COMMENTARY: About a month ago Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima authored a column recapping his eight years as mayor. “In so many ways, the best is yet to come,” he wrote.
Heath Haussamen
He made no mention of whether he planned to seek re-election this year.
About the same time, he created a Twitter account. He was preparing for something.
Miyagishima held a community meeting Wednesday. He’s making himself visible.
And then this, sent via email and posted on Facebook on Saturday, asking for people’s opinions:
I am thinking seriously of running for another term as mayor. It’s a big decision and I wondered if you would send me your thoughts on the matter. I value your opinion and would appreciate knowing what you think.
As if Miyagishima hasn’t already decided. The mayor is backed by a sophisticated political machine. The decision was made some time ago. Another progressive candidate would already be in place if he wasn’t running again.
The theatrics are kind of amusing. The Facebook post elicited overwhelmingly positive responses from Miyagishima’s friends. No surprise there.
“You’re an amazing man and what Las Cruces definitely needed and still continues to need,” wrote Belen Holguin.
“Yes, you have done an outstanding job these past 8 years. One more term then Governor,” wrote Bob Mya.
Even this, from Cheryl Carreon: “Unless you would consider a presidential run?”
Ha! Fair enough. Miyagishima got the responses, and built the excitement, his campaign wanted.
But let’s not pretend we don’t know what’s going on. Miyagishima is seeking a third term. He will be challenged by outgoing Councilor Miguel Silva and maybe others.
Filing date is Sept. 22 for the Nov. 3 election. Expect a formal announcement from Miyagishima sometime before that.