Socorro City Council member has died

City of Socorro City Council member Joseph Bowling died late Tuesday night of a heart attack.

He was 83.

“Mr. Bowling has always served his community with honor and dedication,” City of Socorro officials said in a statement Wednesday morning. “As a Council Member he cared deeply about the people he served and was dedicated in his efforts to improve the City of Socorro wherever he could. As a man he was a devoted friend and a loving and caring family-man. This is a tremendous loss for our whole community and our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they go through this difficult time.”

Bowling took office on May 16, 2013.

The City of Socorro is scheduled to have a hearing on its proposed 2014-’15 budget Thursday night.

It is not immediately clear how Bowling’s death if or would affect the budget hearing and eventual approval.

The City of Socorro has been plagued by scandals in recent years.

First, there was the controversial move to annex portions of El Paso County, including areas in San Elizario.

Then a judge ordered the removal of Jesse Gandara Jr. And Willie Madrid after they illegally extended their terms in office.