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Richard Lucero

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Richard Lucero
Mayor of Española, New Mexico
In office
1968–1974
Preceded byEpimenio Vigil
Succeeded bySantiago Martinez
In office
1986–1994
Preceded byConsuelo S. Thompson
Succeeded byRoss Chavez
In office
1998–2006
Preceded byRoss Chavez
Succeeded byJoseph Maestas
Personal details
Born(1935-03-16)March 16, 1935
Española, New Mexico, U.S.
DiedJanuary 22, 2024(2024-01-22) (aged 88)
Española, New Mexico, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
ProfessionBusinessman

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 L. Lucero Center in Española, New Mexico named in his honor – housing the Española Public Library, community gym, public swimming pool and public meeting rooms[2]

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

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ a b "Española Public Library". Española Community Services. City of Española. Archived from the original on July 20, 2008. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  3. ^ Sena, John (December 23, 2008). "Parents rallying to save Española Military Academy". The New Mexican. The Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  4. ^ https://www.riograndesun.com/news/former-mayor-sued-for-sexual-assault/article_ac3bc626-ae55-11e9-9950-2f4addef4ea5.html
  5. ^ https://www.riograndesun.com/news/second-rape-accuser-files-suit-against-former-mayor/article_318b0a2e-fbf6-11e9-8288-7ff74a2a86f0.html
  6. ^ "Richard Lucero". De Vargas Funeral Home & Crematory. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  7. ^ 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.