Swisstack wins mayor's race,
may keep House seat

By Eric Maddy
The SCORE

Former Rio Rancho mayor Tom Swisstack was returned to that post by city voters Tuesday night, but is in no big hurry to give up his other political job.

Swisstack, who served as mayor from 1994-98, currently represents the city in the New Mexico Legislature from District 60 in the House of Representatives. He said late Tuesday he will likely finish out his term in the Legislature, which expires Dec. 31, and endorse county commissioner Jack Thomas to take his spot.

Thomas, who will complete his second term on the Sandoval County Commission at the end of December, by law can’t seek reelection. He told The SCORE last week he was considering the race and could make an announcement before the March 17 filing day in an attempt to head off any other primary challengers.

But Thomas also said he wanted to complete his term on the commission to take care of “unfinished business,” including several major projects and the selection of a new county manager. He also said he would not run against Swisstack.

The Rio Rancho mayor elect has indicated he would not seek election to his fourth legislative term if elected mayor outright, thus avoiding a runoff that would come after the state filing deadline. Late Tuesday, he left a little wiggle room on that position.

“I think what’s going to happen is I’m going to finish my term (in the Legislature),” Swisstack said. “I’ve been talking to Jack a little bit about this possibility and we’re going to see what unfolds over the next few days and I’ll make that decision by the 17th.”

As to plans not to file for the Legislative seat again, he said. “I think that is probably a safe assumption. There are a lot of people who want me to do both. But I also know my priority is going to be the city right now.”

As for those city priorities, Swisstack said he would begin to schedule meetings with city directors on Wednesday or Thursday “to talk about what we’re going to do. Once we figure out the new council in its entirety, you’ll see us start to set new policy. I’m going to help implement that policy with the administration. It will be measurable so the public will have a clear understanding how where we’re going as a community.”

Swisstack said he believes he can work with either Kathy Colley or Marilyn Salzman, the two candidates in District 6 who drew the most votes and will have a runoff election sometime in the next six weeks.

“No matter who gets elected my intent is to work and build bridges with hem,” he said. “I think everybody realizes we need to change our city image and we need to start building the   positive, the goodness, in our city and not destroy it.”

Swisstack emerged from the seven-candidate field with 4,853 votes, a 58 percent total, to avoid a runoff election. He defeated his nearest opponent, former mayor Jim Owen, by 3,398 votes.

Swisstack said he was “very thrilled” with the margin of victory.

“I take that as kind of a mandate,” he said. “People want to start building our community again on a positive note and are willing to move forward with a new and bright future in a collective fashion, a partnership fashion.

“The issues I want to take on in the next two years are realistically attainable.”

Click here for unofficial results.