It’s time for a change on the council

“I’m as mad as hell and I’m not gonna take this anymore! – Howard Beale (Network)

That quote sums up the upcoming municipal election in Districts 1, 4 and 6. We finally have serious challengers to the incumbents in those districts. This is a signal to the current Rio Rancho City administration that all is not well at City Center; a few examples follow.

In 2022 the former city attorney cost the city more than $43,000 in an attempt to squelch information regarding a records request (IRPA) in a child’s death.

Why are 99%-plus of the resolutions and ordinances submitted to the governing body (GB) unanimously approved with absolutely no discussion. Our councilors’ purview is to review nonelected staff recommendations and ask if other alternatives were investigated (especially the “do nothing” alternative). This is especially important since virtually all city “executive branch” managers have been promoted from within in order to preserve the status quo. (In my opinion however, the Public Works, Utilities and P&R managers are very capable individuals.)

In December 2023 the GB approved an updated “GB Rules and Procedures,” which contains a discriminatory rule regarding public forum speakers. It reads “The presiding officer shall determine the specific amount of time given to public forum speakers at a meeting.” On a whim, the presiding officer can then limit the speaker’s time to the minimum one minute if the presider deems an issue or speaker is controversial.

We need change in the governing body, and the March 2024 election is our opportunity. Are the incumbents worried about their challengers? Yes! I am aware that an incumbent recently asked a challenger to drop out of a district race to avoid splitting the vote!

In my May 29, 2023, letter to the Observer I wrote, “Rio Rancho needs responsible and independent citizens step up and run for the District 1, 4 and 6 councilor positions in March, 2024.” Thank you to those challengers willing to bring change to our city.

Now let’s “Throw the Rascals (Incumbents) Out!”

Michael Jackovich

Rio Rancho