Clovis to host neighborhood meeting Tuesday

The City of Clovis is hosting a meeting to listen to members of the community’s thoughts, concerns and suggestions and to share information about resources available to them.

A number of area residents are concerned about a perceived uptick in crime particularly drive-by shootings and homicides.

This meeting, the first in a planned series of neighborhood meetings, will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at St. John Baptist Church located at 1214 Gila Street in Clovis.

Mayor Mike Morris said he wanted to focus on a dialogue with the residents of city commission District 3. However, he said he would encourage anyone to attend.

The Mayor said this “will be a first in a series of these types of meetings” and “the first (such meeting) since I’ve been in office.”

The meeting will give residents an opportunity to dialogue in a less formal venue than a city commission meeting,” he said.

“I really want to meet with people who have ideas and concerns,” he said. “The focus is dialogue and open discussions, and we will point them to opportunities and resources that exist within the community.”

City Commissioner Megan Palla and Gerri Dawson suggested a town meeting, he said.

Palla said it was “the three of us,” the mayor included, who planned the meeting.

Community partners, including representatives from Clovis Municipal Schools, Clovis Community College, United Way and some faith leaders, the Clovis Police Department, New Mexico Workforce Solutions, Enmrsh, Inc., and some commission members as well will attend, she said.

“We’ll talk about tutoring options, food and rent assistance through the state” and people will have time to ask questions, she said.

The recent surge in the crime rate “is not the sole intent of the meeting, but if people have questions,” representatives from the police department will be there, she said.

Clovis resident Josefita Griego said: “I’m very happy that the city is finally willing to work with the citizens to bring change to the community and address some of the issues we’re facing that we all need to face together.”

“I’m excited for Mayor Morris to finally step up and do something after multiple children have died of homicides,” Griego said.