The state has a new director of elections.
The hiring of A.J. Salazar was announced today by Secretary of State Mary Herrera in a news release. He will begin in job on April 20 and will be paid $95,000 a year.
“I look forward to having A.J. Salazar join our team here at the Secretary of State’s Office,” Herrera said in the release. “He has a reputation of being meticulous, thorough and attentive. In addition, he is known for his strong work ethic. As an attorney, he will provide a valuable service not only to the agency, but to the taxpayers as well.”
Salazar has twice worked in the Santa Fe County District Attorney’s Office and most recently worked as general counsel to House Speaker Ben Lujan during the 2009 legislative session.
The position has been vacant since Gerald Gonzalez left late last year.
In addition to overseeing elections, Salazar’s duties, according to the news release, will include concentrating on the 2010 census, redistricting of precinct boundaries, administrative rules and various other policies.