Charles Lundstrom, a lifelong resident of Cibola County, is seeking to bring his extensive experience in both public service and education to the role of County Commissioner for District 4.
Born and raised in the heart of Cibola County, Lundstrom’s roots run deep in the community. His father worked as a uranium miner, and his mother served as an administrative assistant at Gutiérrez Medical Group. Lundstrom attended local schools, graduating from Grants High School before earning his undergraduate degree from New Mexico State University and a graduate degree from Central Missouri State University.
With an impressive 27-year career at the New Mexico Environment Department, Lundstrom worked his way up to a leadership role overseeing a $17 million budget and 150 employees. His extensive experience spans waste management, environmental regulation, and project oversight, preparing him for the complexities of county governance. After retiring from the Environment Department, Lundstrom transitioned into education, earning his teaching license and currently teaching Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science and Physical Science at Grants High School.
In addition to his work in education, Lundstrom serves as the Permanent Transportation Commissioner for Cibola, McKinley, and Catron counties, where he helps allocate and manage hundreds of millions of dollars in transportation projects. 'We deal with large budgets, but the needs are in the billions,' Lundstrom said. He emphasized his role in prioritizing important infrastructure projects, such as the ongoing improvements on Willow Drive, which serves as a crucial route for buses and pedestrian traffic in the area.
Lundstrom’s candidacy for County Commissioner is deeply rooted in his desire to give back to the community and ensure sound fiscal management. When asked about his plans for Cibola County, he stressed that his first priority is to assess the county's existing plans and projects, including the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP). 'I'll be looking at what the county has already done and seeing where we can add value, particularly in areas like economic development and water resources,' he explained.
Water management is one of Lundstrom’s top concerns. He plans to work closely with the county manager to create a comprehensive water plan, which would address watershed management, drought conditions, and water usage, particularly as new mining operations and other developments arise in the region. 'I’ve worked on these plans across the state, so I know what needs to be done to ensure we manage our resources effectively,' he said.
Lundstrom also highlighted his concern about the economic situation in Cibola County, where the average annual salary lags behind neighboring areas. He sees potential in the Milan Industrial Park as a hub for new businesses and believes the county can do more to attract economic development by utilizing existing resources more effectively. 'It’s about using the assets we already have before seeking out new ones,' he stated.
With a long history of public service and deep ties to the community, Lundstrom is committed to making fiscally responsible decisions that benefit the people of Cibola County. He is also proud of his role as an educator and coach, shaping the next generation through his work at Grants High School. 'I’ve been coaching and teaching for years, and it’s rewarding to be part of this community at so many levels.'
When asked about his connections to state government, Lundstrom acknowledged that his experience lobbying in Santa Fe during his time with the New Mexico Environment Department would be a valuable asset as County Commissioner. He is not afraid to leverage relationships with state officials, including his sister, a longtime state legislator, to advocate for Cibola County’s needs.
Lundstrom is especially focused on protecting jobs in the area, particularly at the Cibola County Correctional Center, which has faced pressure for closure. 'It's an economic driver for the community, and I'll do whatever I can to keep it open while ensuring it remains safe and beneficial for the area,' he said.
Ultimately, Lundstrom’s candidacy is about serving the community that raised him. 'I’m humbled to be asked to run for this position, and I’m ready to take on the responsibility to make a difference in District 4,' he concluded.
A few days after this interview, Lundstrom entered the newspaper offices to purchase a political advertisement. During this, the Cibola Citizen asked Lundstrom a follow up question about the future of Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, New Mexico. The newspaper alerted him that the group of political advocates – the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center – had recently attended a Cibola County Commission meeting where they read letters from the incarcerated individuals alleging a history of abuse at the facility. Lundstrom said that he will not allow the facility to close. When asked if he would attend commission meetings before the election, Lundstrom said he would not. He then equated the position to other jobs, stating that it doesn’t make sense to learn about a job before actually taking on the job.