By Jesse Jones, The Route 66 Independent — Following a three-month vacancy left by former Commissioner Mike Rariden, the town of Edgewood restored its full Town Commission after commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday night to appoint Doug West to the open District 5 seat.
West, a retired Albuquerque Police Department commander and vice chair of the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission, was one of several candidates interviewed Saturday, Oct. 10. He was sworn in immediately after the vote and joined the meeting as a commissioner. Mayor Pro Tem Ken Brennan nominated West, and Mayor Devon Taylor seconded the motion.
Taylor praised West as one of the best-prepared applicants, saying his law enforcement background would help commissioners better understand the town’s police department. Brennan pointed to West’s District 5 residency and his continued service on the Planning and Zoning Commission after withdrawing from an earlier commission bid as evidence of his commitment to Edgewood. Before the vote, Commissioner Stephen Murillo moved to appoint Air Force veteran David Abbott, but the motion failed because no one seconded it.
West spent 20 years with APD, including leadership roles in its Tactical Division and Special Investigations Division, according to his professional resume. He later led investigations into suspected fraud, waste and abuse at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico. His other experience includes work as a law enforcement adjunct instructor, an English as a second language instructor and a residential real estate associate broker.
West will take part in the next Town Commission meeting on Oct. 27, where he will join commissioners in discussions and votes on town business.
