One of the outstanding things about New Mexico that you miss living in Albuquerque is the tremendous community spirit and the joy of people pulling together for a common cause that are defining features of our state's smaller cities and towns. 

In Albuquerque it's always a fight--about everything. Our factionalism too often leads to gridlock and holds the city back. Modern ABQ has become more separated economically, geographically and ethnically. We are more alienated from one another than we once were. 

Then there's those other places. Like Carlsbad--conservative but tolerant. Las Cruces, where the public debate is spirited but lacks the harshness one might expect in an area of over 200,000; in Socorro where they've had the same mayor for over 30 years; in Bernalillo where their mayor has also served for decades and in Clovis where keeping their military base and protecting their water keeps them bonded. 

All this comes to mind especially during a gubernatorial election. The news becomes a bit less ABQ centric as the candidates traverse vast expanses, giving the city folk watching a welcome glimpse of a different tone and attitude toward public life. 

Unlike ABQ and Santa Fe where urban problems continue to pile up and defy solutions, there is much celebration over political accomplishments out there. 

In Carlsbad they rejoice over improved roads to the oil fields; in T or C they toast a rebuild of the State Veterans' Home; in Las Cruces they're excited over a new branch of the state's Film Academy; in Clovis the long delayed Ute Water Project is nearing reality and cause for celebration; in fire-scared Mora and vicinity they are in touch with the simple things--gratitude, friendship and hope--even as they despair over their losses. 

It's not easy being a small place in New Mexico. The ruins of towns brought to their knees by war, depression and booms gone bust still dot the landscape. To survive you have to work together. And that's a lesson for their big city brethren in these most tumultuous times.