Pecos Mayoral Race Intensifies Over Policing and Infrastructure

Pecos Mayor Telesfor “Ted” Benavidez is seeking reelection against challenger Ralph Angelo Lopez, a local volunteer fire chief. The election, which is set against a backdrop of community concerns regarding policing and infrastructure, has highlighted differing views on how to enhance safety and services in the village.

Benavidez, who has been open about his personal struggles, including a serious health battle in which he had a tumor “the size of a baseball” removed from his brain, is campaigning for a third term. He previously disclosed his past as a drug dealer and addict, emphasizing his journey to sobriety and redemption. “I let the whole state of New Mexico know what I had gone through,” he stated in an interview with an Albuquerque television station. He aims to leave a positive legacy for the community he leads.

Central to the election discourse is an incident from July 2023, where Benavidez reportedly participated in a citizen’s arrest of a suspected drunk driver. The details surrounding this event remain unclear, with police reports indicating that the driver crashed into a guard rail. Benavidez clarified that while he did not personally handcuff the individual, he was present during the situation and advised others on how to handle it. He described the driver as “belligerent” and uncooperative.

Lopez, who has served as mayor pro tempore on the village Board of Trustees, has focused on a clean campaign. He expressed concerns regarding Benavidez’s “micromanagement” of staff, which contributed to a “no confidence” vote passed by the Board of Trustees in July. Lopez believes that Benavidez’s actions have hindered effective governance. “He shouldn’t be doing that. He’s not law enforcement,” Lopez emphasized.

Both candidates agree on the need for improved policing in Pecos, which currently lacks its own police department. The village relies on the New Mexico State Police and the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement. Lopez advocates for increased state police patrols and the reopening of a local substation, asserting that police presence has declined since Benavidez took office.

Benavidez has proposed hiring a village marshal, recalling the historical role of such officers in the community. He believes that his past experiences uniquely position him to address local issues, including substance abuse and public safety. “I want to help people who are struggling,” he noted.

The candidates also share concerns about the local youth, with Lopez highlighting the need for programs that deter drug use among young people. He pointed out that reckless behavior, such as children riding motorcycles and four-wheelers irresponsibly, poses a danger to the community. “Somebody’s going to get hurt. And there’s no one there to enforce it,” Lopez warned.

Another significant topic in the election is the Phase 2 of a crucial water system improvement project aimed at modernizing Pecos’ aging infrastructure. The village is upgrading waterlines that are over 50 years old to ensure sufficient water supply for both residents and firefighting efforts. This phase involves laying 963 feet of new waterline along Ponderosa Road and an additional 912 feet along N.M. 50, alongside the installation of fire hydrants.

Benavidez, who became mayor in 2018 after the long tenure of predecessor Tony Roybal, expressed pride in the progress made during his administration. He noted that the village has repaired deteriorating water lines and paved much-needed roads. “We’ve gotten a lot done,” he stated. “My job speaks for itself.”

Lopez has also identified the connection of the nearby unincorporated community of East Pecos to the municipal water system as a priority, along with the Rincon Road Project, which aims to protect local groundwater from contamination. Both candidates recognize that addressing these infrastructure issues is crucial for the village’s future.

As the election approaches, Pecos residents will face a choice between two contrasting visions for their community’s leadership and direction. The outcome will not only shape local governance but also impact the safety and well-being of the entire village.