I know what it is like to be steam rolled, bulldozed, piled on. I recognize this same pattern with Albuquerque's proposed A.R.T. project. Having served half a century ago on the House of Representatives Legislative Appropriation Committee I saw many big corporate interests merge with local and state government interests to have their say with projects. Big corporate interests like UNM, PNM, Presbyterian, the banks, and construction companies are major moneyed interests. For example, during the time I served in the New Mexico Legislature, I watched the razing of the Alvarado Hotel which was supposed to be a good idea. Albuquerque still suffers from the loss of this icon. The A.R.T. proponents not only have big money, they also have the interest of the wanna be governor "Berry Berry". As they say, money doesn't talk, it screams. And as usual -- full disclosure and transparency are smothered.
The financial Goliaths around the A.R.T. project stand to make a lot of money in the short term but will cause incredible economic damage to all of the wonderful small businesses along Route 66. Many of the Route 66 businesses will be forced into bankruptcy and displaced.
Albuquerque is truly a Breaking Bad city -- except for the high rollers. May Senator Heinrich, Udall, and members of the lower house cut the federal matching fund to zero.
Rick Edwards, A.R.T. opponent
