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LAS CRUCES - After being out of the political limelight for about three years, former Las Cruces mayor Bill Mattiace might be returning to public service.
Mattiace said he was being considered for a cabinet-level post in Gov.-elect Susana Martinez's administration. Mattiace is reportedly among four candidates for state Secretary of Tourism.
"I've interviewed for the position, and I'm in the process of answering some additional questions for the selection committee," Mattiace said. "A list of 25 questions was sent to me; all about my background and experience going all the way back to high school. I'm honored and flattered that I'd even be considered."
An announcement should come sometime next week. Martinez is expected to have all of her cabinet positions filled by her Jan. 1 inauguration.
Cabinet nominees must be approved by the state Senate.
"That would be a great choice," said Mark Van Dyke, chairman of the Republican Party of Do-a Ana County. "I've known Bill and (his wife) Wanda for years, and I've never met a person who is so enthusiastic and has such an authentic love of New Mexico than Bill Mattiace. He'd do a great job."
Another Las Crucen, Dr. Jose Z. Garc'a, an NMSU professor, is a Martinez nominee to head the state Higher Education Department.
Mattiace, 63, has lived in Las Cruces since 1968. He is originally from Long Island, N.Y., and came to Las Cruces to attend New Mexico State University.
In 1970, he married lifelong Las Crucen Wanda Nicolitz
The Mattiaces have three children: Michelle Pickett, a private attorney; William, news director at KRWG-TV; and Lauren, a Las Cruces High School student.
Mattiace's political experience includes nine years in city government. He served as a city council member from 1999 until 2003, and as mayor from 2003 through November 2007. In a special election in 2003, Mattiace was elected mayor when former mayor Ruben Smith resigned to briefly become cabinet secretary of cultural affairs for Gov. Bill Richardson.
Later the same year, Mattiace was elected to a full four-year term. He was narrowly defeated by Mayor Ken Miyagishima in the 2007 mayoral election.
Steve Ramirez can be reached at (575) 541-5452.
Cabinet position?
• Former Las Cruces mayor Bill Mattiace is being considered by Gov.-elect Susana Martinez as cabinet secretary of the state Department of Tourism.
• Mattiace is reportedly among four candidates Martinez is considering for the position.
• Another Las Crucen, Dr. Jose Z. Garc'a, an NMSU professor, is Martinez's nominee to head the state Higher Education Department.
• Mattiace's political experience includes four years on the Las Cruces City Council, from 1999 until 2003, and almost five years as mayor, from 2003 through November 2007.
