SENATE MEMORIAL 19

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

Timothy Z. Jennings

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

     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.

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