Silver City, NM --- Antonio (Tony) P. Trujillo announced his Democratic candidacy for Grant County Commissioner, District 4, on Tuesday, March 8, by filing with the Grant County Clerk's office.
Tony was born and raised in Silver City, where he recently retired from Freeport McMoRan after over 40 years of working in the mining industry. He was the Director of Government Relations for the mining company for close to 30 years where he worked with the New Mexico State Legislature, various state agencies and numerous governors' administrations.
Prior to his career with the mining company, Tony worked in law enforcement both for the Grant County Sheriff's office and the Silver City Police Department (SCPD). While working with the SCPD, Tony and two other officers were recognized nationally for being the youngest police officers, at the age of 18, in the nation.
Throughout his long tenure in the mining industry, Tony has been appointed by various governors to numerous statewide boards and commissions such as the NM Economic Development Commission, Border Authority, NM Task Force on Higher Education, NM Safety and Health Board and more recently to the Western NM University Board of Regents where he served for twelve years and was chair for eight years. He has also held leadership positions on a number of statewide organizations such as Association of Commerce and Industry, New Mexico First, NM Tax Research Institute Board, NM Mining Association, Golden Apple Foundation, NM Prosperity Project and the NM Amigos.
On a local level, Tony's involvement has included leadership positions with Grant County-Silver City Chamber of Commerce Board Chair, Prospectors Chair and Legislative Committee Chair, Grant County Community Health Council Co-Chair. He has also served on the Gila Economic Development Alliance member, First American Bank Advisory Board, Rotary and is a current Trustee at Gila Regional Medical Center.
Tony is running for commissioner to use his experience and skills to contribute to the betterment of Grant County.
GǣAmong the county's many strengths,Gǥ Tony noted, Gǣis the diversity of the cultures and art, the history, the weather, the quality of health care, Western New Mexico University, our veterans and our natural resources. All of these make Grant County a beautiful place to live and raise a family.Gǥ
GǣJust as important are the incredible and dedicated county employees that provide services to our many residents throughout the county. Their energy and commitment maintains the greatness of our county,Gǥ said Tony.
GǣAs we all know, New Mexico and many counties are dealing with difficult budget shortfalls that will require county commissioners to make prudent and realistic decisions to maintain the services that our residents expect,Gǥ Tony said. GǣAs commissioner, I will fulfill my primary obligation by working to maintain an understandable, fair and equitable budget.Gǥ
Tony concludes, GǣMy other priority will be to diversify our economy in a way that is thoughtful and sustainable while continuing to support the traditional economic base jobs of mining, ranching and agriculture, health care, forest service and education that have been this county's historical economic drivers forever.Gǣ
Tony is married to Susie Trujillo and they have three children, TJ, Ty and Amy and five grandchildren.
He invites anybody that wants to discuss his candidacy to contact him at tonyptrujillo@outlook.com or 575-538-1867.
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