• Newly elected officials will be sworn in March 31 at 6 p.m. in the Village of Corrales Council Chambers. 

Corrales joined other communities in electing new Village officials in early March.

Outgoing Mayor JoAnne Roake provided a recap of her administration as she prepares to pass the gavel to Mayor-elect Jim Fahey.

“What are my favorite things about the last four years?

Top of the list: working with the wonderful and accomplished Village staff. They taught me so much. I’m still in awe of their dedication and commitment to the Village.

I’ve been fortunate to have the help of professionals (engineers, accountants and lawyers) as they guide the Village toward good, professional decisions.The relationship with Corrales MainStreet is another plus, and despite COVID, our business, arts and culture sectors are thriving, although we do have shared frustration in our relationship with the state transportation agency.

I am a doer, so I’ve enjoyed getting things done, and here are just a few favorites:

  • pay raises for the staff,
  • technological upgrades to improve communication,
  • a new audio system in the chambers,
  • a new website,
  • instituting an ongoing bond program,
  • repaving Meadowlark Lane (finally),
  • updating Chapter 18 Land Use Ordinances,
  • acquiring more than 25 acres of farmland easements,
  • renovating the buildings that house our Fire, Public Works, Planning and Zoning, Animal Services and Police Departments,
  • opening the Thompson Fence Line Connection. That one only took 20 years.

It was wonderful to offer glass recycling and fulfill the late Larry Salas’ wish.

Corrales is famous for its volunteers.

They helped the Village put in outdoor pickleball courts, install a new floor in the Old Church, plant a pollinator garden in La Entrada Park, advise on proposed ordinances and the advisability of a Village Center, remove noxious plants from the Bosque and locate farmland conservation properties.

Moving outside Corrales, it’s been a real pleasure to work cooperatively with our partners, elected officials, neighboring communities and state and local agencies. When the chips are down, it’s vital to have someone you know.

My weekly Mayor’s Message was my way of adding another line of communication between government and the public. I enjoyed the feeling of connection, especially in pandemic times. Pandemic? Definitely not one of my favorite things, although I am proud of our Village’s proactive approach. The trust the community placed in the data and in our employees saved lives.

On a much less serious note: I loved the Opening of the 25th Anniversary Time Capsule featuring the Jaws of Life, no less. Despite the gooey ending, many materials were saved and will be part of Heritage Day. The new Time Capsule is almost ready, and lessons learned, it will include added safeguards against the elements.

Of all my favorites, the thing I treasure most has been the chance as mayor to do public service on behalf of Corrales. It’s been great. Thank you.”

Find more Village stories in the Summer edition of Corrales MainStreet News, due out May 27.