From left, former Los Alamos County Assessor JoAnn Johnson, Chief Deputy Assessor Joaquin Valdez and Assessor Ken Milder gather together during Valdez’s retirement party Thursday afternoon in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building. Valdez worked for Los Alamos County since 2000. He started as a senior appraiser and was promoted to Chief Deputy Assessor in 2008. Regarding his time working in the County, Valdez said, ‘It’s been a great experience. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.’ As far as his future plans, Valdez said he will relax a bit as well as focus on his business, which is a gas station, convenience store and bar in Cebolla. He added, ‘I’ve enjoyed my time … and I look forward to my next chapter. I appreciate all the hard work of all the County Assessor staff and much thanks to Ken (Milder) for entrusting me with the responsibility of the office.’ Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

Nerio Gurule of the Los Alamos County Assessor’s Office and his wife, Brenda, take part in Deputy Chief Assessor Joaquin Valdez’s retirement party Thursday afternoon. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

Carlos Valdez, Chief Deputy Joaquin Valdez’s brother, Andrew Velasquez, Carlos’ grandson, and Joaquin’s mother, Teddie, take part in the celebrations Thursday. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

A crowd of County employees take part in the festivities. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

Senior Assessment Specialist Betty Martinez cuts the retirement party cake. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com