One thing that's never mentioned regarding Santa Fe's proposed property-tax increase is the macro-economic effect of taxes.

Even though the $4 million in proposed property-tax increase is a drop in the bucket in regard to the total local economy, these "takings" are cumulative. If you add up all the increases in gross-receipts taxes, property taxes, building permits, water rates, parking fees, utility-company surcharges, income taxes, affordable housing costs, etc., etc., in the last five years, the total dollar amount would be staggering. This money, if allowed to stay in the private sector, could have been invested and reinvested and thus created new jobs and higher incomes levels for existing jobs.

Santa Fe's property-tax increase is just another "nail in the coffin." And as more people subsequently "fall into poverty," the need for publicly funded welfare increases — as does the need for more taxation. Innovation creates jobs. Innovation requires capital.


Sheehan's courage

We were recently at Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi when we heard the beautiful letter read to the parishioners submitted by Archbishop Michael Sheehan. It was in regard to cohabitation by some of our Catholic friends who are receiving Holy Communion. We admire him for the great fortitude it took to address this problem in the Catholic Church. Many times we are blind and in denial of Jesus' words and do only what is convenient for us.

Not long ago, we walked with the archbishop and other Christians to the state Capitol in support of the life of the unborn. It disturbs us, too, that some of our Catholic friends support liberal politicians who advocate abortion and are still at ease going to Holy Communion and being very active in the church.

To quote Jesus, "I'll spew you out if you are not with me." The Lord wants us as apostles to be with him
100 percent and obey his commandments, including the fifth, "Thou shall not kill."

Archbishop Sheehan has a difficult task ahead of him. We hope he'll keep us in his prayers. We are little people, sinners, who need to be led by a shepherd like him. The Lord will give him the graces and hopefully, some day, we the sheep will have eternal salvation.


Letter offends

I read the article about the letter our archbishop wrote to his faithful flock. I was at Mass and I listened to the archbishop's letter.

This letter was offensive. While we all know the "rules" of our faith, I think it was insensitive for "our shepherd" to require pastors to read his letter, which was a discomfort to many. A friend told me he saw a young lady crying as the letter was being read, and that another walked out.

Cohabitation is a fact, and while we don't all accept it, so be it. The archbishop will not change this.

Parishioners are invited to Mass, we graciously take their money, but they are not permitted to eat at our table. Hypocritical? This is not the way my Lord would like to treat His guests. Jesus welcomed all to His table.

To tell us we are in "great spiritual danger" is insulting. I know many non-Christians who are full of love and lead a spiritual life, without being Catholic.


Unfair to Noedel

I could not believe the yellow journalism: A headline larger than Barry Bonds in the March 31 sports page treating an honorable community-serving gentleman, Ron Noedel, as a common criminal!

This was done by turning an ordinary family quarrel and misunderstanding into sensationalism. Did you have to include family details and the most-wanted mug shot?

Ron has served St. Michael's High School, the athletic program and the community for more than 20 years, including hundreds of hours yearly doing volunteer work. He's then being slammed in order to promote the sports page. I expect the people of Santa Fe, the St. Mike's athletes and school officials will appreciate and support Ron Noedel in this uncalled-for and humiliating experience.


Lessons from Leland

Regarding "D.A.: Abuse long before boy's death" (March 30): Reading your ongoing coverage and headline news was heartbreaking.

There are no words to describe how Leland Valdéz's short three years of life must have been for him. The phrase "it takes a village to raise a child" comes to mind.

All of us, collectively, must take action if child abuse is even suspected, remembering that children are dependent on adults for survival and incapable of escaping from abuse.

The authorities are trained to determine child abuse.

We must give them information so they can intervene with zero tolerance. We can't just wonder; we must act!



Like so many others, I am heartsick at the passing of an innocent child. However, I am saddened and troubled by the outcome: that one person is being blamed for all that happened.

I believe that the real villains and those most deserving of the public's wrath are the mother and her boyfriend. It was most likely they who caused the death of Leland Valdéz, and they are the ones who must answer society's wish for rightful punishment under the law. Yes, there is always room for improvement in any organization, but the way to facilitate this process is not by scapegoating one individual.

I would like us to slow down the blame game and ask that we learn from this tragedy, implementing meaningful change but not by trying to solve society's problems by laying them at the hands of one person.


Far-sighted senators

Recently, Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall introduced legislation to transfer the management of the Valles Caldera National Preserve to the National Park Service.

As anyone who has been to the caldera can testify, it is spectacular to behold and has a fascinating geological and cultural history.

The preserve is listed as one of Audubon New Mexico's top 10 Important Bird Areas and provides habitat for a wide range of other wildlife, including 17 threatened or endangered species, and such animals as the black bear, mountain lion, goshawk, peregrine falcon and Río Grande cutthroat trout.

The bill introduced by our senators would still allow hunting, fishing and cattle grazing as well as ensure access by pueblos to tribal cultural and religious sites. Transfer of the caldera to park-service management will ensure proper management of this iconic area for generations to come. I thank the senators for their foresight!


License scam

Last summer, an American friend of mine who now lives in Mexico came to Taos to visit after having been gone for five years.

While visiting with and housesitting for various friends, she somehow renewed her New Mexico driver's license using her name and my address. I found out when her driver's license was mailed to me. She was not required to prove her residency, and she used my address without my authorization.

If it was that easy for her, I can imagine how easy it is for anyone to obtain a New Mexico driver's license.


Invest in future

I would like to request that any remaining American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money be redirected to early-education programs.

Child care assistance, pre-K, T.E.A.C.H, early-childood scholarships, training and technical assistance programs and home visting are high-priority programs that support the children, families and economy of New Mexico.

This redirection would be an investment in the state's present and the future economy. Nuestros niños son el futuro de nuestro estado.