Applause erupted throughout the Farmington City Council chambers Tuesday when the first Navajo was appointed to the council in the history of the governing body.
Herman Buck, 50, of Farmington, was appointed to fill the District 2 seat during the March 26 meeting by Farmington Mayor Nate Duckett, who said Buck “represents the type of servant leadership we are looking for.”
“There is a historic component to this. It’s a historic coincidence – I didn’t go into this interview process looking for a race, creed or code. I was looking for someone of service,” Duckett said. “It is certainly historic that we have confirmed Mr. Herman Buck, who is a member of the Navajo Nation. Everyone in this room and community should be excited.”
Buck is a Shiprock High School graduate, who speaks Navajo and English. He is a business owner, who took over his father’s business, Buck’s Tire and Towing, which has been open for 40 years.
Buck applied for the position which opened in December, with the resignation of Sean Sharer, who moved outside the district.
“I put in for City Council to help the city as much as I could – to move the city forward,” Buck said, adding that he loves this city.
Buck has lived in District 2 for 15 years with his wife of 26 years, Jennifer Reyes Buck. They have daughters and two grandchildren.
Buck was one of 10 applicants for the council seat.
“I’m thrilled with the 10 people we got to interview,” Duckett said, adding that he, Assistant City Manager Shana Reeves and former Mayor Tom Taylor participated in the interview process.
Duckett said he was sure that any of the 10 people who put their names in “would do their due diligence to this community,” but Buck offered the council “a unique opportunity” and stood out because “he is serving now in his capacity in many different areas.”
Buck is a drummer for the music ministry at Journey Church and provides ministry to detainees at the San Juan County Detention Center.
The Rev. David Flores, pastor of Journey Church, was at Tuesday’s meeting. He said Buck would bring a “different perspective” to the council.
“I think he’s going to do an excellent job,” Flores said, adding he is “a great asset with his community mindedness.”
Buck also has been the owner of Punch’s Boxing Club, in which he mentors youths through boxing, for 15 years.
Councilor Linda Rodgers brought this up, calling Buck, “Punch” when she congratulated him on the appointment.
“I’ve known him for a lot of years,” she said, adding the two shared a “lengthy discussion” about the council. “I know him to be a man of integrity and honesty. I look forward to serving with you over the next 18 months.”
Rodgers made the motion to approve the appointment, and Councilor Janis Jakino seconded the motion.
“The faces in this room have caused a swell of pride,” Jakino said, pointing out “the magnitude of this moment” and saying, “I’m very proud to serve alongside Mr. Buck.”
The appointment closes out Sharer’s term. Buck would need to run for reelection to continue serving on the council.
