Mark St. J. Couhig, news editor

ANGEL FIRE ­— Eighth Judicial District Attorney Donald Gallegos has determined that as a councilor, new Angel Fire mayor Larry Leahy was engaged in “a conflict of interest” regarding the formation of the village’s new Public Improvement District (PID).
In a March 18 letter to the mayor and council, Gallegos states, “It became clear to us through witnesses and through copies of village meeting minutes, that Mr. Leahy did in fact purchase property in the PID. It also became very clear that Mr. Leahy failed to initially disclose the conflict and he actually voted on matters concerning the PID.
Thus, it is pretty clear that there is sufficient evidence to indicate that there was a conflict of interest and that conflict was not initially disclosed.”
Gallegos also notes in his letter that state law provides “removal from office” as a remedy for the violation. However, as he also notes, case law suggests that Gallegos only has the authority to remove an offender from the “particular office in which the person committed said act. I cannot initiate removal proceedings against Mr. Leahy now that he occupies the position of mayor.”
Gallegos also noted that removing Leahy from his new position as mayor would be retrograde to “the people of Angel Fire’s wishes.” In a phone interview, Gallegos said, “the people have spoken,” referring to the victory Leahy recently enjoyed in the mayoral contest.
“I would chalk it up as a learning experience,” Gallegos said regarding Leahy, “and move on.”
In response to Gallegos’ letter, which he provided to the Chronicle, Leahy said, “In hindsight, I wish I had disclosed more, and disclosed earlier. And I apologize for not doing so.”
Leahy also said, “There was an opportunity for this to become a campaign issue. The voters didn’t do that. Hopefully, they will accept my apology. I hope we can get this behind us.”