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Buenos Dias  Albuquerque!

My name is Christopher Rudoph Sedillo, and I am a candidate for Albuquerque City Council, District 3.  I am a retired Navy Senior Chief Radioman with deep roots in this community.  Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I grew up in the South Valley and graduated from Rio Grande High School in 1981. While in the Navy in 1991 I earned my Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from St. Leo University.

During my senior year at Rio Grande High School, while enrolled in Marine Corps JROTC, I joined the Navy’s delayed entry program at the age of 17.   The discipline and goal-setting skills I developed during those initial four years in MCJROTC provided a solid foundation for my career.  Raised by a single mother, I learned the importance of hard work and perseverance.

Throughout my naval career, I consistently volunteered for challenging assignments, including deployments to Iraq and transporting chemical retrograde from Germany to Johnson Atoll.  While stationed at Joint Communication Support Element (JCSE) and assigned to Quick Reaction Company (QRC), a joint duty assignment, I eagerly volunteered for jump school at Ft. Benning, GA, earning the distinction of becoming a paratrooper with over 60 jumps, including one into Panama.

As Officer in Charge of the Military Detachment, I reported the distress signal to the ship’s Master, and the USNS Sioux rescued a stranded couple from a sinking vessel.  Once again, the USNS Sioux was summoned for a no-notice call for the search, rescue, and recovery of Alaskan Airlines Flight 261 after it crashed.  Later, I volunteered and was selected to augment JFT-67 on a real-world mission to Vietnam for 60 days for the search and recovery of POW/MIA remains.

These experiences and numerous others took me to ports around the globe, exposing me to diverse cultures, political philosophies and a host of different religious beliefs.  Reinforcing my belief that there are good people that exist everywhere.

I proudly served my Country for 26 years, earning over 20 ribbons, awards, and commendation over my naval career.  My shipboard assignments included the USS Ramsey (FFG-2), USS Ranger (CV-61), USS Jarrett (FFG-33), USS Stethem (DDG-63) and USNS Sioux (T-ATF 171).

Following my retirement from the Navy, I pursued job certifications, became a primary caregiver for family members, obtained my CDL, and worked as an OTR truck driver for two years.  In 2017, driven by a desire to serve my community, I ran for Albuquerque City Council.  After purchasing a home on the Westside, where I intend to remain, I channeled my energy into various local military-related, religious, and civic organizations, including American Legion Post 13, American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) Bataan Chapter, Honor Flight of Northern New Mexico (past board member), Knights of the Ascension, Ministry of Hope at Church of the Ascension, DPNM State Central Committee member, Westgate Neighborhood Association (Vice President), United Veterans Council of Greater Albuquerque, Moose Lodge, Harley Davidson Owners Group, Trench Rats, and the Veterans and Military Family Caucus.  In 2023, I was honored to be appointed by the Governor to the Governor’s Veterans Advisory Council. Within American Legion Post 13, I have served as Sergeant at Arms and currently hold the position of Chaplain.

I am a staunch advocate for my community, volunteering as a poll worker for multiple elections and upholding the values of equality, integrity, and honesty.  I previously served as a board member for Honor Flight of Northern New Mexico, dedicating my time to ensure veterans could visit their memorials in Washington, D.C.   Recently, I stepped down from this role to focus on my City Council campaign.  As the Honor Guard Commander for American Legion Post 13, a position I’ve held for three years, I ensure that every deceased veteran receives proper military honors when requested.  Through dedicated recruitment efforts, I have tripled the Honor Guard’s membership from 10 to 30 volunteers.  As a member of American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER), I champion the rights of all veterans, including those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender.  As a gay man who has been with my partner for 13 years, I deeply value community engagement and believe that neighborhood associations are vital to a thriving city.  I am currently the Vice-President of the Westgate Neighborhood Association.  I am committed, dedicated, and motivated to make a positive difference in our community.  Together, we can achieve great things.  Si se puede.

I offer a unique leadership style characterized by compassion and generosity, coupled with the determination to address Albuquerque’s challenges head-on.  It is time for new leadership that will hold public officials accountable and make the difficult decisions necessary for our city’s progress.  My commitment is to the public, and I will prioritize being present, listening and fostering teamwork.  I will work to ensure that our community has access to behavioral health resources and affordable housing, and that our tax dollars are spent wisely and there is accountability.

While City Council elections are nonpartisan, I value relationships with individuals across the political spectrum, recognizing that the issues facing our city transcend party lines.  I maintain positive relationships with county and state officials, and my focus will remain on you and the issues that matter most to our city.  I am eager to hear your concerns and ideas for building a better Albuquerque for all.  Thank you for your time and support.  Together, we can build an Albuquerque where families feel safe, children have opportunities, and every neighborhood can thrive.  As President John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your Country can do for you, but what you can do for your Country.”

We can do it, City Council District 3.

Thank you,

Christopher R. Sedillo