By Roger Lanse

At Monday’s Jan. 28, 2019 Special Meeting of the Silver City Town Council, council voted to approve a settlement agreement resolving those issues arising out of a lawsuit against the Town by the New Mexico Secretary of State regarding the town’s March 5, 2019 municipal election. State held that recent legislation prohibits municipalities from holding annual elections, arguing the legislation requires municipalities to hold elections only in even-numbered years. However, Silver City wanted to continue, under its Territorial Charter, to hold annual elections, which the Town has been doing since 1878, according to Assistant Town Manager James Marshall. Marshall explained that the mayor and councilor positions are for two-year terms, and annual elections are needed to stagger the voting choices.

In the agreement, the State agrees not to oppose an amendment to the Local Election Act during this year’s session which would give Silver City permission to hold annual elections. The catch is that Legislature must approve the amendment.

Marshall told the Beat that he hopes an amendment to allow annual elections by the Town will be considered before this legislative session ends on March 16.

State, according to the agreement, offers to help the Town to resolve issues relating to the cancelling of the March 5, 2019 Silver City Municipal Election. Both Town Attorney Robert Scavron and Marshall said the Town will not need State’s help.

In an ironic action to help celebrate Territorial Charter Day, council approved a special dispenser permit application for the Silver City Charter Day Ball to be held at the Murray Hotel on Feb. 16, 2019 with alcohol service from 5-11 p.m.