Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor:

Three years ago, secret discussions between then County Commissioner Daymon Ely and Intel executives led to the County authorizing $16 billion in industrial revenue bonds for Intel.

Ely attempted to justify that incredible gift by describing it as an investment in New Mexico's future.

Since then, Intel has committed $4 billion to build a new plant in Arizona, $2.5 billion for a new plant in China, and $1.7 billion for a plant in India. These out-of-state and foreign investments account for more than $8 billion.

Meanwhile, the number of employees at Intel's Rio Rancho facilities has dropped from a reported 5,500 last September to a recently reported 4,700.

As its Rio Rancho facilities are upgraded with new automated equipment, Intel has announced plans to fire more than 1,000 additional New Mexico employees.

Thus, since receiving Sandoval County's $16 billion IRB, Intel has cut its local work force by nearly 2,000 jobs, while adding new jobs to facilities in Arizona, China and India.

Perhaps Daymon Ely can explain how these cold, cruel facts represent the promised investment in New Mexico's future.

Intel executives must be laughing all the way to the bank when they consider the gullibility of Sandoval County Commissioners.

Fred Marsh
Corrales Residents for Clean Air and Water