The news media are full of chatter about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, more often referred to as the stimulus package, and how they are being used. Almost everyone has an opinion. Lawmakers in some states have rejected the funds.  In others, they welcome whatever money is available with open arms. Most have a need to make the shortfall brought about by the worldwide economic downturn and are even critical of the way the money is being spent. A recent article in the local newspaper criticized the spending of money allocated for transportation because buses and trains were bought in Canada and in another state. The government had to justify the expenditure. The  city bought buses and trains with earmarked for transportation in the same way it always has. We have known even before the first trains arrived last year, that the Rail Runner Express was manufactured in Canada. New Mexico does not build or manufactire buses and trains.

In our city, the mayor integrated ten implementation teams to  track and bid on the available federal funds. I assume that all states except for those that are in the enviable position of not needing the funds, have made similar arrangements for their proper management and distribution. I consider it an honor and a privilege to have been selected to serve on one of the teams. I hope to be able to look back soon on a flourishing state and national economy with pride for having played a part in working with the governor of our state, the mayor of our city and the members of all the stimulus teams to help in the economic recovery and smooth transition from bad to better times.

Eloise Gift is Associate Broker at Keller Williams Realty in Albuquerque, NM. She was appointed by Mayor Martin Chavez to serve on the Stimulus Implementation Team for the City of Albuquerque. She can be reached directly at 505-363-5156 or at her office at 505-897-1100. You may network with her on facebook and linkedIn, orfollow her on twitter.