Marlo Martínez

Age: 64 Occupation:

New Mexico Office Supply, owner

Education: University of New Mexico Political experience: Former Rio Arriba probate judge

Political party: Democrat

Charged or convicted of a crime (more serious than a traffic ticket): misdemeanor aggravated battery (dismissed without prejudice)

Social media or website: facebook.com/marlo.martinez.50

Marlo Martínez is drawing on his small business and public service experience in his run to represent District 41 in the New Mexico Legislature.

Martínez owns the New Mexico Office Supply store in downtown Española, having taken it over from his father more than 45 years ago. His son now runs the business.

“I’m a native New Mexican. I’ve been here all my life. I see the plight of my people and I do care about them,” he said.

Martínez is running against incumbent Democrat Susan Herrera, who was first elected to represent the district in 2018.

She defeated incumbent Debbie Rodella in the primary, earning more than 56 percent of the vote. Herrera went unchallenged in the general election in 2018, and won a second term in 2020, unchallenged in both the primary and general election.

“We’re surrounded by Taos, Los Alamos and Santa Fe. We have a lot of tourism in this area,” said the 64-year-old Martínez. “However, we can’t even have a decent plaza here. There’s a lot we can do here just to improve the aesthetics of the town.”

“What concerns me is the governor and the Legislature gave away $700 million in the form of tax rebates,” he said. “I think, with all of the needs — including our public safety [officers] and their salaries — that that money would have been better spent on fixing things that are so badly needed in my district.”

Martinez said he and Herrera have differences when it comes to funding for the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office, and a proposal he initiated to seek GRT tax monies from neighboring Los Alamos County.

“It was a simple study,” he said. “I think that would have gone a long way to help our communities here and in the surrounding areas.”

Martínez said he’d also like to address the lack of funding for local water and acequia projects, the lack of resources to keep community kids engaged and the lack of behavioral health resources.

Martínez said he learned how the state Legislature operates when he worked under the chief clerk of the New Mexico State Senate, analyzing, proofreading and reading bills out loud on the Senate floor.

“I was involved in every aspect of legislation and debate for eight straight years — because I had to be on the floor at all times.” He also served three terms as a Rio Arriba County probate judge.

“So I have a vast experience in the legislative arena, and in the business arena, and raising a family,” said Martínez. “And for the reason I’m wanting to run again — it’s because I’ve always volunteered my entire life. I’ve always been a community activist, and I have always been involved.”