By LISA SHIN
Owner
Los Alamos Family Eyecare
During a community forum on Dec. 16, 2024, there were several unanswered questions and serious concerns raised from citizens and small business owners. Indeed, “public reception toward the proposed Downtown Metropolitan Area (MRA) for East Downtown Los Alamos…could be summed up in one word: skeptical.”
Why would the public be skeptical? Because there is a disconnect between what the public is being told and what appears to be actually happening.
The following examples were taken from public forums, County emails, and IPRA requests for County documents:
We were told “The statute does not allow for MRA designation or planning that would benefit one property owner…” However, in May 2024, our Council approved MRA boundaries that largely benefited Columbus Capital (who purchased Mari-mac and the old Smith’s properties in May 2023).
We were told “Columbus Capital has not submitted a formal request for funds…” However, on April 10, 2024, Columbus presented a 100+ page document to County Staff behind closed doors with the title page, “Mari Mac Village Phase 1 Public Funding Request.” Apparently, citizens do not need to know about informal, multi-million dollar requests for our tax dollars.
We were told “Columbus Capital has stated they are exploring options and ideas that could reduce construction costs or might qualify as a LEDA request, of which has not been submitted to the County.” Yet, in this 100+ page document, there are tables with the titles: “City/County LEDA Application” and “MRA/LEDA funds.” Additionally, there are anticipated gross receipts tax revenues to the County and number of jobs created, which are required for all LEDA applications.
We were told, “Columbus Capital stated that they are not ready to invest in detailed design documents and cost estimates.” However, the document presented to County staff includes both. There are even proposed architects and general contractors ready to do the work, as well as a CPM schedule. They are way behind schedule.
There have been several calls for more transparency and openness with downtown redevelopment, as well as a citizen-led MRA Commission. An MRA Commission with only elected Councilors is unprecedented and guarantees that there will be no independent oversight. NM Statute specifically calls for five, appointed MRA Commissioners who serve 1-3 year terms (Section 3-60A-16).
The bottom line is that the public has a “right to know” what is going on with downtown redevelopment.
James Rickman, a former Los Alamos County Councilor and Councilor candidate, perfectly described the situation. “Citizens have expressed concerns about Los Alamos County representatives taking actions and holding discussions affecting the Public Good behind closed doors, out of earshot and public view. Many feel that the results of these actions and discussions are being announced to the public at the Eleventh Hour, after they are already ‘done deals’”.
Regardless of the motivations and rationale behind the actions of our councilors, the unfortunate truth is that when the public’s business is done out of view, the public has no other choice than to create its own narrative about the hows and whys of whatever happened. In a high-trust environment, the narrative usually gives benefit of the doubt to those who hold power; but when those in power have squandered the public’s trust and have done little to build goodwill through honesty and openness, the narrative is not so flattering.”
Moving forward, I hope we have Councilors like James Rickman, who refuse to accept the status quo and “business as usual” approach to governance. Councilor David Reagor has stated, “The lack of transparency reaches into every project…” But he would need support from other Council members to address this problem and call for lasting reforms.
Public forums regarding Downtown MRA that do not include honest and open discussions on all proposed, “informal” plans and public funding requests, are a waste of everyone’s time. Without such, citizens will continue to be “skeptical”.
