Edward Moreno

Edward H. Moreno

Ed Moreno’s life was a continuous course of public service carried out with the highest integrity and ethics.  Ed died Tuesday, July 27 at home of a brain tumor. He was 67.

Possessed of an inquisitive mind, abundant intelligence and a sparkling wit, he could carry on an interesting conversation with anyone on any topic. Being with Ed was easy, fun and often enlightening as you explored topics ranging from politics, the environment, history, and justice to dogs, cats, travel and family.

Ed was born in Mexico City and moved with his family to the United States as a young child when his father accepted a job at the first Spanish speaking language radio station in Denver, CO. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Northern Colorado in 1977 and began his career working for small newspapers.

He landed a job at the Santa Fe New Mexican in 1980, where his distinguished reporting on crime, courts and politics was highly respected by sources and colleagues. In the mid-80’s he was hired as New Mexico Capital Correspondent and Newsman for The Associated Press (AP). During his time at the AP, Ed earned a number of awards for his coverage of state capitol news, the Governor and elected officials, legislative issues and features from around the state. His investigative reporting led to changes in New Mexico liquor laws and adult guardianship.

Following his 10 years at The Associated Press, Ed joined the New Mexico State Land Office as Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs, where he developed skills in policy-making, facilitation and governmental decision-making.

In 2005, Ed took his talents to the Keystone Policy Center, an organization that works to overcome national and local policy conflicts previously thought insurmountable in energy, environment, education, health, agriculture land management, and tribal communities. He traveled the country helping to solve complex problems through dialog and public involvement.

Ed's capstone experience was his election to the Santa Fe County Commission in 2016. He served the constituents of District 5 until just short of his term. During his tenure on the commission, Ed was most proud of taking part in the Aamodt settlements and expanding water service in rural areas including the Pojoaque Valley, Eldorado and Canoncito. He was also very proud of his role in growing the trails system and overseeing the new county administrative complex and renovation of the old county building.

In each role, Ed focused on improving the quality of life for everyone. Whether he was reporting on a thorny legislative issue or facilitating a regional water plan, his objective was always the same: better understanding and better decisions to benefit the public.

Ed leaves behind his wife, Janet Wise, daughters Robin Chadwick (Robert), Talia Sledge (David) and Lisa Moreno; grandchildren Evelyn and Rozlyn Chadwick and Price and Solomon Sledge, sister Elsa Anderson (Harold Lovato) sister and brother-in-law Lori and George Bradley, niece Blythe Bradley and nephew Max Bradley. He is also survived by Bailey, one of the best dogs ever, and Gingersnap the beautiful but kind of mean cat he loved anyway.

As an immigrant who gained citizenship when he turned 18, Ed felt strongly about helping other immigrants attain that status. He was passionate about water and the environment. If you are inclined, give in his name to Somos un Pueblo Unido, Santa Fe Conservation Trust or any other local organization working to do good in these areas.

Please join us to honor Ed at a remembrance event on September 18 at 3 p.m. at Rivera on Rodeo Road.