Transitition team begins work

Mayor Tom Swisstack’s six-part transition team began meeting this week in hopes of pulling together a plan for the city’s future during the next month.

The business/economic development team and infrastructure team met Monday, followed by the business/finance group on Tuesday. The team studying the city administration will gather at 3:30 p.m. at the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce and the group studying development will meet at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at City Hall.

A sixth group, charged with taking a look at public safety, has delayed its initial meeting until next week. Judi Walker, Swisstack’s campaign manager and point person along with RRRCC Executive Director Debbi Moore, said the public safety group wanted to get a clearer picture on the city’s budget and financial picture before meeting.

Walker said Sandoval County sheriff John Paul Trujillo, who was initially asked to serve on the public safety group, would not be included for now because the sub-committee wanted to concentrate specifically on Rio Rancho issues first, though she said he will be available “as needed.”

The first three groups have already scheduled their next meetings. The business/economic development and infrastructure teams will continue to meet at the same times and places – Mondays at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., respectively, at the RRCCC. The business/finance group will move their next meeting up to noon Tuesday and will hear presentations regarding bonding capacity and other financial specifics from department officials.

All meetings are open to the public.