Frank and Gloria Christensen outside City Hall Joanna Costilla addresses the City Council
Tension Marks Deming Town Hall Meeting Over Police Chief Appointment
DEMING – Last night, (June 11th, 2024} at 5:30, a town hall meeting at City Hall in Deming saw near-full attendance. Concerned citizens gathered to address ongoing tensions between city council members and Mayor Michele Shillito. The open to the public meeting was opened by city employee Azucena Vargas.
For months, a standoff has persisted between Deming’s Mayor Shillito and the Deming City Council regarding the appointment of a new Chief of Police. Since the retirement of the previous chief, the position has been filled by Interim Chief Jose Montoya. Mayor Shillito has presented two candidates for the role, but the council has not approved either nominee.
Outside the meeting venue, a small group of people held signs peacefully, reflecting the community’s engagement with the issue.
During the meeting, local resident Joanna Costilla addressed the council, saying, “I’m all for change. Change for the sake of change is never good. Change for the sake of progress is great.”
The event highlighted the deep divisions within Deming’s local government and the urgency felt by residents to resolve the leadership impasse.
The city has been holding regular Town Hall meetings along with their regular monthly meetings. No official action was taken during last night’s meeting.
(Story & photos by KDEM & KOTS News Reporter Carlos Astudillo – [email protected] 575-546-9011)
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