CA connection?

Posted Wednesday, February 8, 2012 5:00 am

Taos News Staff

Chief District Judge Sarah C. Backus formally announced Tuesday (Jan. 31) she is seeking the Democratic nomination to retain her position as Eighth Judicial District Judge, Division II in the June 5 primary.

Gov. Susana Martinez appointed Backus following a recommendation from a bi-partisan Judicial Selection Commission. After her appointment, she was elected chief judge in the Eighth Judicial District Court by her fellow judges.

Backus has been a resident of Taos and has practiced law here continuously since 1994. She was formerly a senior trial prosecutor with the Eighth Judicial District Attorney and town attorney, assistant town attorney and planning director for the town of Taos.

She served as general counsel and director of El Valle de los Ranchos Water and Sanitation District.

In addition, Backus has been in private practice where she handled domestic relations, civil, land use and real estate matters.

Prior to moving to Taos, Backus served as a deputy attorney general with the state of California and as deputy public defender with the city and county of San Francisco.

Backus is a lifelong Democrat. The Democratic Party of New Mexico appointed her in 2008 and 2010 to head the election protection efforts for the Democratic Party.

In addition, she has served on the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity and as President of the Governing Body of Taos Charter School. She has also been president of the Taos County Bar Association.

Backus is the mother of a 14-year old son who has been raised in Taos and attends public schools here.

Other Taos County residents who have announced their intention to run for this post are Ernestina R. Cruz.

https://www.taosnews.com/stories/taos-district-judge-backus-running-to-retain-position,7881