Officials saluted at final meeting

Two Tucumcari city commissioners who lost re-election bids in November were given salutes during their final meeting Thursday.

District 1 commissioner Ralph Moya, who also was mayor, and District 2 commissioner Paul Villanueva near the end of the regular city commission meeting were given plaques in appreciation of their work and dedication to the city.

Moya, who served in city government for more than two decades, lost his re-election bid to challenger Jerry Lopez. Villanueva failed to gain a second four-year term after being defeated by Jonathan Brito.

In District 3, CJ Oglesby was unopposed in his election. He replaces Ruth Ann Litchfield, who resigned in December 2022 due to health reasons. The commission did not seat a replacement.

When fellow commissioner Mike Cherry gave the plaque to Moya, the mayor noted he spent a total of 24 years on the commission.

“I was told it was 40,” Cherry joked.

Moya said the city government was “on a rebound” financially, and he admitted to making tough decisions — such as a water-rate increase — because he felt the city and its $18 million annual budget should be run like a business.

Moya said he would remain on the Princess Theatre task force and would continue to renovate old buildings in the city that he owns. He said he also would continue to promote Tucumcari.

“It was a pleasure to serve all of you,” he said.

Villanueva said although he no longer would serve on the commission after New Year’s Day, he said he would continue to take phone calls from concerned residents.

“I’m still here for my district,” he said. “I want to thank everyone for the four best years that I’ve had as a commissioner.”

“Good luck to you, Ralph and Paul,” Cherry said. “We’ll still try to keep you involved.”

The audience in the commission chambers applauded Moya and Villanueva after their remarks.

Lopez, Brito and Oglesby will be sworn into office during a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 2, during which time a new mayor, mayor pro tem and liaisons to various advisory boards will be appointed. (The meeting occurred after the Quay County Sun’s deadline; a full report will be in the next edition.)