The two with the most votes in the March 2 election will win the spots on the board.

Two of candidates are current board members running for re-election.

Michelle Dunlap, who was appointed by Mayor Ted Barela a little more than a year ago, also served as a trustee from 2002-06.

"I have and will continue to listen to what the citizens of this town want and need," Dunlap said. "I realize there will always be issues and projects that we may not be able to accomplish immediately, especially at this time due to this economy. However, I do believe that as long as we continue to move forward, we can truthfully say we are making progress."

She'd like to see the town have more activities for youth, get all residents on the city's sewer system and update the town's main street. Other priorities, Dunlap said, are keeping town staff employed and maintaining a balanced budget.

Dunlap is also a member of the Rotary Club, and will serve as the 2011 Rotary president. She also served as a 4-H leader for 14 years and currently serves as a member of the Torrance County 4-H State Advisory Board.

Incumbent Beckey Bailey did not return requests for comment.

Two newcomers to political office, but not new faces to Estancia are also on the ballot.

Ivonne Riley, quality assurance manager at the Torrance County Detention Facility, is a current member of the town's Planning and Zoning Board and former member of the library board.

Riley may be running for a council seat for the first time, but she believes her background in management and strong moral and ethical values make her a valuable asset to the town.

"I am loyal — be it to my family, friends, job or my town. I would take my position on the council serious," Riley said. "I would not forgot that the people of the town elected me to do a job, and I would do it to the best of my ability. I would also make myself available to the town's people; I would be working for them."

Running for office for the first time, Dorthy Packham says being retired is a valuable asset to the town, if elected.

Packham said she has the time to devote to any lobbying or other work to help gain funding or other development for the town.

"Many others have to work and don't always have the time to devote to improving our little town," she said.

Another skill she believes she has that is valuable to the council is the ability to moderate and get along with others effectively.

If elected, Packham's main goal is to make the town more handicap-accessible.

"So many elderly and handicapped people in this town can't open doors and other things of that nature," Packham said. "I have been informed that there are a lot of grants out there we could get to help our elderly and handicapped people."

Packham, who moved to Estancia with her parents as a baby, moved to California after graduating to pursue a career in film and on stage.

"Now I'm back to stay," she said. "I love my little town. I love all the people in it. I want to help my town in any way I can."

One past board member is now hoping to get back on board.

Marc Martinez, who previously served on the board for eight years, said his main priorities, if elected, are water and responsible use of the taxpayers' dollar.

"I feel a strong need to serve the community of Estancia and to get involved," Martinez said. "I know, when I make a decision as a council member, it not only affects me, but everyone in the community."