Portales City Council names Michael Miller city's mayor

In a 7-1 vote Tuesday, the Portales City Council named Councilman Michael Miller as the city's new mayor.

On Nov. 28, Portales Mayor Ron Jackson announced his plans to resign due to health reasons. Jackson had nearly served two years of his current four-year term. It was up to City Council members to appoint a new mayor until the next election.

Councilman Daniel Boan nominated Mike Davidson, an outspoken advocate for change in city water policies, for the mayor's job. Boan also was the lone Council member to vote for Davidson, who is not on the Council.

Councilman Michael Lucero lobbied on behalf of Miller, citing his character and his years serving within the city.

"I feel this candidate (Miller) has the resume, the credentials and the experience to do a fine job in the next two years," Lucero said.

Miller's career with the city includes president of the New Mexico Municipal League, city councilor, mayor pro tem, five years as city manager, and nine years as fire chief.

Miller said he was honored to be selected mayor and said he will do everything he can to fill the shoes Jackson had left.

"I appreciate the confidence and I am humbled by my fellow Council (members)," Miller said. "I want to work with everyone. I know we have some issues and I want to address those issues. We are suffering from (water issues) the same things that everyone else in the community is suffering from. I want to move forward and make this a 'can' community, instead of a 'can't' community."

Several residents, including newly elected Council member Eldon Merrick, opposed the City Council making a decision at Tuesday's meeting. Merrick said three new council members, who take office next month, should have a part in making a decision for the new mayor.

"The Council does not need to rush into this decision. There is no statute or law that states this process has to be carried out in a certain time frame," Merrick said.

Merrick also advocated for a chance for residents to vote for the position as well, not restricting it to Council members. Lucero countered those arguments, stating the current Council has many years of experience and is best suited in making the decision.

Miller will be sworn in with the new Council members on Jan. 2. Miller's spot as ward C Council member will be determined by the newly appointed mayor.

Miller said residents who are interested in the Council position should turn in their resume and letter of interest to the city manager by Jan. 1.