DEMING – The Deming City Council has denied Mayor Micki Shillito’s second appointment for the Deming Chief of Police, marking the second such rejection in the last five months.
The Deming Headlight reported on Friday that the Council Chambers were at full capacity for their regular monthly meeting on the 21st. The meeting saw heightened tension as many community members attended, culminating in the mayor’s nomination of Paul D. Lilly from Texas.
District Councilman Julian Monjaras moved to deny the appointment, stating that hiring someone from outside the local community did not align with the citizens’ preferences. Monjaras emphasized, “I’ve been very transparent and the community as well on what they want. That is that our qualified local leaders, our hometown-grown leaders be in this position.” He advocated for the current Interim Chief, Jose Montoya.
The motion to deny was supported by District Two Councilwoman Irma Rodriguez and District Three Councilman Joe Milo. District Four Councilman Stephen Westenhofer, however, supported the Mayor’s nomination. As a result, Interim Chief Jose Montoya will continue leading the Department.
In related news, Treasurer and Finance Director Laura Holguin submitted her resignation effective immediately. In her resignation letter, she cited health issues both “physically and mentally” caused by the uncertainty of her future with the city over the past five months.
The City will hold its next town hall on June 11th.