CITY MANAGER PAYNE QUITS

Richardson's chief of staff top prospect for the job

By Eric Maddy
The SCORE

Jim Payne, Rio Rancho’s city manager for slightly more than a year, submitted his resignation late Monday effective Sept. 30.

Several sources have told The SCORE that former city administrator James Jimenez, who is currently he chief of staff to Gov. Bill Richardson, is the leading candidate to replace Payne. Gilbert Gallegos, a spokesman in Richardson’s office, said Jimenez is on vacation and could not be reached for comment.

A native New Mexican, Jimenez began his career in government in 1986 as an economic analyst for the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). He served in that position until 1989 when he left to accept a similar position with the Legislative Finance Committee.

Jimenez returned to DFA in 1995 and served as Deputy Cabinet Secretary of the Department for one year.

In 1995, he was named finance director for the City of Rio Rancho, a position he held for 3 1/2 years while current mayor Tom Swisstack was serving his first term. He was promoted to the position of city administrator for the in 1999 and served until January 2003, when he was named Secretary of Finance and Administration. He served in that capacity until Richardson appointed him chief of staff on April 17, 2006.

Jimenez  holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of New Mexico.

Sources also tell The SCORE that Rob Anderson, director of development services for the city, is expected to resign by the end of the month.

"It remains to see how I might fit in to the future of the city," Anderson said from Ann Arbor, Michigan, where is vacationing with family. "Time will tell. I'll do what's right for the community and what's right for the citizens.

"Bu if there are changes of this magnitude taking place, I guess I really need to understand what those changes mean before I make any sort of personal decision or professional decision.

"A little more playing with the kids, and when I get back to town I guess assess what's taking place.".

In a news release from the city, Swisstack said he and the city council did not have plans to appoint an interim city manager, meaning the city expects to have someone on board to replace Payne by the end of next month.

In the past, city attorney James Babin has filled in as interim city manager when there has been a vacancy. Long-time development department employee Dolores Wood has done the same when there has been a vacancy for the top job in that department.

“I have enjoyed serving the citizens of Rio Rancho; however, I believe it is time for me to pursue new challenges and opportunities,” Payne said in the news release. “It has been a privilege to be a part of solidifying Rio Rancho’s future and helping to make it a community that is both a leader in the state and region.”

City councilors Mike Williams and Steve Shaw said they had not seen Payne’s resignation letter.

“I wish him well,” Williams said.

Shaw said he preferred not to comment until he saw Payne’s letter.