Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Editor's note: The following candidates are running for the four-year term of city commissioner for District 3. Candidates for the seat include incumbent James L. Witcher, Daniel Lopez and George Aragon.
Candidates were asked the same questions and asked to keep their responses to 100 words or less.
The municipal election is March 6. Early voting begins Wednesday.
Name: George Aragon
Age: 56
Occupation: An electrical contractor for over 30 years
Please list previous or current elected offices or other organizations you feel prepare you for a commission seat: I served on the Tucumcari planning commission for five years. I was the president of the Eagles Club in Tucumcari. A member of the local Elks Club for several years. A long time member of the American Legion. I served in the National Guard from 1974-1979.
Q: What are your goals if you are elected and how do you plan to implement them?
A: To work for the greater economic development of Tucumcari. To work with my constituents and other commissioners to seek out grants and similar avenues to bring jobs to our town.
Q: What is something the city commission has done well over the last four years?
A: They obtained the funding for new water lines and repaving some of Tucumcari residential roads.
Q: What is something the city commission has not done well? How do you intend to correct that if elected?
A: They raised the water rates without the input of local residents. I would have meetings with my constituents and anyone else interested in giving their input. Open door policy would be a good option.
Q: What do you feel the city needs to focus on as a whole?
A: Focus on obtaining the funding to complete the repaving and new water lines. Bring in some tourist attraction to better our greater economic development.
Q: What do you feel the city needs to focus on in your district?
A: I was born and raised in Tucumcari, we used to be a blue ribbon city. It would be great to get everyone possible involved to work towards the Blue Ribbon City again.
Q: Last question: 150 words, whatever else you want to say.
A: I will work my hardest to bring jobs for our citizens and children to be able to stay in Tucumcari if they choose to, instead of having to go elsewhere for work. I plan to stay open minded for reasonable suggestions for the greater economic development of Tucumcari. I have been married for 27 years and have three sons.
Name: Daniel Lopez
Age: 44
Occupation: Currently employed by N.M. Gas Company as an operations representative. Retired New Mexico State Police Officer; highest rank obtained was major.
Please list previous or current elected offices or other organizations you feel prepare you for a commission seat: As a part of the State Police Command Staff, I gleaned vast experience in the state budget and legislative processes. As a public safety manager I was responsible for the supervision of more than 125 employees and the coordination of activities with numerous multi-jurisdictional task forces. I have experience developing and implementing promotional test processes, conducting comprehensive administrative reviews and investigations, policy development and the function of employment law as it relates to governmental employees. I have served as an advisor to the Department of Defense and Department of State in the development of foreign national law enforcement institutions.
Q: What are your goals if you are elected and how do you plan to implement them?
A: To establish goals, one would first have to conduct a comprehensive review of the employment and fiscal practices of the city. It would be irresponsible and naive for me to assume that I have an existing and in-depth knowledge of the state of the city. My primary goal and promise to the citizens of Tucumcari is that I will remain open minded in my decision making process and keep the needs of the entire community ahead of the needs of the individual. A review of the fiscal practices of the city is paramount and will be my top priority if elected. Tough times require tough decisions that may not be popular, but if we are to pursue economic development it is essential that our own house is in order first.
Q: What is something the city commission has done well over the last four years?
A: The water re-use project is nearing completion and will be of aid to many in the agricultural community. There is no silver bullet for the problems that plague our community. Our growth as a community is dependent upon the casting of a wide net and not being wholly consumed by singular initiatives. Great ideas come easy, and having all the right answers is a simple task ... until you are the person tasked with implementing the change.
Q: What is something the city commission has not done well? How do you intend to correct that if elected?
A: It is not my intention or desire to engage in finger pointing and placing blame. I have the utmost respect for all the commissioners and the fact that they have sacrificed of themselves for the community. Criticizing the man in the arena is of no help to the community and the cohesion that we should be striving for. If elected I promise to pursue a transparent and pro-active city government that encourages input from the community it serves. Sometimes change is necessary, unless you want to continue to receive the same old result.
Q: What do you feel the city needs to focus on as a whole?
A: Focusing on the recruitment and employment of an energetic and forward-thinking city manager is of priority. Soliciting input from the community and remaining open-minded is of critical importance if the city commission is to truly implement the wishes of their constituents. A lot has been said about economic development in Tucumcari. It is time for the talking to end and for proactive actions to be taken. The commission should establish a unified front with their counterparts on the county commission, as well as, members of local economic development and governmental boards. A cooperative and united front is key to our success and growth.
Q: What do you feel the city needs to focus on in your district?
A: If funding can be secured, continued infrastructure development is vital to any proposed economic growth. Being ahead of the game and not playing "catch-up" is key to any accomplishment. All the Tucumcari Municipal Schools are within District 3. With that said, continuing to support Mr. (Aaron) McKinney (TMS Superintendent) and his enormously successful accomplishments in the building of a school system we can all be proud of should remain a top priority.
Q: Last question: 150 words, whatever else you want to say.
A: I served as a public servant from 1986-2010. During my time in public service, a large majority of my career was spent in the management of public safety interests and engaged in the direct supervision of critical incidents. I have, and offer real-world experience in the development, management and implementation of solution driven initiatives. If elected, I promise to do the best job I can, not just for my district, but for all the citizens of the place we call home. Thank You!!
Name: James "Jim" Witcher
Age: 65
Occupation: Minister
Please list previous or current elected offices or other organizations you feel prepare you for a commission seat: Last eight years on city commission and last two years mayor of Tucumcari.
Q: What are your goals if you are elected and how do you plan to implement them?
A: Continue to work for the future of Tucumcari to ensure water rights are intact for the future. Continue to look for growth in all directions.
Q: What is something the city commission has done well over the last four years?
A: Kept a close eye on water issues. Worked on the infrastructure for future which includes the waste water treatment plant and effluent water, etc.
Q: What is something the city commission has not done well? How do you intend to correct that if elected?
A: Maintain and spread the right attitude about our future. And get people fired up about our future. It is truly promising.
Q: What do you feel the city needs to focus on as a whole?
A: Helping one another.
Q: What do you feel the city needs to focus on in your district?
A: Same answer.
Q: Last question: 150 words, whatever else you want to say.
A: The only promise I have made at any time was "to do what I truly believe to be best for all of Tucumcari." That is still the only promise I will make because it is the only promise I am sure i can keep.