Community honors retiring legislator Crook

Some might consider a stink bomb or whoopee cushion an inappropriate diversion while bills are being debated on the legislative floor.

State Rep. Anna Crook, R-Clovis, didn’t play by that rule.

At the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce’s legislative breakfast Thursday, guests and attendants shared lighthearted stories of the pranks the representative pulled on other officials during her 20-year career in House District 64.

Staff photo: Aubry Buzek

From left, Sen. Pat Woods, R-Broadview and Rep. George Dodge, D-Santa Rosa, listen as retiring Rep. Anna Crook reflects on her 20 years as District 64 representative. Crook was honored at the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce legislative breakfast Thursday morning.

“She’s the most mischievous woman I’ve ever known,” said Crook’s elected replacement Randy Crowder.

Crook was honored by guest speakers for what they said were two decades of helping improve the community.

The speakers all said Crook has been vital in accomplishing Clovis and Curry County projects that included road and infrastructure improvements, a water trust board bill and quality of life projects.

“You shine for Clovis. You shine for New Mexico,” said Clovis Mayor David Lansford. “You’ve always made us proud. ... It says a lot about our community just the way you conduct yourself and represent us as our elected official.”

Representatives Dennis Roch, R-Logan, Crowder, R-Clovis, and George Dodge, D-Santa Rosa and Sens. Stuart Ingle, R-Portales and Pat Woods, R-Broadview, shared stories about Crook, as well as sharing their priorities for the upcoming legislative session with local leaders.

As the topic du jour, many of the elected officials discussed improving the business climate in New Mexico by focusing on workers’ issues.

“Injured workers need to be taken care of, but there has to be a little responsibility on both sides of the issue,” Ingle said. “We have got to get back to … having common sense in our laws.”

The officials also heard from local leaders on community priorities to consider in the upcoming session.

Clovis Community College President Becky Rowley discussed problems with the annual funding formula used to determine school budgets as well as compensation for short-term certificates that put students into the workforce.

Clovis Municipal Schools Superintendent Jody Balch discussed improving retention of young teachers and weighing students’ test scores.

Curry County Commissioner Frank Blackburn asked lawmakers to consider detention center improvements. Blackburn said at one point this year, Clovis’ women’s jail had more inmates than the 54 beds available, and had women sleeping on the floor.

While the majority of the breakfast covered serious topics, it finished on a light note with a “roast” of Crook, which kept her smiling.

“As I relinquish the reins to House District 64, I cannot thank you Clovis and Curry County enough for the honor that you’ve given me to represent you in the state of New Mexico,” Crook said. “It has been a journey I shall never forget.”