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| Susana Martinez |
SANTA FE – Governor Susana Martinez announced today that she has filled two vacant judgeships in New Mexico’s 8th Judicial District, appointing Sarah Backus and Andria Cooper, both of Taos, to the 8th Judicial District bench. Sarah Backus will be appointed to fill the vacancy in Division II, created by the resignation of Judge Sam Sanchez. Andria Cooper will be appointed to fill a new judicial position in Division III created by House Bill 188, which was approved by the Legislature during the last legislative session and signed by the Governor in April. “These judges are entrusted with the important job of upholding the law with integrity and fairness,” said Governor Martinez. “Both Ms. Backus and Ms. Cooper have demonstrated that they are capable attorneys and public servants and I believe that they will work hard on behalf of the people of Taos, Colfax, and Union Counties.” Sarah Backus is the Director and Attorney for El Valle de los Ranchos Water and Sanitation District in Ranchos de Taos.
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Prior to that, she worked in private practice, specializing in land use, real estate, and domestic relations, and also worked as a Domestic Relations Hearing Officer for the 8th Judicial District Court. Backus also served as Assistant Town Attorney for Taos. She is a graduate of Sacramento State University and earned her law degree at the University of California Hastings College of the Law. Andria Cooper is an attorney at the Alan Maestas Law Firm in Taos, representing clients in matters of civil litigation, criminal defense, and tribal law. She has previously worked in the Taos office of the New Mexico Public Defender Department and worked as Assistant County Attorney in Ellis County, Kansas. Cooper graduated from Fort Hays State University and earned her law degree from the University of Kansas.
Two New Judges for Taos, Colfax and Union Counties
Prior to that, she worked in private practice, specializing in land use, real estate, and domestic relations, and also worked as a Domestic Relations Hearing Officer for the 8th Judicial District Court. Backus also served as Assistant Town Attorney for Taos. She is a graduate of Sacramento State University and earned her law degree at the University of California Hastings College of the Law. Andria Cooper is an attorney at the Alan Maestas Law Firm in Taos, representing clients in matters of civil litigation, criminal defense, and tribal law. She has previously worked in the Taos office of the New Mexico Public Defender Department and worked as Assistant County Attorney in Ellis County, Kansas. Cooper graduated from Fort Hays State University and earned her law degree from the University of Kansas. 
Local businesses and postal professionals have communicated to Rep. Pearce that this move would result in delays in mail delivery for much of the Las Cruces, Lordsburg, Silver City, and Deming areas. The proposal would leave the second largest city in New Mexico without a mail sorting facility, which Rep. Pearce—like residents of the Second District—finds unacceptable. While Rep. Pearce understands the need for savings, he is confident that the USPS can find ways to save money without a cost to the local economy. Congressman Pearce and his office have been watching the issue closely. An overwhelming number of constituents have contacted Rep. Pearce expressing their opposition to the move. A recent public meeting on the proposal was attended by representatives from Rep. Pearce’s office. Public opinion at the meeting was almost unanimously against the proposal.
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