By Amanda Martinez
Special to the SUN

The last Española City Council meeting of Mayor John Ramon Vigil’s administration included the generic praise and speeches that are expected at those occasions. The remarks were punctuated by tears and candid comments by some of the councilors as they shared their feelings about each other and the last four years.

While Vigil is unsure about his future, he said he loves Española and especially the West Side.

“I’m anxious to see how my life is going to be now without the city of Española because I’ve been involved for so long here, and it all started when my house was broken into,” he said. “I started a neighborhood watch program at 14 years old here on the West Side and I got to be a big advocate for my neighbors here on the West Side.”

Vigil also formally announced the retirement of Española Fire Department Chief Johnny Martinez, as well as the resignation of Española Police Chief and interim city manager Mizel Garcia and City Clerk Carla Martinez. He also said that city attorney Frank Coppler is retiring after more than 50 years of practice.

District 2 Councilor Peggy Sue Martinez’s voice slowed and her tone dropped when she began speaking about Vigil.

The two started Vigil’s term as allies.

“When we started … here at the city together on the same side of things, it was much easier than it has been in the last two years,” she said. “Things have happened where trust has been broken and I’ve always said that trust and faith are what create every relationship and what sustain every relationship. And when we split ways, it was very difficult because I felt like it was affecting everything in this room and everything that was happening.”

She said that during her time as mayor pro tem, she tried to guide and lead Vigil as best as she could.

“I wish you the very best,” Martinez said to Vigil. “I’m hopeful that whatever lessons have come out of this situation, that they’re embedded in your heart and in your mind and moving forward, I’m hopeful that you do well in your business, and you do well in your life.”

Councilors took time to address Vigil during the meeting.

Benavidez

District 3 Councilor Denise Benavidez did not run for re-election and will be replaced by Manuel Martinez.

“This is a ruthless job, mayor, and man, nobody has taken it like you have, but you know what?” Benavidez said to Vigil. “This is a faithful, loving, forgiving community and I believe that with all that I am, mayor. I will tell you that, you know what? I see the man that you are today, mayor, I really do, and I commend every single thing that you tried to do.”

Rodriguez

District 2 Councilor Nanette Rodriguez did not run for re-election and will be replaced by Stephen Salazar.

She recognized city staff for their commitment to their work.

“Thank you for your professionalism, your dedication and your commitment to serving our residents,” she said. “As my term comes to a close, I remain hopeful and optimistic about the future of the city. While my role may be changing, my commitment to this community remains strong.”

Rodriguez said she has believed, and will continue to believe in Vigil as mayor.

“I stood beside you for four years, I stand beside you now and we will walk out of this room with our heads held high full of grace,” she said.

Rodriguez and Martinez both mentioned the struggles they had over the last two years.

“Our mothers were best friends throughout their life,” Martinez said. “I’ve known Nanette all my life. We’ve had our ups and downs and our (expletive), in this room and outside of this room. But what can I say? I’m always going to be committed to you as a friend, and I know that our friendship will be lifetime.”

“The first two years that we served, I think there was unity and a commitment to move our vision forward,” Rodriguez said. “And then the last two years we had our struggles and the different things we were faced with as a governing body, but one thing that stayed true and will always be true for me is our friendship.”

Carla Martinez

Carla Martinez was a divisive figure in city hall until the very end.

She left public comment off the final agenda of her term. Councilors unanimously approved a motion made by District 4 Councilor Samuel LeDoux to put it back on.

During public comment, community member Steven Lona told councilors he planned to be just as hard on the next administration as he had been on this one.

He is a regular at council meetings and is known for his critical and expletive-laden remarks in-person and on social media, about elected and appointed officials, as well as law enforcement. He often ends his public comment by saying “(expletive) you” to each councilor by name, which he did for the final time with Vigil.

This time, instead of looking on with a serious face, Vigil smiled and laughed in response to Lona’s comments.