Las Cruces Mayor Bill Mattiace said he wants one more term as the city’s leader, while Councilor Ken Miyagishima, who ran unsuccessfully against Mattiace in 2003, said he hasn’t decided whether to challenge the mayor again this year.
In addition to mayor, several elected city positions are up for grabs in November:
• The District 1 council seat currently held by Jose Frietze.
• The District 2 council seat held by Dolores Connor.
• The District 4 council seat held by Steve Trowbridge, who has announced he won’t seek re-election.
• The municipal judgeship held by Melissa Miller-Byrnes.
Mattiace was appointed to the position in early 2003 following the resignation of Ruben Smith, who took a job in
Mattiace said one more four-year term will allow him to see many large projects through to completion. The city is currently working on a
“There are so many projects I want to see fulfilled,” he said. “After two full terms and a year, I think it’ll be time to get back to the family.”
Miyagishima said he is “currently not in a position to give a definite direction” about whether he will run for mayor.
“I will say that I enjoy the experiences that I receive as city councilor for District 6,” he said. “Working with our city manager and his professional staff, as well as the fine people of District 6, has been very rewarding.”
In 2003, Mattiace received just under 40 percent of the vote, while Miyagishima received 25 percent. Three additional challengers split the other 35 percent of the vote.
The council incumbents and Miller-Byrnes easily won re-election in 2003, but the District 4 race will be wide open this year. Trowbridge had five opponents four years ago, and there isn’t an obvious favorite to replace him.