Taos County Commissioner Miguel “Poncho” Romero Jr. says his decades of public service, from law enforcement to local government and youth coaching, have been guided by a simple philosophy: work for the people.
Romero, who represents District 2 on the Taos County Commission, said his focus is on improving efficiency in county government, supporting economic growth and helping residents meet basic needs.
“When you run for office, you’re not there to make yourself look good or elevate yourself,” Romero said. “I like to work for the people.”
Romero first entered elected office in the mid-2000s. He put his name forward to run for Taos County sheriff in 2006, winning his first term. He was reelected four years later.
In 2013, he submitted his name for an opening as a Taos County magistrate judge. A year later, he was appointed to serve on a village council, where he completed a one-year term.
Three years ago, Romero returned to the ballot and was elected to the Taos County Commission, representing District 2.
Outside government, Romero has worked for decades as a meat cutter at Der Markt in Red River, where he first began working in 1990. After completing his time as sheriff, he returned to the job.
He has also spent years coaching high school basketball, an experience he said helped shape his approach to leadership.
“Especially when coaching, the kids look at the future,” Romero said. “Life isn’t easy and in coaching, you show them that you have to work through everything.”
As a commissioner, Romero said one of his goals if reelected is to make the county government more responsive to residents.
“Governments at every level don’t run fast enough,” he said. Romero said supporting county employees is also key to good public service.
“The people are happy if our employees make them happy,” he said. “It’s our employees that make us look good.”
He said county leaders have also been working more closely with state and federal officials on infrastructure and economic development.
Two years ago, Romero began discussing with lawmakers the possibility of extending a natural gas line to the northern Taos County communities of Cerro and Costilla. The proposal aims to provide an alternative heating source for residents, particularly elderly people who rely on firewood.
“It’s getting harder for elderly people to get wood,” Romero said. “We need a natural gas line.”
Romero said maintaining strong relationships with state legislators has helped local officials navigate government processes and secure support for regional priorities.
Romero describes himself as supportive of economic growth and new development opportunities in the county.
“I’m definitely pro-growth, pro-job creation, pro-advancements,” he said.
He pointed to the Kit Carson Electric Cooperative solar array built in Costilla as an example of regional progress. While he supported the project, Romero said when he was invited to speak, he declined as he prefers to credit the cooperative rather than seek recognition himself.
“I’m not a glory hog,” he said. “It’s KCEC’s accomplishment. I congratulate them.”
Originally from Peñasco, Romero moved to Questa when he married his wife, Rachael and raised his four sons. He says his experiences in small northern New Mexico communities continue to shape his perspective as a county leader.
Even though he represents District 2, Romero said his responsibility extends to the entire county.
“When something needs to be done in Peñasco, even though that’s not my district, it does take a majority of commissioners to vote on things. You don’t solely work on behalf of your district, you work on what’s best for the entire county.”
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