Two announce bids for ABQ-area legislative seats

A Democratic business-planning consultant and Republican who is a former chairman of the state Commission on Higher Education announced today their candidacies for Albuquerque-area seats in the state Legislature.

Tim Keller, a Democrat who wants to “bring new and ethical leadership to Santa Fe,” is running for the state Senate District 17 seat currently held by Democrat Shannon Robinson. Ron Toya, a Republican who says he will focus on education issues, is running for the state House District 17 seat currently held by Democrat Ed Sandoval.

“I am running for office because the needs of our district are substantial. As a state senator, I will fight for working families in our district,” Keller said in a news release. “It’s that basic. I will champion affordable and accessible health care, ethical government, better education, safer neighborhoods and new jobs.”

Keller, who would be representing a Southeast Heights district if he wins, is a native of Albuquerque. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame who, after college, co-founded a non-profit that seeks to help disadvantaged people in Cambodia. Today, Keller is a business-planning consultant and volunteers with groups that foster economic opportunities in the area.

Keller, who has been endorsed by the Conservation Voters of New Mexico, plans to officially kick off his campaign Saturday at El Norteno Restaurant, 6416 Zuni Road in Albuquerque, from 2-4 p.m.

Toya, a former federal service employee with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and General Services Administration, is running to represent the North Valley district.

“As a former chairman of the state Commission on Higher Education, improving New Mexico’s education system is a top priority of mine, so that our students are truly equipped to be competitive in the job market and lead prosperous lives,” he said in a news release. “I am also committed to reducing crime in the Albuquerque area, fighting for greater job growth and economic development in New Mexico and ensuring that our government officials perform honorably and are held accountable for unethical behavior.”

A graduate of Valley High School in Albuquerque and Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif., Toya has been awarded the New Mexico State Distinguished Public Service Award and is a member of the Jemez Pueblo. He is also the founder of the Tribal Government Institute. He is married to Peggy Toya and has a son, Douglass.

“New Mexicans can and should expect more from their government,” Toya said. “We can build safer communities, build a stronger economy, better educate our kids for their future and ours, be good stewards of the environment while meeting our energy needs, and restore character and integrity to government. I look forward to meeting these goals in the state Legislature.”