Corrales councilor resigns District 4 post
Mayor now looking for replacement
Citing professional obligations that require significant out-of-town travel, Corrales Village Councilor John Alsobrook resigned from his post on Tuesday.
Alsobrook, a molecular pathologist, said he’s always traveled for work, but he’s recently taken a new job that will require more time outside of Corrales.
“The amount of travel will increase to the point that I don’t think I would be around enough during the week,” he said. “It would put me a little bit out of touch and would make it harder for constituents to reach me.”
Elected in August 2008, Alsobrook represented District 4.
Mayor Scott Kominiak said he is in the process of evaluating potential replacements. He expects to make a recommendation to the Village Council at its first meeting in July.
Kominiak said that a village ordinance allows the mayor to appoint a replacement, who must be approved by the council. The ordinance also allows for a special election, but Kominiak said that arranging an election would take several months and would leave the new councilor in the position for just a year before the term expires.
For now, he’s talking to people who are interested in taking over the position and he hopes to consult with Alsobrook about any suggestions he may have.
“I have some people in mind,” he said. “Others have reached out to me.”
Alsobrook said his resignation is bittersweet. He said, in his new position, he’ll be overseeing the launch of a new blood test for colorectal cancer for a company with facilities in New Jersey and Australia.
“Professionally, it’s satisfying,” he said. “Having to go is disappointing, but I’ve gotten lots of encouragement from people in the village.”
He said he’s enjoyed his time as a councilor.
“Public service is something that, I think, if you have the skill and can make the commitment, I think it’s an obligation,” he said.
He said he saw his role as a communications position, bringing the voices of his constituents to village leaders.
“I was an information conduit from the citizens to the council and government,” he said. “Part of my role was to make sure the people in the village know what’s being considered and what the consequences might be.”