Libertarian Party Chair Aims to Restore Transparency to Local Elections

The Estancia News recently learned the Libertarian Party Chair for the State of New Mexico named Robert Wagner as County Chair “Pro-Tem” for the Torrance County Libertarian Party. Wagner, a transplant from the State of Wisconsin, accepted the appointment and informed the Estancia News he is working to establish monthly meetings in the County. The new Torrance County Libertarian Party Chair aims to restore transparency to local elections. He announced plans to ensure opportunities for members to participate in elections as poll watchers and workers.

Although “Rob”, as he prefers to be called, was born, and raised in southeast Wisconsin, he has also lived in southern Russia, Utah, and Colorado at different points in his life. During his initial travels as a missionary to Russia, he was able to become fluent in the language there. This skill served him later when he returned to visit Russia as a professional translator.

The new Torrance County Libertarian Chair recounted to the Estancia News how he added professional web design to his repertoire of skills. That skill propelled him to a position running a web design studio during an exciting technological period in the U.S. Ever ambitious and capable, he then leaped from the internet craze to the real estate boom, earning his real estate license and going to work for First Weber Realtors, followed by a stent with Exit Realty.

The new chair’s progressively impressive accomplishments culminated in the fulfillment of a dream. Together with his wife, Alex, Rob owned and operated a game store, “Hobby Knights.” He and Alex enjoyed this period of working together. However, they describe what followed as an “inspired” decision. Despite the success of the business at the time, they sold it. Shortly after selling their business, the couple witnessed the devastating impact Covid lockdowns wreaked on small businesses nationwide.

His next adventure would take him to the place of his wife’s roots, the Land of Enchantment. As an accomplished gardener, he is already busy launching a new business employing modern agricultural technologies such as “aquaponics”. The new chair views food security as a fundamental way to ensure one’s liberty during this tumultuous time in our nation’s history.

The Libertarian Party Chair has not forgotten to pay forward the liberty he enjoys, though. Despite the time required to serve others in his new capacity within the party, he recognizes the importance of serving his community and the need to establish a county party affiliate that serves the people of Torrance County, and not one beholden to special interests.

Rob recognizes the unique way the Libertarian Party empowers people at the local level through grassroots efforts. We expect we will hear a lot more from him.