Village says farewell to Fahey at final 2025 meeting

CORRALES — The village's last meeting of the year was melancholic as councilors took a moment to recognize Mayor Jim Fahey, who has been voted out of office.

Councilors, at a Dec. 16 meeting, each took a turn thanking Fahey for his service.

"I just want to recognize your past four years of service as mayor and all of your previous contributions as a member of of this council, participation with SSCAFCA and all your community service," Councilor John Alsobrook said.

He wished Fahey a brief respite but said he hoped Fahey would continue to serve in some way.

Bill Woldman expanded on Alsobrook's thoughts and recognized the last meeting of the year.

"While this council and the mayor did not always agree, progress was made in a number of areas," he said. "Any public servant wants to leave office knowing that his or her community is better than when they assumed office. I think Mayor Fahey can embrace that feeling."

He also asked Fahey to stay involved with the community.

Councilor Rick Miera thanked Fahey for his work and the staff brought with him.

Fahey stopped Miera to clarify that he didn't bring the staff together, giving the credit to former Mayor JoAnne Roake.

"I was just a caretaker. I really appreciate all that, but my job was basically to stay out of their way, to give them some direction but to keep out of their way and let them do their thing because these are very talented, very professional, very knowledgeable people," he said.

He recognized the fire chief, deputy fire chief, clerk and other staff.

Fahey also issued his last Mayor's Message Dec. 26.

"This will be the last message from me, so Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Good luck to the new administration coming in on January 1, 2026," he wrote.

He teased some of the work coming Corrales' way in 2026 as well, including wood clearings in the Bosque, lines to deliver water to hydrants for fire suppression, improvements to Salce Park, the legislative session and more.

He also left a message for the future.

"The village needs to continue to work on the 40-year water plan required by the state engineer to be in compliance with their requirements and so we can get additional water rights, which the village does need for municipal and as a backup for agricultural use," he said.

Fahey was humble in admitting that the work accomplished over the past few years was not a one-man show.

"Thank you to all those citizens who have been so kind and supportive these last few years. Please do the same for the new administration. We have to stand together for our community to be successful," he wrote.

Fred Hashimoto, Fahey's successor, will be sworn in along with councilors at 5 p.m. Jan. 2.