City of Rio Communities mayor, council and judge candidates

Mayor

Matthew Marquez

Age: 50

Current occupation: Rio Communities City Council, U.S. Army 26-plus years (retired), surface area mechanic 20-plus years (retired)

Highest level of education: High school, some college

Previously held elected office: Rio Communities City Council

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. No

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “Yes, I once received a DUI, and it became a turning point in my life. I took responsibility, learned from it, and grew into a better person — focused on moving forward and making positive choices.”

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“I retired after a career built on accountability, discipline and teamwork. I trained soldiers, oversaw safety operations and led international missions. Later, I worked as a federal employee and union advocate, gaining valuable experience in policy, negotiation and operations — skills that prepared me to serve my community effectively.”

2. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

“If elected, I will strengthen public safety, improve roads, parks and infrastructure and ensure transparency in city government. I will expand partnerships with surrounding communities, support local businesses and promote responsible growth that meets the needs of families while protecting our quality of life for future generations.”

3. What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?

“The most pressing challenges are limited public safety coverage, inadequate infrastructure and lack of economic growth. I’ll strengthen partnerships with county and state agencies, invest in safer roads, sidewalks and lighting, and promote responsible development that supports families and businesses while ensuring transparency and accountability in city leadership.”

4. As a newly-elected mayor, what will you do to set aside personal differences and carry out the business of the city?

“As mayor, I will lead with respect, compassion and transparency. I’ll encourage open conversations, listen to all perspectives and remind everyone of our shared commitment to the community. By setting aside personal differences and working together, we can make thoughtful decisions that truly serve and uplift every resident.”

Joshua Ramsell (I)

Age: 36

Current occupation: Optical manager at Walmart

Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree from UNM Anderson

Previously held elected office: Rio Communities City Council, Rio Communities mayor

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. No

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“Business administration degree along with 13 years experience in operational and workplace management. I’m also a graduate of Leadership New Mexico and served eight years in public office. I have created, developed and maintained good relationships with other communities, state legislators and community partners to move the city forward.”

2. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

“Continue the work that has been accomplished the last four years. Expand the police department with more officers, continue to add firefighter and EMTs. Continue using grants for roads and other infrastructure. Keep working with our state legislators to find key funding for community priorities including parks and streetlights.”

3. What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?

“Adding more emergency personnel and funding key priorities including roads, streetlights, parks and storm water management. Continue working with our legislators to utilize GROW funds to recruit and retain emergency personnel. Follow the city streetlight and storm water plans while utilizing capital outlay funding to help offset the large expenses.”

4. As a newly-elected mayor, what will you do to set aside personal differences and carry out the business of the city?

“Remember as a governing body the community cares that things get done. We must set aside differences and respect each other. I have an unwavering belief that collaboration is key to progress. I will continue to work with everyone because what matters is that our community receives tangible progress.”

City Council

Lawrence R. Gordon Jr.

Age: 61

Current occupation: Retired from the police with 26 years of service.

Highest level of education: Some college

Previously held elected office: City councilman

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances? “I have never had a bankruptcy.”

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “No, not in New Mexico or in any other state.”

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“What in my experience, education, etc., that makes me qualified for this position is the fact that I am a problem solver by nature and I enjoy helping others. The combination of the two leads me to find the best way to help the residents of Rio Communities to the best of my abilities.”

2. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

“I hope to continue moving the city forward by increasing the police department in staffing and hours on the street, bringing a grocery store into the city, growing the city’s infrastructure which will bring in more residents and businesses and moving forward with the county workforce facility in Rio Communities for the high school students and adults.”

3. What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?

“The most important challenge facing our community is our infrastructure. Our city currently occupies only a third of the land within our city limits, which means there is plenty of room for growth. The way to start this is to first place making infrastructure a high priority on our ICIP while using city funds to create engineering designs, applying for grants and seeking additional funding from the state of New Mexico and the federal government.”

4. As a member of the city council, what will you do or how will you encourage others to set aside personal differences and carry out the business of the city?

“As a member of the council, it is our job to put aside our personal differences and conduct the business, and I try to do my part by listening to what other members of the council have to say and trying to find a compromise that still gets our city goals accomplished. Listening and being willing to try to find solution is the key.”

Michael Melendez

Age: 66

Current occupation: Sales and service, Valencia Solar Electric Company

Highest level of education: BA economics, NMSU

Have I ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances? “Yes, filed and settled Chapter 13, wage earner bankruptcy in 2004.”

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? No

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“Some valuable qualification experience I gained for city council are attributed to my familiarity with parliamentary procedure while serving as board member of the Dona Ana County Planning and Zoning Commission (2002-2006) and City of Rio Communities (2025). This includes my volunteer service in three non-profit organizations.”

2. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

“I hope to accomplish three items of concern for residents of the city of Rio Communities regarding maintenance and upgrades to existing residential and commercial streets and infrastructure, that improve the quality of life with emphasis on public safety policing, fire and rescue services.”

3. What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?

“Important challenge(s) facing the community depends on business, government and residents to meet the demand for successful growth and development without hindering the quiet rural atmosphere that defines Rio Communities. City council can achieve this depend on the city council adherence to the slogan, ‘Spectacular Views and Endless Opportunities.’”

4. As elected city council member, what will you do or how will you encourage others to set aside personal differences and carry out the business of the village?

“I will focus on the agenda at hand to improve city infrastructure, quality of life and public safety, and encourage others to focus on the same.”

MaryJo Palmer (Kern)

Age: 63

Current occupation: Store manager at PeeWee’s Pit Stop in Rio Communities

Highest level of education: Some college at Penn State University

Previously held elected office: None

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. “Yes, in 2001, coming out of an abusive marriage, I filed to protect myself.”

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “DUI in Pennsylvania 1993. No excuses, I made a mistake.”

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“As a local businesswoman, I am service oriented and love my community.”

2. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

“I have no specific agenda, other than to serve our community. I would hope that we can improve quality of life here through economic growth and development, and community service and awareness.”

3. What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?

“Like most communities, we are facing many challenges: crime, public safety, shortage of economic opportunities and homelessness ... I believe we need to find creative ways to invite new businesses, and support growth for the ones that are already here. I think we need to be more proactive as a community to deal with crime, while supporting law enforcement.”

4. As a member of the city council, what will you do or how will you encourage others to set aside personal differences and carry out the business of the city?

“For myself, I would always keep in mind that we are elected to serve the community, not ourselves. That it’s not necessarily what we want, but what are the local voters asking of us? I believe we have a responsibility to serve others, not ourselves.”

Alan Sinclair

Age: 69

Current occupation: Retired from General Electric Corporation Aircraft Engine Group, 32 years of service

Highest level of education: Graduated from Belen High School 1976, various education programs during employment

Previously held elected office: None

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. “Yes, 29 years ago. I incurred financial difficulties. Reorganizing became my goal. I am mortgage free, own my home and in good standing.”

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“Working with General Electric Corp., I attained experience with issues of industrial plants and environmental impact. As of retirement, volunteering and involvement with the residents of Rio Communities I have discussed the real concerns we have to live a healthy, productive life.”

2. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

“Trust from our residents for an open and honest concern to accomplish safe living conditions for our young families and senior citizens.”

3. What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?

“Listening to the voters; good streets with sidewalks with curb and gutters, street lights, parks for all and recreation for our youth, a medical clinic and at least a grocery store. I have been researching and educating myself on current ordinances, grants, tax revenue and requirements for these issues.”

4. As a member of the city council, what will you do or how will you encourage others to set aside personal differences and carry out the business of the city?

“Personal differences have no place in the council meetings or with the government of the city of Rio Communities. Cultivating a collaborative mindset for the common interest of our residents will be our main concern.”

Jo “Jody” Skelton

Age: 67

Current occupation: Retired from Second Judicial Court in Albuquerque as a court clerk specialist working in the Special Services Division and Jury Division. Civil clerk with the Valencia County Sheriff Department.

Highest level of education: I received my education from Portales Public Schools. I attended ENMU, both as a student and an employee in the Child Care Training & Technology Dept.

Previously held elected office: None

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. No

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“Experienced real estate agent, college graduate, childcare trainer, technology specialist, retired court clerk, and civil clerk with expertise in special services, jury divisions and Valencia County Sheriff’s Department.”

2. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

“Ensuring openness in governance, promoting the safety of the public, advancing economic growth, supporting community progress and creating an environment where the views of residents are valued and acknowledged.”

3. What are the most important challenges facing the community, and how do you propose to address them?

“Rio Communities encounters difficulties in advancing housing projects because of increasing connection fees, outdated infrastructure and the risk of excessive strain on roads and water supply systems.”

4. As a member of the city council, what will you do or how will you encourage others to set aside personal differences and carry out the business of the city?

“In my role as a city councilor, I would urge everyone to set aside their personal pride and remember that the focus should not be on individuals but rather on the community. Prioritizing the community’s welfare above all else is essential.”

Municipal Judge

Loedesta “Loedi” Silva

Age: 46

Current occupation: Realtor

Highest level of education: High school graduate

Previously held elected office: None

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances? “Yes. Having personally experienced the challenges of financial mismanagement in 2005, I can draw on my experience to help educate individuals on responsible budgeting, credit management and preparing for the financial realities of homeownership.”

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No

1. How can you ensure your fairness in adjudicating criminal cases?

“Approaching each case in a neutral and unbiased mind set and ensuring the facts, laws and the proper legal procedures are followed. Allowing all parties to have a voice which will build trust in the judicial process. Most importantly personal integrity of the position.”

2. What can the municipal court do to help ensure compliance of municipal ordinances?

“The process prior to an individual being in front of a judge should be clear and concise with detailed follow up. When the need arises to visit the courtroom, residents need to communicate effectively and be ready to accept consequences for violations. If noncompliance continues jail time may be necessary or a civil case filed on behalf of the city.”

3. Do you believe in alternative sentencing? If so, explain.

“Protecting the community will always be priority one. Determining appropriate, responsible, cost-effective punishments that meet the needs of the court and the municipality can allow for alternative sentencing.”

Victor L. Williams (I)

Age: 67

Current occupation: U.S. Army (retired)

Highest level of education: Mostly military schools, some college

Previously held elected office: Appointed Rio Communities judge, July 2025

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy and if so, explain the circumstances. “No, I’ve never filed for bankruptcy.”

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “No, I’ve never been arrested, nor have I ever been charged with or convicted of drunk driving, or any other misdemeanor or felony offenses, in New Mexico or any other states or countries.”

1. How can you ensure your fairness in adjudicating criminal cases?

“Fair adjudication requires impartiality, free from bias or outside influence. Judges must uphold the law, apply statutes, precedents and constitutional protections consistently, and treat similar cases alike. True fairness lies in respecting legal boundaries and ensuring justice is delivered equally to all.”

2. What can the municipal court do to help ensure compliance of municipal ordinances?

“Municipal courts ensure compliance with ordinances by hearing violation cases, imposing fines or sanctions, and offering alternatives to correct issues. They combine enforcement with education, encouraging individuals and businesses to follow rules while reinforcing community standards and promoting long-term compliance through corrective actions.”

3. Do you believe in alternative sentencing? If so, explain.

“Sentencing should be impartial and case-by-case, guided by law and common sense. Judges must avoid bias or favoritism and consider the individual’s history with law enforcement. Harsh penalties aren’t always appropriate — alternative sentencing can also be just as effective; it can also be a good teaching tool.”