, and may or may not represent the opinions or views of Rio Rancho In Focus.)
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"...and ya don't mess around with Jim"
Editorial Comment 12/2/2006
How much can we take? Jim Palenick wielding his authority roughshod over the city is almost too much to bear. How can one guy, arrogantly push though projects with no regard for anything or anyone but his own personal agenda? It's our opinion that there are only two answers: he either can't, or won't do his job properly.
Mayor Jackson recently voiced concerns that Palenick is recklessly pushing through a development that hasn't been properly reviewed, or properly put out for bid. He states that Palenick has chosen a development firm, LWP Inc., to work on the biggest project to ever hit this town, the new downtown development. He also said that "Everyone in the city looked at this (proposal) and shook our heads."- (Rio Rancho Journal.) He stated that the proposal is "completely one-sided." But Palenick disagrees - even though the outside appearances of the deal stink. Palenick wants his chosen firm, LWP, to get all of the land in one shot, and the complete project - one company, one job, period. Jackson disagrees, citing that the project hasn't been properly put out for bid, and that he has heard that LWP has problems. He doesn't think the company is up to carrying out the project properly, and he's worried. "We need to take a breath and re-compete this development of the downtown area and include top regional and national firms who do this well." Jackson said he was "strongly advised" by a nationally respected architect staff" to avoid using LWP.
Now, sitting back and thinking about such a large undertaking, even if it means moving slowly and carefully with another review is probably a good idea, especially if there's a question about the developer, right? No says Jim. He says that the process that was followed to choose LWP was complete and proper. He doesn't feel any more time is needed. "These guys are the best there is," Palenick said. He wants to move forward - now.
The real story here however is not the development, and not LWP. The story here is Palenick and Jackson. Why on earth does the city manager seek to fight the Mayor at every turn? Why, when the Mayor is looking out for the city's best interest by taking time to fully review the process, does Palenick resist him, and even go as far as to say "If (Jackson)'s suggesting he doesn't trust me, then that's his issue)? His issue Jim? Come on.Our article below gives the answer to this problem. They don't get along. It's plain and simple. The question then becomes - why?
Palenick has been used to having his way in our town for much too long. It started when he moved here from back east. It's continued since then, with Palenick running the show - that is, until now. That leaves Jackson, the voice of reason at City Hall - on his own. City councilor Delma Pertrullo said she has "utter, total, and complete faith in the city manager." Then why not put it out for bid again if the Mayor has these kinds of concerns Delma? Why not error on the side of conservatism? Your faith will still be intact afterward, right?
Palenick's natural reaction is to face off with the Mayor, citing trust issues, and taking a defensive attitude. The downtown development project is just one more fight in a growing line if disputes between the two. We urge our readers to keep a close eye on Palenick and Kollessar. These two have made other communities they've worked for less than happy - according to the reference linked below.
Palenick has already made it clear that he isn't interested in different opinions. He's made it clear that he's running the show. He's also made it clear the the Mayor can take a hike. It's all about money here folks.
So, before we give Jim any pats on the back for bringing in new business, and developing our city, let's take the Mayor's advice, and at least think about what we're doing before we do it. Someone has to.
(For more information on Jim Palenick, and how he's caused problems for other towns - click HERE )
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As Weather Woes Wane, City Turns Its Attention Elsewhere
Staff Contribution 10/27/2006
As the bad rain season ends, many worry that so will the energy needed to fix the flooding problems residents faced this past spring and summer. The city council voted to undertake a study to determine what needs to be done to mitigate future flooding issues, but incredibly, it indicated that the "study" could take up to eighteen months. Common sense dictates that such a long term will cause more damage, and could possibly cost the city and residents thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars next rain season.
Council member Marilyn Salzman indicated in a recent press article that those who oppose a mandated SAD will find that their cries for help will fall on deaf ears. This remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure, citizens will need to muster as much if not more effort to maintain the initiative they have started this season in order to get things done.
Many residents are complaining that their unimproved roads are not being maintained by graders, and that they haven't seen maintenance crews in their areas for weeks. We've contacted Mayor Jackson to get more information as to why basic services in these areas are being ignored, but he hasn't responded. If and when he does respond, we'll get you some answers - but don't hold your breath.
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City of Vision is Blind When it Comes to What's Right.
Staff Contribution 10/4/2006
Several interesting issues came to light at yesterday's Chamisa Neighborhood Association meeting, not the least of which was that the residents of Unit 17 have figured out what Jim Palenick and John Kolessar have up their sleeves. The rumor is that the city will be combining the road paving issue, with the flood drainage issue, as it seeks to mandate a special assessment district at the next council meeting. The council members that will propose the SAD are Howard Balmer and Marilyn Salzman. But the council members have another thing coming if they think that the residents are stupid enough to not know what's going on. The residents at last night's meeting realize that the city can't morally, legally, or in the spirit of being a good community citizen force residents by way of a mandated assessment to pay for drainage infrastructure that other citizens had put in place with general tax dollars. It's inequitable, and stinks of misuse of funds. So they're going to try and "piggyback" the issues together to get a SAD established for the roads, and use part of that money to build drainage infrastructure. Special assessments have been held in the courts to be an appropriate remedy for improvements that benefit property owners - but never for improvements that are directed to basic infrastructure. This will be a first as far as we can tell, and who better than the "city of vision" to do it. Enter the Rio Rancho brand of SAD. The type of SAD Balmer and Salzman want to impost could pay for it all, and if it passes - watch out.
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Mayor is Fighting an Uphill Battle with Palenick and Kollessar
Staff Contribution 9/18/2006
It's not easy coming into an established agency having to contend with officials that have had it their way for so long, but that's exactly what Mayor Kevin Jackson has had to do as he makes his way through the muck and mire that has become our city government. The Rio Rancho Observer reported this week that Mayor Jackson has had a tough time lately trying to sort out flooding issues, and at the same deal with the entrenched attitudes of two of the cities controlling personalities, City Manager Jim Palenick, and Public Infrastructure Director John Kolessar. The article highlights one of the reasons the city residents have had such a hard time over the years getting anything done for themselves, while officials like Palenick and Kolessar have ridden the crest of the "praise wave" at the expense of the citizens. Jackson has tried to help the people in need to solve the tough flooding issues, and at the same time has tried to somehow work it all out with the limited funds available. The problem is that Palenick and Kolessar don't appear to have as much of an interest in helping people in need, as they do in feathering their caps with unless projects such as a new city hall, and sports stadiums. While these new projects look good on the outside, what they won't tell you is that a new city hall and a new sports stadium do very little if anything to help Rio Rancho's need for more gross receipts tax revenue to fund projects like drainage infrastructure. The "City of Vision" runs largely on taxes that stem from housing development. The city has no solid revenue base, and largely depends construction revenue. This is poor planning, because it means that more and more houses need to be built to sustain the city's growth, and that means more sprawl, and a very questionable future.
It's worth noting that Palenick and Kolessar worked together in Bay City Michigan, where Palenick hired Kolessar, until Kolessar was released from his position as director of public works. Palenick was also involved in some legal action in the same city. Go here for details on Kolessar's "mess in Michigan."
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Chamisa Estates Meeting Disappointing
Staff Contribution 9/6/2006
The Chamisa Estates Neighborhood Association meeting held at Enchanted Hills Elementary in Unit 17 on September 5th was silly. I say silly because a number of things occurred that made the meeting all but useless. First, the meeting moderator did all he could to burn time as each council member present - Howard Balmer, and Marilyn Salzman, tooted their own horns on all they do for their districts. That was fine, but that wasn't why we were there. This, along with Representative Jane Culbert's comments ate up over 1 1/2 hours of the two hour meeting - barely enough time for the residents with questions to clear their throats. No key members of city government were present, namely Mayor Kevin Jackson, Public Infrastructure director John Kolessar, or City Manager, Jim Palenick - all of which could have provided real answers - but chose to hide instead. They usually keep their comments to high profile news interviews. Instead, residents got a taste of the growing trend of disinterest the city is now showing regarding flooding problems. Residents at the meeting were mad, and rightfully so. The standard "Impact fees pay for other stuff-not residential streets", and "You all need to spend your money in Rio Rancho-shame on you", mantras were spewed by Balmer, while the moderator wanted to know what we could do for future residents to disclose problems so they don't get hurt. Oh yeah, and residents got a good lesson on rain barrels. It's amazing to witness such inept governing. The highlight of the meeting was when a man mentioned a possible lawsuit.
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Citizens Left With Unanswered Questions
Staff Contribution: 9/5/2006
Weeks after the severe flooding Unit 17 residents experienced, Mayor Kevin Jackson's crew has been extremely slow to follow through with his promises of clean-up, and repair. Initially, the Mayor was meeting with residents in an attempt to discover the extent of the damage, and to hear from the local citizens themselves. He met with them in their houses, and also in his office at City Hall, where concerned citizens made use of what the Mayor calls his "open door policy." He stated that his first priority was to provide immediate relief by filling in the major road canyons that the rains caused, and to assist residents with clean fill to help them get out of their driveways. The city has been hit with several severe flooding incidents, but is the city doing enough to mitigate the damages? Some citizens don't think so, and that's building a growing tide of anger and resentment to rise up within certain neighborhoods. The anger is being fueled by remarks made by the Mayor that made it clear that his tie breaking vote on the council would, if needed, fall on the side of the residents that need flood relief. That didn't happen. During a council meeting held several weeks ago, it came down to a tie breaking vote to determine how road "refurbishing" money would be spent - money to repair unsightly cracks in the older roads in town. Over three million dollars was in the road repair fund, and when push came to shove, the Mayor sided with Council Member Larry Naranjo, and pushed that money toward road beautification instead of badly needed flood damage. "Even if the money was previously slotted for road repair, it could have been redirected to badly needed road damage. The Mayor chose to go the other way, and we're disheartened by that." said Mike Patrick, a resident that attended the meeting with the Mayor where he made his promise.
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Why Won't Rio Rancho Provide Basic Drainage Infrastructure?
by Anonymous Contributor:
There are only two choices; either the city of Rio Rancho can't, or it won't provide basic drainage infrastructure within the city limits. If the answer is it can't provide drainage relief for its residents, then the question is why? After contacting Ken Curtis of the city's Public Works department as to why Unit 17 has no adequate flood control, the word is that the city simply doesn't have the funding to undertake such improvements. Curtis stated that "Currently there is not funding for drainage improvements in this area. That may change in the future." In the mean time, residents in the hardest hit areas after the recent torrential rains cringe every time they see the sky cloud up. It's hard for residents that need proper drainage in their neighborhoods to watch as the city takes on major projects such as the new downtown area, and the new sports arena. The city of Rio Rancho has historically neglected basic need services in specific areas of the city. When residents have complained that roads and drainage are needed in Unit 17, and that the money should come from impact fees, they have been repeatedly told that impact fees go for major infrastructure improvements. It appears the city officials don't consider flood control a major infrastructure improvement. While cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe have long ago dealt with flooding in their communities, and have remedied the problem with city funds, Rio Rancho can't seem to muster the time, money, or energy to do the same. For years the city has put off it's citizens telling them that there is no funding. Now, the city of Rio Rancho has chosen to install dams and drainage control in other parts of the city, mainly to assist big developers with the rain drainage problem, while city residents most hard hit down stream won't be helped by the dam, and will continue to suffer. It's unbelievable, but it seems to be the tone of the "city of vision", with that vision being only dollar signs.
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Representative Culbert....a Port in the Storm?
Staff Contribution 9/5/2006
When Representative Jane Powdrell Culbert visited the residents of Unit 17 over two months ago, she promised thousands of dollars in relief, and her personal commitment to get those funds. When she was called by one of our council members a few days ago, according to the council member she was vague on the issue, and sounded disinterested. Just to make this clear, we haven't spoken to Representative Culbert to get her side of the story so we're not sure if the council member's statements are accurate, but we're holding out hope that she hasn't forgotten about us. At the meeting, she made it clear that she would secure funds for flood control in Unit 17. She also stated that those funds probably wouldn't be available until next year. It doesn't help our immediate plight, but any dollars that come our way we'll take. The figure that was bounced around was $150,000 dollars. We'll be keeping our eye on Jane, and when she comes though, you'll be the first to find out. Stay tuned!
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Vista Hills Residents Say No to Proposed Town Home Development.
Staff Contribution: 7/17/2006
The Rio Rancho City Council voted no to a proposed town home development early last month after a meeting was flooded with concerned residents. Again, residents had to rise up to fight and curb, mindless development; a reputation the city of vision has been developing over the years. The city of Rio Rancho council had decided to allow town home development in an arroyo no less, located in an open space section. The council, after a fight with Vista Hills residents during a recent meeting to make that decision official, instead voted to not allow the development, but some residents remain uneasy as the city has been known to go back and reverse its decisions. We'll wait to see if that decision sticks. Vista Hills residents say they'll be staying on guard.