Santa Fe charter review panel elects Lily May Ortiz chair; Perez chosen vice chair

Lily May Ortiz was elected chair of the Santa Fe Charter Review Commission in a 6–3 roll‑call vote after nominations and a brief discussion on Tuesday evening. Commissioner Perez was chosen vice chair by a reported 7–2 voice vote.

The nominations came early on after the commission agreed to reorder the agenda to take up leadership elections first. Commissioner Perez moved to nominate Ortiz for chair, and Commissioner Villareal seconded the nomination. After commissioners spoke briefly in support of the candidates, the commission conducted a roll‑call that produced a 6–3 tally in favor of Ortiz; she then assumed the chair and presided over the remainder of the meeting.

Commissioner Perez, who was nominated and later elected vice chair, told colleagues she looks forward to working “with the chair and with this body and, again, with our staff.” Ortiz thanked the commissioners for their trust and said she will “do my best” to lead the commission’s work on charter matters.

The leadership votes followed approval of a motion to reorder the agenda, which was proposed by Commissioner Villareal and passed by voice earlier in the meeting. Commissioners also approved the minutes from the prior meeting before concluding the leadership slate.

The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for May 28 at 5:00 p.m.; Chair Ortiz and Vice Chair Perez said they will meet with staff to refine upcoming agendas and public outreach plans.

The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.