Sunland Park Could Have New Mayor Thursday

Sunland Park city councilors are expected to make a decision regarding the vacant mayor’s seat Thursday evening during their council meeting.

Mayor-elect Daniel Salinas was unable to be sworn in by the April 5 deadline. Salinas faces extortion and bribery charges, accused of trying to smear a fellow candidate for mayor, Gerardo Hernandez, by secretly videotaping him getting a lap dance from a topless woman. The terms of Salinas’ release from jail prohibited him from setting foot on city property or interacting with city employees.

Sunland Park City Council could choose to hold a new election, keep the old mayor, or appoint a new mayor. Mayor Pro-Tem Isabel Santos told ABC-7 last week that council will likely pick Hernandez, who received the second-most votes in the election.

Hernandez also told ABC-7 last week that he is more than willing to be appointed, and thinks he has the council’s support.

“I know it’s a lot of work for me, but I’m willing to do it. I’m ready to start working,” Hernandez said. “I know there (are) no shortcuts but hard work. The future of Sunland Park is bright. We can do a very good thing with this city.”