Uncontested race for RR council seat
RIO RANCHO — So far, Joshua Hernandez has an uncontested race for Rio Rancho’s City Council District 1 seat.
Hernandez, 30, recently announced his bid. Nobody else has come forward yet to challenge the native New Mexican.
Hernandez said he grew up on the West Side of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. He graduated from Cibola High School and attended the University of New Mexico to study marketing.
Currently, he’s the general manager for Club Rio Rancho. Previously, he said he was a political consultant and worked as Mayor Gregg Hull’s campaign manager.
If elected, Hernandez said he’ll focus primarily on strengthening the city’s economy.
“Together, we will build an economy that is diverse and prosperous so every qualified Rio Rancho resident can secure a quality, high-paying job,” he said. “Small businesses all over America and right here in New Mexico drive our economy, but when they are over-regulated and overtaxed, they cannot thrive.”
Hernandez added in order to accomplish that goal, the community must have a stable infrastructure, including completing road projects, fixing the city’s water system and then expanding the police and fire departments.
“Once the infrastructure is in place, the economy can continue to grow and we will welcome new families into Rio Rancho,” he said.
Hernandez said he’s involved in several community organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce Visionaries.
Chuck Wilkins is the incumbent representative for District 1. The 21-year Rio Rancho resident and Farmers Insurance agent has said he will not seek another term with the city council.
The municipal election is March 1 and council seats for districts 1, 4 and 6 are on the ballot. Individuals must officially declare their candidacies on Jan. 5 at City Hall.