Key midterm municipal elections were held around the county on Tuesday, March 5, in Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Cuba and Jemez Springs. While the election ended at 7 p.m., some results are still up in the air.
Town of Bernalillo
Residents of the Town of Bernalillo cast their votes to determine which two candidates would represent them on the town council. It was a three-person race for two open spots for councilors at large in the nonpartisan race. Phillip Valverde received 333 votes, James S. Baca had 354 votes and Sharon Torres-Quintana 324. As of press time, the race was slated for a possible recount.
Current municipal judge, Geoffrey T. Rinaldi, garnered 497 votes and was the only person running for that seat.
“Who they’re standing for and what they want for the town is very important because we need a lot of strong council members that help support the town in their needs,” said Destiny Rivera of Bernalillo.
Rio Rancho
According to the numbers, incumbent Paul Wymer will retain his seat in District 4 while incumbent and former Rio Rancho mayor Jim Owen will face Deborah S. Dapson in a runoff in District 1.
In District 6, Nicole Dahn garnered 43% of the vote, not enough to get her over the 50% mark needed. She’ll face Edward Linn Paulsgrove, who got 28% of the vote, in a runoff election.
Three municipal bond issues regarding roads, public safety and quality-of-life projects, also passed with over 70% of the vote.
“Voting in municipal elections, I believe, is the most important election that you can vote in because it makes decisions that have an immediate impact on the community,” said Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull. He said he was pleased with the turnout and the results for the election.
According to Hull, the bonds that are being voted on will have a direct impact on the city and its residents. In particular, police officers and firefighters will receive the necessary equipment to perform their duties effectively. Additionally, residents can expect to see immediate improvements to the conditions of roads and parks.
The runoff election is scheduled for April 9.
Absentee, early and in-person voting will be available during the runoff election.
Jemez Springs
The Village of Jemez Springs held an election for the mayor, who ran uncontested, and councilor at large positions were open with four candidates.
Michael Ray Nealeigh ran unopposed for mayor and received 100% of the 60 votes cast. The councilor at large seats were taken by Monique Cheri Alton receiving 25 votes, Judy Margaret Boyd got 50 votes and Robert M. Wilson 44 received votes. Write-in candidate James C. McCue received 40 votes.
Cuba
The Village of Cuba held an election for three councilors out of five candidates. Last week, the Signpost reported that Village Council candidate Tonya Sanchez, 44, a mother of four, died in a car accident on Feb. 19. Her name was still on the ballot, and if she wins, the mayor will appoint a candidate for that seat.
As of press time, Monica Olivas had 29 votes and Sanchez had 26 votes, making room for a possible recount. The remaining two spots went to Rebecca Salazar, who had 94 votes and Kyle Sandoval who had 85 votes.
The results for each election will be brought before the Sandoval County Commission no later than March 15 for canvassing.