Manny Aragon Explained

Manny M. Aragon (born March 22, 1947) is a former New Mexico State Senator.

Life

Manny M. Aragon was born to Charlotte and Mel Aragon.[1]

Career

Aragon served in the New Mexico Senate from 1975 to 2004 as a Democrat representing the Valencia and Bernalillo counties, District Fourteen.

Following the New Mexico State Penitentiary riot in 1980, Aragon assisted and comforted survivors.[1]

In 1988, he was elected president pro tempore of the State Senate. He remained in that position until 2001.[2]

In 2001, he served as the second Hispanic chairman of the Council of State Governments (CSG).

Aragon then served as president of New Mexico Highlands University.

Later life

In 2009, as a private citizen, he was found guilty of three counts of conspiracy to defraud $4.4 million from the State of New Mexico during the construction of a new Court House.[3] He was released in December 2013 after serving four and a half years in prison.[4]

Aragon has two children.[1]

Notes and References

  1. in 1947. Web site: A Memorial Commemorating the Fiftieth Birthday of Senator Manny M. Aragon, President Pro Tempore of the Senate. 43rd Legislature of the State of New Mexico. 1997.
  2. Book: Feldman. Dede. Inside the New Mexico Senate: Boots, Suits, and Citizens. 2014. UNM Press. 978-0-8263-5439-6.
  3. https://archive.today/20150422205147/http://old.seattletimes.com/
  4. News: Baker. Deborah. Manny Aragon released from federal prison. Albuquerque Journal. December 6, 2013.