Derrick, Lutman, Lara bid farewell to commission

By ROB LARSON
Daily Press Staff Writer
In the last meeting of the year of the Eddy County Commission, three of its members – Commissioners Guy Lutman of District 3, Roxanne Lara of District 5 and Lewis Derrick of District 2 – had to say goodbye to the commission.
Before the commissioners had the chance to bid one another farewell, Hubert Quintana, the executive director of the Southeastern New Mexico Economic Development District, approached the commission to give a certificate of appreciation to Derrick. … For the rest of the story, subscribe in print and on the web.
“Commissioner Derrick has been on our board for several years and has been an excellent resource on county issues, public lands, environmental issues, and has kept us aware of a whole host of things that were occurring in Southeastern New Mexico,” Quintana said. “We’re sorry to lose you, but we wanted to recognize you and say thank you for everything you’ve done for us. We’re really going to miss you and all your expertise.”
Tony Hernandez and Jack Volpato, the only two commissioners that will remain on the Eddy County Commission, both stressed what a privilege it was to work with Lutman, Lara and Derrick.
“You guys should take stock in what we’ve done as a commission,” Volpato said. “We’ve done a lot. When you look at what some of the surrounding county commissions are doing for their constituents, it’s really amazing what you guys have accomplished. You don’t see many government entities accomplishing as much and always being right on budget or under budget the way you guys have done.”
“I’d like to address the outgoing commissioners and thank all of you for all the hard work you’ve done and the service you’ve provided,” Hernandez said. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve with each and every one of you, and I know that every decision that you guys made was in the best interest of the entire county.”