BEWARE OF CHICKEN LITTLE

As you may be aware the Las Cruces City Council is proposing an ordinance to allow domestic chickens within the city limits. It doesn't matter if you live in the city or not, this is a health threat to all.

This is a serious health risk to our community and our families. Certain City Councilors are promoting this issue for a very small minority. The Councilors do not want to listen to reason or that there even exists a problem.

My question to them is..."What expertise do you and staff hve in making decisions which affect public health and other health risks?" Certain Councilors seek "expert advise" for their "pet" projects, yet on an important and serious safety issue, all are quiet...Why? Now that they are in control, their own rules don't apply? Interesting. Bring in experts to explain the potential health risks. The more information the better, right? Why are certain Councilors wanting to push a rapid vote on the issue. We all remember the outcry from their supporters that the City doesn't allow enough public input on projects, where are they on this issue? What happened to transparency and fair play they ran on? This is hyprocricy at its best.

I think its time for Las Crucens and all citizens to send a loud and clear message to City Council and others that we will not tolerate rash and irresponsible decisions which affect the welfare of our children and community.

With the recent H1N1 outbreak they still believe it cannot happen here. I disagree. The only reason why Avian Flu or Swine Flu or H1N1 outbreaks have not been detected here is because we do not literally live with our poultry, horses, pigs, etc. as do families in Asia, Mexico and other underdeveloped nations or it is culturally accepted. We are a nation of proper health and hygeine standards, though some do not adhere to them, the majority do. Once we open Pandora's box the probability increases that will threaten our population will be opened as well.

Are you aware that the City requires licensing for bicycles and pets, yet less than 20% of the residents who have them are licensed,80% are not. We cannot enforce the existing laws, now chickens!

Yet, Council continues to pass ordinances without consideration that it will require more police, fire and codes personnel to handle the complaints and enforcement aspect of their mandates. We currently have a budget shortfall and now they will be straining the system because of a small minority. This is unacceptable.

Here are the email addresses for the Mayor and City Councilors. Please, if you disagree with domestic chickens in the city limits, send them an email to ask them to stop wasting city funds and staff on this ridiculous ordinance.

Email addresses:

Mayor Ken Miyagishima at mayor@las-cruces.org
Miguel G. Silva at miguel.silva@las-cruces.org
Dolores Connor at dconnor@las-cruces.org
Dolores Archuleta at darchuleta@las-cruces.org
Nathan P. Small at nsmall@las-cruces.org
Gil Jones at gjones@las-cruces.org
Sharon K. Thomas at sthomas@las-cruces

The passage of this ordinance will be a dangerous precedence and will possibly open the City to legal challenges by citizens.

I believe that this will be a real campaign issue for incumbents up for re-election this year and those who may challenge them. This will also be an opportunity for challengers to discuss the "red light cameras" and the real motivation for them.

I am reminded of a quote given to me that is inscribed on a paper weight on my desk that reads: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world..." Margaret Mead