Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Former city commissioner to serve at least 14 months; remaining two years of term to be on 2022 ballot
Tom Martin, left, is sworn in as Curry County District 2 Commissioner by District Judge Benjamin Cross Friday in the commission chambers as wife Gail Martin holds his Bible. Martin was appointed to the seat by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
CLOVIS - The Curry County Commission gained a new member Wednesday, with former Clovis City Commissioner Tom Martin appointed to the vacant District 2 position on Thursday.
Martin came to Clovis in 1970, when he purchased a Taco Box franchise from Jim Story. He and his wife Gail are the sole shareholders in the company. Their son, Thomas, took over daily operations last year.
Martin served one term as a Clovis city commissioner for District 4, before deciding not to run again in 2018.
"I've been off of city commission and this looked like a good opportunity," Martin told The News. "I think this would be a good opportunity to learn about the county and work with the county and add my voice."
The vacancy was created by the September death of James Ridling, who won the open seat in the 2020 election. Martin said while he was honored to be appointed to the commission, he would have much rather seen Ridling in the seat for the entire term; "Jim was a really good guy and I miss seeing and talking with him."
During his Friday swearing-in ceremony, Martin thanked his wife for being with him every step of the way.
He was sworn in by District Judge Benjamin Cross, who was also recently appointed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. During a brief speech, Cross said he had known Martin most of his life and that he'd always noticed Taco Box sponsored some local organization or event. Cross recalled a quote by Booker T. Washington that "those who are happiest are those who do the most for others," and said it certainly applied to Martin.
Martin's first meeting will be 9 a.m. Tuesday at the commission chambers. Chair Robert Thornton said he's had some interactions with Martin, and is looking forward to getting him aboard.
"He'll be a welcome addition," Thornton said. "I'm happy to see that get done."
Martin is not related to District 4 Commissioner and Commission Vice Chair Seth Martin.
Tom Martin will serve in the spot for at least the next 14 months. The remaining two years of the term will be on the November 2022 ballot. Martin said he's open to running for the two years, but wants to see how his first few months in the office go before making a final decision.
When asked what issues he'd like to address on the commission, Martin said he doesn't want to have any preconceived notions of the issues going in; "I will learn soon enough what the issues are."
