Sunland Park Appoints New Mayor

The city of Sunland Park has a new mayor.

24-year-old Javier Perea was appointed to the seat during a city council meeting Wednesday evening. Perea is a graduate of New Mexico State University who sold diamonds at a Sunland Park jewlery store up until January.

Council was split on Perea’s appointment with a 3-2 vote and one abstention. He has yet to be sworn in.

Former Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Salinas won the election in March, but was barred from taking office under the terms of his release from jail.

The 28-year-old Salinas was charged before the election with trying to force fellow candidate Gerardo Hernandez from the race with a secretly recorded video of him getting a lap dance from a topless woman.

Several Sunland Park residents told ABC-7 they’re glad to have a fresh face as mayor.

“I think it was a good decision by city council to appoint somebody different from the other two candidates,” Sunland Park resident Alejandro Villescas said. “I think it’s going to be a good change for the community in a positive way.”

“I’m happy because we do need somebody that is educated. Somebody that is ethical. Somebody that really wants to make a difference in our city,” said Sunland Park resident Agatha Montoya.

Hernandez has filed an appeal, claiming there was fraud in the absentee ballots. If a judge sides with Hernandez, the mayor’s seat could be declared vacant again.