Our first in-person Bernalillo County Central Committee (CCC) since the pandemic drew hundreds of solid Democrats to the UNM Continuing Education Center last Saturday, allowing all of us to rub elbows, hug, meet our new leadership, hear from party leaders, and recognize outgoing Bernalillo County chair Flora Lucero.
Mayor Tim Keller and City of Albuquerque First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller started things rolling by addressing our city’s progress in the area of equity. Throughout the day, we also heard in-person from State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard, from APS school board members and Albuquerque Teachers Federation president, and from Linda Stover and Michelle Kavanagh of the County Clerk’s Office. In addition, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse-Oliver, State Treasurer Laura Montoya, and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez visited via zoom.
DPBC’s Finance team, Communications team, Elections team, and Social Media team all enjoyed due recognition for their unstinting volunteer service. Candidates for DPBC leadership — Marisol Enriquez, Jake Stern-Powell, and Elizabeth Serna — each introduced themselves, as did candidates in the running for State Democratic Party offices.
At the close of the day, outgoing DPBC Chair Flora Lucero spoke movingly and modestly about her experience leading DPBC over the last 4 years–stressing how much she valued the people who worked with her. Danny Leiva, outgoing Vice Chair, also spoke, emphasizing his learning experience on the job.
The proceedings finished with drawings for door prizes–sending lucky people off with two fun piñatas and a pretty selection of potted flowers. Prize or no prize, it was a great day to be a Dem!