HOUSE MEMORIAL 115
53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018
INTRODUCED BY
Jason C. Harper
A MEMORIAL
HONORING REPRESENTATIVE DENNIS J. ROCH AND HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO NEW MEXICO.
WHEREAS, after serving five terms, Representative Dennis J. Roch is retiring from the New Mexico legislature at the end of the 2018 session; and
WHEREAS, Representative Roch, a Republican, represents district 67, covering Colfax, Curry, Harding, Quay, Roosevelt, San Miguel and Union counties; and
WHEREAS, Representative Roch is the superintendent of the Logan municipal school district and is a leading voice on education issues; and
WHEREAS, Representative Roch was the vice chair of the education committee from 2015 to 2016 and a committee member from 2009 to 2014 and from 2017 to 2018; and
WHEREAS, Representative Roch also was a member of the appropriations and finance committee from 2015 to 2016; a labor and human resources committee member from 2009 to 2010; a taxation and revenue committee member from 2011 to 2014; and a state government, Indian and veterans affairs committee member from 2017 to 2018; and
WHEREAS, Representative Roch was the chair of the interim legislative education study committee from 2015 to 2016 and a committee member from 2009 to 2018; and
WHEREAS, Representative Roch also served on the interim economic and rural development committee, the military and veterans' affairs committee and other committees; and
WHEREAS, Representative Roch made his mark on other issues and was the sponsor of a 2015 right-to-work bill that passed the house of representatives but died in the senate; and
WHEREAS, health issues were also at the forefront of Representative Roch's advocacy, with his support of expanding the services of dental therapists to address New Mexico's oral health care crisis; and
WHEREAS, Representative Roch has a well-deserved reputation for being among the most knowledgeable about the house rules and Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure and has frequently been asked to preside over the house because of his mastery of the process; and
WHEREAS, Representative Roch is a Clovis native and received a bachelor of arts degree in English from eastern New Mexico university in 1994 and a master of arts degree in English from George Mason university in 1997; and
WHEREAS, prior to becoming the superintendent of the Logan municipal school district, Representative Roch was a teacher and coach in the Texico municipal school district and the assistant superintendent of the Tucumcari public school district; and
WHEREAS, Representative Roch was a staff assistant to United States Senator Pete Domenici from 1995 to 1997 and a field representative for United States Representative Bill Redmond from 1997 to 1998; and
WHEREAS, Representative Roch is married to Rochelle Hodge, and the couple reside in Logan with their four children; and
WHEREAS, while Representative Roch recognizes the time commitment for serving as a state legislator, he has noted the sacrifices made by the families of legislators as well;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Representative Dennis J. Roch be recognized and honored for his dedication to the representation and well-being of the people of New Mexico; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to Representative Dennis J. Roch.
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