Background - Rep. David Chavez Will Not Seek Re-eelection

8/2/2019 Background - Rep. David Chavez Will Not Seek Re-eelection

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Chavez announces he won't run for second

term in state HousebyJulia M. Dendinger | Mar 10, 2012 | Filed under: News

After only one term in office, Rep. David Chavez (R-7), of Los

Lunas, has announced that he will not seek re-election to the

New Mexico House of Representatives.

After only one term in office, Rep. David Chavez (R-7), of LosLunas, has announced that he will not seek re-election to the

New Mexico House of Representatives.

Chavez said as a trial attorney, who deals primarily with

personal injury cases, his business requires his full attention

at this time.

"I have to dedicate myself to my practice and my clients,"

Chavez said Friday. "I am extraordinarily busy and have

obligations to my clients."

Making the decision to not run again was "the hardest I've

had to make," Chavez said. "My constituents have given me

overwhelming encouragement and support to run. But they

also understand that it is very difficult to be a small business

owner and provide the efficiency that is necessary to serve

in the Legislature. It's a full-time job."

Chavez said it's definitely time for the state to consider

paying its legislators.

"Under the plan now, we pay in about $600 a year and at

retirement, have a pension plan that's about $20,000 a

year," he said. "If the state feels that is what it costs to pay a
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legislator, then we need to decide if it's a full-time or part-

time position and pay them. This needs to be something that

goes on the ballot and the voters decide."

When asked if he was considering a run for the Senate seatcurrently held by Michael Sanchez (D-29), Chavez said while

it was always good to keep options open and he appreciated

different experiences and challenges, but he wouldn't be

seeking the seat "at this time."

Chavez said it has been a privilege to serve as a legislator.

"I truly enjoyed the opportunity of serving in the Legislature.

I was really blessed with that opportunity," he said. "I am

sure God will open up other doors for service in other ways."

During his two years at the Roundhouse, Chavez said he

supported and worked diligently to vote for a balanced

budget, repeal driver's licenses for illegal immigrants, reduce

taxes, encourage economic growth and development,

holding public officials accountable for public corruption

offenses, reduction of property taxes, and for the reduction

of less government and better services.

"I have attempted to locate funding and will continue to do

so for a Los Lunas interchange project and a sewer and

water system in Peralta and Bosque Farms," he said in a

press release. "In the last 30 day session, I submitted capital

outlay requests for Valencia County in excess of $38 million,

which included these projects and many others in Valencia

County."I look forward to continued service to our community and to

our state."

In other legislative news, before Valencia County even got to

know her, State Rep. Rhonda King (D-50), of Stanley,


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announced on March 7 that she will not seek re-election.

Due to redistricting of the House this year, King's district

pushed into the eastern side of the county, picking up voting

precincts in Rio Communities, Tierra Grande and LasMaravillas.

King, who has served for 14 years, said in a press release

that it has been an honor to serve and work with the people

of District 50.

"I am very proud of what we have accomplished together,"

she said.

She indicated that at this point in her life, she wants to

spend more time with her family, including her young

daughter.

On March 8, Torrance County Commission Chairwoman

Venessa I. Chavez, from Tajique, announced her intention to

run for the District 50 seat.

-- Email the author [email protected].

Jamie Estrada

Vice President, DW Turner

www.dwturner.com

575-386-9654

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jpestrada
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Background - Rep. David Chavez Will Not Seek Re-eelection