Rio Rancho mayoral position debated

Mayor Tom Swisstack

Earlier this year, Rio Rancho voters decided to make their mayoral position full-time, but since then there has been a lot of talk about what that entails, what it should pay and if the mayor can have a second job.

A charter review committee suggested that duties like lobbying the legislature officially be added to the mayor's "to-do" list.

Current Rio Rancho Mayor Tom Swisstack says he already does that.  But should the mayor be able to have two full-time jobs?  Swisstack is also the deputy county manager in Bernalillo County.

"I make my meetings, and no one is saying I don't do my job," Swisstack said.

The longtime politician challenged skeptics to show where he has neglected either position.

The committee pretty much suggested staying out of the matter, and said the public will have the opportunity to evaluate any mayor's performance through elections.

The mayor makes about $27,000 a year in Rio Rancho.  Any pay adjustment won't come up until 2014 when this mayoral term is finished. 

Information from KOAT.COM

Rio Rancho mayoral position debated