Officials naming buildings for selves

TAOS, N.M. (KRQE) - The Taos County Complex completed just last summer cost $46 million and was a long time coming for the northern New Mexico County.

However, what county leaders voted in favor of this week that has some Taos residents shaking their heads.

“I think that’s a little bit conceited,” said Monica Jones who lives in Taos.

The five-member commission voted to name the buildings in this complex paid for by taxpayers after themselves.

“It kind of does seem arrogant to me,” Jones said.

Commission Chair Joe Mike Durán told KRQE News 13 over the phone the sitting commissioners worked very hard to make the complex a reality, and they deserved some recognition.  The complex houses the detention center, courthouse and administration building.

All the other commissioners agreed except one, Commissioner Daniel Barrone, who voted "OK" instead of "Yes."

He told News 13 he has no interest in seeing his name on any of the buildings right now but went along with the vote so he would have a say in whose name eventually does end up here.

Since there are five commissioners and only three buildings, Durán suggested the men draw straws.  Whoever gets the biggest straw gets his name solo on a building while pairs of commissioners have to share the other two buildings.