BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

Thirty-five year State Sen. Carlos Cisneros of Questa died suddenly of a heart attack Tuesday morning. He was 71.

Cisneros, a Democrat, represented District 6 which includes Taos County, Rio Arriba County, Santa Fe County and part of Los Alamos County.

Cisneros entered the state Senate in 1985. He was the chair of the Revenue Stabilization and Tax Committee and vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee. He also served on the Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee and was a member of the Legislative Council.

Rep. Chris Chandler heard the news late Tuesday afternoon.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our colleague Sen. Carlos
Cisneros.  He and I attended the Land Grant Interim Committee together
yesterday, and as usual he was thoroughly engaged, offering thoughtful
insights and suggestions,” she said. “Senator Cisneros represented all of his
constituents with commitment, compassion and energy.  He was a champion
for all his constituents – always there for White Rock, Los Alamos and the
Laboratory.  His passing is a great loss for all of us.  He will be
missed.  My heart goes out to his wife and family.”