CITY OF GRANTS, N.M. – Election Day is March 1, and many of the hopeful candidates for Grants City Council are preparing for the big day. For months the Grants City Council has stood stagnant as internal turmoil left the government fractional and barely operating, District 2 is currently served by City Councilor Rick Lucero, who is seeking reelection and did not respond to request for comment in this story. Of all three candidates running for the position of District 2, only one, George “Gunny” Garcia, replied. Due to COVID-19 exposure and subsequent infection, the Cibola Citizen was unable to conduct in-person interviews with these candidates.
Current Mayor Pro tem of the Grants City Council, and incumbent of this seat, Rick Lucero can be contacted at 505-379-9442.
Thomas Lee Gabaldon, a community leader who teaches wrestling to young Pirate athletes at Grants High School also did not respond for comment, he can be reached at 505-240-0288.
George “Gunny” Garcia
A retiree from the Grants/Cibola County School District, and from the United States Marine Corps, George Garcia has shown his commitment not only to the people of Cibola County, but of the whole nation. Garcia was born in Grants at Cibola General Hospital, “My passion and commitment for this to flourish is my motivation. I have seen first-hand the potential of the young people in Grants and the surrounding communities. This is reflective of the quality and diversity of the families they come from. I always put maximum effort into every job I’ve ever held. As city councilor, that will be a daily effort and not just parttime.”
If elected to office, Garcia seeks to reinvigorate relationships between the city and small businesses through the Grants-Cibola County Chamber of Commerce, Grants MainStreet Inc., and Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation. Working to help invigorate the economy of the city is only part of Garcia’s plans, he wants to check in on city departments and ensure that they have the support and proper tools to dot heir job. “I will personally continue to visit with each city department on a regular basis to ensure their voice is heard and concerns addressed.” When asked about the Grants City Council’s current public perception crisis, Garcia replied, “Constant, professional and respectful communication between individuals is critical to success. An open dialog between the governing body, city manager and city employees and members of the community will be allowed to happen. Listening to public opinion is crucial and necessary. Every member of the community should feel welcome and comfortable expressing their views. That’s where most new ideas and current issues will be discovered. Many are familiar with my reputation for courteous and considerate conversation. Any debate should retain a degree of professionalism and respect.”
Garcia explained that he would like to look back at past city administrations for ques on what to do and what not to do when it comes to transparency, explaining that “we have the ability to look back at lessons learned… There is always room for improvement.” In his years as a community leader, Garcia has volunteered across Cibola County. Garcia has volunteered with Toys For Tots, Wounded Warrior, Grants MainStreet Project inc., multiple area veteran’s groups, the Elk’s, and Knights of Columbus, just to name a few. “These programs are crucial to quality of life. They do encourage business and provide the opportunity for young and old to jointly participate in the community.”
Closing, Garcia wanted to let the people of Grants know who he is. “I have built relationships with community leaders in government (local, state & tribal), schools and business. My reputation for team building and positive listening is well established. I look forward to representing citizens and business owners of district 2, city of Grants and surrounding communities.”