Update: After Charley Withdraws, Commission Chooses Pinto's Granddaughter

Monday, June 17, 2019 at 6:29 PM

On July 15, 2019, the San Juan County Commission met to nominate a new replacement and commissioners chose Pinto's granddaughter Shannon at the nominee. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will now choose between Shannon Pinto and the nominee from McKinley County, Carol Bowman Muskett, per state law.

July 16, 2019

Wallace Charley has removed his name from consideration to fill out the term of late New mexico State Senator John PInto from district 3.

On July 15, 2019, the San Juan County Commission met to nominate a new replacement and commissioners chose Pinto's granddaughter Shannon at the nominee.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will now choose between Shannon Pinto and the nominee from McKinley County, Carol Bowman Muskett, per state law.

From San Juan County:

Monday, June 17, 2019:

On Monday night at a special meeting of the San Juan County Commission, Commissioners chose Wallace Charley as nominee to New Mexico Senate District 3.
Upon the death of Senator John Pinto, a vacancy exists in New Mexico Senate District 3. District 3 is made up of precincts in both San Juan and McKinley Counties. According to New Mexico state law, a vacancy is filled by Governor’s appointment, from names submitted by the Board of Commissioners of each county. (NMSA 1978, Section 2-8D-4) The position will be subject to election on the November 2020 ballot. Commissioners solicited letters of interest and resumes from prospective nominees. The Commission received 13 submissions. One submission was disqualified due to an applicant not residing in the district. Monday’s special meeting was called in order to choose from applicants and make nomination to Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham. Each applicant was given four minutes to speak before the Commission.
Wallace Charley is a former San Juan County Commissioner, serving from 2015 to 2018, and 1999 to 2006. Charley has also served as a Navajo Nation Council Delegate and New Mexico State Representative, each time representing the Shiprock area.
-

More from Local News

Sheriff's Office Investigates Fatal Shooting

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.
Suspect Arrested in Farmington Murder Case

Following an extensive investigation by Farmington Police Department detectives, an arrest warrant was issued for 40-year-old Matthew Sandoval, who is known to have a family connection to Madrid, who has been charged with 1st Degree Murder and Tampering with Evidence. On March 28, Sandoval was located by U.S. Marshals in the 400 block of W. Animas. Farmington Police officers responded and arrested Sandoval on the outstanding warrant.
Farmington Temple Opens this Summer

Invited guests will tour the temple, the afternoon of July 14, and all day on July 15 and 16, 2025. A public open house will run from July 17 to August 2, 2025, excluding Sundays.
Police: Farmington Child Abuse Suspect Killed in Home

Video

Officers canvassed the area for the suspect; however, investigators believe the individual left the area prior to police arrival. The Farmington Police Department is releasing a video of a person of interest. The video shows a male on a bicycle headed east on Navajo Street towards Lincoln Avenue. The Farmington Police Department urges anyone with information or video surveillance from the area to contact detectives at 505-599-1068.
College Opens new Student Health Center

The $2.2 million Student Health Center spans 2,652 square feet and is designed to provide accessible healthcare services on campus. The center features two exam rooms, three offices for medical and behavioral health professionals, restrooms, storage areas, and additional support spaces.
Farmington Couple Accused of Severe Child Abuse

Reports indicated the child had been locked in a chicken coop for extended periods and exposed to extreme weather conditions. Detectives immediately responded, removed the child from the home, and gathered evidence corroborating the allegations.