Q&A: New Portales mayor talks water, future

Editor's note: This is one in a continuing series of interviews with local officials. Michael Miller is the newly appointed mayor of Portales.

Q: What inspired you to take up the role as mayor? Were you planning on running for the position in the next election anyway if Ron Jackson had stayed? Do you think Mayor Jackson did a good job?

A: Mayor Jackson did a good job serving as mayor. I had no intention of running for the position but was asked by my colleagues on the council if I would fill the position for the remainder of the term.

Q: You have been a city councilor and now the mayor. How do the roles differ?

A: There are two main differences in being mayor over being a council member; number one, the mayor presides over the meetings and number two the mayor does not have a vote unless it is to break a tie.

Q: There seems to be some funding disputes between the city and county. What's happened in the past year or two that's led to the disagreements you're having now? Do you see an easy fix?

A: The city and the county have had funding discussions many times over the years going back to the time I was fire chief and then again when I served as county manager. As in the past this will eventually work itself out.

Q: After six months of restrictions, is the water situation better than before? What is the long-term solution to ensuring Portales has water?

A: As far as the water issue, the city is working on an updated plan for drought emergencies. The city is in the process of applying for a grant through the Water Trust Board to expand our well field and construct additional storage. Furthermore, we are exploring various options to obtain additional water resources.

Q: The City Council has three new members as of this month. Is everybody on the same page? Of course everybody wants problems resolved, but is everybody in agreement on the path to take to achieve those goals?

A: The new council members have only attended one meeting. I have known each of them for many years. I feel they will bring fresh new ideas and feel that we are all on the same page, that being making Portales a better place.

Q: Do you feel like the future of Portales is secure? Has the water issue – infrastructure issues in general – discouraged businesses looking to locate in Portales? Have businesses left due to water concerns? What do you say to the business community about projections 10 or 20 years from now?

A: I feel really good about the future of Portales. I think if we move forward with positive energy we will overcome any obstacles that could otherwise hinder growth.

- Compiled by Madison Willis, the Staff of the News