Richard L. Lucero (March 16, 1935 – January 22, 2024) was an American businessman and politician in New Mexico, who was the longest-serving mayor of Española, serving on and off for a total of 22 years.[1]
Richard Lucero | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Española, New Mexico | |
| In office 1968–1974 | |
| Preceded by | Epimenio Vigil |
| Succeeded by | Santiago Martinez |
| In office 1986–1994 | |
| Preceded by | Consuelo S. Thompson |
| Succeeded by | Ross Chavez |
| In office 1998–2006 | |
| Preceded by | Ross Chavez |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Maestas |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 16, 1935 Española, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Died | January 22, 2024 (aged 88) Española, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Profession | Businessman |
Lucero is the owner of Country Farm Supply, a store on Española's Riverside Drive, that his family have owned since the 1970s.[1] In 2004, he founded Española Military Academy, based on a similar school in Oakland, California, with the vision of improving academic achievement through the use military discipline. In 2008, the Academy underwent a funding crisis as State officials sought to withdraw funding based on students' performance and radical teaching methods.[3]
The Richard L. Lucero Center, Española's Public Library and Recreational Swim and Athletic Center, was named in his honor[2] during his administration.
In 2019, Richard L. Lucero was accused in two separate legal actions of having sexually abused boys in relation to his role as a Scoutmaster and Explorers troop leader in Española during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.[4][5]
Lucero died from a heart attack in Española, on January 22, 2024, at the age of 88.[6][7]
References
edit- ^ a b Davenport, Kristen (September–October 2006). "Feed Stores Offer Everything From Livestock Feed to Farm Animals". Grit. Ogden Publications, Inc. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
- ^ a b "Española Public Library". Española Community Services. City of Española. Archived from the original on July 20, 2008. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
- ^ Sena, John (December 23, 2008). "Parents rallying to save Española Military Academy". The New Mexican. The Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
- ^ https://www.riograndesun.com/news/former-mayor-sued-for-sexual-assault/article_ac3bc626-ae55-11e9-9950-2f4addef4ea5.html
- ^ https://www.riograndesun.com/news/second-rape-accuser-files-suit-against-former-mayor/article_318b0a2e-fbf6-11e9-8288-7ff74a2a86f0.html
- ^ "Richard Lucero". De Vargas Funeral Home & Crematory. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
- ^ Gilmore, Nicholas (January 23, 2024). "'Mr. Española' served three stints as mayor, was called 'visionary,' and 'dreamer'". Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
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