LETTER: Local elections have consequences

Local elections have consequences

As I sat in the last Sandoval County Commission meeting, I listened to several small business owners plead with the commissioners to address the re-evaluations of their property.

My first thought was, “Elections have consequences.” They explained that the rise in property taxes would be devastating. It is concerning that a single individual, who is part of the non-legislative branch of government, can raise taxes by simply “adjusting the value” of your property without oversight or input.

Linda P. Gallegos, the Sandoval County assessor, was not present at the meeting. I believe it is unfortunate, as every elected county official should attend these meetings and provide at least a quarterly report on their departments for public benefit. Ms. Gallegos was elected during the 2022 general election, narrowly defeating Greg Gallegos by a margin of 4% (2,442 votes).

The 2022 election faced numerous issues; court orders were necessary to open 20 of the 39 ballot boxes in Sandoval County. After the canvassing board approved the results, the Secretary of State’s office had to send emails to the Sandoval County elections director to “fix” the canvass numbers. This information is publicly available for those who take the time to look.

It appears Ms. Gallegos is a 2018 graduate of NM Emerge, along with District 1 Commissioner Katherine Bruch. Have you researched NM Emerge and its national organization? Consider examining who sponsors them. I recommend scrutinizing the financial backing of every candidate, which is straightforward since they must post all donations and expenses on the New Mexico SOS website.

Another intriguing point appears on the county assessor’s page of the Sandoval County website. At the top, it states, “Ready to stop paying property taxes on land that you are never going to use? We can help. Sandoval County is accepting donations of land.”

Consider the implications: Sandoval County is accepting “donations” to exempt you from paying taxes but you lose property. As the World Economic Forum (WEF) suggests, “You will own nothing and be happy.” Remember, “Elections have consequences”.

Ramona Goolsby

Rio Rancho