Jul. 23--Residents of Luna County's District No. 2 continue to step forward with the hopes of being appointed to the commission seat left vacant by Becky Gilmore's resignation on July 19.

Bernard Rzasa, 73, hopes to bring his nearly 20 years of United States Air Force administrative experience to the table.

"I was in administration, hospital administration," he said. "Doing everything from being a clerk to the sergeant major position in the hospital. I also spent a tour with the Air Force Inspection and Safety Center." His role in the inspection center saw Rzasa traveling to various installations and checking the readiness and qualifications of personnel to prepare for possible war-time activities. If appointed, he hopes to utilize his work with budgets and organizing manpower to the fullest extent.

"With a little bit of that background, listening to people and trying to decipher what they are trying to tell you is the truth or trying to blow smoke to pass the inspection, it can come in handy," he said.

The registered Republican, who has lived in the county for three years, feels Ordinance No. 37 -- which addresses land use and cosmetics, among other issues -- should be "scrapped and started from scratch."

"If you think you're going to talk about an ordinance about land, you ought to keep it about land," he said. "Don't put in any dog things in it or anything else. You can put that in a different ordinance."

He said his experience as a project manager and an inspector would help remold the ordinance to "the benefit of all the people."

On increasing the board to five members, he says it's a good idea.

"I think because right now, if you have a problem, if you have somebody that resigns and you have two members of the board, you can't get anything done," he said

If appointed, he plans to push "informal" meetings with the public to discuss items that may be voted on in commission meetings. He would like to find out about how people feel about certain issues before voting.

For questions or concerns, contact Rzasa at (575) 544-8118.

Supporters or others who wish to comment on his possible appointment should contact the office of Gov. Richardson.

Matt Robinson can be reached at mrobinson@demingheadlight.com

To Apply

To apply for the Luna County Commissioner vacancy or support a candidate

Who: Residents of Luna County's District No. 2 of any political party or any local to support an individual.

What: Letters of interest, resumes and references.

Where:

Office of the Governor

490 Old Santa Fe Trail

Room 400

Santa Fe, NM 87501

Contact: (505) 476-2200.

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