Ken Brennan: A Legacy of Service and Progress

Ken Brennan has dedicated over two decades of his life to serving his country in the United States Navy, where he honed his leadership skills and commitment to public service. After retiring from the Navy, Ken brought his passion for community development to Edgewood, where he has been an influential figure in local governance. His tenure on the Commission has been marked by significant improvements in infrastructure, including roads and water systems, and his advocacy for family-friendly entertainment options has made Edgewood a more vibrant place to live. Ken’s dedication to continuous learning and improvement is evident in his regular attendance at municipal governing body trainings across the state, ensuring he remains at the forefront of effective local governance.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself:
I am dedicated to service and community. Serving 20 years in the US Navy retiring as a Chief Petty Officer I went on to a second career with a GE company for 23 years. My last 17 years as a manager of Wind Services guiding and mentoring up to 230 Wind Techs. When I saw a need in Edgewood for common sense leadership without personal agendas, I stepped forward and was elected to serve my community as a Town commissioner. I want Edgewood to continue to prosper and remain the best place to raise a family. Real, long-lasting success takes time to plan, fund, and create – not changing direction every four years. My steady commitment and ability to focus on community goals, make connections, and bring funding and resources to Edgewood has and will support our town’s needs. I strive to always be the thoughtful, dedicated leader that Edgewood citizens deserve. It is my nature to be positive, hard-working, and collaborative as I work with community members, fellow commissioners, and staff to achieve progress for our town. I keep my eye on the ball, to support and complete many strategic goals for Edgewood such as roads, recreation, and community clean up, while preserving the family values and small-town appeal that residents appreciate. I serve on 3 regional boards, NCRTD (Blue Buss), Regional Transportation Planning Org, as chair and Workforce Connection of Central NM. I continue to expand my knowledge, regularly attending trainings and statewide meetings benefiting Edgewood

What are the main points you want voters to remember about you and your candidacy?

Improving roads. I have pushed to build our road dept in staff and equipment to better service the almost 70 miles of roads. I have secured funds for engineering plans for Horton RD. The next step is the drainage study. We have applied for grant money to accomplish this. We continue to push forward with chip seal paving on other roads. The town precured equipment to chip seal on our own. Each year we improve our process enabling to do more roads per year. This has saved the town hundreds of thousands of dollars for each mile paved. our goal is to be able to pave 3+ miles a year. The average road takes 2 years from planning to completion. The focus is on emergency and school bus routes.

Building and improving needed infrastructure to include, water, wastewater, parks and trails. To improve water quality and availability the town has passed a Water Ordnance and has started a 40-year water study. Next will be to secure water rights qualifying us for grants to improve, drill wells and to install water treatment systems. This will make the town a water wholesaler providing quality water to the current utilities serving the town. We are in the process of expanding the capacity of the wastewater plant to service more users. Continued expansion of recreation facilities to provide more activities for families. I will be working on phase 3 of Venus Park with completing the new soccer field, dog park and other improvements

I am currently working with legislatures to improve medical availability in the East Mountains. The goal is to have a 24-7 Emergency medical facility. Currently any medical emergency must travel to Albuquerque with the closest facility over 30 minutes away. With a growing elderly population and young families with children moving in every year this need has never been more prevalent. This initiative will be the hardest to accomplish. By working with local municipalities, Santa Fe, Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance counties, state legislatures and agencies we can bring this dire need to Edgewood and the East Mountains.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Public safety is at the top. With the ever-increasing crime in nearby Albuquerque being able to respond to the overflow of crime in our community is paramount. Providing our police with the best tools and training necessary to carry out this task is a must. Conserving water and ensuring future generations have available water resources. I have started the process in drafting legislation to provide tools in limiting water use on large turf grass areas. I am also working on our ability to utilize the discharge water from the water treatment plant for allowable uses instead of using valuable potable drinking water. Expanding recreational activities for families and especially our youth, improving quality of life for all residents.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Civility towards others. What we do is in the best interest of the town with no influence of self-interests or possible personal gain. We must attempt to put bias aside when we make decisions and ensure that those decisions are in the best interest of the town.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
To act in the best interest of the town. It is the responsibility of every elected official to weigh out every action and ask the question “How does this help the town as a whole?” Not every decision will be considered beneficial by everyone. The important thing is that we take into account the needs of the people, the needs of the town’s welfare and the needs for the future.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?
As a Commission-Manager form of government it is important for people to understand the roles of everyone. The day to day operation of the town is actually carried out by the town manager. This include hiring staff, directing department heads on needed tasks in the operation of the town. The commission as a unified body sets policy and regulation, review and approve the budget of the town, appoint the town manager, town clerk, town treasure, chief of police and any other position the commission feels necessary for the town. The mayor is one of the commissioners that is appointed by the commission. The mayor’s duties are to run the meetings, represent the town and be the signatory authority. The mayor and other commissioners do not direct staff unless it is done in an open meeting and is by majority vote. Directing staff other that appointed officials is the duty of the town manager.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?
It is beneficial but not mandatory. What should be mandatory is for every candidate to seek out knowledge of the office and understand what can and cannot be done. After being elected each office holder should seek out and attend every training session made available.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?
The ability to communicate and listen to others. Being able to weigh all information available to come to and understanding and make the best possible decisions. Civility when dealing with members of the public, town staff, state and county officials and fellow commissioners.