I saw in the Santa Fe New Mexican this morning that they had mistakenly said I called for the Mayor’s resignation. While I hadn’t at the time, I do think now may be the time to do so.
John, I know that deep down in your heart you still care for the Valley. I truly believe that no one enters public life unless they’re passionate about their community. The story you tell about wanting to be Mayor since you were 6 years old tells me that your passion for service and Española is deep. However, you and I both know that given the circumstances that are before you today that you cannot lead for the remainder of your term. Even if you’re innocent of what you’ve been accused of, on a practical level the city will have an extremely difficult time functioning with you at the head of it.
It’s been almost a month that we have been without a city or interim-city manager. Given the investigation hanging over your head, and an election quickly approaching in March, how can we expect a quality candidate to apply for this position? On top of the job possibly lasting less than a year in a position plagued by scandal, they will also see that the last two city managers didn’t exactly leave quietly.
Let’s say we do find someone John, how will they work through the minefield you have left them, several of your current employees have corroborated the story told by the victim, as well as the victim herself still works for the city. This manager will have to navigate trying to either maintain a hostile staff or risk the turnover and hope no litigation comes from it.
How about external partners? What opportunities will be lost by the city from other governments, grants, and businesses who may not want to be associated with these scandals? We already know Española already has a difficult time with economic development and partnering with other governmental agencies. The news coverage from this ongoing investigation and potential trial will serve as a distraction.
Finally, let’s look at what we have been able to do the last year or so, you and I know the answer is not a whole lot. We heard 4 ordinances in 2024, and so far 2025 hasn’t been much better. There are obvious roadblocks in our legislative process and the biggest is that we have so many lawsuits relating to yourself and that is taking up a significant amount of time from the City Attorney.
John, you’re 29 years old, if you’re innocent you have your whole life ahead of you. You will have time to grow and maybe run for office again one day. Right now just isn’t your time and you being the Mayor is only hurting the city you and I love. If you still have that passion for this city there are plenty of other ways you can serve it than being Mayor. I am sure us on the council will even help you, but continuing on like this will only make it harder down the road. Take some time off, do what you need to do legally, then decide if you even want to come back. I hope you do the right thing, admit if you were wrong, or fight if you were right. Either way the city needs you to step aside.
Sincerely,
Samuel Z. LeDoux
Española City Councilor District 4