Governor Richardson 1947 - 2023 |
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On September 1, 2023, former governor of New Mexico Bill Richardson passed away in his sleep at his home in Chatham, Massachusetts. He was 75.
Born in 1947 in Pasadena, California, Richardson grew up in La Colonia Barrio Cuadrante de San Francisco, Coyoacán. At the age of 13, he began attending Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts. It was there where he met his future wife, Barbara Flavin. After high school, he enrolled at Tufts University, where he pitched for the baseball team.
After graduating from Tufts in 1970, Richardson went on to earn a master’s degree and move to Washington D.C. He spent much of the next decade in various staff positions within the U.S. Government. In 1978, he moved his family to New Mexico. He rose quickly within the New Mexico Democratic Party ranks, eventually making an unsuccessful bid in 1980 for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Two years later, he successfully ran to represent New Mexico’s newly created third district in the United States Congress. He was re-elected seven times.
In 1997, he accepted an appointment by President Bill Clinton to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. In August of the following year, he was appointed the U.S. Secretary of Energy.
In 2002, Richardson launched his campaign for governor of New Mexico, winning in a landslide. He won re-election in 2006. Of his role as governor, Richardson said, "[It] is the best job I ever had."
Richardson declared his candidacy for President of the United States in 2007. He focused on the issues he faced in his political career: the economy, environment, energy, foreign policy, education, and immigration reform. After finishing fourth in the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary, the governor withdrew from the race.
While then-candidate Barack Obama placed Governor Richardson on a shortlist to be nominated as Vice President, the role eventually went to the then-senator from Delaware, Joe Biden. Later, President-elect Barack Obama selected Richardson to serve as Secretary of Commerce. Due to the controversy surrounding state contracts allegedly given to political donors during Richardson’s gubernatorial terms, he withdrew his nomination.
Since New Mexico state law only allows governors to hold office for two terms, Richardson left office in 2011.
In his time since leaving elected office, Richardson continued his role as a diplomat. As part of his work, he formed the Richardson Center for Global Engagement to help negotiate the release of American hostages and prisoners held overseas.
For his actions as a diplomat, Richardson had been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize four times. The most recent nomination occurred on August 25, 2023 — seven days before his death — for his work negotiating the release of 15 political prisoners, including WNBA star Brittney Griner and former U.S. Marine Trevor Reed.
Governor Richardson tried his best in whatever he did. He cared for the people of New Mexico and the United States. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his daughter, Heather. He will be missed by many people.
Out of respect for his Roman Catholic upbringing, we offer this prayer:
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord,
And let Your perpetual light shine upon him
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed
Rest in peace.
Amen.
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In addition to Governor Bill Richardson, there have been several losses affecting our WSD Community recently.
We offer condolences to WSD members: Charlotte, on the loss of her brother; Cheryl, on the loss of her brother; Larry, on the loss of his sister; Bonnie, on the loss of her husband Joel (they recently celebrated 33 years of marriage); and Ellen on the loss of her brother and mother-in-law.
May the memories of your loved ones offer you comfort in the days ahead.
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The September WSD meeting that was planned to be held at the Patrick J. Baca Library at Central & Unser had to be changed due to limited hours.
The meeting will be held on Monday, September 18, 6 pm at the Taylor Ranch Library 5700 Bogart St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.
We are excited to have the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office present to the WSD on the Clerk’s Office and election process. This is a meeting you won’t want to miss, but if you are unable to
attend, it will be uploaded to our website.
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Join us on Monday September 18th, 6PM at the Taylor Ranch Library 5700 Bogart St. NW in Albuquerque, when the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office will present to the members of the WSD. Some possible talking points for the meeting:
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Understanding the election process: The Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office can explain how the voting process works, from registering to vote to casting a ballot.
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Early voting information: The Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office can inform attendees about early voting dates and locations.
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Mail-in voting: With the ongoing pandemic, many voters may opt for mail-in voting. The Clerk’s Office can share details about the process and the deadlines for requesting and submitting a mail-in ballot.
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Importance of local elections: While the presidential election gets a lot of attention, it’s important to remember that local elections have a direct impact on our communities. The Clerk’s Office can discuss the importance of local elections and why every vote counts.
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Q&A session: Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers from the experts at the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office.
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On Tuesday October 17th 6PM at the Taylor Ranch Library 5700 Bogart St. NW in Albuquerque, former NM State Senator Dede Feldman will join us. Senator Feldman was the first woman elected as a New Mexico senator from Albuquerque’s near North Valley, and the author of three books about politics and change in New Mexico. She has been a pioneer for women in government and has a long history of promoting campaign finance reform, improved health insurance in New Mexico, and election reform. Dede’s has written three books.
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Inside the New Mexico Senate: Boots, Suite and Citizens, a “how to” book for reformers everywhere who need to know how to take their cause to the “powers that be” in the legislature. Here are case studies in how to – and how not to—pass legislation to provide affordable health care, ethical government, lower prescription drug prices, a sane drug policy and an end to the death penalty. Here’s how advocates in one state have done it by building unlikely coalitions, telling compelling stories and understanding how the system works. Advocates in other states facing the same issues, will benefit from this lively account from this very successful and productive legislator.
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Another Way Forward: Grassroots Solutions from New Mexico, profiling innovative organizations and inspiring local leaders who are changing the world in New Mexico, one neighborhood, one clinic, one classroom at a time.
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Her most recent book: Ten More Doors: Politics and the Path to Change, a political memoir about her determined drive toward political change. It tracks the wins, losses and lessons of an unlikely New Mexico Senator.
Senator Feldman will share with us what motivates her to be active in the Democratic Process and how we may find ways to overcome any hesitation in canvassing for causes and candidates. She will also have some books for purchase by cash, check or card.
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Memorial Services For Governor Richardson |
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- Wednesday, September 13, 2023
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM: The Former Governor will lie in state at the Roundhouse Capitol Rotunda
- Thursday, September 14, 2023
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM: The funeral Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi
1 PM: A reception to follow at the Roundhouse Capitol Rotunda
All Events are open to the public
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Representative Joy Garratt, HD 29 - Campaign Kick Off |
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Join us as we kick off Representative Joy Garratt's re-election campaign with a backyard BBQ.
Saturday, September 23, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
At the home of Steve Loomis & Ron Freeny
Address available upon RSVP
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Representative Cynthia D. Borrego - HD 17 Fall Fundraiser |
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Marsella Durarte Candidate for HD 16 fundraiser |
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𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐚 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐞-𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐨
𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐏𝐒 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝟐
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Canvass for APS School Board Candidate Ronalda Tome-Warito on Saturday, September 9th at 10:00 a.m. If you wish to participate, please be at 6215 Cochiti Drive NW, 87120 around 9:30 am.
Your canvassing results can be recorded in either of 2 ways: by using a printed list that will be turned in when you finish, or by using the MiniVAN app which lets you enter your results directly. MiniVAN can be found in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
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Please check out the WSD on our website: https://westsidedems.org/ There, you may keep up to date on our activities and renew your membership or contribute to our efforts.
If you wish to reach one of the Executive Committee directly, you may do so at:
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Dues are $10.00 per calendar year.
You may donate any amount.
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