Magdalena board swears in new mayor, trustees; sets organizational meeting

The Village of Magdalena Board of Trustees swore in a new mayor and three trustees Monday evening.

Mayor Pro‑Tem James Nelson called the meeting to order, with Trustees Michael Thompson and Donna Dawson present in person and Trustee Clark Brown absent. Village Clerk/Treasurer Juanita Puente, Deputy Clerk Carleen Gomez, and newly contracted Village Attorney Virtue Najjar, P.C., represented by attorney Sam Najjar, also attended.

New mayor, trustees take oath of office

Municipal Judge Simon Armijo administered the oath of office to four elected officials whose terms begin Jan. 1 at 12:01 a.m.

Michael C. Thompson, Mayor (four‑year term)

James C. Nelson, Trustee (four‑year term)

Teresa A. Winchester, Trustee (four‑year term)

Peter H. Emery, Trustee (two‑year term)

Each official recited the oath and signed the required documents before the board and audience.

Organizational meeting set

The board voted unanimously to schedule its state‑required organizational meeting for Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Jaunita Puente said the meeting will include appointments of the clerk and marshal, selection of a mayor pro‑tem, acceptance of the election canvass and approval of the annual Open Meetings Act resolution.

Public concerns

During public comment, resident Carol “Cricket” Courtney said she had questions regarding an October agenda that did not specify which property the board intended to discuss in closed session. 

Attorney Najjar said that state law requires only the statutory citation and general purpose for a closed meeting, not the specific property, though he said he would need to review the agenda to comment fully.