By Marty Mayfield<\/p>\n
KRTN Multi-Media<\/p>\n
Newly elected Raton City Commissioner Dan Campbell sat down with KRTN Multi-Media to discuss several topics including protecting Raton\u2019s crown jewel water resources but still be business friendly.<\/p>\n
While Campbell isn\u2019t necessarily for a data center, he realizes that Raton needs to keep an open mind toward business and be willing to work with people to expand or bring in new business while keeping in mind how the commission can protect the resources it has. Raton water comes from Lake Maloya and Eagle Nest Lake, noting that many years ago city fathers had the foresight to acquire water rights on Eagle Nest Lake to bolster Raton\u2019s water resources.<\/p>\n
Campbell also discusses the natural resources that Raton has recently become a part of with Sugarite Canyon, Bartlett Mesa Ranch, Buck Ranch and Fisher Peak State Park when all tied together will create an outdoor wonderland. He is hoping that with some work there will be expansion of camping, hiking and bike trails in some of the most majestic vistas in the country. Again, he noted that we have to take care of these resources and manage them for the enjoyment of the public.<\/p>\n
The conversation also discussed that there will be a need for services to support the activity in the state parks. It was noted the need for a bait type shop near Lake Maloya so fisherman wouldn\u2019t have to come all the way back into town. While Raton has lost some hotel rooms there is camping in Sugarite State Park, but it is often booked well in advance thus the need for expansion of camping facilities again with the need to protect the resources in the park.<\/p>\n
Campbell also noted that Raton does not have an infinite supply of water or electricity and any business that may desire to come to Raton will have to have a plan showing their needs so the commission can work with them to see if Raton can even meet those needs or if the venture is even a fit for the Raton culture. Another concern is that if the Burro Canyon line was to suffer damage or go down how could Raton with its limited power production meet the needs of the community especially in the cold of winter.<\/p>\n
The Mavrick station in south Raton is located there in part because of the interstate and pulling business off the highway. While the I-27 interchange location is yet to be determined that too could spur expansion to the south with the need to extend utilities to meet business needs. Will Raton be able to provide utility services and how will expansion to the south work for businesses that locate outside the city limits.<\/p>\n
The workforce in Raton was another topic noting that it has been hard to keep the youth in town as they look elsewhere for good paying jobs. What few Raton kids that stay or come back after college are met with lower paying jobs than they could find in the bigger cities. Campbell noted that it is a concern as many city jobs have gone unfilled or when the employee gets trained will leave for a better paying job elsewhere. Noting that Water Treatment jobs across the country are in need of employees.<\/p>\n
The commission has a planned workshop to go over ordinances that will deal with noise, light pollution and other concerns that could come with any new business that might come to Raton. Campbell noted that this commission is focused on protecting Raton\u2019s resources and environment thus the need to establish ordinances to deal with those concerns. Zoning will also need to be looked at and there may be changes needed with the current zoning. The commission is faced with several concerns that will affect Raton currently and into the future, but Campbell feels the commission will do what it can to make it work for Raton.<\/p>\n
Another topic was how to support the existing businesses in town and keep them going after the current owners decide to retire. The Dry Cleaners in downtown Raton is one of those businesses that needs a succession plan Campbell noted later that the owners would like to find a buyer to take over the business. He questioned what could be done to help other businesses in town like the hollow metal shops noting those are the kind of business that Raton needs.<\/p>\n
Changes such as the trend to online shopping are another change that is affecting Raton. It is good that the state implemented a GRT on online sales, but it has driven small shops out of business that can\u2019t compete with the convenence and product variety of online sales. He noted the city lives off of GRT and added that if the state had not of done an online GRT that many small communities would be in far worse shape than they are.<\/p>\n
Campbell remarked a rebuild of Raton won\u2019t happen overnight and he foresees it could take as long as 10 years for Raton to fully recover. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n