Javier Gonzales was an American politician who served as the 42nd mayor of Santa Fe from 2014 to 2018.
20 Facts About Javier Gonzales
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Javier Gonzales held the office of Santa Fe County Commissioner, serving two terms.
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Javier Gonzales voted to build the largest assisted living facility in the city on Old Pecos Trail, created a climate task force, proposed affordable housing measures, instated a cultural district to combat counterfeit art sales, and increased internet and technological advancements for the city.
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Javier Gonzales was a vocal supporter of gun control and regulation.
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Javier Gonzales publicly disagreed with the actions of then-Governor Susana Martinez, and other Republican legislators.
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Javier Gonzales was the first to go college in his family and graduated from New Mexico State University with a degree in accounting.
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Javier Gonzales was the son of George Abran Gonzales, who served as the mayor of Santa Fe from 1968 to 1972.
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In 2016, Javier Gonzales was awarded a scholarship to attend a Harvard Kennedy School program for senior executives in state and local government.
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Javier Gonzales served on the Santa Fe County Commission for two terms.
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On March 4,2014, Javier Gonzales won the Mayoralty of Santa Fe, and was sworn in the Greer Garson Theatre at the Santa Fe University of Art and Design.
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Javier Gonzales was a vocal supporter of gun safety and stronger gun control.
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Javier Gonzales sought to expand the living wage throughout the county, and subsequently helped organize the effort to establish a municipal minimum wage, currently set at $10.51, one of the highest in the country.
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Javier Gonzales was heavily criticized for supporting a corporate tax cut initiated by Governor Susana Martinez.
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Javier Gonzales defended his actions stating that the tax cut was a "comprehensive tax reform that makes New Mexico competitive with surrounding states".
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Javier Gonzales stated during the campaign that he defended the rights of outside groups to participate in election campaigns, but was not seeking and did not need support from PACs.
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Javier Gonzales issued an executive order banning city employees from traveling to states with religious freedom laws he claims are anti-gay.
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On March 12,2018, Javier Gonzales was succeeded by entrepreneur Alan Webber who became the 43rd mayor of Santa Fe.
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Javier Gonzales resided in Santa Fe, New Mexico and had two daughters, Cadence and Cameron.
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Javier Gonzales served on the board of regents for New Mexico State University.
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Javier Gonzales died from cancer on February 9,2022, at the age of 55.