Keep the pen hot

Dear Editor,

I just saw this article today ("One last word on arsenic," "Glory Daze," by Gloria Masoner, Aug. 14, 2003) ... but I want to commend you on your stance.

Here in New Mexico, you're right, we have an arsenic problem. At last count 177 rural systems are above the 10 ppb rule.

Our national laboratories are working on the problem to resolve it. Western Research Tech in Colorado is or has a resolve, but it's all about money.

The new kid (contaminate) on the block is uranium. The rule goes into quasi effect on Dec 8, '03 and becomes final in '04. Same problem -- 66 small New Mexico communities have uranium in excess of the 30 ppb/MCL

My small community is affected by uranium and we're holding our collective breath about arsenic. (9.4 ppb) What can I say. We also have people who enjoy the lifestyle of northern New Mexico. It's a historical conglomerate of people from all over. Many early settlers came from Mexico in the early 1700s. Our native American population has been here even longer. Of course we have our share of others, and they make us unique in our own way. Not only will the unfunded mandates bankrupt our state, it will severely change the way we have to exist.

Therefore, I say -- keep the pen hot and full of ink. To the outsiders who want to kibitz, -- tuff. They don't live in Kansas or New Mexico and I could really care less what they think. I have much to much to worry about right here in my own back yard without worrying about some hoodie yakity-yaking from somewhere else.

Ray E. Leverich

Brazos Mutual Domestic, Operator

New Mexico Rural Water, Exec Board