Eliseo “Lee” Alcon, a longtime legislator who had been battling liver cancer, resigned from his position in the New Mexico House of Representatives late last year after entering hospice care.
According to House Democrats, he was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.
Alcon, a Democrat from Milan, was first elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives in 2009.
Over 16 years, he became a powerful advocate for veterans. He served as the chair of the Consumer and Public Affairs Committee and the Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee.
A military veteran himself, Alcon served as a combat medic in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, earning a Bronze Star for his valor and commitment on the battlefield.
In a heartfelt statement, House Democrats expressed their grief over Alcon’s death. “We are tremendously saddened by the loss of our esteemed colleague and dear friend Eliseo. During his 16 years in the House, Rep. Alcon was a tireless champion for his western New Mexico community and our service men and women. We deeply appreciated the warmth, kindness, good humor, and dedication he brought to the Roundhouse.”
The statement continued to highlight his achievements, adding, “Rep. Alcon’s legacy will live on through the historic victories he achieved for veterans and their families, New Mexico workers, and our environment. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his beloved wife Darlene and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandson.”
As a minority analyst in his committee I usually found myself at odds with his politics. However, I worked diligently to maintain an amicable relationship with him through the years.
One time he asked me why I gave the reps so many questions so we could all go home earlier. I laughed and then pondered his perspective and my response which I waited until the moment warranted.
Often all we (the minority party) could do at the legislature was to slow down the impending chaos.
He pulled his share of shenanigans over the years (he had some doozies) and regardless of that when you work with someone for years and pray for them you feel sad and can imagine the loss for his family.
A couple of weeks ago I called him as I was in Grants. He did callback and I missed his call. I called him again and left a message that according to “telephone tag” rules he was it.
To me one of his important bills that became law was the “no coasting law” NMSA 66-7-308 which makes it illegal for semi-trucks to be in the left LANE except to pass or impede traffic in any manner. This is a huge problem on I-40. Thank you Eliseo (Rep. Alcon) for that.