GRANTS, N.M. – The Grants City Council is scheduled to consider an appointment to fill the vacant District 1 seat at its next regular meeting on Wednesday, April 15 at 4 p.m., according to the meeting agenda.
The agenda includes Item 1.11: “Approval of Appointment of Tannin Cash to the Office of City Councilor, District 1, of the City of Grants.”
The District 1 seat has remained vacant since the March 11 special meeting in which the council determined former District 1 Councilor Dolores P. Vallejos was ineligible to hold the office under the Grants City Charter’s prohibition on holding another elected public office during a city council term. City Councilor Fred Rodarte was not present when Grants City Council unanimously found Vallejos was holding the office of Cibola County Assessor at the same time as Grants City Councilor, ruling her unqualified under the charter to serve as councilor.
Under the Grants City Charter the mayor has power of appointment, and the council has the power of approval.
When asked about Cash’s qualifications for the office, Mayor Garcia confirmed Cash meets the requirements under both state law and Grants City Charter to serve as a city councilor.
Mayor Names Nominee in March 31 Letter
In a letter dated March 31, Mayor Erik Garcia wrote to councilors that he is recommending Tannin Cash to fill the vacancy, stating the nomination is made under the Charter’s vacancy provisions and is subject to council approval.
The mayor wrote that the appointment would be placed on the April 15 agenda for consideration.
The letter included a statement submitted by Cash describing his background as an entrepreneur and business operator in Grants and Gallup. Cash wrote that he purchased Delta Tire in 2014 and that the business has expanded to five locations. He also described his involvement in real estate and construction operations and said he is the CEO of a holding company overseeing those businesses.
What Council Action Would Mean
If the council approves the appointment, District 1 would once again have representation at the council table while the city continues navigating broader charter and election issues.
Mayor Garcia said he hopes councilors will use the time before the meeting to speak with Cash and learn about his experience as a local business leader, including his role with Delta Tire.
City council has the opportunity to reject the appointment, sending Mayor Garcia back to nominate another person to fill the vacancy.
The Cibola Citizen reached out to councilors for comment ahead of the April 15 meeting.
As of press deadline, the only response received was from Councilor Fred Rodarte, who replied, “who is this,” after the Citizen identified itself. No further responses were received before deadline.
The April 15 regular council meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. and also includes routine board appointments and other city business.
Delta Tire CEO Tannin Cash Nominated to Fill Vacancy