KCE CEO Resigns! Takes New Job.

April is the Cruelest Month, said the poet.

Kit Carson Electric Cooperative has announced a change in executive leadership, according to a press release, signed by board president Robert Ortega.

“Last night, March 31, the Board of Trustees held an emergency meeting and voted 9—0 with one abstention to accept the resignation of CEO Luis Reyes. We wish Mr. Reyes the best in his new position. The Board of Trustees appreciates his many years of dedication to Kit Carson Electric Cooperative,” stated the release.

Further, “The Executive committee of the Board of Trustees along with the able assistance of Alex Romero Chief Operating Officer, and executive department head, Carmella Suazo, will serve as interim CEO.”

A report, in the online New Mexico Independent, says USDA—RUS auditors had spent the last week examining the books at the Coop finance department. Reyes resigned, according to an anonymous NMREA spokesperson after the Feds met with the board and gave their recommendations to the Trustees at an emergency meeting. Several trustees and officials apparently attended the two-hour meeting via conference call.

“We were shocked,” said Trustee Art Rodarte. “Absolutely blindsided by the report.” Rodarte spoke to the press at the Cruz Alta Headquarters shortly after midnight.

Employees, who were gathered in the parking lot under a full moon, told Taos Friction that Rodarte lobbied trustees to join him in a new majority. “Luis is a threat to our re-election,” the longtime politico from Rio Arriba County told the Taos boys. Trustee Mascarenas joined Art’s coalition when he was promised an appointment as Tri-State Rep. Rodarte told Trustee Francis Cordova that the board would consider Daniel Miera as the new CEO. Questa’s Bobby Ortega joined the new coalition when Art said he could remain as President. Once Art fashioned his majority, the rest of the Trustees joined in voting to accept the Reyes resignation.

Asked for a comment, Trustee Francis Cordova ran for his vehicle, locked the doors, and squealed out of the parking lot.

Employees outside KCEC HQ, few of whom support either the CEO or Trustees, according to a company survey, were quick to point out that Luis landed on his feet. “Tri-State offered Reyes a job as Vice President of the Renewable Energy Division,” said a lineman. “He’s got it made. More money, less work. It’s all public relations. That’s what he’s good at.”

An employee, after being promised anonymity, said, “Yeah, they forced us to sign our names for that awful ad in The Taos New. If we didn’t cooperate, they said we’d lose our jobs. That’s why they call this a Coop.”

One of the administrative assistants commented, “My sister says Mr. Reyes’ wife has been looking at property in Denver all week. She called my nephew who works for a big realtor up there.”

Mayor Darren Cordova, who started the Hispano Chamber with ex-CEO Reyes, said over the phone that he’d miss his friend, Luis. “But their loss might be the town’s gain if they offer Daniel a job. I’ll give him a good recommendation.” Cordova said.

The Friction caught up with several Trustees via telephone.

Asked about Reyes, Ranchos Trustee Toby Martinez changed the subject to solar energy.

“Ask Mary if you want a comment,” said Trustee Ambrose Mascarenas, laughing and handing the phone to the Coop’s staunchest supporter.

Angel Fire trustees Jerry Smith and Bruce Jassman didn’t return phone calls.

“They don’t really understand the Coop or northern New Mexico,” Trustee Chris Duran said. He blamed the federal bureaucrats for arcane reporting rules.

Trustee Luisa Mylet said, “They didn’t inform me about the emergency meeting. But Pobrecito Luis, tsk, tsk. I guess Art’s the boss now. I never know what’s happening until I read about it. The boys always take of business themselves.”

“The whole place is a mess,” said Trustee Virgil Martinez. “I feel sorry for Taos County.”

The trustee known as “Parking Lot,” who voted to abstain, was seen shadow boxing under the full moon on the asphalt at the Coop. He was muttering, “Madre Dio, los pendejos en Abril, los pendejos en Abril.”