Four vie for Silver City council seat as border projects advance

Four longtime Silver City residents formally applied to fill the vacant District 1 seat on the Town Council, and the council will consider an appointment at a special meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 21. The applications, submitted by Jan. 8, come from residents with deep ties to the community and varied local experience.

Ronald Perez, a former school board member and Silver City native, listed streets, sidewalks, drainage, litter and weeds among his local priorities. Carlos Arenivar, a local ranch owner, framed his interest around fostering a community where children can thrive. Lori Rogers, a returning native, brings professional experience working with boards and stakeholder groups. Angelina Salaiz, a lifelong resident, emphasized safe neighborhoods, improved infrastructure and ensuring residents’ voices are respected in decision-making.

The Town Council’s decision to appoint a replacement at a special meeting rather than wait for a vote leaves the next councilor in place by council selection. That process will determine who represents District 1 in immediate policy discussions on public works and neighborhood maintenance, issues named by the applicants. For residents concerned about day-to-day services such as street repairs and drainage, the appointment timing matters because the new councilor will participate in budget and planning meetings ahead of the next regular election cycle.

Also this week, Luna County Commissioner Christie Ann Harvey announced that major border infrastructure projects are being designed to strengthen economic development along the New Mexico–Mexico border. The announced initiatives emphasize engineering, construction and targeted infrastructure improvements intended to support trade, transportation and international commerce across the southern border. Officials say the projects aim to enhance critical infrastructure and generate sustained economic momentum for communities across southern New Mexico, including Luna County.

For Hidalgo County residents, the border projects carry practical implications. Improved trade corridors and cross-border infrastructure can increase freight traffic, create construction and logistics jobs, and shift regional economic patterns. That potential growth will put pressure on local roads, drainage systems and public safety resources, while offering opportunities for local businesses and workforce development. Municipal and county officials will need to coordinate planning to ensure small communities receive a share of benefits and that infrastructure upgrades do not outpace local capacity to manage traffic and services.

Our two cents? If you want influence over how services and regional investments affect your neighborhood, show up to the Jan. 21 special meeting, follow county project briefings and ask local leaders how proposed border investments will translate into jobs, road repairs and safeguards for small towns. Community presence matters when councils and commissions shape the next round of infrastructure decisions.