The Three Cultures: Politicians, Merchants, and Artists

Martinez v. Martinez in Cerro

The man from Cerro, Virgil Martinez, who is challenging the democratic machine in Taos County, out-polled Gov. Martinez in Cerro on Tuesday, 23 to 16. The republican candidate for county commissioner faces democratic winner Mark Gallegos in District 2, and says he’s getting an early start on the campaign trail. Virgil, like hundreds of Questenos, got laid off on June 2 at the Chevron Moly Mine.

“They ought to turn the mine into a museum,” said the Cerro visionary. “There’s a lot of history, big machines, and interesting sights in the mine. It could be a big tourist attraction. “ According to the former miner, tours could take from two to four hours or more to see the pit, the underground dig, the trolley, the giant trucks and machines. Mr. Martinez said the County, Red River, and Questa should get together and discuss their options with Chevron. Virgil noted that the Deputy County Manager, Brent Jaramillo, is from Questa and ought to take the lead.

(Given the rather large numbers in the inventory of art objects left behind by deceased artists, we might consider asking if the mine could store and display all those visual delights hidden away in storage units. Once folks asked, “Have you been to Bilbao?” regarding the spectacular Frank Gehry Museum in Spain. Now they might ask, have you been to the Moly Mine?” It’s time to think big. And maybe a locker, too, for all the hunters.)

Virgil also predicted that democrats and disenchanted republicans would vote for Gary King in November, due to Gov. Martinez’s lack of popularity. King seems to be picking up momentum now that the primary is over. If Martinez can’t beat Virgil in Cerro, how can she beat the King democrat?

Occupy the Plaza!

Recalcitrant merchants, led by Charlie Brown’s friend, Lucy, are trying to undermine local use of the historic Plaza on Saturdays for a market featuring homegrown vegetables, baked goods, and delicious tamales and burritos. Despite the happy buyers at the market last week, some merchants claim they are losing quasi-private parking places in front of their shops as well as potential buyers for tchotchkes. Though the market attracts a cross-cultural mix of buyers, including folks with mucho dinero, the naysayers don’t like the change or, apparently, the sudden appearance of local folks on the Plaza. Some merchants fail to recognize the historic “commons” as a community-gathering place that has been much neglected by the town administrations of the last three decades.

While the mayor and manager are adding a new dimension to the Town’s attractions in an effort to wake up the community, Lucy is trying to pull the ball out from under Charlie Brown and the team from Town Hall. Visit the farmers on Saturday and occupy the Plaza and the shops. Warning signs have been posted so you can avoid inhospitable joints. The old County Courthouse is full of cooperative and friendly folks. You can see the jail or the historic frescoes for free.

Let’s overwhelm the farmers and the shopkeepers with kindness one more time before scrooge shows up with Molina’s handcuffs.

Call for Artists

Interested artists can pick up an RFP for the courtyard sculpture project at the County Complex. Ask for Elsa Vigil at the front desk in the administration foyer. She’ll give you a copy of the RFP. Get on the stick. We aren’t operating on Taos time here. Among other criteria, artists should have experience in public art while creating maintenance free outdoor objects. Excellence counts but political influence does not. No bribes. This isn’t a road or construction contract. The procurement code will be followed.

Important dates:

Mandatory pre-proposal meeting: June 12, 2014, 10 am.

Last day for submittal of questions: June 18, 2014.

Submission of Proposals: June 26, 2014.

Proposal Report: July 10.