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Group Seeks To Disincorporate New Mexico Town With Corrupt History
Courtesey of City of Sunland Park
Sunland Park Mayor Javier Perea speaks at a ceremony marking a recently completed road reconstruction.
The city of Sunland Park, N.M., is trying to restore its reputation after years of political scandal and fiscal abuse. That effort is underway even as a group of citizens push for the city to disincorporate.
Maria Lara, a 40-year resident of Sunland Park, is one of more than thousand citizens to sign a petition to dissolve the city. They would prefer the county government take over.
"I'm tired of moving backward," she said. "We have no street lights, our streets are destroyed and our taxes are high."
There is also a history of corruption. In June a former mayor-elect pleaded guilty to federal charges of corruption and conspiracy. Since September two city councilmen have been arrested, one accused of marijuana possession and another of providing alcohol to minors. A third is reportedly under investigation by the FBI for a questionable real estate deal.
Despite the problems, some residents say they see signs the city's new mayor is slowly turning things around. The city has regained control of its financial management after the state temporarily took over in 2012 when it found evidence of widespread fraud and misuse.
In November an official with the state finance department praised the city for exceeding its revenue projections while maintaining conservative expenses.
Local restaurant owner Robert Ardovino remains hopeful.
"I don't personally think disincorporating is the way to go. I appreciate the fire and I appreciate the police," he said. "I do see improvement. They obviously had to come back up from a really deep hole."