This interview originally appeared on the Town of Pagosa Springs website.
Leonard Martinez was appointed to Pagosa Spring’s Town Council in April when a vacancy allowed him the opportunity to apply and serve. As a long-time resident of the Town, he was excited to take on this new leadership role with the goal of working on projects and initiatives that support community members in need.
Get to know more about Council member Martinez through our Q&A with him below:
How long have you lived in Pagosa Springs?
Interesting question because there are multiple answers: The first time, I lived in Pagosa Springs for 19 years. The second time was for 10 years – but not full time as we were fortunate to share household(s) with my parents, so it was mostly summers and holidays. Our retirement plan and permanent residence came together in 2018 in Pagosa Springs when my wife and godson restored the house my grandfather built in the 1930s. So, this question candidly serves one purpose: I am really, pretty old!
What’s your favorite thing to do… or place to go… in Pagosa Springs?
To answer this question, it’s important to understand what Pagosa Springs has meant to me and what I hope it can continue to be for me and my family. A 75-year Harvard study regarding happiness points to a dominant factor: high-quality personal relationships. Wealth, education, power, achievement, and recognition all play a role. Still, the deep personal relationships with family and friends were what I learned to value in Pagosa. My favorite thing to do is to work with the older women of Our Lady of Guadalupe Society in their bereavement ministry. Consequently, one of my favorite places is the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and the mission churches throughout the county. Going to Archuleta Senior Housing for anything is special. In fact, going to the Post Office or the grocery store become opportunities for connecting and growing those relationships. Finally, I would say reading the Pagosa Sun weekly, particularly the sections about the news 50 years ago or longer, reminds me how important we are to each other.
Why did you choose to serve on Town Council?
Out of respect for my fellow council members, who did run for Town Council, I did not run; they appointed me to fill an open position. The reason I applied for the position is that I was in discussion with Town leaders about what we could do for our friends and neighbors in need. While the discussion was provocative and productive, I knew municipal management was not my domain of expertise. I wondered if my life experiences could be of any value to the Town Council. I spoke with several folks that I respect. While the time window was not how I usually make decisions, I decided to apply, knowing I might not be selected. Whether I was selected or not, I intended to continue to work with and for our friends and neighbors in need.
What upcoming Town projects or initiatives are you excited to work on?
All 11 Town goals and objectives are important and worthwhile, and the Town Manager and staff demonstrate competence. The Town Council, Mayor, and staff have aligned to several long-range plans, which I am getting myself acquainted with. The three goals that aligned best with my personal interests are affordable Early Childhood Care and Education, Workforce Housing, and Historic Preservation and Main Street.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
I’ve been married for 49 years and have 3 children, 4 foster children, 2 foster families, and 2 grandchildren, none of which could’ve happened without a tremendous partner. I’m newly retired, but my definition of retirement is not that I’ll stop working but that I’ll only work on what I love. I hope to listen, hear, and speak for those that do not have a voice. Strategies to accomplish hard tasks can be done when all are pulling or pushing in the same direction, where everyone can find some level of success. These are lessons learned from mentors who, interestingly enough, come from Pagosa Springs.