Pecos Mayoral Race Intensifies Over Policing and Infrastructure

The mayoral race in Pecos, New Mexico, is heating up as incumbent Telesfor “Ted” Benavidez seeks a third term against challenger Ralph Angelo Lopez. The election has sparked a debate over policing and infrastructure, with both candidates offering differing visions for the community’s future.

Benavidez, who has openly discussed his journey of redemption after battling addiction and health issues, faces scrutiny over his leadership style and past actions. He underwent multiple surgeries to remove a tumor from his brain and claims to have been sober for years. “I was a drug dealer and an addict. Now I’ve been sober for years and I want to leave a good statement behind when I am gone someday,” he stated in a prior interview.

A significant incident has emerged involving Benavidez and a citizen’s arrest he allegedly participated in last July. Following a crash involving a suspected drunk driver, police reports suggest he may have aided in restraining the individual, although the details remain murky. Benavidez clarified, “I never touched the guy… I said, ‘Cuff him, and when the state police get here, I’ll let them know that I told you guys to do it because he was being an idiot.’”

Lopez, the mayor pro tempore and a volunteer fire chief, is running a campaign focused on restoring confidence in village leadership. He has emphasized the need for a more robust police presence in Pecos, which currently relies on the New Mexico State Police and the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office. “I’ve just got to speak with the chief of state police and see if I can bring them back,” Lopez said, noting that state police patrols have decreased under Benavidez’s administration.

Both candidates acknowledge that the current policing levels are inadequate for the village, particularly as concerns about drug use and reckless driving among youth persist. Lopez proposed enhancing youth programs to deter drug use, while Benavidez suggested reinstating a village marshal to oversee local safety.

Infrastructure Challenges Loom

In addition to policing, water infrastructure remains a pressing issue for Pecos. The village is currently undergoing Phase 2 of a significant water systems improvement project aimed at replacing aging waterlines that are over 50 years old. This phase includes laying 963 feet of new waterline along Ponderosa Road and additional lines along N.M. 50, which will also feature new fire hydrants.

Lopez has highlighted the need for further projects, including connecting the unincorporated community of East Pecos to the municipal water system. He mentioned the Rincon Road Project, which aims to extend water service to the Camino Rincon area. “These projects are essential to preventing contamination of our groundwater from septic systems,” he stated.

Benavidez asserted that progress has been made during his tenure, citing the completion of previously stalled projects. “We’re repairing water lines that have been underground for 60 years falling apart,” he remarked. “We’ve paved roads people thought [we were] never going to get paved. We’re working on a water tank for fire suppression.”

As the election approaches, both candidates are focused on articulating their plans to address the pressing issues facing Pecos. With contrasting views on policing and infrastructure, the outcome of the election may significantly shape the village’s future.