By Jesse Jones
Joshua Jones made history in November as the first African American elected to the Sandoval County Commission. For Jones, who represents District 5, his leadership is not just about breaking barriers — it’s about building bridges and roads, providing clean water and keeping people safe.
“Being elected as the first African American Commissioner in Sandoval County is both a profound honor and a monumental milestone,” Jones said. “Representation absolutely matters. It’s not just about having a seat at the table — it’s about opening the door for others to follow, especially our youth.”
Jones said people don’t realize what’s possible until someone breaks through, showing kids they can be elected officials and drive change.
Appointed to the commission in January 2023 to fill the seat vacated by former Commissioner Kenneth Eichwald, Jones officially won the election last November. A U.S. Air Force veteran and small business owner in Rio Rancho, he previously worked as a Wounded Warrior fellow for former U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland.
As District 5 commissioner, Jones represents Sandoval County’s rural areas — including Zia Pueblo, San Ysidro, Torreon, Cuba, Jemez Pueblo, Jemez Springs, La Cueva, parts of Peña Blanca, Santo Domingo Pueblo and Cochiti Pueblo. Now elected, he said he wants to build on the momentum he started while appointed, ensuring his work continues to benefit residents.
Policy priorities
Jones said his top priorities include improving water infrastructure, public safety, economic development, housing and road maintenance. He also wants to leverage technology to enhance services and address critical community needs.
He said strengthening partnerships with tribal nations is key to addressing shared challenges, expanding veteran outreach and improving residents’ quality of life.
Infrastructure
Because Sandoval County is expansive and diverse, each community has different needs, but reliable roads and access to clean water remain universal challenges, Jones said.
Jones said he works with various agencies and tribal governments to address road maintenance. In La Cueva, located in the Cibola National Forest, he is in talks with the U.S. Forest Service to improve roads that were not originally built for residential use. He recently met with La Cueva residents to discuss potential solutions.
On Navajo Nation land, the county is working to assume responsibility for road maintenance. Jones is collaborating with leaders from Torreon, Ojo Encino and Counselor on a tri-chapter resolution to present to Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. He said ensuring safe, accessible roads is critical for emergency services, especially for children and the elderly during severe weather.
The county is working with the Jicarilla Apache Nation to provide fire and emergency medical services.
Water infrastructure is another major concern. Jones is working with the Village of Cuba and Mayor Denny Herrera on desalinization projects to improve water access. The county declared a water emergency in Cuba in May due to a decade-long issue with low water pressure, and securing funding for an engineering report is the next step.
In Jemez Springs, Jones is assisting with plans for a wastewater treatment plant and public library renovations, aiming to modernize essential services for the community.
Public safety
As Sandoval County attracts more businesses and workers, law enforcement and emergency services must be prepared to support the growing population.
Jones said that addressing public safety challenges requires collaboration, as no community can tackle them alone. Partnerships with Pueblos, the Navajo Nation and the Jicarilla Apache Nation can help secure state, federal and tribal funding, while discussions with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and tribal leaders can develop joint infrastructure and service plans.
Cost-sharing for rural fire stations and public safety services is key for Jones. He cited an existing partnership with Zia and said similar agreements with other tribal nations could help manage operational costs, making these projects more feasible.
Economic development
According to Jones, housing, schools, entertainment and other family needs must align with economic development to support incoming workers and attract businesses.
As a commissioner, he supports the statewide site readiness program pursued by the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Sandoval Economic Alliance. He said preparing locations for business investment will benefit all of New Mexico.
However, rural communities want to grow while maintaining their unique identity. Jones said local resources should guide economic planning. For example, Cuba, which faces water shortages, should focus on attracting businesses that require minimal water usage.
Technology
Jones sees artificial intelligence as a tool to improve county operations. He said AI could help forecast road maintenance needs, streamline grant applications, and optimize county resources, easing staff workload.
“Being able to have those effective and efficient technologies will help in a major way,” Jones said. “It will help relieve stress on some of our staff to where they can execute effectively and efficiently at a high level.”
He said the county explored AI and other technology to assist with grant writing, searching and execution.
Additionally, an upgraded GIS system could improve address accuracy in rural and tribal areas, ensuring emergency services respond faster. Jones also wants to explore technology that enhances property assessments, helping ensure fair valuations for businesses and residents.
Community Engagement
According to Jones, while working with Haaland in Congress, he collaborated with a group seeking to expand veteran outreach in tribal communities but faced challenges connecting with them.
He said he wants to serve as a liaison to strengthen those relationships and ensure tribal veterans receive the benefits they have earned for themselves and their families.
Housing Affordability
Jones said he understands concerns about affordable and low-income housing.
He said the county is focused on workforce housing to help residents live near their jobs, specifically first responders and healthcare professionals. He also wants to ensure high school graduates have affordable housing options to stay in the community.
His legacy
Jones said he wants to be recognized as a selfless leader, inspired by his grandfather, a city councilman and pastor in Kentucky.
He said his grandfather never sought recognition for his work, embodying selfless leadership.
“It’s not about glory, it’s not for edification, it’s not to be recognized,” Jones said. “He just wants to do the work and help where and how he can, the best that he can. I hope to be that same person — a selfless leader who puts the community first.”
Contact Jones at:
Phone: 505-252-7412
Email: jjones@sandovalcountynm.gov