Bryan R. Olguin, the mayor of Peralta, is married to Diane Gabrielita Bachicha Olguin. Their children are Crystal, Alberto and Isabella; and their grandchildren are Dominic, Delilia, Alton, Tristan, Deacon, Jude, Penelope and baby girl on her way.
He is a senior service technician for CumminsAllison/CPI/Crane Co., a worldwide company specializing in currency/coin and payment innovation solutions since 1855, covering New Mexico/Arizona and El Paso.
His wife, children, grandchildren and brothers own and operate the Bosque Farms Flea Market, also known as the All American Outdoor Market.
Submitted photos
Family is everything to Peralta Mayor Bryan Olguin.
Q What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?
A “Most of my time driving is dedicated to prayer and listening to music.”
Q What’s a myth about your profession you’d like to bust?
A “A myth about my profession as a mayor is, ‘most politicians are on the take,’ ‘back door deals’ and ‘I make a lot of money as a mayor.’”
Q What were you like in high school?
A “A bit rebellious. B-average student. Not highly motivated or very interested with the world of academics. Always had a job that I took more seriously than academics.”
Bryan Olguin has been mayor of the town of Peralta for 13 years.
Q What is the best advice you’ve ever received and from whom?
A “My dad gave me so much great advice I never seriously considered until after he passed away. I could write a book quoting all the positive, uplifting and inspiring messages he passed on to me. One quote he said to me when I was frustrated, angry and worried about something was, ‘Mi Hito, don’t worry about it; if God wants you to have something, He will give it to you.’”
“In my 20s, I received a very high, unexpected bill that had to be paid very quickly. I got angry and said to my dad, ‘ … I can never get ahead, Dad!’ He very patiently listened to my whining and then said to me with so much compassion, love and concern, ‘Son, who are you trying to get ahead of? I will help you.’ I felt so small and so embarrassed with myself that I said, ‘Hey Dad, wanna have a beer?’”
Q What did you want to be when you grew up?
A “Definitely not a mayor. I wanted to be like my dad, a man his family, friends and community can always count on, in good times and in bad times. I also wanted to have that special smile my dad had when he looked at his grandkids; it was awesome!”
Q Who inspires you?
A “My beautiful wife, Gabby; my children, grandchildren, my father and mother, and all my brothers and sisters. I am still learning from each and every one of them. My grandson, Deacon Bryan, was born with chronic heart disease. He underwent open heart surgery at 2 months old. He is the strongest, happiest, big-hearted person I know. I pray to be like him someday!”
Peralta Mayor Bryan Olguin and his wife, Gabby, have been married for 37 years.
Q If you could work any other job for one day, what would it be and why?
A “A caregiver. My wife, brothers, sisters and myself have been caring for our mom for more than four years now. There is no greater reward than providing love, laughter, hope, encouragement and the basic life-giving needs to another human being in order to sustain life in a safe, happy, comfortable and loving environment.”
Q What do you do in your free time?
A “Always spending time with family, playing and working.”
Q What’s something about you most people don’t know?
A “As a mayor for more than 13 years, my life has been pretty much exposed, picked and prodded at and drug through the mud. Sometimes deserving; however, mostly undeserving.”
Q What three books would you to take to a deserted island?
A “The ‘Holy Bible,’ ‘The Diary of Anne Frank,’ ‘The Grapes of Wrath,’ and ‘The Shack.’”
Q You find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?
A “Make sure all my family members needs will be taken care of. Give it all away to people who need it most.”
News-Bulletin file photo
The annual Fiestas de Peralta includes a parade. Mayor Bryan Olguin participated on a three-wheel bicycle with his grandson, Deacon Bryan Armijo.
Q Who is your best friend and why?
A “I have been blessed to have three best friends: 1. Jesus Christ 2. My dad was my best friend the last 10 years of his life. 3. Now I am proud to say my wife, Gabby, is my best friend. After 38 years, I realized my best friend was always right by my side. She stood by me when I made some really bad decisions and has always done her best to protect me from all negative influences — including myself.”
Q What’s your favorite song to sing when you’re alone?
A “‘Hey Jude’ (my granddaughter’s name) and ‘Just a Closer Walk with Thee.’”
Q Where is your happy place, and why?
A “At our family home. The family home is more than 100 years old, has lots of history and tons of blessed memories.”
Q Have you had a life-changing experience that led you to where you are today?
A “I have had more than a few life-changing and near-life ending experiences. The realization of losing my wife and kids have made me strive to better myself and consider the health, happiness, welfare and safety of my family, my community, the world and, most importantly, be pleasing to our heavenly Father.”
Q What teacher had the greatest impact on you?
A “My father, Albert; mother, Elizabeth; and wife, Gabby Olguin.”
Q What is your favorite movie scene and why?
A “No favorite movies.”
Q If you could have dinner with one famous person — dead or alive — who would it be and why?
A “Jesus of Nazareth AKA Jesus Christ. I strongly wholeheartedly believe He is the greatest teacher of all time. He can answer all my questions and simply for the fact that “He is the greatest!”
Q What are you most proud of?
A “I am most proud of several things. However, I am most proud of the following people who have made it possible for me to make a small difference in this world.
1. My father and mother, for never giving up on me. They taught me to hold my head high even in the most difficult of times. Own up to my mistakes, make the wrongs right and move on in life.
2. My wife. She taught me the importance of honesty and trust.
3. My son, Alberto, for teaching me the importance of patience and respect.
4. My daughters, Crystal and Isabella, for teaching me the importance of discipline and self respect.”
Q How would you like to be remembered?
A “I would like to be remembered by and through my children, grandchildren and beyond.”
The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.
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April 19, 2024
