Six file candidacy for county election

Thomas Garcia

Voters will have two contested races for the Quay County Commission and two uncontested races in the June 5 primaries, followed by four uncontested races in the Nov. 5 general election.

The last day to register to vote and be eligible for the primary election is May 8. Early and absentee voting begins on May 8, with the election held on June 5.

The following candidates filed Tuesday at the Quay County Courthouse:

• County Commission District 1: Current Commissioner Bill Curry is term-limited and can’t seek re-election.

Tucumcari Fire Chief Mike Cherry and Ernest F. Dominguez filed for the District 1 commission seat.

“I’ve never run for a public office,” Cherry said. “I was approached by a few people who asked if I’d be interested in running for commissioner Curry’s seat as he will term out.”

Cherry said he decided to declare his candidacy after he spoke to several people including Curry, who supported his interest in running for the commission seat.

“I am very familiar with the New Mexico Municipal League,” Cherry said. “I have also worked with the association of counties in the past.”

Dominguez said he is a former employee of the county and feels his experience will help him improve the county.

“I have some good ideas and think I can be helpful to the commission,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez said he wants to keep moving forward and work to make progress in the county.

• County Comm-ission District 2: Incumbent Robert Lopez intends to run for re-election.

“I have enjoyed serving the residents of Quay County,” Lopez said. “We have done some good things while I have been a commissioner and I’d like to see them completed.”

Lopez said his experience as a commissioner will help in making tough decisions if the economic situation doesn’t change.

“I want to help my fellow commissioners work through these tough times,” Lopez said.

Lopez will be challenged for his commission seat by Sue Dowell, a former Tucumcari school teacher.

“I have a real interest in the people of Quay County,” Dowell said. “I want to see our county thrive and improve the quality of life here.”

Dowell said it is important for elected officials to work together and listen to the citizens.

• County Clerk: Like Curry, current Clerk Ellen White is term-limited. Chief Deputy County Clerk Veronica Olguin Marez said she is interested in seeking the position of County Clerk.

“I want to continue the excellent service which Ellen White has provided the residents of Quay County over the past eight years,” Marez said.

Marez has served as the chief deputy clerk the past seven years.

• County Treasurer: Incumbent Nadine Angel will be seeking re-election. Nobody filed to challenge Angel.