Reporters notebook: Card draw decides election

By luck of the draw, Christopher Maestas is Tucumcari’s newest city commissioner. He defeated incumbent Jimmy Sandoval in a card game.

The two drew cards on Thursday to break a tie vote for the city commission seat. Maestas drew a nine of spades, and Sandoval drew a two of spades. Both men received 67 votes in last week’s municipal election and they agreed to draw cards to break the tie.

“That was a new experience, but it’s one I wouldn’t want to do again for about 1,000 years,” Maestas said after the draw. “I hope I can help improve Tucumcari. ... That’s why I ran.”

Sandoval wished Maestas luck.

“Some things just work out that way,” Sandoval said. “But I’ll be back. I care for this city.”

Reporter’s notebook was compiled by Quay County Sun Managing Editor TV Hagenah. Suggested items may be mailed to editor David Stevens at P.O. Box 1689, Clovis 88102. The e-mail address is [email protected]