Retiring legislator to be honored at breakfast

Retiring state Rep. Anna Crook, R-Clovis, will be honored Thursday at the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative breakfast.

The event is 7 a.m. at the Chamber’s Business Enterprise Center. It features business and political leaders from across eastern New Mexico gathering to discuss priorities for the upcoming 60-day session of the state Legislature.

Crook announced in February that she would be retiring at the end of the year after more than 20 years as the District 64 representative, most recently serving on the taxation and revenue and transportation committee. Clovis City Commissioner Randy Crowder was elected in the November general election to fill her seat.

Crook said she has always prided herself in looking out for the interests of the district. She managed to push through legislation in 2011 that allows area farmers to sell water to EPCOR.

Crook also took a bold step in 2012, standing up to Gov. Susana Martinez after the governor gave a pre-primary endorsement to candidate Angie Spears of Clovis over Pat Woods of Broadview in the election to replace retiring Sen. Clint Harden, now a lobbyist.

Crook called Martinez’s interference in a local election “mean spirited,” in a guest newspaper column.

Clovis and Curry County representatives are also expected to outline their top legislative priorities at the breakfast.