Getting to Know Your Neighbor: Tracy Armijo; Belen’s mayor pro tem, active camper & cruiser

Tracy Armijo was first appointed to the Belen City Council in early 2023, and was elected to the position later that year. She was recently elected as the city’s mayor pro tem.

Armijo has been a production planning control specialist at Sandia National Laboratories since 2005.

Armijo lives in Belen with her husband, Lawrence. Other family members include her mother, Carol; sister, Sheri; four stepchildren, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Q If you became invisible for the day, what would you do?

A “If I was invisible for the day, I’d spend part of the day just people watching and listening in on random conversations. Gaining perspective into what makes people tick is fascinating.

“I would spend the other part of the day at the zoo or wildlife sanctuary. I would be able to get close to all of the wild animals and observe them without scaring them off. Well, not all the animals; I would skip the reptile house.”

Q What’s the weirdest thing you believed as a kid?

A “It’s a toss up between when you eat a watermelon and accidentally swallowed the seeds, watermelons would grow inside you. To this day, I do not eat watermelons.

“The other thing I believed is if you swallow your gum, it stays inside you for 75 years.”

Q What does your ideal weekend look like?

A “My ideal weekend would involve camping in the mountains in our 5th wheel. I love the outdoors, trees, sunshine and relaxing with Lawrence and my dogs. Northern New Mexico and Colorado have beautiful places to explore and camp. It’s nice to unplug and recharge to get you ready for the real world and everything else that goes along with it.”

Q If you could only have three things on your bucket list, what would they be?

A “Visit Greece. Attend the Olympics. Go on a safari.”

Q Do you have a secret talent? What is it?

A “My secret talent is investigation. I love a good mystery, finding clues and trying to solve it. My family can’t hide anything from me; I’ll eventually figure it out.”

Q Have you ever seen a ghost? Where?

A “I don’t believe I have ever “seen” a ghost, but I definitely have felt the presence of one. If you have ever been to the Albuquerque Press Club, you will know what I am talking about. The area downstairs in this historic building will definitely make you believe in ghosts. I have been to the Luna Mansion in Los Lunas where I have been told there is a ghost, but I have not felt or seen her. I am definitely intrigued though!”

Q If your dog, cat or other pet could talk, what’s the first thing it would say?

A “My dog, Biscuit, would say, ‘I love hugs and kisses!’

“My dog, Oakley, would say, ‘Here’s my frisbee. Throw it ... NOW!!’

“My dog, Roxy, would say, “I am not getting out of bed today; don’t make me.’

“My dog, Taz, would say, ‘I am a baby; please hold me.’

“My cat, Whiskie Kittie, would say, ‘Feed me, Peasant. Then go away and stop bugging me.’”

Q If you could have a lifetime supply of anything (except money), what would it be and why?

A “I would like to have a lifetime supply of opportunities. I am always looking for personal growth. I’d never run out of options with a supply of opportunities. I would never have to experience failure; it would just turn into a new opportunity to succeed.”

Q You’re granted three wishes. What are they? (And you can’t ask for more wishes.)

A “Good health for all. There would be no illnesses (mental or physical), no suffering and our loved ones would live forever, including my pets.”

“Enough money to support my visions of philanthropy (there are endless possibilities).

“To give three wishes to everyone else.”

Q Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A “I see myself retired from Sandia Labs. I will still be living in Belen with Lawrence. I will still be involved in the community in some capacity. I see Belen thriving and want to be a part of its growth and success.”

Q If money didn’t matter, what job would you have?

A “I would work part-time as a cashier at PetSmart. I could spend part of my day with the pets that come into the store; although I think my own pets might get jealous. If PetSmart didn’t pan out, I’d be a private investigator.”

Q Is there anything about you that people are surprised to learn?

A “I am deathly afraid of snakes. I don’t even like to see pictures of snakes. I am pretty sure that if you look up ophidiophobia in the dictionary, you will see my picture.”

Q If you could pick a day to relive again and again, which one would it be?

A “My wedding day Sept. 10, 2011. Greatest day ever when you marry your best friend.

“We had beautiful weather, which was important when you get married on the golf course with no inclement weather back up plan! I am a planner and did look at the Farmers Almanac for that particular day, but trusted that it would all work out.”

Q Would you rather spend a day without your phone or without speaking? Why?

A “I would rather spend a day without my phone. I am not particularly attached to my phone. There are other ways to get in contact with me. It is only one day...”

Q What is your biggest pet peeve? Why?

A “The lack of grammar skills, especially on social media.”

Q What is that moment in your life you will always remember?

A “My wedding day. I guess I am a romantic at heart.”

Q If you woke up as your 16-year-old self tomorrow, what would you do?

A “I would probably tell myself to not go to gymnastics practice and not shatter my ankle. I live with that injury every day. I would probably tell myself to get more involved in school activities and enjoy being a high school student.”

Q What’s the strangest purchase you’ve made (or almost made)?

A “My husband would tell you it is when I purchased overalls and Chucks for my dog. I thought he looked adorable.”

Q Where was your most unforgettable vacation?

A “My most unforgettable vacation was in 2012 and we went to the East Coast. We arrived in Connecticut to see my family and show my husband around my hometown. My family went with us and we drove up the coast, making stops along the way.

“We went to Maine to see my grandmother (she passed only a couple of weeks after). We spent precious time with my grandmother, went sightseeing, sailing and definitely had too many good meals. It was a wonderful trip.”

Q If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?

A “My number one choice is Greece. I would like to visit Athens, Santorini, Mykonos. I would love to see and do all the touristy things, but I do love cruises — to anywhere!”