Dear Neighbors: During my tenure in office, we’ve delivered big wins for the rural East Mountains; while making strong progress on issues like public safety, behavioral health and housing across the region. For the first time, we’ve dedicated county funding for East Mountain roads and increased the length of roads rehabilitated. We repaired from 11 miles a year to over 50 miles last season. This means less wear-and-tear on vehicles and safer commutes for East Mountain residents.
Eric Olivas, a Democrat, is the current Bernalillo County Commissioner for District 5 in the East Mountains and eastern parts of Albuquerque. He is running for re-election in 2026.
We’ve planned and funded projects like the Frost Road Multi-use Trail Project to better protect cyclists and pedestrians. We have led improvements to other community spaces like Los Vecinos Community Center, the East Mountain Sports Complex at Vista Grande, and re-opening Carlito Springs.
Water projects have also been a top priority demonstrated by the millions of dollars we’ve raised in federal, state and county funds dedicated to the Carnuel Water and Sewer project to bring clean and reliable water and sewer service to a historic land grant community that predates the establishment of Albuquerque.
Some of our largest and most beautiful open-space land is located in the East Mountains and that’s why I have led the charge to open Sedillo Ridge Open Space to the public as it has been closed since it was purchased more than 25 years ago. A master plan has been completed and soon residents from across the county can share in the beauty of this place! Under my leadership the county has also been a major participant in successful challenges to unsustainable development in the mountain region that would further deplete scarce water resources and strain public safety infrastructure.
Our work continues. Most recently, we approved a $1.2M contract to restore the pedestrian bridge over Tijeras Creek. The bridge was destroyed in a flood last summer. This bridge is a critical link between two of our area public schools and Los Vecinos Community Center where we recently completed a multi-million dollar rebuild of the park and will soon begin an overhaul of what is the second oldest community center in the county. I share this because even while I’m running for re-election, my focus remains on delivering for our community and ensuring the East Mountains continue to get the attention and investment it deserves.
I know how to deliver results and improve lives in our county! I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together, and there’s still much more work to do. My goal is to keep building on this work and leave Bernalillo County in an even stronger position over the next four years.
I humbly ask for your vote!
Eric Olivas
Bernalillo County Commissioner, District 5 (East Mountains)