Torres honored for his service as mayor

March 01, 2010

Belen Mayor Ronnie Torres was honored tonight by the City of Belen for his tenure as mayor, in addition to his many years of community service during the past couple of decades.

“We recognize Mayor Ronnie Torres for his vision for our city and for his efforts, dedication and hard work in fulfilling that vision,” Councilor Wayne Gallegos said, reading from a proclamation declaring today as “Mayor Ronnie Torres Day.”

Last summer, Torres decided not to seek reelection to a fourth term as Belen’s mayor.

Gallegos, when reading the proclamation, said Torres would be remembered most for the annual Miracle on Main Street Christmas festival and electric light parade.

Torres was also responsible for major projects like constructing the Belen Community Center and Multipurpose Park, building the fire substation near the Reinken Avenue overpass, and expanding the Belen Public Library.

“He’s done many good things for the community,” said Councilor Rudy Jaramillo.

He also began reconstructing Becker Avenue as the “Heart of Belen,” intended as a redeveloped city center. During his tenure, the city began major improvements to Camino del Llano and annexed 6,000 acres for the development of Rancho Cielo west of Los Chavez.

“The man is fantastic and has just a kind heart,” said Councilor Terese Ulivarri.

Torres, who spent two years on the Belen City Council prior to serving 12 years as mayor, said he couldn’t have done all he did without a council that backed him and a staff that supported him.

“If you want a good team, you have to surround yourself with people much more educated than yourself,” Torres said.

Even though he won’t be mayor next week when a new mayor is sworn in, Torres said he won’t be too far away.

“I wish you guys the best. Continue doing what we’ve been doing. I’m a phone call away,” he said.

Posted in: Politics