Getting to know your neighbor: Michael Cheromiah: Bosque Farms village councilor, pianist & pet parent

Michael S. Cheromiah has been the Pre-K-12 education coordinator for the Department of Education Pueblo of Isleta for a year. He is a resident of the village of Bosque Farms, and was elected to the village council in March 2022. Cheromiah is the son of Lisa Cheromiah, and brother to Joshua, Caitlyn and Gaby Cheromiah.

Q What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?

A “It really depends on my destination. If it’s to work, I generally think about what I need to do for that day, but sometimes when you’re driving you just need to hear some EDM.”

Q What’s a myth about your profession you’d like to bust?

A “I think with local government, we always need to keep in mind that government is designed to act slowly, especially in matters of changing ordinances. For example, the village of Bosque has ordinances that refer to ordinances that no longer exist. In order to remove these references or correct them there is a procedure that we need to follow and that procedure does take some time.”

Q What were you like in high school?

A “I would like to say that I was super cool and suave, but in reality I was nerdy. In high school, I thought the two coolest field trips were visiting the Roundhouse during legislative session and going to the New Mexico History Museum. I thought being on the senate floor during session was the greatest thing ever.

“I also loved the New Mexico History Museum because you were able to see how New Mexicans made their mark in history.”

Q What is the best advice you’ve ever received and from whom?

A “I believe that the best advice has been from my high school principal, Mr. Stambaugh. Mr. Stambaugh always stressed that standing up for what is right is most important.”

Q What did you want to be when you grew up?

A “I always wanted to be a psychologist when I grew up. I always wanted to study how we think, feel and learn. After graduating from the University of New Mexico, I planned on joining the Peace Corps. I had planned on teaching English literacy in the assigned country.

“I began studying for it on my own by doing a teaching practicum but shortly, the Covid pandemic occurred. During the pandemic I entered education and found it enjoyable.”

Q Who inspires you?

A “My mom and grandma inspire me. My mom always had the goal of being a police officer. My mom worked hard to accomplish this goal and I think this hard work and courage inspires me within my own work.

“My grandma has been a consistent source of support and inspiration. My grandma has always looked for ways to help me such as during my campaign she was out walking Bosque Farms handing out campaign materials. She also attends my council meetings.”

Q If you could work any other job for one day, what would it be and why?

A “Ever since I became a councilor, I have always thought it would be great to be governor for one day during the legislative session. I could help Bosque Farms and surrounding communities with funding. Of course this only works if the legislators and senators are working together on my day as governor.”

Q What do you do in your free time?

A “In my free time, I like to read. I often try to golf. Most recently, I have started gardening.”

Q What’s something about you most people don’t know?

A “During my freshman year, I studied at Hardin-Simmons University. I auditioned for a mens’ music group, Phi Mu Alpha. For my audition I performed John Cage’s “4’33,” which is an avant-garde piece. I sat there for four minutes in silence. The piece might not have highlighted any musical talent but I still received an invitation for membership.”

Q What three books would you to take to a deserted island?

A “A collegiate dictionary — you will be able to have some history on the word such as language origin, when the word came into use and various definitions.

“‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ — I first read this book in middle school and thought it was amazing.

“‘In Search of Lost Time’ — this book has been on my ‘to read’ list for some time now.”

Q You find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?

A “I have a small collection of signed books. I could see that collection potentially growing.”

Q Who is your best friend and why?

A “I have a small group of close friends. We have been friends for just under 20 years. We all attended the same church youth group, some of us the same middle school or high school. Later around the same time, we would attend the University of New Mexico.”

Q What’s your favorite song to sing when you’re alone?

A “Anything Hank Williams.”

Q Where is your happy place, and why?

A “I would say that my happy place is Zimmerman Library (at the University of New Mexico). Zimmerman Library is a great library. The library captures our unique New Mexico look. The west wing has that classic university library look just styled in only a way that can be found in New Mexico.”

Q Have you had a life-changing experience that led you to where you are today?

A “My life changing experience happened in the summer of 2010. I did some volunteer work in Haiti shortly after the earthquake. The experience placed a desire in my heart to help those not only in a foreign community but also with our local community.

“I believe this has led me to where I am today trying to help people within Bosque Farms and our surrounding communities.”

Q What teacher had the greatest impact on you?

A “Cynthia Knight, my high school teacher, has been the teacher who had the greatest impact. Mrs. Knight was always excited about motivating the student.

“For example, in high school after taking New Mexico history, I became so interested in our state government. Mrs. Knight found opportunity for exploring, such as attending the state senate during the session or National Day of Prayer with Mayor (Wayne) Ake in Bosque Farms.”

Q What is your favorite movie scene and why?

A “My favorite movie scene is from ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.’ The filibuster scene is my favorite scene within the movie. This scene is my favorite because it captures Mr. Smith’s determination to prove his own innocence but it also shows the political machine’s ability to block Smith’s attempt.”

Q If you could have dinner with one famous person — dead or alive — who would it be and why?

A “It would have to be former governor of New Mexico Garrey Carruthers. I once heard him lecture about ethics for elected officials. He emphasized that as people who are here to serve the people of the state of New Mexico we have to do it ethically or we are doing more harm than good. Gov. Carruthers has a wealth of knowledge and experience at being an honest leader in New Mexico.”

Q What are you most proud of?

A “I am most proud of being a part of the council that worked to move our elections from March to November. Prior to my election, I never had any knowledge that our municipal elections were costing our village just over $10,000 along with the strain on the employees. The change also increased the number of voters within our local election.”

Q How would you like to be remembered?

A “I would want to be remembered for helping and improving life for the people of Bosque Farms and surrounding communities. I believe this can be done through working together by considering varying opinions. A general principle shows that we enjoy life through the help and fellowship of our community.”