Publicly available education history does not show the bachelor’s degree listed in the city’s posting, but an experience exception may apply
By The Raton Range Staff
RATON, N.M. — When the City of Raton advertised its city manager position, it sought an experienced government-management professional capable of overseeing city departments, personnel, budgets, grants, infrastructure and economic development.
The posting listed five years of progressively responsible experience in state or local government management, public administration or community development. It also called for a bachelor’s degree, preferably in public administration, business, accounting, finance or a related field.
However, the posting contained an important alternative: The city could accept an equivalent combination of education, experience and training demonstrating that a candidate could perform the job.
That exception is central to questions surrounding City Manager Neil Segotta.
A June KRTN profile reported that Segotta graduated from Raton High School, attended the University of New Mexico for two years and later received a senior drafting certificate from the Phoenix Institute of Technology. The profile did not identify a bachelor’s degree. It said Segotta later worked at York Canyon Mine and for local surveying operations.
Segotta also brings government and administrative experience. He served for years on the Raton City Commission, including as mayor, held leadership positions with the New Mexico Municipal League and worked as director of the Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging.
The City Commission selected Segotta from four finalists and approved his contract May 26 on a 4-1 vote. Commissioners supporting him cited his experience, knowledge of city operations, relationships in Santa Fe and favorable comments from department heads. Commissioner Sally Hoger voted against the appointment, saying voters had called for a new direction.
The published account of the appointment did not explain whether commissioners determined Segotta met the five-year management standard, qualified through the education-and-experience exception, or both.
That does not prove Segotta was unqualified. It does leave a fair question for taxpayers paying a six-figure salary:
What specific education, management experience and verified qualifications did the commission rely upon when it concluded he met the posted standard?
Sources: City of Raton job posting; KRTN Multi-Media; New Mexico Municipal League; New Mexico governor’s office.
