Jhonathan Aragon: Valencia County manager, traveler and BBQ master

Jhonathan Aragon is the Valencia County manager. Prior to becoming assistant county manager last year, he was a county commissioner since August 2013. He lives in Los Lunas, and his family includes his parents, John and Lori; and sisters Amanda and Nicole.

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

A “If I had the power to be invisible for a day, I’d spend that time quietly helping the people I love. I’d do small, thoughtful things to make their lives a little easier like folding laundry, organizing clutter or leaving notes of encouragement. It would be my way of showing love without needing recognition, simply making their day smoother and lighter in subtle, meaningful ways. Sometimes, the smallest acts bring the greatest comfort.”

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

A “When I was a kid, the weirdest thing I wholeheartedly believed was that soy sauce was actually grasshopper spit. My dad told me this fact every time we ate at a Chinese restaurant, and he said it with such confidence that I never even questioned it. I’d look at the dark, salty liquid in awe, imagining grasshoppers hard at work. It wasn’t until much later that I realized it was just one of his silly dad jokes.”

Q What does your ideal weekend look like?

A “An ideal weekend for me is all about enjoying the simple things. I love spending time outdoors doing yard work. It’s a great way to relax and feel productive. Riding horses is another favorite weekend activity.

“I also cherish any chance to hang out with my pets or unwind with my family. Those moments of connection and calm truly make my weekend perfect.”

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

A “Three things on my bucket list reflect my passions and dreams. First, I want to watch the Red Sox win a World Series in person at Fenway Park. There’s nothing like the energy of a championship game in that historic stadium.

“Second, I dream of fly fishing in Patagonia, surrounded by stunning landscapes and the serenity of the water.

Finally, I hope to open my own craft barbecue restaurant, sharing great food and community with others.”

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

A “I’m not sure it qualifies as a secret talent, but one thing I’ve always been able to do is stay calm during even the most stressful situations and help others do the same. Whether it’s a crisis or just a tense moment, I naturally keep a level head and offer a steady presence. Friends and family often come to me when they’re overwhelmed, and I take pride in being someone they can rely on for peace and reassurance.”

Q Have you ever seen a ghost? Where?

A “I’ve never seen a ghost, but I have experienced the presence of God on multiple occasions. These are moments that felt deeply personal, comforting and beyond explanation. These experiences didn’t come with flashing lights or dramatic signs, but rather a quiet, undeniable sense of peace and guidance that settled over me exactly when I needed it most. Whether during tough times or moments of reflection, those encounters reminded me that I’m never truly alone and that faith is very real to me.”

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

A “If my dogs could talk, I’m pretty sure the first thing they’d ask is, ‘Why don’t we get to eat what you’re eating?’ Every time I sit down for a meal, they give me those hopeful eyes, clearly convinced that my food smells a thousand times better than theirs. I can almost hear them plotting a persuasive argument for table scraps. They’d probably say their kibble is fine, but ‘just a bite’ of mine would make their day!”

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

A “If I could have a lifetime supply of anything, it would be intentional love. The kind that’s genuine, thoughtful and unwavering.

“So many people spend their entire lives searching for a love that feels real and lasting. To be surrounded by people who love with purpose, who choose kindness and connection daily, would be the greatest gift. It’s not just about romance, but about friendships, family bonds, and the everyday moments where love shows up intentionally.”

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

A “If I were granted three wishes, I’d use them for things that bring lasting joy and meaning.

“First, I’d wish for perfect health for everyone I know because nothing matters more than well-being.

“Second, I’d wish for longer lives for dogs, so we could share more years with our loyal companions.

“Lastly, I’d wish for more once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the kind that take your breath away and create unforgettable memories with the people who matter most.”

Q Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A “In the future, I’d love to see myself continuing to serve the residents of Valencia County as county manager, working hard to make a positive impact in the community I care so deeply about.

“But more importantly, I hope to be raising a wonderful family — teaching my children to be kind, compassionate and responsible human beings.

“Success, to me, means not just professional growth, but also nurturing a home full of love, values, and meaningful connections.”

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

A “I can honestly say I have my dream job. I’ve worked incredibly hard, overcoming challenges and putting in years of dedication to reach this point in my career. It’s deeply rewarding to do something I’m passionate about every day.

“That said, I also have a big dream of one day becoming a full-time barbecue pitmaster. There’s something about crafting the perfect slow-smoked meat and sharing it with others that speaks to my soul and love for community.”

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

A “People are often surprised to learn that before I began my career in local government, I spent many years boxing competitively. It’s not something most expect when they meet me in a professional setting, but it was a huge part of my life. The discipline, mental toughness, and focus I gained in the ring have carried over into my work today. Boxing taught me how to stay grounded under pressure, which is an invaluable skill in leadership and public service.”

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

A “I’ve seen movies where people relive the same day over and over again. While it might sound appealing, especially if it were the best day ever, it’s not something I’d desire. Even the most perfect moment would lose its magic if repeated endlessly. I mentioned before I would wish for more once-in-a-lifetime experiences, because those are what truly shape us. Growth comes from change, from the unexpected. Being stuck in the same loop, no matter how pleasant, holds us back.”

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

A “If I had to choose, I’d gladly go without a phone for a day honestly, I’d prefer to live without social media for even longer.

“While phones keep us connected, they also create a barrier between us and the real world. Face-to-face communication holds something truly special like eye contact, tone, genuine presence. Social media, on the other hand, often feels noisy and impersonal.

“Disconnecting, even briefly, can be refreshing and help us reconnect with what really matters.”

Q What is your biggest pet peeve? Why?

A “I’d have to say my biggest pet peeve is rudeness. There’s something about people being dismissive, inconsiderate or downright disrespectful that really bothers me.

“I believe kindness and courtesy go a long way in building strong, positive connections. It doesn’t take much to show respect, but rudeness can leave a lasting negative impression. Whether it’s in a conversation or in small everyday interactions, being thoughtful and polite makes all the difference in how we relate to each other.”

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

A “One of the greatest honors of my career was serving as the president of New Mexico Counties. In this role, I had the privilege of representing and advocating for all 33 counties across the state. I worked closely with state legislators and national partners to ensure that county concerns were heard and addressed. This position allowed me to help shape policy, build strong relationships, and amplify the voices of local governments at both the state and federal levels.”

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

A “If I woke up as my 16-year-old self, I’d tell myself to just let life unfold and trust the journey ahead. There will be challenges, but those are what shape you into who you’ll become. Embrace every experience, even the difficult ones, because they’ll all lead to growth. Oh, and I’d definitely say, ‘Invest in Netflix.’ It may sound silly, but the future is full of unexpected opportunities, and that one will pay off!”

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

A “This purchase might seem strange to those who know me well because, let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for being a runner. But I’ve made a personal commitment to challenge myself and complete a half marathon by the end of the year. As part of that journey, I’ll soon be registering for a Spartan Race. It’s a big step outside my comfort zone, but I’m excited to push my limits and prove to myself that I can do it.”

Q Where was your most unforgettable vacation?

A “I’ve been fortunate to travel to many incredible places throughout my life, each offering something unique and memorable. While it’s hard to choose a single favorite vacation, Washington, D.C. holds a special place in my heart.

“I’ve spent a significant amount of time there over the years, and with each visit, I’ve grown to appreciate it more. From its rich history and iconic landmarks to its vibrant culture, D.C. continues to leave a lasting impression on me.”

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

A “As I mentioned earlier, Patagonia is a top destination on my travel list. Located in Argentina, the region offers breathtaking landscapes, but what also draws me in is the country’s rich culinary culture, especially its world-renowned beef. Argentina is famous for its asado, a traditional barbecue method where meat is cooked over an open flame. Experiencing an authentic Argentine asado in Patagonia, surrounded by stunning natural beauty, is something I’m truly looking forward to.”