Mondays with the Mayor
February 14, 2022: Topics discussed this week included the 2022 Municipal Officer Elections and next week’s candidates’ forum on this radio show, and village water use and rights. Infrastructure updates included the status of Broadband Expansion, Center Street Renovation, and Midtown Light Pole Replacement projects. Additionally, Ruidoso Police Chief Lawrence Chavez was in the studio to discuss two new officer hirings and George “The Trout Man” Schlemeyer was in to talk about improvements at Grindstone and Alto Lakes.
Mondays with the Mayor
February 7, 2022: Topics discussed this week included the Lincoln County Day Legislative Reception in Santa Fe hosted on Feb. 2 by the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce. Networking opportunities included a virtual meeting with the Governor about funding for bridge and sewer rehabilitation. Additionally, Ruidoso Police Chief Lawrence Chavez was in the studio to share an immediate need for new officers and the criteria for non-certified recruits.
Mondays with the Mayor
January 31, 2022: This week, Richie Hood and Barry Chase from First National Bank of Ruidoso joined the show to discuss local financing options for new businesses. Also in the studio, Water Resource Manager Eric Boyda discussed the Village water rights and municipal investments in water systems and infrastructure. Rick Hutchinson of Angus Church and Marci Butchofsky with Hope Harbor Transitional Home shared information about the upcoming event, Afternoon of Hope, at the ENMU-Ruidoso campus. Additionally, Police Chief Lawrence Chavez was in with new Officer Jimmy Lopez for his official swearing-in by Mayor Crawford. Also discussed was Officer Lopez’s background including his dive experience with installing the Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake.
Mondays with the Mayor
January 24, 2022: Mayor Crawford was out this week, but Ruidoso Convention Center Manager Tim Roberts filled in with interviews of some Village directors. Rodney Griego shared the success and achievements of the Parks and Recreation Department. Forestry Director Dick Cooke discussed upcoming fire season concerns with regard to the below-normal snow season so far and how the Ball Park fire demonstrated the success of forest thinning efforts. Utilities Director Adam Sanchez provided updates on the sewer rehabilitation project. Also discussed was the FEMA Geotechnical Bridgework scheduled to begin January 26.
Mondays with the Mayor
January 17, 2022: Topics discussed this week included the continued increase in Lincoln County COVID infection cases and three recent deaths attributed to the virus. Also discussed were last week’s council meeting including the Winter Park coaster and a possible date for operations, the approval of a boat ramp and youth fishing pond at Alto Lake, municipal pool maintenance and the continued discussion of an indoor facility. Ruidoso Police Chief Lawrence Chavez was in-studio to discuss an Alamogordo gunshot victim and why Ruidoso police were called out. Also discussed is how the 12th Judicial District Major Crime Unit (MCU) is used and its benefits for the communities it assists.
Mondays with the Mayor
January 10, 2022: Show highlights this week included Mayor Crawford’s scheduled January 24 State of the Village address, the upcoming meeting with Infrastructure Finance Czar, Marty Chavez regarding the application and use of federal recovery money, the surge in Lincoln County COVID infection cases and LCMD hospitalization data. Also discussed were the 2022 Municipal Officer Election and the GO Bond for the purpose of enlarging, improving, and/or extending the production and distribution components of the Village's water system. Ruidoso Police Chief Lawrence Chavez was in-studio to discuss the progress of the consolidated dispatch at the Horton Complex, including the funding of a new communications tower.
Mondays with the Mayor
January 3, 2022: Show highlights this week included the success of the Wingfield Park Ice Rink, the New Year’s weekend big snow event, the success of and the great job in preparation and execution of snow removal by the Streets and Parks and Recreation departments. Also discussed was the Ski Apache closure Monday thru Wednesday leaving local businesses and visitors upset. Barry Chase, a Commercial Loan Officer at 1st National Bank was in-studio to discuss how people can start a business or get a loan to help with an existing business. Mayor Crawford, Tim Dodge, and Ron Sena discussed the January 4 Council Workshop Meeting and agenda items.
Mondays with the Mayor
December 20, 2021: Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Director Rodney Griego discussed winter activities at Wingfield Park including the new Ice Skating Rink and the Trail of Lights display. State Rep. Zach Cook called to say that the final redistricting of the state that was completed last week. Police Chief Chavez discussed the success of the first annual Shop With A COP Christmas event and the successful capture of a suspect in the Sierra Blanca Motors break-in. Also, area youth talked about what Christmas means to them.
Mondays with the Mayor
December 13, 2021: Topics of discussion this week included the success of the Parks & Recreation Christmas Drone Show put on last weekend, the Eye On Water mobile apps to monitor personal water consumption and how to create an account. Also discussed were the Tuesday, December 14 council meeting agenda and the creation of a Safety Officer position for the Village. State Representative Zach Cook called in from Santa Fe to discuss NM Redistricting and Ruidoso Police Chief Lawrence Chavez joined the show to discuss the increase of vehicle theft and burglaries over the holiday season and the steps people can take to prevent vehicle theft.
Mondays with the Mayor
December 6, 2021: Parks and Recreation Director Rodney Griego joined the show this week to discuss Christmas events as well as the possibility of adding an ice skating rink to Wingfield Park for the winter season. Community Development Director Samantha Mendez was in the studio to discuss the Workforce Housing Mesa Apartment site plan to be presented during the December 7 workshop meeting. Police Chief Chavez also joined the show to introduce Officer Whitt who graduated from the Police Academy in Albuquerque. Also discussed were changes to the Festival of Lights traffic route.
Mondays with the Mayor
November 29, 2021: Topics discussed this week were the upcoming Ruidoso Warriors football State Championship game, the Dec. 4 Festival of Lights Parade and After Party, the Dec. 2, Christmas in the Park, and the Dec. 4 - Jan. 14, Trail of Lights at Wingfield Park. Tim Roberts joined the show to talk about the history of gold mining in Lincoln County as well as future plans for exhibits at the Wingfield House. Police Chief Chavez was in to discuss recent police activity including assisting the Ruidoso Downs in a chase of a subject who struck an officer during a traffic stop.
Mondays with the Mayor
November 22, 2021: Guest host and Parks and Recreation Supervisor Rodney Griego was in the studio to discuss the near completion of the new Cree Meadows Trail, future plans and projects including conceptual plans for Wingfield Park and the White Mountain Sports Complex. Village Project Manager Zeke Greer provided infrastructure updates on village bridges, the new Lift Station in the Upper Canyon, and easing traffic flow for the holidays. Dick Cooke, Director of Forestry, provided information about a Moon Mountain Fuel Management Study, and State Representative Zach Cook discussed the December and January state legislative sessions.
Mondays with the Mayor
November 15, 2021: Topics discussed this week include the current COVID-19 capacity at Lincoln County Medical Center, the recent rate cut on water utility bills, upcoming activities at the Ruidoso Community Center, and the RSVP program. Also discussed were new Village of Ruidoso employment opportunities. Former Doña Ana County Commissioner Isabella Solis also joined the show this week to discuss her announcement to run for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor.
Mondays with the Mayor
November 8, 2021: Topics discussed this week include the positive community response to the Ruidoso Insider newsletter, the Municipal League Board Meeting in Santa Fe, ongoing supply chain challenges and resulting effects. Also discussed were plans for an even bigger light display at Wingfield Park this year and approval for conditional use for the creation of Workforce Housing at the 1100 Mechem property. Introduced on the show is the new Convention Center/Radio Station/Wingfield House Manager, Tim Roberts, and Police Chief Chavez was in the studio to provide police activity updates and information about the next Citizen’s Police Academy.
Mondays with the Mayor
November 1, 2021: Topics discussed this week include the workshop meeting and agenda items including Gavilon, Warrior Drive, and Paradise Canyon Pavement Rehabilitation Project, a COVID-19 update from Lincoln County Medical Center, the director of tourism position, and a plan to hire and retain firefighters. Infrastructure status updates included the White Mountain Conceptual Plan and the possibility of fencing the soccer fields as protection against damage by the wild horses. Police Chief Chavez joined the show to discuss departmental challenges during the Halloween weekend.
Mondays with the Mayor
October 25, 2021: Topics discussed this week include end-of-quarter financials, ratification of a grant application for Lincoln County Hazard Mitigation Plan, and a change order for rock excavation for the Town and Country project. Infrastructure status updates included the near completion of Village Hall renovations, the Wingfield House project, and the Horton Complex. In the studio this week were Anthony Montes and Andrea Ward of the Ruidoso Community Center discussing center activities and events. School Board Candidates, Dave Tomlin and Vicki Porter were in for introductions and Q&A in advance of the 2021 Local Elections. Police Chief Chavez introduced the department’s newest detective, Jonathan Brashear, and advise on Halloween community safety.
Mondays with the Mayor: Tim Dodge and Ron Sena
October 18, 2021: Topics discussed this week include the current status of COVID-19 hospitalizations at Lincoln County Medical Center, the possibility and benefits of paying off long-term debt on the Ruidoso Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the relationship between Village economics and sales tax revenue. Infrasture status updates included the approval of a qualified bidder for workforce housing on Mechem Drive located near PNM and the progress at Horton Complex including water runoff issues.
Mondays with the Mayor: Tim Dodge, Ron Sena, George Schlemeyer, Marci Butchofsky, Leroy Cockrell, and Josh McCurdy
October 11, 2021: George Schlemeyer was in the studio this week to talk about fishing in the upper canyon with Marci Butchofsky joining the show to discuss the status of bridge repairs. Leroy Cockrell called in to discuss the possible addition of 40,500 acres of wilderness as part of a revised Forest Plan. Josh McCurdy called in to discuss cannabis sales and growing and the possible supply shortage when recreational sales become legal in New Mexico next year. The Mayor, Tim Dodge, and Ron Sena discussed the upcoming Council Special Meeting agenda. They also discussed the October 11 Ruidoso Adventure Tours Grand Prize Party at Wingfield park and congratulated the official winners.
Mondays with the Mayor: Tim Dodge, Ron Sena, and Lawrence Chavez
September 27, 2021: Police Chief Lawrence Chavez joins the show this week to discuss AspenFest traffic flow ideas and adjustments and grant agreements with Homeland Security for structural work on Ruidoso bridges. The Village has put out a request for proposals for professional engineering services. Topics also discussed this week included the NM Outdoor Economics Conference for advancing economic development and opportunities connected to public lands, with a focus on trailheads, restrooms, and Leave No Trace. Also discussed was the second volume of the Village Insider newsletter, and plans for content expansion with help from the Ruidoso Midtown Association and the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Mondays with the Mayor: Tim Dodge, Ron Sena, and Dr. Anthony “Ant” Thornton
September 27, 2021: Dr. Anthony “Ant” Thornton, Candidate for Lieutenant Governor joined the show this week to discuss his platform and changes he would like to see in New Mexico. The Mayor and Village Managers discussed Grindstone and Alto lakes water levels and the “Snake Shake” concessions at Alto Lake and upcoming events including the Aspenfest parade and after-party at Wingfield Park. Additionally, they discussed the upcoming Village Council agenda items and the roles and responsibilities of the Mayor and Village Council. Infrastructure updates included the continued need for and progress on affordable housing in the Ruidoso area.