Local News

Members of local acequias are encouraging the city government to reach a short-term water-sharing agreement for the Gallinas River — at the very least.

After that, they said they want a long-term deal with the city and the Storrie Project Water Users Association.

William Gonzales, an acequia leader, said at last week’s City Council meeting that he applauded the city’s efforts to negotiate a long-term water-sharing agreement. But he said acequias want the short-term agreement in preparation for this year’s irrigation season.

City Councilwoman Diane Moore said last week that she is concerned about the morale of city employees.

At a council meeting, she said employees have told her the city government is the worst they’ve seen it. She said employees are beginning to get paranoid about their job security.

As such, she said it’s important to recognize the work of city employees, possibly advertising their accomplishments in a newsletter.

Mayor Tony Marquez this week revealed the names of the two finalists for city manager — Timothy Dodge of Santa Rosa and Dan Dible of Hobbs.

Dodge has been city manager of Santa Rosa for the last four years. Dodge, who received his bachelor of arts degree from Highlands University, has said he’s looking for a bigger town to manage.

He has pointed to the improvements in downtown Santa Rosa as a project that he helped bring about.

The Las Vegas Optic has a new advertising manager. Vince Chavez’s first day on the job was Tuesday.

Chavez, 52, is in the process of moving to San Miguel County from his home near Taos. He and his wife, Susan Maggie Chavez, are empty nesters who have raised five sons. They also have two granddaughters.

Chavez grew up in the Midwest, but most of his adult life was spent in New Mexico and Colorado. He’s lived in Mesilla, Las Cruces and Taos in New Mexico. “My real passion is the West and the diversified culture we have out here,” he said.