Taos Politics, Culture, and the Social Contract
As social animals, we are all citizens of the polis or the political entities that govern. We citizens are arguably passive or active signatories to the social contract. Some vote, some do not but due to the integration of laws and customs of community all participate in the polis whether as taxpayers or as human beings in this great experiment of self-government. Just as we are a part of the greater natural world, so we are members of the social-political system that should aim at establishing harmony and justice in the community.
In Taos we have a rich history of human culture. Broadly speaking, the historic and extant communities include Native Americans, native Hispanics, and subsequent waves of Anglo merchants, artists, and newcomers, who, like the natives, seek the solace of the natural world and the social tolerance for individual eccentricity. Among these three groups are a myriad of subcultures, whose social circles barely if ever touch one another.
A name recognized as famous, locally or nationally, can be completely unknown when it passes over into another sphere of influence. When somebody says, “Everybody knows…” or “Nobody knows…” the hackles of my skeptical self rise: Who is everybody? Who is nobody?
In political campaigns, experienced operatives understand that they must make their candidates known to those from whom they seek votes. Incumbents, importantly, also avoid those who know them too well. On Tuesday, candidates will file for the office of Town Council and Mayor. The Town of Taos is at a critical point in terms of its financial and cultural survival.
According to news reports and knowledgeable insiders, the Town has compromised public safety at the E911-Dispatch Center even as its controversial policies are costing the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional expenses. In its attempt to annex, the Town destabilizes the financial security of both Town and County residents. Whether due to myopia or selfish concerns, the Town has ignored the historic and cultural concerns by impairing acequias and blocking the enhancement of the arts.
While the Town historically focused on managing a frugal financial operation to assure employment and provide facilities for enhancing the quality of life, the current administration has followed a borrow and spend policy without enhancing revenue streams while laying off experienced employees.
Not only has the current administration in the persons of Mayor Cordova, Councilors Peralta and Abeyta ignored both the historic culture and principles of sound management but the threesome hired a team of itinerant executives to attack other elected officials and subsidized a private radio station to engage in shock jock tactics against those who disagree with their tactics and policies. Nothing could be more shocking than the way the three have turned local custom and culture upside down.
The community couldn’t have a better mayoral candidate than Mr. Work Gloves, Dan Barrone. He, his fellow county commissioners, elected county officials, county employees, and their citizen supporters successfully built a new complex and have stabilized the county budget. The morale of employees at Taos County has never been better. But if a new mayor, like Dan Barrone, is to succeed in turning the ship at the Town around, he will need support.
Taos Friction believes Fritz Hahn and Judi Cantu bring integrity and principles of public service to the table in their announced candidacies. Like candidate Barrone, they believe in service to community first.
Mr. Hahn’s unique record as an entrepreneur and bookkeeper in the financial oversight of Taos Herb Company’s growth underscores his commitment to small and successful business. Fritz’s contributions as an EMT, hospital union organizer, and work with Men Engaged in Non-Violence as well as his opposition to Super Walmart display a commitment to community at the grass roots level. His integrity and honesty are unquestioned.
Similarly, candidate Judi Cantu, the daughter of a former mayor, brings a Taosena’s experience to the public stage as a proud and knowledgeable citizen—a commercial property owner and activist for social justice, who has demonstrated her willingness to serve by running—seriously—for office. Despite the slings and arrows, women like the legendary Lovely Lorraine Coca-Ruiz, Erlinda Gonzales, Stella Gallegos, Luisa Valerio Mylet, and Becky Parraz have made an impact as elected officials on the community. Though Judi might be quiet in person, she is enlightened and portrays the inclusive culture so prominent among members of the Cantu family. She possesses the same seeds of courage and integrity as the above and like Becky, if I might be permitted a little joke by way of apology, has lived here a “lifetime.”
In Taos, we need to get behind collectively three candidates, who will stop the sled being ridden downhill by the out-of-control egos of Darren, Fred, and Rudy. As antidote to the years of mismanagement, we want a mayor and council, composed of those who believe in the equity of the social contract that provides fair government for all residents in the Town and County—not just a program of “contracts for cuates.” We need candidates who have a demonstrable record of public service and folks with principles like Dan Barrone, Fritz Hahn, and Judi Cantu.
Each election cycle, utopian and egotistical dreams drive candidates to compete. If nobody but Barrone, Hahn, and Cantu signed up on Tuesday to contest the election, the electorate would have sent a satisfying message to the one-eyed jacks. Change is here. Let’s get on with governing. And there’s another election in two years.
Below: Mandatory Government Tip Sheet
