Former city councilor seeking county commission seat

SANDOVAL COUNTY — A familiar face is running for county commission.

Daniel “Dan” J. Stoddard announced Feb. 17 his intent to file as a candidate for Sandoval County Commission, District 3, on March 10. The election will take place in November.

The release states he will prioritize lowering property taxes, supporting economic development, community partnerships — particularly with public safety departments — and completing Paseo del Volcan. 

Stoddard, who was previously a Rio Rancho city councilor in District 6, has been a resident of the city and Sandoval County for the past 15 years. But Stoddard has also served on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Ethics Ordinance Team at the county level, according to the announcement. Stoddard stepped down from the council position in Rio Rancho to support his wife, Joy, who was undergoing health issues. Before he lived in Sandoval County, Stoddard served as a city and county commissioner in Clovis.

Additionally, he served on the executive board of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce and director of the Clovis Music Festival for several years. 

"Dan also collaborated with leaders at Cannon Air Force Base and was given the distinct honor of being named the Cannon Air Force Base Honorary Commander for 2012," the announcement reads.

It states Stoddard is a graduate of Leadership New Mexico and the New Mexico Local and State Government Program. He also owned and operated several assisted living facilities from 2000 until his retirement in 2018.