Dr. Mark Donell, Gila Regional Medical Center anesthesiologist, said when he heard that Mayor Mike Morones was not going to run again for mayor, "I had no initial ambition to run, but a couple of friends encouraged me to run."

Since he decided to run, he said is very impressed with the water project to take water from Silver City's water rights near the airport and to lease the water to Hurley, because it has no water rights.

Donnell told the Beat there are a lot of little things he wants to accomplish at the city. "I've been encouraged to hear that we may have a Denny's. It would give people another option of a place to eat."

He has lived in Silver City for more than 20 years, after having worked in California for the 10 years prior. "I plan to stay here for the rest of my life, and I want to make sure Silver City stays a great place to live."

"A lot of being mayor is speaking at public events, and I think I'm pretty good at public speaking," Donnell said. "I have served as chief of anesthesiology most of my career here; I've been chief of staff; and I serve on several hospital committees."

As of April 4, he will retire from the hospital, "so I will have the time and energy to represent Silver City. I'm happy to travel around the state and attend the legislative sessions." He also serves as an adjunct professor of chemistry at Western New Mexico University, continues to do research in chemistry. In addition, he has been a ham radio operator since he was in 7th grade.

"To run for office, you have to believe that you are the best candidate," Donnell said.