A former member of the Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education plans to challenge the city’s mayor pro-tem in this year’s municipal election.
Vince Boudreau announced his candidacy for the District 2 seat currently held by Dolores Connor today in a news release. Connor is seeking re-election on Nov. 6.
“When I was on the Las Cruces School Board and served as its president, we viewed the public as our greatest ally. We would never have tried to make major decisions without public awareness and participation,” he said in a news release. “I want to reduce the influence of powerful individuals and interests, particularly in terms of new development, and return control of the council to the people it serves.”
A growing number of Las Crucens have become increasingly frustrated with the city’s rapid growth, which some view as being out of control. The group really became organized behind the Quality Growth Alliance in May when the council approved the master plan and annexation of The Vistas at Presidio, as controversial development on the city’s
The group has an ally on the council in District 6 Councilor Ken Miyagishima, who is considering challenging Bill Mattiace this year for mayor. Boudreau’s challenge of Connor is further evidence that the group plans an organized campaign to change the makeup of the council.
Boudreau was a member of the school board from 1973 to 1985. He has a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from
He’s a Navy veteran, once served as chief engineer at
He has been married to his wife Diana for 53 years, and they have five children.
“People in my district know me, and know that I love this city,” Boudreau said. “Growth is bound to occur, but it needs to be managed in a way that serves us all. There has to be adequate land set aside for parks, schools and open space. The needs and preferences of existing neighborhoods must be considered. A good quality of life is important for those who already live here and those still to come.”
Candidates will file formal declarations on Sept. 25.