UPDATE: The race for Pecos mayor intensifies as candidates clash over policing and community safety. Telesfor “Ted” Benavidez, the incumbent mayor, faces off against challenger Ralph Angelo Lopez in a heated election that has residents concerned about their safety and local governance.
Just announced, the candidates are divided on how to improve policing in Pecos, a town grappling with drug use and insufficient enforcement. Benavidez, a disabled veteran who has openly shared his past struggles with addiction, is fighting for reelection to a third term. He has a controversial history, including a recent incident involving a citizen’s arrest of a suspected drunk driver in July that has raised eyebrows and prompted a no confidence vote from the village Board of Trustees.
Benavidez claims he did not physically restrain the driver but stated he encouraged others to act due to the chaotic situation outside his home. “The guy was spitting at us and hitting people,” he explained, defending his actions during the incident. Meanwhile, Lopez, a long-time volunteer fire chief, emphasizes the need for a more professional approach to policing, criticizing Benavidez’s alleged micromanagement and calling for better coordination with state police.
Both candidates agree that Pecos, located on the western edge of San Miguel County, lacks adequate policing. Lopez believes he can advocate for increased state police patrols, aiming to reinstate a substation in the village. “I’ve just got to speak with the chief of state police and see if I can bring them back,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of addressing community safety.
On the other hand, Benavidez suggests hiring a village marshal to fill the policing gap, a move he believes could restore a sense of security reminiscent of Pecos’s past. He insists that his personal journey equips him with the insight needed to help community members struggling with addiction.
In addition to policing, water infrastructure is a pressing issue in Pecos. The village is currently implementing Phase 2 of a crucial water systems improvement project, which includes laying 963 feet of new waterline along Ponderosa Road and installing fire hydrants. These upgrades aim to modernize the town’s aging water infrastructure, with some lines over 50 years old. “We’re repairing water lines that have been underground for 60 years falling apart,” said Benavidez, highlighting the progress made during his tenure.
Lopez emphasizes the importance of connecting nearby unincorporated communities to the municipal water system, advocating for projects that would ensure groundwater safety. “When you have kids doing wheelies down Main Street, that has to stop. Somebody’s going to get hurt,” he warned, underscoring the urgent need for both policing and infrastructure improvements.
The implications of this election extend beyond mere governance; they touch on the safety and future of Pecos residents. As the election date draws near, all eyes are on Pecos, with community members eager for a resolution to pressing issues.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops. The election is set to determine the direction of Pecos’s policing and infrastructure, making it vital for residents to engage and vote.
