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To see Robert Garza's resume, click here.
LAS CRUCES - More time, in fact all the time during Monday's special City Council meeting, was spent congratulating new City Manager Robert Garza than asking any more questions of him.
There were only two very short periods of what had been scheduled as an hour-long meeting: the time it took the seven-member council to approve Garza's elevation to city manager, and the time it took for him to sign his contract.
The standing ovation Garza received after the council vote lasted longer than the vote took. And with the council barely settled back in their seats, Mayor Ken Miyagishima was out of his, walking toward Garza to get his signature on a three-year, $149,500 a year contract.
"It's a great pleasure to support you," Miyagishima said.
Councilor Dolores Connor said, while it may have appeared to some residents that the council moved quickly to promote Garza, the selection process was carefully thought out.
"Some seem to think it was a simple yes, but we still had to review Robert," Connor said. "But to Robert's credit, he was open to discussion, open to the public, and open to city staff. ...His leadership
Miyagishima stood next to Garza as he signed the contract, which officially becomes effective on Jan. 1. The mayor didn't wait for the ink to dry as he took the signed document to City Clerk Esther Martinez to file it for safekeeping.
Garza's promotion to city manager is one of those "hometown kid does good" stories, working his way through city government ranks from a summer intern to its highest position.
"I really, really appreciate this opportunity," Garza said. "It's a tremendous day for me.
"We face a lot of challenges next year and in the years to follow. But I'd like to think I'm in a good place to help you get to where you want to go, where the residents want to go."
Garza's promotion, from assistant city manager, follows a pattern of city government that has been apparent for 30 years. Every other city manager has come from within the ranks of city government since 1980. Terrence Moore, who begins his new position as city manager of Morgantown, W.Va., was an outside hire for the city. Moore's predecessor, Jim Ericson, was promoted from within city government, and before Ericson, former city manager Jesus Nava was hired from outside, and Bruno Zaldo was picked from within.
People who often work closely with city government praised Garza's selection.
"I couldn't think of a better person that is qualified for this job," said Alvin Dominguez, a New Mexico Department of Transportation official.
"We're here to support you, we're proud of you," George Griffin, a member of the board of directors of the Do-a Ana Arts Council, told Garza.
But the day wasn't just for Garza. A public farewell reception was conducted in the lobby of City Hall for Moore, who participated in his last council meeting on Monday. At both the meeting and, later, the reception, Miyagishima present Moore with the Mayor's Distinguished Service Award.
"I've worked for a lot of managers during my political career, but none have compared to you," Miyagishima said to Moore.
Garza added that Moore's accomplishments as city manager, during a time that saw the city experience the effects of growth, cannot be overlooked.
"We will remember Terrence's contributions to our city for many, many years to come," Garza said.
Moore was humbled with the accolades.
"It's been a tremendous opportunity for me," Moore said. "I'm thankful for all of the support and consideration I've received from everyone in Las Cruces."
Miyagishima also pointed out that because Garza met the qualifications the council was looking for in a new city manager, the city likely saved as much as $85,000 that could have been spent to conduct a national search for Moore's replacement.
Steve Ramirez can be reached at (575) 541-5452
New city manager
• Name: Robert L. Garza
• Age: 46
• Hometown: Las Cruces
• Contract, salary and benefits: Garza has a three-year contract, from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2013. His annual salary will be $149,500, with a $6,000 car allowance, and as much as $3,500 in moving expenses. He has 90 days to officially move within the city limits.
• Experience: Assistant city manager, March 2006 to Dec. 13, 2010; public works director, city of Las Cruces, April 2001 to March 2006; acting assistant city manager, July 2004 to February 2005; chief engineer, September 1994 to April 2001.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering, New Mexico State University, 1985; attended public school in Las Cruces.
