Pecos Mayoral Race Highlights Divisions Over Policing and Infrastructure

The mayoral race in Pecos, New Mexico, has become a focal point for discussions around policing and infrastructure, as incumbent mayor Telesfor “Ted” Benavidez seeks reelection against challenger Ralph Angelo Lopez. With both candidates having deep roots in the community, their contrasting visions for the village are coming to the forefront as the election approaches.

Benavidez, who has served as mayor since 2018, is known for his candid approach to personal struggles, including a health battle involving the removal of a tumor “the size of a baseball” from his brain. His history includes overcoming addiction and drug dealing, experiences he openly shares to highlight his journey of redemption. “I let the whole state of New Mexico know what I had gone through,” he stated, reflecting on a past interview with an Albuquerque television station.

In a significant incident earlier this month, Benavidez was involved in a citizen’s arrest of a suspected drunken driver following a crash on North Main Street. While police reports regarding his involvement remain unclear, Benavidez maintains that he did not physically restrain the driver but encouraged others in the group to do so. “The guy was spitting at us and hitting people,” he explained, indicating the chaotic nature of the scene.

Lopez, who is running a clean campaign, has raised concerns about Benavidez’s leadership style, pointing to a July “no confidence” vote by the village Board of Trustees as evidence of his management issues. “He shouldn’t be doing that. He’s not law enforcement,” Lopez remarked, emphasizing his views on appropriate governance in Pecos. With a background as a 20-year volunteer fire chief, Lopez believes he can enhance policing in the area by advocating for increased state police presence and utilizing the existing substation in the village. He noted that the level of patrolling had been higher prior to Benavidez’s tenure.

Both candidates acknowledge that Pecos lacks sufficient policing, particularly given its distance from the county seat of Las Vegas, New Mexico. While Benavidez has proposed the idea of hiring a village marshal to address local concerns, Lopez advocates for community programs aimed at deterring youth drug use and increasing police visibility. “When you have kids doing wheelies down Main Street, that has to stop,” he stated, underscoring the need for effective enforcement.

Infrastructure, particularly water systems, is another critical issue for Pecos. The village is currently engaged in Phase 2 of a significant water improvement project, which aims to address aging waterlines that are over 50 years old. This phase involves laying approximately 963 feet of new PVC waterline along Ponderosa Road, alongside additional installations such as fire hydrants. Phase 1, completed earlier this year, focused on upgrading waterlines from Village Hall to the Pecos National Historical Park.

Lopez believes that connecting East Pecos, an unincorporated area neighboring the village, to the municipal water system is essential for ensuring safe groundwater. He also supports initiatives like the Rincon Road Project, which aims to extend water services and prevent contamination from septic systems.

In contrast, Benavidez asserts that progress has been made during his administration. “We’re repairing water lines that have been underground for 60 years,” he emphasized, pointing to completed projects that have improved infrastructure significantly. He believes his tenure has brought about necessary changes that previous administrations failed to address.

As the election approaches, residents of Pecos are faced with an important decision regarding the future of their community. With contrasting visions for policing and infrastructure management, the candidates are positioning themselves as advocates for a safer and more sustainable Pecos. The outcome will shape the village’s direction in the coming years, with both candidates seeking to leave a lasting impact on their community.