Sandoval County remembers former Governor Apodaca

Former New Mexico Gov. Jerry Apodaca died Wednesday at the age of 88.

Friday, Sandoval County leadership offered condolences and tributes for Apodaca.

“Governor Apodaca served the people of New Mexico for decades and he did so with passion, commitment and foresight for what was possible for New Mexico and New Mexicans,” Commission Chair David J. Heil said. “He championed education, public service and the rights of women and Latinos. He leaves a significant legacy and we offer our sincerest sympathies to his family.”

County Manager Wayne Johnson shared that Apodaca also had keen insight into creating and establishing a well-organized government infrastructure that is still applied today at the state level.

“Leadership succeeds when its ideas can be carried out effectively and efficiently by government staff,” Johnson said. “Governor Apodaca knew this and designed a system that made it possible. He made change happen through his words, his ideas and his management skill and this is how he moved New Mexico forward. Our condolences to the

Apodaca family.”

John Garcia, deputy county manager, has both personal and professional ties with the Apodaca family.

“I knew the Governor as the Governor and also as the father of my friends,” Garcia said. “In addition, as a young Hispanic man, he was an icon. As the first Hispanic governor in New Mexico, this achievement represented a transformational moment for so many of us with business and political aspirations. He opened that door and that door has stayed open. I consider myself fortunate to have many memories of Governor Jerry Apodaca in so many roles. My very best to his family during this difficult time.”