Our people: 'Grill King' always focused on service

Dennis Lopez will be wrapping up an eight-year term as county commissioner from District 1 in Roosevelt County on Jan. 1.

"I want to thank all the residents of Roosevelt County. It's been an honor to represent them. I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart," Lopez said.

He shared more about his life in a talk with The News:

Q: Where were you born and raised?

A: I was born in Portales, raised in Portales, went to college at New Mexico State University where I earned a degree political science, had a supplemental major of pre-law and minors in criminal justice and Spanish.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: I always wanted to be a public servant. I wanted to be in a position to help people.

It came to me at a very young age.

A lot of my friends said one day I would be governor.

Q: What jobs have you had?

A: I've worked for federal attorneys in Las Cruces, in the felon division with the public defender's office in Albuquerque, in Child Protective Services and law clerk in Cortez, Colo.

I had a special waiver for the law clerk job from a judge, Sharon Hansen. She passed away recently.

I came back to New Mexico in 1997 and worked for Mental Health Resources.

Last year I started working in the private sector with a contract with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

helping people with disabilities get competitive employment.

Q: Why did you choose a career in politics?

A: I just thought I could have a positive impact in people's lives.

It didn't matter what their politics, it didn't matter their party affiliation.

Q: What do you like about politics?

A: What I loved about politics is I got to meet so many people.

I was appointed by the Roosevelt County commissioners to serve on the New Mexico counties Board of Directors where I was able to gain so many professional relationships with people from all of the 32 other counties in the state.

Q: Is something new in your future?

A: I'd say "Yes most definitely."

I turned 56 on Oct. 12.

I realized it was time to turn a new page in the chapters of life and focus 100% on my family, my future career and enjoyment of life in the Southwest.

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: There is my beautiful wife Rachel. We have four beautiful children: Crystal Lopez, D. J. Lopez, Megan Lopez, Brooke Lopez and lastly our beautiful Goddaughter Patricia Gonzales.

We have grandkids and grandbabies: Ty, Chanelle, Myia, Austin, Kinsey and I cannot forget my beautiful daughter-in-law Mandi.

And there are many more people including my parents, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Q: Tell us something about yourself few people know.

A: Although I am faith based, and I don't talk much about religion, I pray several times a day, to be given the strength and wisdom to be the best person I can be.

Although I know everyone has their weaknesses and faults, we always need to remember that the positives outweigh the negatives.

Q: What do you do when you're not working?

A: I barbecue. That's my kitchen. I barbecue everything. Friends call me "The Grill King."

I golf, I love watching Ultimate Fighting competition and boxing, all college sports.

I love doing yardwork.

And I've been making beef jerky since I was in college 30 years ago.

Q: What's your favorite place to vacation?

A: Las Vegas, Nev. I love it so much.

It's a one-stop shop with the greatest food and greatest entertainment and you get to meet people from all over the world.

You take it in, see different cultures, all the people.

Q: What's your favorite smell?

A: I have a friend, Harry Montoya from Nambe near Santa Fe, who has a Russian fireplace. When I'm visiting him he uses that fireplace and it gives off the most wonderful smells.

Q: What's your favorite dish?

A: I like so many.

I love seafood, and I can make anything on the grill when it comes to seafood.

I like the rainbow trout, fully loaded. That means I wrap it with butter, my special seasonings, lemon, onion, bell pepper and jalapeño.

It's to die for.

Q: Who inspires you?

A: My dad, Jake Lopez.

He has inspired me since the day I was born.

He has taught me how to have faith, respect, responsibility, work ethic, and has always told me to always have my heart in the right place and use common sense when helping anyone and everyone who needs our assistance.

Q: You're hosting a fantasy dinner party. Who's there? What's for dinner?

A: Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.

Dinner is my famous fajitas with fresh tortillas and, in my opinion, the best green chile.

The best green chile in my opinion is the Rick Ledbetter homegrown green chile from right here in Roosevelt County.

Q: What's your favorite saying or quote?

A: "Everyday above ground is a great day. I am blessed to wake up and realize I have the freedoms that I do as an American."

"Always remember to love each other."

And "God bless America and Roosevelt County."