sa国际传媒官网网页入口

For more than two decades, Ken Sanchez served his hometown of sa国际传媒官网网页入口, first as a Bernalillo County commissioner for six years, then as a member of the sa国际传媒官网网页入口 City Council for 15 years, representing the West Side.

Sanchez garnered a reputation among his colleagues as a sensible and caring voice who championed causes that would improve the lives of every citizen. He became known for his ability to work across political lines, which endeared him to so many of his fellow councilors, the mayors and the staff he worked with.

鈥�(Sanchez) was the glue that held our city together in so many ways,鈥� sa国际传媒官网网页入口 Mayor Tim Keller said. 鈥淗e made sure that we progressed forward, even if we disagreed.鈥�

His standing is what made his death in 2020 following a medical episode so heartbreaking for so many.

鈥淚 truly miss him,鈥� said City Councilor Klarissa Pe帽a, who served alongside Sanchez for seven years.

Since his death, the city has honored Sanchez by naming a city transit center in Northwest sa国际传媒官网网页入口 after him and by passing a resolution that would name a pillar at Civic Plaza for him.

The resolution, sponsored by Pe帽a, received the full support of the council and Keller, and on Monday afternoon, a plaque bearing Sanchez鈥檚 name affixed to the pillar was unveiled by City Hall.

Keller and Pe帽a were joined by the entire City Council and Sanchez鈥檚 family and friends to celebrate the occasion. The placement of the plaque is in a fitting place, according to Sanchez鈥檚 daughter Jacklyn, who said her father would鈥檝e loved being in the middle of Civic Plaza.

鈥淔or those who knew my dad, you knew how much he loved people. He absolutely adored being in crowds,鈥� Jacklyn Sanchez said. 鈥淗e knew everyone, and he loved to see everyone, and now he can still be there in the middle of the action with everyone.鈥�

The placement also has significant meaning for an event that was near Sanchez鈥檚 heart: the annual lighting of the Angel Tree.

Sanchez was a key part of starting the yearly holiday season tradition, sponsoring the lighting in 2016 and continuing that sponsorship until his death. The tree is dedicated to children in New Mexico who have lost their lives to violence.

Frank Montano was there when the tree lighting began. As a member of the Rio Grande chapter of the Guardians of the Children biker group, he said the group was looking for a way to honor such victims.

鈥淲hen we lose a child, we want to celebrate them so their parents and families understand that we will never forget them,鈥� Montano said. 鈥淜en jumped on board and was the most un-politician politician there ever was. He was a huge role model to anyone who wants to go into politics.鈥�

When discussing where the tree could be placed, the Guardians told Sanchez they wanted a place in the city that would be visible. Sanchez suggested Civic Plaza.

鈥淲e were shocked, knowing Civic Plaza is reserved for certain things,鈥� Montano said, 鈥渂ut we said, 鈥楽ure, that鈥檇 be great.鈥欌��

Sanchez鈥檚 plaque is adjacent to where the tree will be lit, ensuring his presence for each lighting moving forward. Sanchez鈥檚 daughter believes it will also offer the community a chance to recall her father and what he did for the community.

鈥淚 hope they remember him as a great leader, a great father, a great person and as someone who really cared about them,鈥� she said.

Photos: City honors late city councilor Ken Sanchez

Gino Gutierrez is the good news reporter at the sa国际传媒官网网页入口. If you have an idea for a good news story, you can contact him at goodnews@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3940.