Since our dealings here with local government have not been a positive experience, we have decided to base our business in Oaxaca, Mexico in hopes that our hiatus will be a time of reflection for all. This past year we have been lied to, disappointed, and stepped on. However, for every negative action we have had an equally as positive reaction from another member of the community or city government who have been there to give us a hand up, cheer us on, and performed with integrity. We still have not figured out the complicated web that the past has created, and honestly we have no interest in trying. We will continue to focus on our goals, our visions and our family. We came in with an altruistic heart ready to roll up our sleeves and be a part of the change that we wish to see, and soon found out that no one wants change. It seems that most want change as long as the change that happens is exactly the same as that individual/entity envisioned the change to be. It has been really tough on our family to come in and have been promised what we were, only to find out that none of it was real and we most certainly learned from the experience.
However, with all that went wrong here, we blame no one but ourselves. We blame ourselves for trusting and believing and putting so much faith in the leaders who speak more than they implement. One can only sympathize with all of you who are in a position of power because we have personally gotten to experience firsthand how hard it is to accomplish the simplest of tasks here. We ourselves are all hitting similar walls and feel the same frustration as everyone else. We all handle obstacles differently...some fight, some hide, and some leave. As much as we love being near family it feels disheartening when we are constantly listening to everyone place blame and living with a negative attitude. Negativity is a contagious disease that is choking this township. We are all imperfect human beings. That is something that we all have in common. Mistakes happen and misunderstandings are simply that-Misunderstandings.
We know that change doesn't happen overnight, but passion and vision can do wonders. Despite all of the hang ups and hurdles, we have still managed the situation with our dedication and drive to bring the end result to fruition. We hope that with the new change in administration that the same dedication will maneuver the town into a more positive direction remembering the past as we move into the future. A past that Pecos has built its legendary namesake on.
Our family respects the past that everyone seems to hold onto in this town, but let's not be short sided and not look towards the future as we struggle within the present. The future needs to be thought of in the here and now in order to have it be more prosperous. Having said that, Let's discuss our ongoing concerns about the sinkhole that lines up behind our 4 contiguous properties. This sink hole has been created from leaking faulty sewer lines from lack of maintenance on the city's part. This issue has also severely damaged one of the own city's building-The Senior Center, which has now been condemned. Although the city chose the easier/and more inexpensive route to close down a building and remodel elsewhere, we are not willing to let our building fall under the same category.
Attached is a photo of our cracking 100 year old building. Please pay special attention to the spectacular hand pressed tin that is becoming rarer and rarer to find. The building is getting worse with every key stroke and day that goes by. Every day that meetings are being held and the sinkhole is being tabled for another emergency or "newer vision" our building is crumbling due to negligence on the city's part. We will not allow OUR buildings to end up like many of the city's buildings. WE care about our buildings and will not stand for the city's inability to find the funding to professionally repair an issue that was brought on by neglect and lack of funding.
We have been here a year and have waited patiently for this issue to be resolved and will be gone for another year expecting this issue to be resolved. If we arrive and find ourselves in the same situation, I promise that we will not come in with such a pacifist approach.
As we leave we are wiping the slate clean because that is the only way to have a flourishing future. Held grudges do nothing but harm. We hope that everyone has a spectacular year and understand now that we also share your vision of seeing Pecos grow and thrive. But it's time we all clean the slate. Breathe, don't look back and only move forward.
I know it seems like there are mountains beyond mountains before change can happen. But if you believe it....it will happen.
May this year to come be a more fabulous with for our township.
Sandra Renteria & Abel Chavez
