Rariden Appointed Mayor, Murillo Mayor Pro Tem in Edgewood Leadership Shuffle

EDGEWOOD, N.M. — During a special commission meeting held on Tuesday, Jan. 22, the Edgewood Town Commission officially selected District 5 Commissioner Mike Rariden to serve as the town’s Mayor. Joining him in the new leadership lineup is District 4 Commissioner Stephen Murillo, who was appointed Mayor Pro Tem.

Both commissioners will serve in these expanded leadership roles for a two-year term.

New Leadership Responsibilities

As Mayor, Rariden assumes the role of the municipality’s official head for ceremonial, military, and civil process purposes. Beyond these symbolic duties, the Mayor is responsible for presiding over all commission meetings and taking on additional financial oversight responsibilities for the town.

Commissioner Murillo, in his capacity as Mayor Pro Tem, will be tasked with fulfilling the Mayor’s duties in the event of Rariden’s absence or disability.

Governance and Statutory Requirements

The selection follows the protocols of Edgewood’s Commission-Manager form of government. Per New Mexico state statute 3-14-10, the five-member Commission is required to elect a Mayor from within its own ranks following each regular election.

The transition marks the end of the leadership terms for Commissioner Ken Brennan (District 1), who served as Mayor, and Commissioner Patrick Milligan (District 3), who served as Mayor Pro Tem. Both Brennan and Milligan received thanks from their colleagues for their service in those roles; both men will remain active members of the governing body.

Additional Appointments and Board Vacancies

The Commission also moved to fill several key positions within the town’s administrative and advisory infrastructure:

• Planning and Zoning Commission: Diana Williams, Shelly Hutchinson, and Angela Holmes were appointed to the board.
• Advisory Boards: Eight local residents were selected to serve across various municipal advisory committees.
• Judicial Oversight: The Commission referred three candidates to the Municipal Judge for consideration as Alternate Municipal Judge. This position provides judicial coverage on an as-needed basis when the primary judge is unavailable.