Fernando Macias says “a tremendous outpouring of support for the candidacy” helped convince Gov. Bill Richardson to appoint him a district judge.
“A strong base of support statewide… lent credibility to my application,” the former state senator said.
In appointing Macias to the children’s court,
Bernadette Sedillo was the politically safer candidate and had many supporters in this community. Many others didn’t support her simply because they weren’t impressed by her experience and interviews.
Macias comes with baggage, about which I’ve written extensively on this site, and he isn’t hiding from it, noting that he has been an elected official for 18 years.
“Nobody who has ever been in high-level positions has ever made everybody happy,” Macias said. “There’s always controversy.”
However, Macias said, people need to look past the fact that he hasn’t practiced law in about a decade and realize that he has gained experience that will help him provide leadership on the children’s court “not only inside but outside the courtroom.” Macias said he plans to focus on community programs to combat juvenile delinquency in addition to dealing with delinquent teens who come before him in court.
“I’m real excited by the possibilities. I think this is a great challenge,” Macias said.
He said he also realizes the governor expects him to adjust quickly to being back in court.
“Fernando Macias has a long-standing record in public service to the State of
Macias does not yet know when he’ll start, but he will resign his position as state director of New Mexico Legal Aid.
Macias said he hopes to serve on the board of that organization.
Assuming the Democratic Party puts Macias on the ballot for the Nov. 7 General Election, he’ll face Republican Rita Nuñez-Neumann, but with the advantage of incumbency.
The Democrats have until Sept. 12 to name their candidate for the race.