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A MEMORIAL

HONORING THE MEMORY OF SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE

BEN D. ALTAMIRANO.

WHEREAS, the passing of Senator Ben D. Altamirano marks

the loss of a great and devoted public servant; and

WHEREAS, Senator Altamirano was born on October 17, 1930

in Silver City; and

WHEREAS, he was married to his loving wife, Nina

Melendrez, and was father to Yolanda, Ben Jr., and Paul; and

WHEREAS, Senator Altamirano enlisted with the United

States Army in 1946 and served with the European Occupation

Forces during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Senator Altamirano dutifully represented

District 28 in the New Mexico Senate from 1971 until his

passing in late 2007 and served as president pro tempore

from 2005; and

WHEREAS, he served on numerous legislative committees

and served as chair of the Senate Finance Committee for

seventeen years before being elected president pro tempore,

whereupon he became co-chair of the New Mexico Legislative

Council; and

WHEREAS, during Senator Altamirano's tenure, one hundred

eighty-eight members have passed through the senate chambers;

and

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WHEREAS, Senator Altamirano played an influential role

in the passage of key pieces of legislation, including the

ban on cockfighting bill and the minimum wage bill; and

WHEREAS, in describing Senator Altamirano's style,

Governor Bill Richardson said, "Benny was a true statesman

whose soft-spoken demeanor and love for New Mexico helped

earn him the respect of everyone who crossed his path.", a

sentiment echoed by all who knew him; and

WHEREAS, Senator Altamirano was known for his big smile

and quick hug; and

WHEREAS, Senator Altamirano was also known for his

bipartisanship, having been described by Senator Mary Jane M.

Garcia as "a kind of peacemaker working with both sides of

the aisle";

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE

STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the memory of Senator Ben D.

Altamirano be honored for his many years of devoted service

to the people of New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be

transmitted to the family of Senator Altamirano.