Chocky threw the newspaper down in disgust. This was now a morning ritual.
The county commission, like any set of business leaders (and this is how they saw themselves - as business leaders) wanted good news and good news was what they got. Good news meant upward development trends and "builder confidence." Good news was not negative babbling about infrastructure planning, development phasing or bond debt.
"Managing" growth might discourage it. Growth was like a delicate wild impala or ibex that might get chased into Texas if we try to build a corral or if it sees a lasso.
Construction and real estate are a big slice of New Mexico's economy. Land is severed from any common ownership, history or tradition and "put to highest and best use." The recipe has been repeated and perfected. Land speculation drives a lot of public decision making.
But you can't point these things out. It's rude. In the tight atmosphere of small pond politics, you can't call someone dishonest if you haven't always been truthful yourself. That sure stifles criticism. It is almost worse to call someone a liar than to be one.
Keep it to yourself. That should be the state motto.
"Dad told us the subdivisions on the mesa would be like punctuation marks to the main ranch - never the only word." Sadie was sprawled in the chair she liked on Chocky's porch, enjoying coffee.
"Ah, and now Cozy Y is speechless, right?"
She ignored him. "So, that's why Apostrophy Master Plan."
'Exclamation Point' was already taken?"
"Ace added the ‘y.’ He said it just looked better that way on paper. But what really happened was he misspelled "Apostrophe" on the application. Sammy's draftsman said Ace threatened to kill him if he didn't change it on all the maps and text before the deadline."
"Now that's a deadline."