Nogales. It's just a place I pass through.

Concerned Visitor & Helper

I have been hearing stories from all directions on how Nogales can be a great border town. Unfortunately, it's not. Sure there are many citizens who try and make Nogales a better place to visit and live, but not everyone strives to do so. In writing this opinion I mean no disrespect to the citizens of Nogales (being from Nogales myself), but feel it's about time people start to speak up and voice their opinions.

I'm going to start off my examples with employees not knowing how to speak English. I think it's wonderful to be Hispanic (and bilingual- which I myself am) but we are in the United States and all employees should know how to at least speak the English language to help the out-of-town folks. Next is the issue of management in many companies. What is up with management not making sure stores/restaurants/offices are clean (definitely including bathrooms), having favortism, allowing stealing to occur, etc.? All of these little things show bigger corporations and out-of-town mom n' pop shops that Nogales would not be a good place to expand. Think about it, more companies coming in equals more job opportunities for Nogales. You have officials saying to shop local, buy in Nogales...from where? Along the border there is a strip of stores that frankly sell the same thing, and are messy (to put nicely). There are maybe two stores I would buy from (for clothes). So what happens, everyone travels out of town to shop. I personally think that strip should be made up of bigger companies (coffee shops, cafe's, maybe a spa, etc.). Seriously, can you tell the difference when you cross from Mexico back into the U.S. in the stores (with the exception of a couple of stores)?

Next is the issue of the cleanliness, or lack there of, in Nogales. Question: where is the money going? The streets of Nogales, wait a minute, what streets? The sidewalks? Street signs with no road names? But I see city and county getting fabulous new gadgets of all shapes and sizes. What about a law for homeowners to keep their front yards clean? Meaning, no weeds as tall as their windows, no disabled vehicles parked in the front yard... My question is why haven't these been addressed, and the consequences followed through? How about Nogales 'going Green'? Those who can and are fortunate, I believe, should donate a tree, a plant, or flowers for Nogales. Donate trash cans, help recycle, save energy... It doesn't have to cost a town money to get things better. For instance, why don't those on probation be required to clean Nogales? And I'm not talking about cleaning close to the probation offices so it's easier for the officers to keep track of them. Oh, and sadly when I pass by one of the fire stations it seems as though they never do yard work! How about planting a couple of trees and that station being weed-free? It's embarrassing... Again, where's the money for Nogales going? Where's the lottery money going? Shouldn't it be used for street improvements, and not new gadgets for the cops How about the police men/women try to use real bicycles, or walk the streets as big city cops do?

Also, support the activities trying to be held in Nogales. Support the children in letting them play in community sport programs. But, respect the gyms and fields being used for those activities. Teach our children how to respect the community and property of Nogales, while having fun at the same time.

Nogales can be such a cute and inviting town, but it's not. "Old ways" and not liking change has gone on long enough. Citizens also need to start taking responsibility and helping out more. So many people say, "Oh yeah, Nogales is a town I passed through". Never have I heard someone say they love Nogales, AZ and can't wait to go back. I think many need to stop thinking of old ways and stop saying "that's how it's always been", and end the stigma of "it's who you know in Nogales". I think Nogales should have new traditions started, enforce new rules/laws/regulations, to make Nogales a better place to visit, and live. How many people do you think would like to see more trees, parks, clean neighborhoods, sidewalks to use, clean stores and restaurants to spend money in? I know I would. But I'm just one person trying to make a difference and open up some eye and ears. Maybe this will get some attention and be of help for future changes.