Bernalillo County has announced that its commission has approved the renaming of the Mountain View Community Center to the Henry "Kiki" Saavedra Community Center. The move honors Saavedra, who represented a South Valley district for 38 years in the New Mexico State Legislature and chaired the house appropriations and finance committee.
The newly named Henry "Kiki" Saavedra Community Center, located at 201 Prosperity Ave. SE, received its official approval for renaming following a unanimous 5 to 0 vote by the Bernalillo County Commission. According to a press release by Bernalillo County, this renaming pays tribute to the late Saavedra's significant contributions in securing funding for the Mountain View Community Center and various other recreational facilities in the region during his tenure in the New Mexico State Legislature.
District 2 Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada said, "Representative Saavedra was a tireless advocate for the South Valley. Naming this center after him will help solidify his presence in the area and keep his legacy alive for present and future generations," according to a press release by Bernalillo County.
Saavedra’s daughter Buffie Ann Saavedra expressed her family's gratitude towards this gesture. She said, "Our father believed in the importance of his community and worked his lifetime in service to bring important infrastructure to support the needs of all ages. We are honored to have this invaluable community center named in memory and honor of him," according to a press release by Bernalillo County.
As per information on the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners webpage provided by Bernalillo County, it is noteworthy that the Board's duties encompass serving as the county canvassing board, board of finance, and zoning board. They hold final authority over county budget decisions, affirm property tax rates, issue general obligation bonds, determine appropriations, pass ordinances, make appointments, and establish zoning and business regulations. The board consists of five elected members.