Public Safety Access Point otherwise known as PSAP meeting today at 1:00 pm in the Otero County Commission chambers. Those in attendance were Commissioners Moore and Rardin, Manager Ray Backstrom, T.Makewich of Dispatch, Mike Mullikin, Otero IT, Undersheriff Sanchez, Doug Bourbon of Maintenence, Sharon Hill - Otero Commission Liaison, representatives of ASA Architects, representative of RBM - HVAC, candidates Benny House, L.C.Marshall and Janet White. The Purchasing Department was also represented. Representatives of Motorola participated via speaker phone.

Bid Lot 1: Demolition of existing interior is proceeding by employees of Otero County.

Bid Lot 2: 2057 sq.ft.rennovation of existing building for use by Dispatch (50'4" X 30'4 9/16". According to ASA, this bid will be published August 25 and again August 29, 2010. It will be due on the 13th of September and awarded by Commission vote at Regular Meeting on September 16, 2010. Watch the ADN for these bids if you are interested.

Bid Lot 3: Construction of 1641 sq.ft.garage to house SWAT vehicle and other county vehicles. Time frame not discussed.

Motorola in Mesa, Az, was not prepared to address the concerns of the commissioners but after lengthly (2 hours) discussion, the project appears to be on track.

Prior to this meeting was the RPOC meeting at Pepper's where Tommie Herrell (R), candidate for County Commission, District 1, was the speaker. It is fair to say this meeting was lightly attended. Mr. Herrell offered to buy lunch for the person who could answer a question at the end of his presentation. I was "disqualified" from participating because Mr. Herrell knew that I knew the answer. The question was, what is the county's budget? The answer is, roughly $35 Million.

I took a few notes at the RPOC meeting. I will tell you right now, with all due respect, Mr. Herrell and I are miles and miles apart in basic philosophy. L.C. Marshall (D), candidate for Otero County Commission, District 1, and I are light years away in our ideas.

Folks, this choice is going to be very easy because the candidates are being very open about what they believe. I hope and pray it remains this way throughout the campaign so that you know exactly what you are getting.