Sandoval County Commissioners will be thinking about Santa Fe Wednesday evening. Commissioners are expected to discuss and identify legislative priorities for next year at the meeting. A list proposed by county staff places four items related to the operations of public safety agencies on the list of 12 priorities. At the top is legislation that […]
Local Government
Cousin candidates hold onto Tijeras Village Council seats
By Lauren Lifke Tijeras village councilors and cousins Matt Armenta and Johnathan Ortiz overtook their opponents on Election Day, holding onto their seats and beating out former mayor Gloria Chavez. The two were born and raised in Tijeras, and their families have resided in the area for generations. Ortiz said he was appointed to the […]
Newly reelected Commissioner Brennan to focus on road construction, water rights
By Lauren Lifke After a close race for the Edgewood Town Commission District 1 seat, incumbent Ken Brennan held onto his seat by just over 100 votes, beating out opponent Adrian Chavez. โIโm feeling relieved,โ Brennan told The Independent. โIโm glad itโs over. In my opinion, this race got kind of nasty.โ Brennan started his […]
District 5 update from Commissioner Olivas: Reports on housing investment, infrastructure projects
Bernalillo County Commission Chair Eric Olivas updated District 5 constituents this week on major housing investments, infrastructure improvements and legislative priorities affecting the East Mountains and Northeast Heights communities. The county has secured over $40 million in state funding for the BernCo Builds Community initiative, aimed at housing 1,000 individuals over the next two years. […]
Bernalillo meeting likely to be brief
Town councilors in Bernalillo could have a very brief meeting Monday. The list of agenda items includes nothing likely to be subject to protracted debate. Town treasurer Terri Gray will seek approval from the council for a budget adjustment in the special revenue fund accounts, give a financial update and present accounts payable vouchers. The […]
Edgewood Commission to discuss Town Manager posting in special meeting
The Edgewood Town Commission will meet Thursday evening to discuss posting for a new Town Manager position and consider appointing an interim manager, less than two weeks after Town Manager Nina McCracken resigned following a contentious closed session. The special meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m. at Edgewood Town Hall Commission Chambers, includes discussion and action […]
Placitas Garden Club celebrates 60th anniversary with county proclamation
Jardineros de Placitas, a social and charitable organization serving the Placitas community, received official recognition of its 60th anniversary from the Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 22. The proclamation, sponsored by District 1 Commissioner Katherine A. Bruch, honored the organization’s six decades of service to the greater Placitas area. Bruch, a former […]
Edgewood Town Manager resigns after prolonged closed session
By Lauren Lifke The manager of the Town of Edgewood, Nina McCracken, resigned from her position Tuesday night after a 90-minute closed session in which the commission discussed her midyear review and other unspecified โpertinent information.โ Two commissioners dissented, including Ken Brennan, who told The Independent that it was โsort of a forced resignation.โ Brennan […]
Bernalillo County passes resolution supporting federal control of public lands
The Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday supporting continued federal stewardship of public lands in the county and across New Mexico. The resolution, introduced Oct. 14 and approved Oct. 28, asks New Mexico’s congressional delegation to oppose federal legislation that would weaken public land protections, Commission Chair Eric Olivas said. “This […]
Bernalillo shelter moving forward, broadband expansion paused
In a brief meeting Monday evening, Bernalillo town councilors cleared a zoning path for the creation of a new Sandoval County animal shelter. County animal services officials told councilors the project will help fill a desperate need for space and create more opportunities for medical care, adoptions and other services. The zoning change, from rural […]

