Dapson, Culbreath to hold meet 'n' greet event

RIO RANCHO — Rio Rancho Governing Body members Debora Dapson and Karissa Culbreath are scheduled to meet with constituents June 28 in the third installment this year of meet 'n' greet events for city councilors.

Dapson, who represents District 1, and Culbreath, who represents District 5, will be available to talk with constituents and answer their questions from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Cabezon Park, 2307 Cabezon Blvd. SE.

The councilor meet 'n' greet series is designed to create synergy between elected representatives and community events, according to Rio Rancho spokesperson Jaley Turpen. The upcoming meet 'n' greet will coincide with Cabezon Park’s local market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the city's online events calendar.

Another change to this year's meet 'n' greets is the fact that the six-member governing body has been paired up as opposed to appearing by themselves.

Dapson, who was elected in April 2024, noted in an interview that during her first meet 'n' greet last year, she spent a lot of time introducing herself to constituents and had city staff members help answer questions because she was new to the council. A year later, she feels like a seasoned councilor.

"I will probably be able to answer a lot more questions directly," Dapson said with a laugh. "I'm looking forward to it. I've always enjoyed the interactions I've had with people."

She noted she has never been to the local market, so "I may take a minute and go check it out."

Asked by the Observer what she admires about Culbreath, Dapson responded she admires the councilor's intellect and ability to give concise answers at meetings.

"I'm trying to emulate her when I speak," Dapson said.

She called Culbreath an "all-around good person."

Culbreath, elected in March 2022, said she encountered residents from other councilor districts at last year's meet 'n' greet.

"It's really not about the councilors — it's about what we offer the city," Culbreath said.

Holding a meet 'n' greet at a local event will allow councilors to more effectively release information about city initiatives to residents, she said.

Culbreath said having councilors at a local event will help ensure better turnout.

She noted although Dapson is a new councilor, she is engaged with residents and community events.

"It's fun to be with her and to be able to work together and inform people about our community," Culbreath said.

Meet 'n' greets, started in 2024, has seen five of the six governing body members hold events this year, with the exception of District 3 Councilor Bob Tyler. Turpen said his meet 'n' greet announcement will be posted online when plans are finalized. Tyler did not immediately respond to a request for comment.