Benny Shendo, Jr. met today with several representatives from the local arts and crafts street vending community to discuss their concerns.
"The arts community in all of its forms is a critical part of our cultural and economic way of life here in northern New Mexico, " Benny said, "And it is eye-opening to hear the struggles of those who are carving out a living for themselves and their families here at the Plaza. Behind each vendor and their display case or blanket on the sidewalk, there is usually a whole family of artisans with mouths to feed."
He added sagely, "And these vendors are much closer to the pulse of the real economy than many of the economists in Washington. They don't need a survey to tell them, they feel it right away when 'consumer confidence' is down, when tourism is slipping, when the price of gas goes up so high they can't afford to make the trip."
