City, County and State Leaders Need to Take Lead

The Las Conchas Fire is setting a new state record as being the largest fire in New Mexico history; our leaders are doing little to prevent others. Closing off certain areas is a good preventative measure, as are requests to the public not to purchase fireworks. All leaders are making these requests but are offering little alternatives to a public, who are grateful for 235 years of freedom. The public has a right to celebrate Independents’ Day as proud Americans.

It seems that our leaders want us to make the sacrifice and do without because they want to be “penny-pinchers.” How come our leaders do not set up and provide several fireworks displays, at different locations, in different communities? Is it the cost? Stop “penny-pinching,” if there is another fire, the coffers will be quickly depleted in an effort to stop another fire. What the Eye is saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure.

For example, if Mayor Berry set up fireworks displays in several areas around the City and advertised these events, there would be no need for the public to purchase or use fireworks. Yes, there is costs (ounce of prevention) involved but in comparison to a fire in the Bosque, which would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars (a ton of cure); the fireworks displays would be a small price to pay. The City could charge a small fee to help cover the cost and/or give out passes to attend the events.

Our leaders need to do more to prevent fires during the fire season. What they have done up to this point is insufficient. Cheap talk and acting like they are really doing something does not cut it for a public who is in tune with the real world.

Keep in mind, the Eye is not questioning the need to be safe and protect our land from fire. The Eye is questioning our lame leaders. The need to be proactive is clear but the rhetoric that our leaders speak about is just cheap talk.

The Eye encourages our audience to be safe and avoid situations that may be dangerous to them or to others. Make plans on attending public fireworks displays that are available to the public or park where you and your family may safely enjoy the celebration.