Rep. Sandoval is third in seniority in the House
Santa Fe, NM – Rep. Edward Sandoval has announced he will not seek reelection as the New Mexico State Representative in District 17, which encompasses the mid North Valley in Albuquerque. Rep. Sandoval was first appointed to the New Mexico Senate in 1975 when he was 26 years old. After serving one term in the Senate, he ran for State Representative in 1983 and has served District 17 ever since. Rep. Sandoval is currently the Chair of the House Taxation and Revenue Committee and a member of the House Voters and Elections Committee (Rep. Sandoval chaired HVEC for more than 20 years). Chairman Sandoval has been a long-time advocate for working families, mental health parity, patient protection, and a fair tax policy. Rep. Sandoval, who is 67, has devoted half his life to his constituents and the state of New Mexico. He says he has three grandsons now, and it’s time to focus on his family and personal life.
“It’s been a long ride -- it’s been 34 years, 32 in the House and two in the Senate – it’s time to let others serve,” says Chairman. Sandoval. “The session is stressful and it’s not an easy job. I have given it my all and believe I was very effective for District 17. I was involved in important legislation to address the needs of the less fortunate and the most vulnerable, those in the mental health community, and people with disabilities.”
Chairman Sandoval adds, “I am very appreciative of the friendships I have made over the years. I will miss it, but it’s time. I have been very proud to serve the great people of District 17 for over 32 years. I will continue to be involved in the community. I have called the North Valley home for 60 years. I want to thank my constituents for their confidence and support all these years.”
“Chairman Sandoval is an absolute New Mexico treasure,” says Speaker W. Ken Martinez (D-Bernalillo, Cibola, McKinley, Socorro, San Juan, Valencia-69). “Whether he’s advocating for his beloved North Valley or for New Mexico’s working families, his heart is always in the right place! For his decades of service, I nominate him for the lifetime Simpático award!”
Rep. Sandoval says he chaired Capital Outlay for many years and is very proud of the difference it made in his community. He is especially proud of his involvement in securing $1.5 million dollars for the new home of the North Valley Little League. Rep. Sandoval is disappointed a Working Families Tax Credit didn’t get passed this year, but he is hopeful it will get through next session.
Chairman Sandoval will be working through the interim as Chair of the Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee, a member of the Behavioral Health Subcommittee, a member of the Committee on Compacts, advisory member of the Disabilities Concerns Subcommittee, advisory member of the Transportation Infrastructure Revenue Subcommittee, advisory member of the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee, advisory member of the Military & Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and the New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee. He served as co-chair for two re-districting cycles, and helped to establish a permanent Health and Human Services committee.
Chairman Sandoval will serve District 17 until December 31, 2014.