EAST GATEWAY COALITION
MINUTES
JANUARY 17, 2013
The meeting was called to order at 6:45 by
President Roger Mickelson, who then introduced guests Commander Kevin Rowe, APD Foothills Area;
Doug Lutz from the Mayor’s office; Darrell Dady, Bernalillo County Neighborhood
Coordination Specialist; and David Walker.
David Robbins, APS School Board Member, arrived a bit later.
Commander Rowe noted the
Foothills Area is doing well as far as crime prevention is concerned. He noted that officer shifts have been
somewhat altered, with some overlap to increase response, which he feels is
helping in deterring crime somewhat. He
stated the officers have adopted the slogan:
“One for All and All for One”. He
again noted that it is important for residents to call APD when they are
concerned about or feel they see anything amiss in their neighborhoods. The more calls the police receive the more
officers can be stationed in the area.
He noted a recent crime “cleanup” in the Singing Arrow area. The department is starting a youth program in
the area, and he cited that he has an “open door” policy and welcomed anyone to
visit him.
The President noted that there
was not a quorum present and that the election for President and Secretary
would be handled via e-mail.
Dave Robbins, APS school board
member representing District 6 was then introduced. Mr. Robbins noted that APS has a 368 million dollar
bond issue to be voted on at the upcoming election. He said the average age of APS schools is
forty years old, with many being over 50 years old. Consequently many need refurbishing or
rebuilding. He noted there is a need for
certified police protection. He
commented on the low graduation level of the schools in the area, and also
noted that 60-65% of the children live in poverty and do not have access to
what school children in other states do.
There are many unexcused absences. The area has 58 licensed charter
schools. He said he could be contacted
at Robbins_d@APS.edu.
President Mickelson then
introduced Dave Walker. Mr. Walker noted
that he is with a coalition which “is not pleased with the way APS is not
educating our children”. He stated the
system does not want input from others and that school board elections are
supposed to be non-partisan. He said the
state spends most of its funds on education in some form or other, and noted
the legislature has still not confirmed the person appointed as Secretary of
Education. He asserted that the School Superintendent
is out of touch with the community. He
reiterated that graduation rates are at the bottom of all other states. He also stated the board needs fresh ideas,
community involvement, and better money management.
The meeting was adjourned at
8:15.
