Retirement Comes Early for One County Commissioner

  By Santa Fe County

Commissioner Ed Moreno, who has proudly represented District 5 since 2017, has announced his retirement effective August 31, 2020. A letter addressed to Commission Chairman Henry Roybal dated July 31, cites health reasons for his early departure from the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).

Ed Moreno was born in Mexico City, and moved with his family to the United States when his father accepted a job at the first Spanish language radio station in Denver, Colorado. He earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Northern Colorado Greeley in 1977 and began working as a journalist soon after. His time in the media brought him to Santa Fe, where he worked for the Santa Fe New Mexican and eventually served as the New Mexico Capitol Correspondent for the Associated Press (AP). After 10 years at the AP, he transitioned his career to public service, which included work as the Assistant Land Commissioner with Land Commissioner Ray Powell, and then with the Keystone Institute, and eventually as an independent government contractor.

He was elected to serve on the BCC in 2016. His accomplishments with the County are many, but a few he is proud of, consist of the Aamodt settlements, bringing water to the Pojoaque Valley, Eldorado and Cañoncito. The expansion of trails and road improvements in Eldorado. The new solar installation at the Eldorado Senior Center. Construction of the new County Administrative Complex and the renovation of the old County Building, which is slated for completion in September.

County Manager Katherine Miller stated, “Commissioner Moreno has been a pleasure to work for since taking office in 2017.  He is an elected official with a kind soul, generous spirit, and ethical approach to the County’s and his constituents’ needs and concerns; I will truly miss him on our Board.”

In retirement, Commissioner Moreno plans to spend much of his leisure time, post-pandemic, traveling with his wife of almost 40 years and spending more time with their three daughters, and four grandchildren.

BCC Chairman Henry Roybal responded, “With sincere wishes I would like to congratulate Commissioner Moreno on his retirement. May God bless him with all his future endeavors. It was my honor to have served with him on the BCC. The work and the commitment that he has for Santa Fe County and his constituents is admirable and his successor has huge shoes to fill.”

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has the authority to appoint a replacement to complete his term which ends on December 31. The final commission meeting for the month of August will be held on August 25, where there will be a recognition of his service.

For additional information please contact Communications Coordinator Carmelina Hart at 505-469-8257 or chart@santafecountynm.gov.