Former county commissioner to challenge Frietze

Former Doña Ana County Commissioner Miguel G. Silva has announced his candidacy to represent District 1 on the Las Cruces City Council.

The seat is currently held by José Frietze, who is seeking re-election on Nov. 6.

Silva said in a news release that he views this election as pivotal to the city’s current and future growth.

“Las Cruces is experiencing growth and change at a rate the city has never before seen, and new things are happening faster every day,” Silva said. “As the city councilor from District 1, I will work to ensure that the City of Las Cruces becomes a showcase city in the southwest, and that District 1 becomes the strong, thriving heart of our great city by preserving our multi-culture and historic heritage.”

Silva said he will focus on a common-sense approach to maintaining a united vision to expedite downtown revitalization, enhance public participation in the annexation process and assure long-term infrastructure needs for District 1. He said he’s also concerned about securing sufficient water for the future.

Silva is currently an adjunct professor at Doña Ana Community College. His experience includes being the co-owner of Silva Sanitation Inc. He was also the city’s initial recycling coordinator and initiated the Town of Mesilla’s curbside recycling program.

Silva has a bachelor’s in journalism from New Mexico State University and is currently earning a master’s in English. Silva said if he’s elected he intends to be a full-time councilor.

Silva said he plans to use his experience with utilities “to ensure that we are being charged fair and equitable rates,” and said he also wants term limits for the mayor and councilors.

“Term limits provide the opportunity to enhance community participation in the governmental process,” he said. “Through an enhanced participation process District 1, the City of Las Cruces and the private sector can all prosper together in creating a quality of life value that is acceptable to all sectors. And District 1 can play a key role in making this happen.”