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Johnson, Pearl both resignIn a one-two punch this week, Metro Squad Commander Bill John son resigned his post on Monday and Assistant District Attorney Martin Pearl announced his own resignation on Tuesday.Johnson cited his reasons for leaving as the bleak outlook for Metro Squad funding for next year. He sent a letter of resignation to District Attorney Ted Howden, County Commission Chairman Frank Sedillo and Belen City Manager Richard Aragon, chairman of the Metro Squad board.Ernest Williams, spokesperson for the Eastern Valencia County Con eerned Citizens, contends that John son is just “looking after the good of his family. and that he will return when the EVCCC has collected enough funding to continue the Metro Squad if the county does not continue its part in the program.Aragon says the group can turn the money over to one of the three agencies involved in the program Bosque Farms, Valencia County anc Belen, but said the contract is with these three governments and if on* (ails to enter into the agreement, the program is dead.The county has shown a reluctance to enter into the joint powers agreement and if they do not do so in the very immediate futpre, the program will be dead.Johnson was reported to be inColorado. His resignation is effective March 15. The Metro Squad is expected to run out of money by that time.Richard Aragon, Metro Squad board chairman, yesterday said Luis Torres Jr. had been designated acting chairman to complete the duties ofBILL JOHNSONthe squad since Johnson was reported out of the state.Technically, unless refunded, the Metro Squad officially ends next Monday. March 8.Johnson, in his written resignation to Chairman Aragon, termed as “unfortunate the apparent demise ofMARTIN PEARLthe special law enforcement agency. Aragon said he was also disappointed to see it apparently come to an end.Meanwhile, a Concerned Citizens Assn. continued to solicit private donations to replace the lack of funding by the County Commission. Whether this effort will re\ ive efforts to continue an active Metro Squad remains unanswered.Pearl will be leaving his position tomorrow. Asked why he's leaving, Pearl said, “I’m tired, six years is enough.1 should have quit two months ag Pearl said. He said he is leaving fot many reasons, one of which isContinued on Page 13
Newspaper Details
Belen News Bulletin
Belen, New Mexico, US
Thu, Mar 04, 1976
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AU 12 Dec 2024
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