KRTN received this Press Release after the Raton City Commission Meeting December 9, 2025.
City of Raton Statement on City Manager Transition
RATON, N.M. — The Raton City Commission would like to share an important update regarding a leadership transition at City Hall. After careful consideration, the Commission has chosen to conclude its employment agreement with City Manager Dr. Richard Mestas, through a termination for convenience. This action was taken during the December 9th commission meeting.
Dr. Mestas and the City have worked together under a five-year employment contract signed on September 5, 2023. As outlined in that agreement—and consistent with state law (NMSA § 3-14-13 (2024)—the City Commission has the authority to make changes in management when it believes it is in the community’s best interest.
The City Commission of Raton emphasizes that this leadership transition is not the result of any performance issues, misconduct, or investigations of any kind. There are no pending or threatened civil, criminal, or administrative matters involving Dr. Mestas. Instead, this decision reflects a mutual recognition that the City is ready to embark on a different direction. The Commission is grateful for Dr. Mestas’s lifelong public service and his continued commitment to Raton. His last duty day will be December 31, and he has generously agreed to remain available for the next few months to ensure a smooth, positive, and well-coordinated handoff of leadership.
The Commission extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Mestas for his service, progress, professionalism, and dedication to Raton. “We are grateful to Dr. Mestas for his leadership and his commitment to our community,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Lori Chatterley. “He has been instrumental in expanding broadband access for all residents and in developing concepts for workforce housing—both of which will directly strengthen the City’s economic development. We wish him every success in his future endeavors.”
“Dr. Mestas has empowered our City Employees to work toward being the best they can be in their positions, and we thank him for that. We owe him our gratitude and best wishes for his future,” stated Linde Schuster.
Dr. Mestas expresses his “deepest appreciation to the highly skilled and hardworking men and women of our city staff for their unwavering support throughout my tenure as City Manager and for the great work they do on behalf of citizens, day in and day out. It has been an honor to serve this community. I am profoundly grateful for the trust placed in me and for the collaboration that has defined our work together. I wish the new commission the best of luck as the members assume office in January.
In the coming days, the City will share information about interim leadership plans and the process for selecting the next City Manager. Raton Deputy City Manager Mr. Jason Phillips will serve as Acting City Manager from January 1st thru the next City Commission meeting on January 6, 2026. (Note this replaces the regularly scheduled meeting on January 13.)
For questions or additional information, contact Ms. Michael Anne Antonucci, City Chief of Staff, at 575-445-9551.
