Socorro Mayor, Councilman Recall Approved

A proposal to recall Socorro Mayor Willie Gandara Sr. — who’s been indicted on public corruption charges — and Councilman Luis Varela — who was recently arrested for allegedly trying to sell pot to undercover deputies, was discussed Wednesday night during a special meeting.

It was a tense meeting as council members and citizens spoke their minds during the public hearing.

In the end, those council members present unanimously agreed to recall Mayor Gandara and Varela.

“Before we continue, I’m going to say a few words OK? Be respectful,” said Gandara. That was the only request Mayor Gandara asked of city council and members of the public just before the public hearing.

“It is wrong how Mr. Varela and Mr. Gandara have been treated wrong,” said one man.

He was one of few who spoke specifically about the mayor and Varela — who was absent from Wednesday’s meeting.

Many Socorro citizens voiced their frustration with the entire council.

“I truly believe when voting for representatives we are voting for people to represent us,” said Suky Ramos who spoke during the public hearing.

Many told ABC-7 the council is wasting money and fulfilling personal needs before those of the citizens.

“The city has been tarnished. It’s time we start over,” said another man.

A clean slate is what several citizens are hoping for. Shortly before the special meeting, seven residents submitted a proposal to the assistant city clerk to recall the entire council.

“Let the voters decide who should stay and who should go,” said Ralph Duran who spearheaded the recall.

Back at the meeting, once residents were finished speaking, council members voiced their opinions as to why Mayor Gandara and Varela should be recalled.

“Stepping down from office doesn’t bring shame to you, to your reputation,” said Councilwoman Mary Garcia, the District 3 representative.

“The issue is the stigma it puts on the city,” said council person at large Guillermo Madrid Jr. about the public legal issues Mayor Gandara and Varela have had.

Last to speak was Mayor Gandara who agreed with the recall. “It’s nothing personal to any one of you. I want the voters to decide,” Gandara said.

If citizens decided to vote him out of office, Mayor Gandara said he wouldn’t run for the position in Socorro again.

“If the people of Socorro don’t want me, why would I run,” he said.

The mayor said a special election to recall himself and Varela would cost taxpayers about $28,000.

A date for the election has not been set.