Weekly Round-Up: Lodger's Tax Room for Improvement, Joy of Weaving, and More
Stories making headlines in Cloudcroft this week. Stay informed with the Reader
Room for Improvement: Cloudcroft's Tourism Investment Needs Better Service
Moving past tensions toward better results for the Village
[ANALYSIS]
A simmering conflict between Lodger's Tax Advisory Board Chair Karl Campbell and Cloudcroft's Mayor and Council erupted into public view at last Tuesday's Council meeting, offering residents a glimpse of the municipal discord brewing behind closed doors.
The Reader interviewed Campbell, Mayor Tim King, multiple Council trustees, Chamber of Commerce President Debra Spears, and other key stakeholders to understand where the Village's Lodger's Tax Fund stands today—the hard numbers and the frayed relationships.
Explore these key issues in our full report:
Tourism Tax Basics (and the Recent Past)
A New Mayor Inherits a Mess
Campbell’s ‘Nuclear Option’
The Council Pushes Back
Investing Tourism Dollars: Weak Process, Blurred Roles
Better Housekeeping: A Path to Improvement
Watch the Reader’s new mini-doc:
Joy of Weaving: Joan and the High Valley Weavers
Reporter Drew Gaines visits Joan Nussbaum, a critically acclaimed fiber artist, and the High Valley Weavers. This short video focuses on her work and how she nurtures the weaving community from the basement of Cloudcroft's Old Red Brick Schoolhouse, helping preserve and grow a rich tradition of local artistry.
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, NM Rails-to-Trails:
New Cloudcroft PD Hire: Mountain Local Alaide “Ali” Manzo
Introducing Alaide “Ali” Manzo, a mountain local, a new hire for the Cloudcroft Police Department. Hear from the village’s new Peace Officer, delving into her background and commitment to serving the community.
Reader Reels: Memorial Day Weekend in Cloudcroft
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, Laughing Leaf:
Visit Laughing Leaf’s Cloudcroft shop at 504 Burro Ave, Cloudcroft, NM 88317
Get to know artist, actor, and new Burro Avenue gallery owner Trey McCurley.
Look for our profile on Renaissance man McCurley, coming soon.
Will Not Run: Trustee and Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Maynard Announces This Term is His Last
Jim Maynard has announced he will not seek re-election after his current term. He elaborates on his decision to step down from his longstanding role in village leadership.
May 30th and 31st are the last nights to catch the Cloudcroft Light Opera Company’s latest production, Dawn of the Cloud-Climber, a light-hearted and good-humored tale. Curtains open at 7:30—arrive early if you want a close seat from which to huck popcorn at the villain.
Do You Want to Make a Difference in the Village?
Here's a program that will allow you to dive deep into the top issues facing the community, providing you with ideas and contacts to help Cloudcroft thrive.
Leadership Cloudcroft is a new initiative designed to address an old problem in Cloudcroft: developing volunteer leaders who are prepared to take charge.
Leadership Cloudcroft aims to help cultivate the next generation of community champions to address our mountain village's unique challenges by identifying and preparing community leaders who are prepared to take charge in volunteer, civic, business, and community roles.
Now, with at least one Trustee seat open, it’s a good time to consider running for office. If you’re considering it, Leadership Cloudcroft offers a strong foundation and shows voters you’re serious about serving.
Graduates will receive a certificate, $100, and a hearty handshake.
Thank you to our sponsor, Blushing Yucca Esthetics:
Promote Your Business
Learn about sponsorship opportunities for your business in support of the Reader. Contact us for more information at sponsorship-info@cloudcroftreader.com
Cloudcroft Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great companies like:
Cloudcroft Sandwich Shop
In the heart of downtown Cloudcroft, New MexicoTularosa Communications
Internet that keeps you connected.The Stove and Spa Store
We offer a variety of services to ensure your hearth and spa dreams are met!The Lodge at Cloudcroft
Landmark Choice Among New Mexico ResortsDusty Boots Motel and Cafe
Have a beautiful, restful nightNew Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association
We Convert Abandoned Railroad Lines Into Recreational TrailsLaughing Leaf Dispensary
Discover a world of wellness at Laughing LeafInstant Karma
Adventure Within: Transformative Yoga, Ayurvedic Wisdom, Nourishing Organics, Fair Trade BoutiqueOff the Beaten Path
Eclectic gifts & original artworkFuture Real Estate
Raise your expectations.Ski Cloudcroft
Pizza and Summer Tubing start July Fourth!Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage
Maximizing Movement, Quality of Life ImprovementHigh Altitude
Your favorite little outdoor outfitter on Burro AvenueBlushing Yucca Esthetics
Book a specialty service todayThe Elk Shed
Purveyors of Southwest Mountain Goods & FineryDown Under Groundwater Surveyors
We find water for youPeñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative
For all the ways you love to connect
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Carl should be banned from working on this committee, he has no idea what he is doing and is literally costing the city thousand of dollars every month. The city could easily implement an automatic loaders tax that is paid directly to the city by companies like AirBNB, however, Carl insists on manual loaders tax accounting at a time when the city has no employee resources to manual account for this tax. This man should be banned from this position.