Socorro City Council Meets After Councilman’s Arrest

It’s no secret residents in Socorro are outspoken about city matters. Thursday night was no different, especially with the recent arrest of one of the council members.

The meeting wasn’t as eventful as it has been in the past — there were none of the usual outbursts from citizens. But the recent recall of city councilors, the mayor’s indictment and Luis Varela’s arrest were on everyone’s mind.

“You do not name any council member. You do not name anybody that works for the city by name,” said Mayor Willie Gandara Sr.

Right off the bat, the mayor issued that warning before public comments were set to begin, but it didn’t stop citizens from being outspoken.

“I wanted to thank the mayor for allowing the circus stay in town,” said Jose Antonio Gandara at the podium.

“Just when I think you can’t disappoint any further, you step right up to the plate,” said Maria Reyes.

Others had words of encouragement. “Keep your focus on the business of our city of Socorro,” said Suki Ramos.

District 1 was not represented at the meeting because their councilman was still behind bars.

Luis Varela is accused of trying to sell 43 pounds of pot to undercover deputies in the lower valley. El Paso County sheriff’s officials say they also found close to 28 grams of coke in his truck.

“I’ve lived in this community my entire life and it hurts. It hurts to know that we’re represented by those individuals,” said Jose Antonio Gandara.

After going into executive session for almost an hour, the meeting was back on track with the discussion of personnel matters.

“I whole heartedly believe that it’s come to such an extreme that we now need to put it in the hands of the voters,” said Councilman Jesus Gandara Jr.

Council members unanimously agreed to have a special meeting next week to discuss the recall of Varela and the mayor.

It was a decision that didn’t surprise mayor Gandara.

“You know they’re being recalled. I think they found a loophole where they want to recall me …,” said the mayor.

This wasn’t the first time Varela had been in trouble with the law. ABC-7 found court documents showing he was arrested for theft, but those cases were dismissed.

In 2006 he was indicted for sexual assault. Officials with the district attorney’s office said that was dismissed at the request of the victim.