Mark Tapley runs for City Commission seat

ALAMOGORDO — Mark Tapley, owner of T & T Auto, is throwing his hat in the race for the Alamogordo City Commission District 6 seat. 

Tapley grew up in Portales, New Mexico, before his family moved to Albuquerque. Tapley graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1992 with a Biology degree and moved to Alamogordo to start his own business, T & T Auto, in 1996. Tapley and his wife Debra have two sons together, Ty and Trenton.

"I am not a politician, I'm a worker and an everyday guy," Tapley said. "My feeling is that I've got to give back to the community because the community has given me a lot over the last 21 years in business."  

He said he and his wife specifically moved to Otero County to raise their family in a small town with strong family values. 

"Alamogordo has helped shape me and my family," Tapley said. "I want the opportunity to help shape Alamogordo's future. I want to be the eyes and ears of my neighbors and district, bring continuity to the commission, bring my business knowledge and ability to listen to all sides to the commission. I believe we can improve Alamogordo's quality of life."

As far as issues he wants to tackle if elected, Tapley said a lot of community members are concerned about infrastructure, namely potholes, around town. 

Tapley said it's an exciting time to be in Alamogordo, with the new F-16 squadrons at Holloman Air Force Base, the mall expansion and other businesses coming to town. 

"The Alamogordo City Commission need effective leadership to help our city do all it can to take advantage of everything these opportunities bring," he said. "I won't make promises I can't keep. The only promise I'll make is to work hard for District 6 and for Alamogordo." 

The race for the District 6 seat on the City Commission is between Tapley and Dusty Wright.

More:Dusty Wright to run for City Commission seat

The municipal election for the Mayor's seat, Districts 2, 4 and 6 is March 6. Early voting starts Feb. 14 and will close at 5 p.m. on March 2. For more information on the municipal election, call the City Clerk's office at 439-4252.