Doa Ana County clerk resigns just months before November general election

Doña Ana County Clerk Scott Krahling resigned from his position on Wednesday, ABC-7 confirmed with a county commissioner and a county spokesman.

“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Doña Ana County,” Khraling wrote in his brief letter of resignation.

“It was shocking to hear that,” Commissioner Ramon Gonzalez told ABC-7.

County Commission Chairman Ben Rawson confirmed Krahling and his former deputy county clerk were the subject of an internal investigation in the county.

“He certainly knew there was an investigation ongoing,” Krahling said. “I’m sure that played a part in why he chose to resign.”

A county spokesman confirmed the former deputy county clerk’s name is Rose Ann Vasquez.

According to NMPolitics.net, the county hired a private investigation firm from Albuquerque to investigate the county clerk’s office, paying $2,800 for the service.

“When he came on board, he was a person who was so dynamic,” Gonzalez said. “He had a lot of energy. He wanted to get this county clerk department off the ground.”

Krahling’s resignation comes just months prior to New Mexico’s general election on November 6th.

When asked whether Krahling will face criminal charges, Rawson said “That will be up to law enforcement agencies to determine. At this point, from a county commission level, we would not deal with those criminal charges. We would only deal with the civil nature of it.”​

A county spokesman said the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners will appoint a replacement clerk to serve out the remainder of Krahling’s term, which ends Dec. 31, 2020. Interested applicants must submit a letter of interest and a current resume to the Doña Ana County Human Resources Department no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018.

Applicants are encouraged to attend the September 11, 2018 commission meeting, at which time each applicant will be given the opportunity to address the commission briefly. The Board of County Commissioners may complete the selection process at the meeting, a county spokesman said.

“I want to assure the residents of Doña Ana County that we are moving quickly and thoroughly to fill this important position,” Rawson said. “The focus of the commission will be to support the Clerk’s Office in the execution of their important daily duties, as well as to ensure a successful outcome for the Nov. 6 General Election.”