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Monday, September 29, 2008

Former City Councilor Griego Dies

By Christopher Sanchez
Journal Staff Writer
          Vincent Griego, a former city councilor who served the North Valley for 24 years, died Sunday.
        He was 68.
        Griego, who retired from the council in 2003, advocated a strong community in the North Valley, sponsoring bills that poured money into parks, open space and community centers. He was also vehemently opposed the controversial Montaño Bridge, which he called a "headache" years after it was built.
        Griego, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, cared about his district, his friends and family members said. He was the kind of politician who would listen to everyone: the elderly couple who had a leak in their roof, a family who wanted speed bumps on their street.
        "He just cared about people. He cared about the situations," said Alan Armijo, a former city councilor who now serves on the Bernalillo County Commission. "He was very passionate."
        At times, there were heated arguments in the council chambers. If he didn't agree with you, he'd let you know. But he never held grudges, Armijo said. Once it was over, it was over.
        "Vince had the ability to laugh about things and make you laugh and make you not worry about it," he said. "Even if we didn't agree on, let's say, political stuff, he'd say, 'It's over. Let's move on. You did your best.' He was just so friendly."
        Griego died of complications from an illness, said his son, Ruben Griego. Funeral arrangements will be made later this week.
        It was his personality that allowed him to connect with his constituents and get things done in the council, Ruben Griego said. He was approachable, and he never stopped listening to people in the community, he said.
        "He was a real, real funny guy, just one of those people you meet and never forget," he said. "He had a huge impact on all of his friends the community here."
        Debbie O'Malley, now city councilor for District 2, said it just takes a drive through the North Valley to see Griego's impact.
        He was responsible for building the Los Griegos Health and Social Service Center and the North Valley Senior Center. But his marks are also much smaller: the paved roads, the speed bumps, the stop signs.
        To recognize Griego's service, the City Council and Bernalillo County Commissioners dedicated their chamber to him in 2004.
        "He was well-loved, and he was very much appreciated," O'Malley said. "People will remember him for generations."
        City Council President Brad Winter, who represents the Northeast Heights, said that when he was first elected nine years ago, Griego showed him the ropes. Winter said Griego was dedicated to serving his constituents, something he admired.
        "There's not too many people like Vince out there, especially politicians," he said. "He just believed that it was public service to him. And he did serve. He served his constituents, his community, for 24 years."