Our people: Hometown girl

Mayor Gayla Brumfield enjoys rock ‘n’ roll music and the beach. She has always enjoyed the roots Clovis has to rock ‘n’ roll and misses the beach while in our landlocked state.

Tell us how you met your spouse.

Dragging Main Street in downtown Clovis. He was with his friends and I was with my friends. We pulled into the Sears parking lot, where the library is now, and got to talking. We started dating, this was 1970, and we were married in 1972.

What do you not like about your job?

Bio

Name:

Gayla Brumfield Birthday: July 25, 1953 Hometown: Clovis Profession: Broker and Clovis mayor

As a broker, it’s harder in real estate because of the economy. The process has gotten really difficult. As a mayor, the time it takes to get things done, the government time table, and I’m not patient.

What’s your favorite part about your job?

In real estate, the flexibility and helping people find their home. As mayor, trying to figure out solutions for issues, creating solutions, to advance in a positive way.

What is your favorite smell?

The ocean in the morning. It’s so refreshing and calming.

What is your favorite taste?

Chocolate and red wine.

What is your greatest hope?

That in some way I’ve influenced my children and grandchildren’s lives to be the best they can be and to always give back.

What is your greatest fear?

Snakes. I’ve always been terrified of snakes.

If I could do anything, I would...

Be 3 to 4 inches taller.

Tell us about your greatest individual accomplishment.

My children are successful and happy. Being named Realtor of the Year for New Mexico for 2009. And being elected mayor.

Who is your hero and why?

My parents Marvin and Mary Huguley. They always made me feel like I could do anything. It was a very positive environment I grew up in. They always encouraged me to do my best.

If money were no object, what would you do to make the world a better place?

I’d start with Clovis and fund our total qualify of life project with park enhancements, a wellness center and soccer fields. Outside of that, I have a thing for children. I would make sure children are protected and taken care of.

When you were a kid, what did you think you’d be doing as an adult?

I had no idea. I had such a great time. I enjoyed school. I was an average student. I never thought much about what I’d be doing. Then my dad got into real estate and I thought it looked like a good job with good flexible hours.

What do you envision your life being life in 10 years?

I’ll be doing something else professionally. I plan to sell my business and I plan on running for mayor again. But I’ll always be involved in Clovis. I’ll also probably travel with friends and family.

What would you be doing if you weren’t in your profession?

I think it’d probably be fun to be an attorney in family law or real estate law.

Tell us a story about your childhood.

I always thought I could do anything and I loved baseball. I wanted to play on the baseball league. My brother was on the team but not me. This was before girls sports. They told me I couldn’t be on the team but I could keep score. Now my granddaughter plays T-ball and it’s all boys and girls. It’s just great.

What’s your favorite TV show, past and present?

Past, it would be the Andy Griffith Show. As a kid, I loved it. I thought Barney was hilarious. It represents a time that is no longer. Present, I like Glee, Parenthood, Brothers and Sister and Boston Legal.

What do you think about Clovis?

I love Clovis. It’s a great place. We’ve got so much potential. It’s a great family and faith-based community. Everyone works together. It’s got great potential to grow but also has areas to work on.

Who’s invited to your fantasy dinner party and why?

Kevin Costner because he’s cute and my favorite movie star. Goldie Hawn because she has a great sense of humor and she cares a lot about children. Hillary Clinton because she’s such a strong woman that never gives up and was the first woman to get so close to being the first female president. Maya Angelou because of her words of wisdom.

What would you like printed on your gravestone?

She lived life to the fullest, had a great time and loved her friends and family dearly.

What is your theme song?

I love all music. I’m a huge music, rock ‘n’ roll fan. I always say that’s my favorite song. But the song with lyrics that fit my life or philosophy is ‘I Hope You Dance.’

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

Get up and take a walk o the beach and look for shells. Play tennis and in the evening a cookout with family and friends with music. We’d watch the sunset and the next day we’d go to Disneyland.