Julian Torrez of Los Lunas and formerly of Tomé has announced he will run in the Democratic Party primary election for sheriff of Valencia County.
“I feel we need new leadership within the Valencia County Sheriff’s Department,” Torrez said. “If elected as sheriff, I will not only serve as an administrator, but I will utilize my services in assisting the public by also responding to calls.”
Torrez said he guarantees the public 25 percent more manpower without increasing the staff or budget. He said he would implemente a policy that all administration and supervisors will be required to spend a certain amount of their work schedule patrolling the county.
“One of my benefits I will have to offer is that I have had hands-on experience since 1999 in this county and know what we need to do in order to restore our community,” Torrez said. “The sheriff’s department has progressed in the right direction over the years, but we still have a lot to accomplish.”
Torrez said although the sheriff’s department has trained deputies, it can always excel on smarter and safer policing in the county.
“I know that our sheriff’s department has limited resources, but with my experience, ideas and my ties with the federal government, I know I have a lot to offer to the citizens of Valencia County,” Torrez said. “We need to take advantage of the resources that are offered to our department at no cost to the taxpayers and I believe that raising taxes is not always the solution to mismanagement or a limited budget.”
Torrez has more than 20 years experience in the administrative level in the private sector and says he knows what it takes to work with a limited budget.
“With my 20 years of managerial and supervisory skills, it has brought me knowledge on what it takes to be a successful leader. I know what it takes to bring up morale, train, direct and motivate the staff within the department,” Torrez said.
He said one of his goals, if elected sheriff, is to manage the county jail. Torrez said he believes this will save Valencia County a substantial amount of money. He also said he will work side-by-side with the judges in finding a way to educate the youth.
Torrez is a graduate of the Bernalillo County Reserve and of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety in Santa Fe and is a certified instructor for weapons of mass destruction and anti-terrorism.
“To me, the sheriff’s race is not a matter of a political position. It is merely a position which I am applying for to be approved by the citizens of Valencia County,” Torrez said.
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
