Palla elected to fill commission vacancy

CLOVIS -- The Clovis city commission filled its District 4 vacancy Thursday, electing Megan Palla to serve the remainder of the term won by R.L. “Rube” Render.

Palla, a certified public accountant in Clovis for 23 years and a longtime member of the city’s economic incentive board, was elected from a field of five candidates. Others vying for the position included Clovis Homecare, Inc. Director Amy Corbin, New Mexico Department of Agriculture Inspector Senior Lynn Culberth, former city manager and police chief Raymond Mondragon and contractor/developer Stephen Whittington.

Palla, who will serve out the rest of Render’s term through next March, said she had a goal to make Clovis a place where children would want to return to raise their own families and build their own businesses.

“I’m a firm believer in the adage to who much is given, much is expected,” Palla said. “Clovis gave me my first home, Clovis gave me my first real job out of college, and Clovis has helped raise my family. This city has given much to me, and this is me giving back.”

“I sincerely appreciate your willingness,” Mayor Mike Morris said as votes were being tallied. “You’re all very qualified. The city of Clovis and District 4 would be very lucky to have whichever of you is selected. I hope the other four of you will find ways to give your time and talents to the city of Clovis.”

Render, who won the District 4 seat in 2018, resigned Jan. 21 because he was moving to Lubbock to be closer to family. Friday was the last day in the 30-day window for the commission to fill the remainder of the term.

Palla drew five of the seven commission votes, with District 3 Commissioners Fidel Madrid and Helen Casaus voting for Mondragon.

We’ll have a larger story in Sunday’s edition.