Clovis has plenty to appreciate

Gayla Brumfield

Over the past few weeks I have been holding office hours at the library and it has been great to be visited by members of the public and having the opportunity to discuss all the exciting projects going on in our community.

Thanksgiving is a time for us to reflect and focus on all the good things in our lives. As a community we continue to be blessed with a healthy economy and growth.

Unlike many other New Mexico communities, Clovis has for the most part avoided the national economic downturn.

This is largely due to the expansion activities at Cannon Air Force Base and area industries such as Southwest Cheese.

The foresight of our city leaders in financially supporting Southwest Cheese through local economic development funding has been a tremendous benefit to our community through these hard times and ensured that quality paying jobs are available to the Clovis workforce.

We met with an economic development prospect recently who was excited and encouraged to see the growth going on in the community's downtown areas. The prospect felt that the attitude of growth combined with renewal was a testament to the character and commitment of the community in which we live.

The city commission continues to address the infrastructure needs of the community and this year we have made great strides with more than $7 million in upgrades and expansion work being carried out at the wastewater treatment plant. The identification of a funding source for the Ute Pipeline earlier this year was a great step forward in ensuring our funding for a sustainable water supply for Clovis’ residents.

Following the opening of the administration building at the Wellness Center at Hillcrest Park last year, the commission has continued to provide for the future quality of life needs of a growing community.

This year they refinanced the parks bond at no increase in taxes to the public. With these funds they acquired the 18-hole golf course at Colonial. Goodwin Lake Trails located on an area of city property adjacent to Prince Street has been enthusiastically received by the public, and the splash pad, youth recreation building, skate park and dog park will all be tremendous initial additions to Hillcrest Park. Dennis Chavez will receive a walking trail and Potter Park a tee-ball field and improvements to the football field together with walking trails.

As a community we have so much to be thankful for.

Clovis' motto is “A Community For Family.”

By continuing to work together in addressing our infrastructure, water, health and safety, economic development, quality of life, and transportation needs we will continue to achieve great things.

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving.