Corrales swears in new mayor

CORRALES — Corrales residents will have to get used to saying "Mayor Fred Hashimoto" now.

Hashimoto was officially sworn in as the village's mayor Jan. 2 alongside three returning councilors at Village Hall.

Village Clerk Melanie Romero performed the swearing in and had an announcement of her own.

"I am your village clerk currently, Melanie Romero. But Fred has asked me to serve as your new administrator," she said.

She added that council would vote on the appointment Jan. 20 but she would hold the capacity of both clerk and administrator until a new clerk is found.

Hashimoto will also keep  Victor Mangiacapra as police chief, according to Romero.

After all were sworn in, Hashimoto thanked the village for electing. He started by reading a poem from his clinician days.

"With great honor and privilege which have truly been mine to assist in the care for 'su buona salute,'" he read aloud.

He said he would never promise perfection as a doctor to his patients.

"I didn't promise them health, wealth and a hundred years of living. I promised them I would do my very best. I think I did," he said. "So when I take this new job, again I can't promise health, wealth and a hundred years of living, but I promise to do my very best."

Hashimoto, after the ceremony, said he has a few priorities for the village.

"The top priority is to move the village together, and water is our biggest issue," he said.

The swearing in was well attended with all council members, previous Mayor Jim Fahey, state Rep. Kathleen Cates, the local judge and pet Mayor Apple in attendance.

Councilor John Alsobrook is returning for his fifth term on council, according to Romero. Rick Miera and Mel Knight were also sworn in for another term but have not been on the council as long.

As a little announcement, Romero shared that Apple would have a message to add to the human mayor's weekly message on the village website as well.

Hashimoto's first full meeting will be a special one for lot coverage in the village, a debated issue in Corrales, on Jan. 6.