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Category: Local News Releases Local News Releases
Published: 05 February 2013 05 February 2013

Rep. Salazar Is Currently Longest Serving Member of the House

Rich Marquez with Rep. Salazar

Photo: Rep. Salazar (right) presented LANL Award by Rich Marquez, LANL Executive Director (left)

SANTA FE, NM – Members of the House of Representative applaud the honor bestowed to Rep. Nick Salazar (D- Colfax, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel- 40) by the Los Alamos National Laboratory.  LANL presented Rep. Salazar with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” at a breakfast in Santa Fe on January 30, 2013.  Rep. Salazar received the highest honor recognizing his profound and significant contributions during his 63 years of service which include expanding opportunities for research and development, small business and minority business development, transfer of technology initiatives, math and science programs, job training and development while advocating for stringent environmental protection regulations.  He always fiercely argued that we must work toward striking a balance.
 
Rep. Salazar says, “I am honored to receive the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award' from the Department of Energy and my employer of 63 years, Los Alamos National Laboratory.  I want to thank them for giving me the opportunity to participate in the tremendous science going on at the Laboratory.  They have also given me the opportunity to serve my community and my legislative district, and the people of the State of New Mexico while an employee of the Lab.  Thank you for the tremendous outreach to our local communities.”
 
Rep. Salazar is one of the longest serving (40 years) and most senior members of the House of Representatives.  He was first elected in 1973 and he has served as a mentor to many legislators and state leaders throughout the years.
 
House Majority Leader, Rick Miera (D-Bernalillo-11) says, “He has been the voice of advocacy, consistently articulating the point that New Mexicans should be fully maximizing the benefits of the presence of such a world renowned national laboratory.  He has been the champion for initiating programs that have created enormous opportunities for New Mexicans, especially for young people and the working class.  The recognition is well deserved.”
 
Rep. Henry “Kiki” Saavedra (D-Bernalillo-10), who attended the award ceremony, says, “Rep. Salazar is the gentleman of gentlemen.  Not only that – he's bright, he keeps to himself, but every time he speaks people listen.  And I am one of them.”
 
Rep. Jim Trujillo (D-Santa Fe-45) adds, “His type of leadership is the type that everyone appreciates because he's soft spoken and patient, but extremely effective.  His involvement in the community is to be commended.  He's been the chairman of the North Central Economic Development for decades in addition to his responsibilities at Los Alamos National Lab and in the House of Representatives.”
 
Rep. Nick Salazar is a resident of San Juan Pueblo.  He is married to Maria Ana and has three adult children, Yvonne, Earl, and Gregory.