SENATE MEMORIAL 33

55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2022

INTRODUCED BY

Peter Wirth and Gregory A. Baca

A MEMORIAL

HONORING LENORE NARANJO FOR HER PEERLESS AND DEVOTED CAREER TO THE NEW MEXICO STATE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, in 1976, the late Senator Matias Chacon had the foresight to ask a young woman from Espanola to be his secretary for the upcoming legislative session, and she readily agreed; and

     WHEREAS, when the late senator unexpectedly passed away before the session even began, Chief Clerk Juanita Pino felt she should honor Senator Chacon's commitment and arranged for the woman to be hired as a door attendant by the sergeant-at-arms; and

     WHEREAS, thus began Lenore Naranjo's illustrious career with the New Mexico state senate; and

     WHEREAS, once Chief Clerk Pino learned of Lenore's secretarial skills, she convinced Lenore to return the following year as a secretary, eventually promoting her to committee secretary; and

     WHEREAS, when Chief Clerk Pino realized what an excellent and valuable employee Lenore had become, she chose Lenore to be her deputy chief clerk; and

     WHEREAS, when Juanita Pino retired in 1990 and the chief clerk position was offered to Lenore, she respectfully declined, as it would have interfered with her daily tee time at the golf course; and

     WHEREAS, when Margaret Larragoite became chief clerk in 1991, Lenore did agree to accept the part-time position of deputy chief clerk, a post she held for sixteen years until Chief Clerk Larragoite retired; and

     WHEREAS, the state senate realized that Lenore was the most qualified candidate and elected her as senate chief clerk in 2008, where she has served enthusiastically and diligently to this day; and

     WHEREAS, throughout her storied career with the state senate, Lenore has performed her duties in each position she has held with integrity, dedication and professionalism and has proven to be an outstanding leader, loyal public servant and, above all, a good friend to each and every senator regardless of party affiliation; and

     WHEREAS, under Lenore's tutelage and guidance over the past fourteen years, many members in the senate chamber have learned how to become effective legislators; and

     WHEREAS, this is Lenore's last regular session as chief clerk of the state senate, and her retirement will leave some very large shoes to fill; and

     WHEREAS, Lenore is now looking forward to being a lady of leisure, spending time with her family, golfing with her husband, Alex, and pushing that button on the slot machine;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that heartfelt thanks and deep gratitude be offered to Lenore Naranjo for her many years of dedication, loyalty and tireless work on behalf of the senate chamber; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that you shall be missed, Lenore. ¡Vaya con Dios!; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to Lenore Naranjo.

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