Efforts Underway To Recall Socorro Mayor, Councilman

Socorro City Council members took the first steps on Tuesday toward recalling the city’s federally indicted mayor and a fellow city representative facing drug charges.

Council members Guillermo Madrid, Jesse Gandara Jr., Mary Garcia, and Gloria Rodriguez argued Mayor Willie Gandara, Sr. and councilman Luis Verala are damaging the city’s image with their problems with the law.

At Tuesday’s special council meeting, the council introduced an ordinance to recall Gandara, Sr. and Varela. The mayor wants everyone on council on the ordinance.

“You’re indicted by the FBI,” Jesse Gandara said. “I think that we cannot put ourselves on this agenda item because nobody except for yourself and Mr. Varela broke the law.”

Willie Gandara responded by saying, “You’re not the judge. Show me your law degree.”

There is also an effort underway to recall the other four council members by a group of residents. However, the recall effort is not an ordinance, therefore, according to the city charter, they must collect signatures in order to place the recall on a ballot.