Michael Garcia has emerged victorious in the Santa Fe mayoral election, defeating seven opponents to secure his position. This decisive win sets the stage for a new administration focused on delivering essential city services and fulfilling campaign promises. Garcia celebrated his triumph with family and supporters, raising his hands in victory as he prepares to transition from candidate to mayor.
Transitioning from Campaign to Governance
Garcia’s victory, celebrated on November 7, 2023, comes alongside the election of City Councilors Patricia Feghali for District 1 and Elizabeth Barrett for District 2, as well as the reelection of incumbents Lee Garcia in District 3 and Amanda Chavez in District 4. While the new councilors will take office in January, Garcia’s work begins immediately. He faces the challenge of assembling a capable team and outlining his agenda for the first weeks in office.
To aid in this transition, Garcia has access to a wealth of experience from former Santa Fe mayors, including Alan Webber. Particularly, former mayor Sam Pick can provide valuable insights on effective governance, emphasizing the importance of firsthand engagement with the community. This approach could enhance Garcia’s ability to identify and address the city’s needs effectively.
Building a New Administration
One of Garcia’s first tasks will be the formation of a transition team responsible for planning the initial days and weeks of his tenure. The new mayor holds the authority to appoint key positions such as the city manager, city clerk, and city attorney, pending council approval. The current City Manager Mark Scott has set a high standard for professionalism in the role, while City Attorney Erin McSherry will depart to pursue her Fulbright U.S. Global Scholar opportunity. City Clerk Andréa Salazar remains a key appointment for the new administration.
The newly formed City Council promises fresh ideas and energy, though it will also miss the institutional knowledge of outgoing councilors Signe Lindell and Carol Romero-Wirth. Garcia must foster cooperative relationships with council members to ensure effective governance, balancing individual councilor needs with the collective function of the governing body.
The recent election also introduced changes to the governing structure. Voters approved measures limiting the mayor’s voting power to tie-breaking situations and establishing that six councilors can vote to dismiss key city officials. This shift restores a balance of power between the mayor and councilors, and it signals Garcia’s commitment to collaborative governance.
As he embarks on this new journey, Garcia will need to focus not only on high-profile initiatives but also on the fundamental operations that keep the city running smoothly. Ensuring that basic services such as waste management, public safety, and community engagement are consistently met will be crucial for long-term success.
Effective governance involves attention to countless details—from ensuring timely trash collection to maintaining public parks and promptly responding to emergency calls. These everyday operations contribute to a vibrant city where residents feel secure and satisfied.
Looking ahead, Garcia’s administration will tackle significant tasks, including the completion of the city’s general plan, improving services for the homeless community, investing in sustainability initiatives, and planning a new wastewater treatment facility. Each of these challenges will require strategic planning and execution.
Having enjoyed a moment of celebration, Michael Garcia is now focused on the hard work ahead. With a new mandate and vision for Santa Fe, he aims to foster a city characterized by reliability, safety, and community well-being.
