It has been 25 years since we’ve had the chance to redesign the State Fairgrounds (now officially known as Expo New Mexico). As the state senator representing most of the area, I know that the communities surrounding Expo New Mexico have repeatedly called for an opportunity to participate in a formal strategic plan for the development of the 250 acres in the middle of our city.
And for a while it looked as if we were headed in the right direction.
Over the last 10 years, three separate governor’s task forces recommended the consideration of Central Park or Millennium Park-esque redesigns, all of which would be self-funded.
In 2010, legislation passed that called for an Asian American Center on the grounds and a long-term planning session involving community members.
The mayor called for Expo New Mexico to be part of “ABQ The Plan.”
Most recently we were encouraged by the governor’s office issue of a competitive Request for Proposals for the land currently occupied by the Downs at Albuquerque.
But now it appears we will miss an important opportunity to craft a serious strategic plan or consider community input before the next 25-year land deal is made.
With just 30 days to respond, only two entities met the deadline. No formal community input was solicited, plans were kept secret, accountability measures have not been put in place yet, and broader plans for Expo New Mexico were excluded from the discussion.
We know that bold change is needed. The 2011 Legislative Audit further revealed a disturbing history including millions of dollars in mismanagement, questionable short-term decisions and annual taxpayer bailouts.
Then on Nov. 8, the Albuquerque Journal reported $70,000 of campaign contributions went to the governor from the Downs’ ownership.
If these trends continue, many of us State Fair supporters worry that taxpayers statewide may not continue to foot the bill.
The rushed new 25-year land deal the governor appears ready to sign with the Downs at Albuquerque is better than the current one. However, it will likely preclude bigger opportunities and perpetuate status quo operations at Expo N.M.
New Mexicans deserve a well-run transparent and accountable operation that is a pride point for the city, state and surrounding community.
Thankfully, the State Fair Commission wisely agreed to table the recent vote on the lease. But there is mounting pressure to force the decision in December based on the idea that a new casino lease is the only option to fund the fair.
That is simply not true: The amendment signed this year by the Expo director extends the lease to 2013; also, the Legislature can extend the lease or funding in the short term to allow for proper long-term planning.
Rather than locking the grounds into any long-term deal that ties our hands for decades to come, I hope the governor and other legislators will join the call to restructure governance at the fairgrounds and get serious about the planning and funding that will be required to make our fairgrounds world class.
Reopen the RFP, let Albuquerque have a voice, and let’s look at numerous options from enterprise zones to tax increment financing that can fund a broader redesign that will have little impact to taxpayers.
Let’s do better for New Mexico and develop long-term vision; one that transforms the fairgrounds into true asset that helps the revitalization of the International District and becomes a vibrant destination for everyone in our state and beyond.
0 comments:
Post a Comment