Update 8-30-23
Congratulations to all of the men and women who are running for local public office. The filing date for the upcoming November election was on Tuesday, though the option to register as a write-in candidate is still open. The City of Carlsbad is served by eight city councilors, a municipal judge and a mayor. Four council positions, judge and mayor are all up this year.
According to the Secretary of State’s site, Carlsbad has five candidates for mayor: Norbert Rempe, Eddie Rodriguez, Richard Lopez, Martin Mills Jr. and Bryan Mathew Worthington. Incumbent City Councilor Lisa Anaya Flores is running for District 1 unopposed, as is Municipal Judge Collis Johnson. Incumbent JJ Chavez and Andrew Carver are both running for Council District 2. District 3’s opening, currently held by Judi Waters, has four candidates: Aaron Jones, Mary Garwood, Christina Mann and Robert Burton Jr. Finally, in District 4, Anthony Foreman is running for a position currently held by Wes Carter, who is not seeking reelection.
You’ve probably noticed that my name is not on the list of candidates who filed. My term will end on Dec. 31, 2023, and the new mayor will take over the following day. While not seeking re-election, we will certainly do everything possible to support the new mayor, both before and after the switch, in doing what is best for Carlsbad.
It has been an incredible honor to serve as the mayor of Carlsbad since 2010, and before that on City Council.
Carlsbad is an outstanding community. We have so many individuals out there every single day giving so much of themselves to help others. You have groups like Packs for Hunger and the Faith, Hope & Love Foundation who never slow down. The best part about being mayor has been to get to support these amazing causes and individuals.
Being mayor means you also get to help celebrate new businesses opening, the many accomplishments of our youth, and residents at Lakeview who are having their 100th birthday. We have so many amazing community members doing so much every single day that is worth celebrating.
Carlsbad is also a community with incredible economic resources. We’re at the hub of our nation’s oil and gas, potash and nuclear industries, and we also play an essential role when it comes to tourism, agriculture and manufacturing. We’ve seen incredible growth over the past few years. While that has come with its share of growing pains, it also means a degree of economic opportunity for both our current residents and newcomers that does not exist in most places.
Carlsbad is also a beautiful city. When we have visiting guests, you can see how much they appreciate the Pecos River and all that it has to offer. Over the past few years, we have worked to add features along the river such as the water park, splash pads, miniature golf, volleyball and pickleball courts, and much more. We have also supported incredible projects such as the Halagueno Arts Park and the Cavern Theatre, as well as our beautiful Veterans Park.
We have a lot left to do over the new few months, and a lot left to celebrate. Congratulations to the men and women running for office. We look forward to working with you now and in the future.
Sincerely, Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway