City Commissioners choose new District 3 commissioner

Tucumcari City Commissioners picked Ernest Dominguez Jr. Thursday night from among four candidates to fill the District 3 commission seat vacant since the Dec. 29 death of Daniel Lopez.

"This was a difficult decision to make and we know Daniel would have wanted us to do this to help move the city forward," said Commissioner Robert Lumpkin.

Lumpkin announced the commission seat would be opened to application and nominations during the Jan. 10 regular commission meeting.

Residents were able to submit their application or nomination until Jan. 24.

The finalists were: Edward Perea, Nitin Bhakta, George Aragon and Dominguez.

"We want to thank everyone who applied," said Mayor Amiel Curnutt.

Curnutt said each candidate was a good choice for Tucumcari, which made it a difficult decision to choose just one.

"With a showing of interest like this, even if you are not selected as commission we may call upon you to help the city in another way," Curnutt said.

Dominguez said he is thankful for the vote of confidence from the mayor, fellow commissioners and the public.

"We may not always agree, but I will do my best to help Tucumcari keep moving forward,"

Dominguez said.

Dominguez will be sworn in during the March 28 regular commission meeting at City Hall.

Other items before the commission:

• Commissioners in attendance Dora Salinas McTigue, Robert Lumpkin, Jimmy Sandoval and Mayor Amiel Curnutt.
• No public comments
• No executive sessions
• Approval of 1-year contract with City Manager Doug Powers at a salary of $70,000.
• Approval of agreement with Youth Conservation Corps and City of Tucumcari for $44,202 to used towards improvements at Jennings Fields.
• Approval of agreement with Teambuilders/Children Youth Families Department and Tucumcari Police Department for $1,750 to be used to enforce underage drinking.
• Agreement with Forsgren Associates Inc., of Albuquerque for $19,500 for design and improvements at the Tucumcari Railroad Depot.
• Approval of Volunteer firefighter service credit.
• Approval of extension of New Mexico Department of Homeland Security Grant.
• Re-appointment of Senior Citizens Advisory Board.
• Approval of Seniors Program Policy Manual.
• Approval of request to purchase an ambulance for Tucumcari EMS at $110,000
• Approval of Tucumcari Municipal Airport Master Plan.