Dear Editor, When the Cibola County Commission was informed that NM State Representative for District 6, Lee Alcon, was retiring because of poor health, we had no idea what the process was. We were all surprised because Mr. Alcon had just won the election in November. The Board of County Commissioners for Cibola County immediately directed the County Manager, the County Attorneys and Staff to find out what the process was to replace Mr. Alcon. The County Staff acted immediately and found out what this process was. We soon learned that the decision to choose a nominee for District 6 would rest upon the Board of County Commissioners of Cibola County. We also found out that we would be sharing this responsibility with the McKinley County Board of County Commissioners, which is part of District 6.
We were advised by the Office of the NM Secretary of State, the State Constitution for New Mexico, and our Attorneys on how to proceed. We reviewed the eight applicants seeking nomination and studied them carefully. On the day we voted for our nominee, McKinley County met earlier in the day. McKinley County tabled the nominating process for the eleven applicants they had received.
During our Cibola County Commission Meeting nominations were opened. I nominated Paul Spencer(R), who ran against Representative Alcon in the General Election. My nomination was not seconded by the other four Commissioners, so it died on the floor. Commissioner Martha Garcia nominated NM State Representative Harry Garcia of District 69. All five Commissioners voted unanimously for Harry Garcia. Our Commission didn't discuss this with each other beforehand because we had studied all the applicant's resumes and were prepared to vote. I repeat that the vote was unanimous for Representative Garcia.
I have to say it takes a lot of chutzpah for Representative Alcon's son, David, to think that anyone would think it was a good idea to nominate him or his wife to this important position. Elected Office should never be hereditary, unless won by fair election. With David Alcon's criminal past, I would think that he would be unqualified to serve in government at any level. We made the best decision we could. Recently, McKinley County voted Representative Garcia as their nominee to the Governor. Cibola County and McKinley County did their best to send a qualified nominee to the Governor's Office for her appointment. The decision now rests with the Governor.
Robert S. Windhorst, Cibola County Commissioner, District 4 Editor’s Note: This letter was sent December 31