Trojan in Wildcat country

link D'Nieka Hartsfield: Staff photo

LeighAnn Melancon adds an ornament the tree she donated at the clerk’s office in City Hall. Melancon says she and her mother made all the ornaments and decorations throughout the years and that she loves to make use of them every year at work.

LeighAnn Melancon is from Las Cruces and says she still bleeds green and gold for the Mayfield Trojans even though she’s in Wildcat country. Melancon graduated from New Mexico State. She went to work for Asarco in Silver City where she got experience in zinc mining. In 1986, Melancon moved to Clovis and started with the city that September. She started as an accountant to the assistant finance director, then went to her current position as finance director. Melancon has been with the city for 28 years.

What is your theme song?

Helen Reddy “I am woman.”

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

The ladies that I met in junior high that I was friends with all through high school. Just a chance to go some place really wild and crazy and visit and talk about where we were and where we’ve come to.

What is your favorite TV show, past and present?

Mork and Mindy.

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

Eliminate the homeless. Everyone should have a place to call home.

What is your favorite part about your job?

It’s wonderful when you can talk to a citizen and help them solve an issue and have them thank you at the end of it.

What do you not like about your job?

Right now we’re in the process of foreclosure. I don’t like having to tell people their home is in danger of being taken because they haven’t paid their bill.

What is your greatest fear?

Not being the person my parents wanted me to be, not meeting their expectations.

What is your favorite taste?

Chile of any kind. Green chile.

What is your favorite smell?

The desert after a rain.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

My employees healthy, happy and enjoying their jobs, happy citizens, a good long walk with my dogs and a nice dinner.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

In high school, we were watching “Of Mice and Men” and I decided to sit on top of the desk and during one of the very quiet and emotional moments I fell off the desk. That and one day I wore a black and brown shoe to work but the high school story is the most embarrassing.

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

Retired and living close to the grandchildren and be a close part of their lives.