Pecos Mayoral Race Highlights Policing and Infrastructure Concerns

Pecos Mayor Telesfor “Ted” Benavidez is seeking reelection in a competitive race against Ralph Angelo Lopez, a long-serving volunteer fire chief and current mayor pro tempore. This election not only reflects personal redemption for Benavidez but also highlights critical issues related to policing and infrastructure in the village.

Benavidez, who has openly discussed his past struggles with drug addiction and health challenges, including the removal of a brain tumor, aims to build on his legacy of recovery and service. He became mayor in 2018 after his predecessor, Tony Roybal, chose not to run for reelection. In a candid interview with an Albuquerque television station, he shared, “I let the whole state of New Mexico know what I had gone through. I was a drug dealer and an addict. Now I’ve been sober for years and I want to leave a good statement behind when I am gone someday.”

The mayoral campaign has been marred by controversy following an incident in July 2023, when Benavidez allegedly participated in a citizen’s arrest after a suspected intoxicated driver crashed into a guard rail. While police reports lack clarity regarding his involvement, Benavidez claims he did not handcuff the driver but suggested to others that they do so, describing the individual as “belligerent.”

Lopez, 55, emphasizes a clean campaign, but he has raised concerns about Benavidez’s leadership style, citing a “no confidence” vote from the village’s Board of Trustees earlier in July. He stated, “He shouldn’t be doing that. He’s not law enforcement,” referring to the mayor’s involvement in the citizen’s arrest.

Both candidates acknowledge that Pecos lacks sufficient policing resources, relying primarily on the New Mexico State Police and the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office. Lopez proposes increasing state police patrols and reinstating a substation in the village, claiming that police presence has diminished since Benavidez took office. “I’ve just got to speak with the chief of state police and see if I can bring them back,” Lopez added.

In contrast, Benavidez advocates for hiring a village marshal, a role that once existed in the community. He believes that his personal experiences equip him to connect with residents facing challenges, stating, “My past puts me in a position to help people who are struggling.” Although violent crime is relatively low in Pecos, concerns about speeding and drug use persist, prompting Lopez to suggest more youth programs to deter substance abuse.

Policing is not the only focus of the campaign. The village is currently undertaking a significant water system improvement project. Phase 2 of this initiative aims to modernize aging infrastructure, with upgrades to waterlines that are over 50 years old. This phase includes laying 963 feet of 6-inch PVC waterline along Ponderosa Road and 912 feet along N.M. 50, along with the installation of fire hydrants and service connections.

Lopez believes that connecting East Pecos, an unincorporated area adjacent to the village, to the municipal water system is also vital. He points out that such improvements are necessary to prevent groundwater contamination from septic systems.

Benavidez asserts that progress has been made during his tenure, stating, “We’re repairing water lines that have been underground for 60 years falling apart. We’ve paved roads people thought we were never going to get paved.” He highlights the importance of the water project, particularly for firefighting capabilities.

As the election approaches, both candidates are focused on addressing the pressing needs of Pecos residents. The outcome will determine not only the leadership style of the village but also the strategies employed to enhance public safety and infrastructure.