Jaramillo: Don’t let them say I’m not running

June 29, 2009

Belen City Councilor Rudy Jaramillo reaffirmed to Valencia! today that he’s running for mayor.

“I’m running for mayor. I’m running no matter what,” Jaramillo said, addressing rumors that he won’t run if Councilor Wayne Gallegos runs, who some believe can beat Jaramillo.

Jaramillo acknowledged that locals are asking whether or not some city officials, including Mayor Ronnie Torres and Gallegos, might be planning to keep their hold on city hall by arranging for Gallegos to run for mayor, win and then appoint Torres to Gallegos’ vacant council seat.

He wouldn’t say if he thought it was true, but said it didn’t matter to him because he planned to run and win regardless of what Gallegos decides. Torres has pushed for Gallegos to run, including in recent comments in the Valencia County News-Bulletin.

Gallegos hasn’t publicly confirmed if he’s running for mayor but has had conversations with friends, family and allies about that possibility.

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