State Rep. Dub Williams, R-Glenco, announced Tuesday that health reasons are forcing him to retire days before a 60-day session begins next week.
According to the Alamogordo Daily News, Williams’ wife has been sick, and the two are unable to travel to Santa Fe for the session. Williams has asked commissioners in Otero and Lincoln counties to consider nominating Zack Cook, a Ruidoso lawyer and village attorney in Capitan, for the position.
Gov. Bill Richardson will choose a replacement from among candidates recommended by the two counties’ commissions.
Williams, who has served in the Legislature since 1995, recently won re-election.
“It has been a great honor for me to serve Lincoln County in the state legislature the past 14 years,” Williams wrote Lincoln County Commission Chairman Tom Battin, according to the Alamogordo paper. “I feel privileged to have been able to work with fine, dedicated pubic servants like you, as well as commissioners Dave Parks, Jackie Powell, Eileen Sedillo, Don Williams and many others over the years.”
Richardson said in a statement released by his office that he was “saddened” by the news of Williams’ retirement.
“The Legislature will sorely miss his considered engagement and even hand,” Richardson said. “I would request that the Lincoln and Otero county commissions seriously consider Dub’s wishes in sending the nominations to name his replacement.”