Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
The Tucumcari City Commission seeks to appoint a replacement for District 3 commissioner Ruth Ann Litchfield by late January after her unexpected resignation at the end of the commission’s previous meeting on Dec. 15.
The four members of the commission convened a special meeting Dec. 28 to discuss how to proceed after Litchfield’s sudden departure for health reasons. She had been mayor for six years and a city commissioner for eight years.
Commissioner Ralph Moya, who was mayor pro tem before Litchfield’s retirement, served as mayor during last week’s meeting.
Commissioners stated a preference to appoint a replacement as soon as possible. Commissioner Christopher Arias made the ultimately approved motion that applications for the position be taken through the end of the business day of Jan. 19, with commissioners holding interviews with candidates shortly before their regular meeting on Jan. 26.
City manager Paula Chacon said an advertisement would be placed in this week’s Quay County Sun concerning the District 3 commission opening through the rest of Litchfield’s term in November 2023.
She said those interested in the position should submit a letter of interest along with a copy of their voter-registration card to prove they are a legal resident of District 3.
District 3 includes a sizable chunk of the city’s southwest side, with rough boundaries of McGee or Laughlin Avenues to the north, Charles Avenue to the south, Third or First streets to the east and Five Mile Park to the west.
Chacon said the city also holds an option of a special election to fill the post, but it would be expensive.
No one on the commission seemed to have an appetite for a special election.
“We can use the money (for a special election) elsewhere,” Moya said.
Chacon said an another option was to let the commission continue as a four-person body until the next regular election in November 2023, but no one wanted that, either.
Commissioners also voted formally to not elect a mayor pro tem until a full commission is seated in late January.
Commissioners also nominated Paul Villaneuva as a signatory for city checks to replace Litchfield. Moya remains as the other signatory.
Cherry also offered to serve on the city’s economic development board in place of Litchfield. Arias said he would serve on the board of the Eastern Plains Council of Governments in her place.
In commissioner comments, Commissioner Mike Cherry suggested starting yearly budget talks early. Chacon responded by suggesting the formation of a city finance committee to meet quarterly on such matters.