Firefighters’ union endorses Trujillo in council race

The union representing Las Cruces firefighters has endorsed Karen Trujillo’s bid for the open District 6 seat on the Las Cruces City Council.

The Las Cruces Professional Firefighters’ Executive Board voted to endorse Trujillo in the Jan. 15 election in part because of her past relationship with the group. Her husband is a firefighter and past secretary and vice president of the organization, and Trujillo has helped with fundraisers in the past.

“With the recent growth and population increase in District Six, our citizens need a strong voice on city council that will advocate for public safety,” union President Jason Smith said in a statement released by Trujillo’s campaign. “… Because of this history, we feel that Karen will always be a proponent of fire safety, and that the citizens she serves will be able to count on her to ensure public safety issues are addressed in a timely matter.”

The other candidates in the race are former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Patrick J. Curran; Lawrence Joy, the owner of a direct mail advertising firm and the voice of NMSU’s marching band; Berchard Ray Shipley, who has a background in the military, commercial property management and community planning; and Sharon Thomas, former head of the Quality Growth Alliance.