Happy New Year!
Now that the new year is in place, there are a number of changes in elected officials that have taken place at the state and county level.
You may have a new state representative, depending on where you live. Following the redistricting process, District 66 now extends into portions of north and west Carlsbad. Republican Jimmy Mason represents this district, while Rep. Jim Townsend’s district covers much of western Eddy County and Rep. Cathrynn Brown’s district covers much of Carlsbad and eastern Eddy County. Districts were also shifted somewhat at the State Senate level, but Senators Gallegos, Griggs and Kernan still all cover portions of Eddy County.
There are also now four district judges in Eddy County: David Finger, Jane Shuler Gray, Lisa Riley and Anne Marie Lewis. Lewis was recently appointed to a newly-created position and then ran uncontested in the November election. Finger ran a successful race against Eileen Riordan, who had also previously been appointed.
There is also one new Magistrate Judge: Megan Bowen, who won a contested primary this summer and then ran uncontested in the fall general election. Judge Bowen joins Judge Jimmy Foster Jr. and Judge Kelly Calicoat in representing Eddy County.
Eddy County also has one new County Commissioner in James “Bo” Bowen, who ran uncontested when his predecessor, Steven McCutcheon, decided not to run again. Bowen represents District 4. Eddy County has a new Clerk, Cara Cooke, and a new Assessor, Rhonda Hatch, and both of them are very experienced individuals. We look forward to working with all of these new elected officials in serving the citizens of Southeast New Mexico.
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Carlsbad had a very safe New Year, based on any reports we’ve received from the police department. While there have been several police incidents, for the most part, Carlsbad residents celebrated the end of 2022 and start of 2023 very safely. Congratulations to the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce for putting on a fireworks show that wrapped up the 2022 Christmas on the Pecos season. The Chamber’s New Year’s Eve celebration also included jumpy houses, mini golf and electric animals. It was a great event for residents and for visitors.
Just a reminder that Carlsbad Municipal Schools is now resuming classes on Thursday instead of Wednesday. This is because a teacher at P.R. Leyva, Leticia Delgado, passed away unexpectedly over the holiday break. Wednesday has been declared a Day of Remembrance and funeral services will also take place that day. We offer our condolences to Leticia’s many family members, friends and students. We understand she was very well loved in the classroom and did an excellent job.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway