Dear Editor,

After reading Saturday’s Valley Courier, Oct. 7 couldn’t help notice the article on the front page of the Courier, honoring Matthew Martinez as Adams State’s Exceptional New Alumnus, for all of his achievements. It was this article that prompted me to write this letter. Matthew has had my vote from the get go, not only is he the best man, he is the most qualified.

Matthew is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he served in the last major operation in Iraq along with his army comrades near Mosul. Being a veteran myself over 50 years ago, I commend him and salute him for his service, thank you, Matthew. Of the four people vying for those open council seats he’s the only one that stated he was a veteran that had served in the armed forces of the United States.

As an elected official that was elected to three terms from 2003 to 2015 as Rio Grande County Assessor, I am a certified licensed residential appraiser. One of our many duties was to certify the tax rolls for the school districts and towns etc. in the county. After the crash of 2009 these entities suffered 20 to 40 percent losses of revenue along with some taxpayers, over the last eight years. With all of the hard work and dedication of the Mayor and Matthew and the other council members and with all their efforts they have brought this town from those dark days to where we are now, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. They give this town and all the people hope for tomorrow and a bright future. Vote Matthew Martinez for a better tomorrow.

Thank you,

T. Joe Dominguez,

Former Rio Grande County Assessor (retired)