Questa del Rio News reached out to Mayor Linda Calhoun on her presumptive election victory, in which 47 percent of the vote was tallied in her favor, making her a five-term mayor for the Town of Red River. Election results were certified on November 16.

Mayor Calhoun shares, “I’m very thankful to have the opportunity to serve as mayor for the next four years. Elections are always a time for reflection, and I heard some definite concerns from the voters that I hope to address going forward.”

While gratitude to residents was her main message, she goes on to speak about goals to improve in the future. “We’ve had some things happen, especially over the past year, that have shown we need to improve our communication with the community. We are working on a new town website that will have the capability of communicating through texts, emails, and phone messages.”

She goes on to say, “With the large projects starting in the spring, this should help keep our businesses and residents more aware of scheduling and issues that might affect them. It will also help with communication during any type of unforeseen emergency. This website will also give us the ability to catalog our ordinances to make them more easily searchable and have our meeting agendas, minutes, and recordings more readily available. We received a $50,000 planning grant for a new comprehensive plan. I’m excited to work very closely with the community as we develop a plan for Red River, moving forward.”

Although she was just recently reelected, Mayor Calhoun is planning full steam ahead. “Our organizational meeting will be at the regularly scheduled council meeting in January. This is when committees will be appointed. We will be actively seeking input from any interested community members that would like to serve on a committee.”

In closing, she underscores her commitment to transparency. “I have always had an open door policy and look forward to continuing with open lines of communication over the next four years.”