Justin J. Salazar-Torrez/Courtesy photo
POLITICAL NEWS
Española City Councilor Justin J. Salazar-Torrez has announced he’s running for State House Representative in District 40, promising to put family and public safety first while fighting for Colfax, Mora, Rio Arriba and San Miguel Counties.
The District 40 seat is currently held by Rep. Joseph Sanchez who is in the race for Congressional District 3.
Salazar-Torrez, a Republican, says poor education and a lack of emotional support for troubled youth are contributing to the complications New Mexico communities face. Having seen the effects of intergenerational trauma firsthand, Salazar-Torrez knows the trauma and life-long affects associated with such horrific neglect in Northern New Mexico. Together with the state’s Children, Youth and Families Department, he would like to break the cycle of child violence.
“We must re-examine what’s happening at CYFD,” Salazar-Torrez said. “Too many children are dying or being injured, and not enough is being done to address New Mexico’s child services crisis. Our children do not have the safety, emotional, and educational support they need. The opioid crisis needs to be tackled at its roots. Strengthening public safety is a must. Everyone deserves to feel safe.”
He said Northern New Mexico must strengthen the core of its infrastructure to support stronger communities, adding that extended broadband and improved economic development are crucial to accelerating opportunities for youth and families.
Born and raised in an affordable housing community, Salazar-Torrez’s hard work and determination have established him as a strong and respected government leader in Espanola. Among his accomplishments at City Hall is the clean and lien endeavor, a program that has removed dilapidated structures, abandoned vehicles and other eyesores from the city streets.
Salazar-Torrez works at The Los Alamos National Laboratory as a technician and is also a funeral director. He is married with three children.
You can reach Salazar-Torrez at: justin4nmhouse@gmail.com