Encinias was first elected to serve as a city councilor in 1974 and has served as mayor since 1995. On Tuesday, the city's voters decided it was time for a change and Encinias now finds himself out of office for the first time in 36 years.

And although Encinias could be considered a throwback to the past, as councilor and mayor he always looked toward the city's future. He has worked tirelessly to make the city a better place to live and to give its residents a reason to be proud of where they are from.

As a small-town politician, he was well aware that the will of the voters could change his fortune at any time, and in the past, he had close electoral calls. It's the nature of service during difficult times and an electorate ready for something different that spelled an end to his 15-year run as mayor.

During his time as mayor, he has helmed construction of the Moriarty Civic Center, new baseball fields, a new water tower, improvements to the airport and improvement of Old Route 66. Encinias would be the first one to point out that he was not alone in getting these projects done — a forward-thinking council that includes his replacement as mayor certainly deserves kudos as well.

Encinias deserves gratitude for the service and leadership he has given his community. Thank you Adan, and good luck in the future.