ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Bernalillo County commissioners are set to choose a new county manager by the end of the month. The current county manager, Julie Morgas Baca, is retiring on June 30. 

On Tuesday, the commissioners narrowed the list of candidates down from five to the top three. 

But the road up to this point hasn’t necessarily been easy. First, let’s go over some critical issues our next county manager will be facing from day one. 

YOUTH DETENTION CENTER

Commissioners agree the problems at the Youth Detention Center has to be a big focus in the hiring process. 

Greg Perez, the county’s deputy chief of public safety, says they’ve hired more than 50 people in recent months but are still understaffed. He says the staff they recently hired lacks experience.

Perez says that’s one of the reasons a 19-year-old convicted of killing two people was able to pick the lock and escape last month. He eventually turned himself back in. 

There was also the Christmas Day chaos, when several teens at the detention center barricaded themselves in a pod and trashed the place. 

BERNALILLO COUNTY JAIL

Meanwhile, the story at the Bernalillo County jail isn’t so different. In fact, there’s been a lot of scrutiny over staffing shortages, inmate deaths, and accusations of improper healthcare. We have seen some improvements thorough with health care and staffing. 

On Tuesday, commissioners also introduced the new warden, Steven Kai Smith. 

Former warden Jason Jones resigned in December after he was placed on leave for undisclosed reasons.

There are also some infrastructure issues in the South Valley and behavioral health initiatives that need oversight. 

TOP 3 CANDIDATES 

But commissioners believe the three candidates they selected Tuesday are up for the challenge. 

As far as the finalists go, there is only one internal candidate, Marcos Gonzales. 

According to his resume, he’s been with Bernalillo County for 12 years. He is currently the county’s executive development officer. 

The two other candidates are from out of state. Cindy Chavez is from California and currently works for Santa Clara County on the board of supervisors. 

Lastly, there’s Joseph Lessard. Most recently, he was the city manager for a town in southern Oregon. He was also the assistant city manager for nearly 10 years for Austin, Texas. 

TRANSPARENCY OF SELECTION PROCESS 

But it was a rocky road to get to this point. Commission meetings have heated up, with some commissioners voicing concerns about the transparency of the selection process. 

Now the county compliance office is looking into it. However, on Tuesday, commissioners were on the same page and excited for what’s to come.

“I think every one of the people on the list of five and absolutely on the list of three brings terrific qualities and qualifications, and there are strengths to each person and what they could bring to our county,” said Commissioner Eric Olivas. 

“I agree that they all bring a unique type of abilities that we’re going to need in Bernalillo County, and they also bring a unique different type of leadership,” said Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada.

Now, the community will have a chance to hear from each of the three finalists on their vision for Bernalillo County, and the public will have a chance to provide comments. 

A special public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 18 at 5 p.m. in the Ken Sanchez Commission Chambers at Alvarado Square. A virtual meeting option will also be made available.  

Commissioners are planning to choose a new leader before the end of the month.