CONEJOS — The Conejos County Republican Party and Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) wasted no time filling the District 1 vacancy created by John Sandoval’s resignation.
Former South Conejos Superintendent of Schools Carlos Garcia was sworn in last week and said he hopes to keep the county “moving in the same positive direction as it has been.”
A career educator and part-time rancher, Garcia said he hadn’t run for office and didn’t think of being appointed until GOP Chairman Dick Ross called him and said the party had suggested him.
Although he hasn’t held elected office, governance is no stranger to Garcia, who has served on the Bureau of Land Management advisory board, as well as the Conejos County Planning Commission board of adjustment. He is also a Hospice volunteer.
An Antonito native and one of three sons of Reginaldo Jr. and Otilda Garcia, he received his BA at the University of Colorado and his MA from Adams State (then) College.
Garcia is proud of his father, who served as Conejos County Clerk for a number of years, along with a family that includes brothers Reginaldo III and Roberto and two daughters and their husbands and his children, Lucinda Flores (Xavier) and Ava and Katherine Garcia (Brandon Williams) and Manolo.
He is also a proud alumnus of Adams State and the University of Colorado.
Speaking of his goals as he serves out the uncompleted term of Sandoval, Garcia said he believes the future of Conejos County is looking good, but he knows it will mean work. “I want to get my feet wet up to the ankles before I wade deeper,” he comments.
After being sworn in, he took time to honor his predecessor, John Sandoval, acknowledging his “18 years of public service, leadership and dedication to the citizens of Conejos, notably District 1.”
“I am grateful to the Republican Central Committee for having confidence in my abilities and I accept the appointment with honor, gratitude and excitement. I am very eager to start the work.”
He said he is also looking forward to working with fellow commissioners Steve McCarroll and Mitchell Jarvies in continuing the county’s progress.
“I also look forward to working with all the Conejos County staff.”
He added, “Most importantly, I promise the citizens of Conejos County that I will work smart in fulfilling the duties of a commissioner.”