KEN'S BACKGROUND;   Ken was born at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi Mississippi.   Ken and his family have lived in Las Cruces  since 1971.   Ken attended local public schools, LCHS and NMSU.   In 1985. Ken graduated from NMSU and started his own business.   In 1992, Ken was elected County Commissioner and reelected in 1996. Ken also served as Chairman in 1995 and 1997.   Ken has also taught Finance and Management at Dona Ana Community College from  1989-96.   In 2001, Ken was elected to the Las Cruces City Council and was reelected in 2005 to a second term.   Graduate of FBI Citizen's Academy (2007) Las Cruces Resident Agency   November 2007, Ken was elected Mayor of Las Cruces, NM   Ken is married to former Magistrate Judge, Susana Chaparro. Susana is very active in community affairs and as a court  interpreter. They have 2 children, Danielle 14 and Michael, 24. A FEW MORE HIGHLIGHTS Ken, like many of us, worked part time to pay his way while in high school and full-time while in college. He later started his own business while a senior in college. When in high school in Las Cruces, Ken was selected for the Who's Who of American High School Students. Ken believes that education is important for our youth.  He has assisted in providing scholarships for our youth to go to college and he has worked with the Hispanic Youth Leadership Program to make sure students finish high school. When Ken sees a problem he works with others to address it and does not wait for a committee to study the problem. President, Rio Grande Council of Governments Advisor, Hispanic Leadership Program Member, VFW Post 10124 Men's Auxiliary Ken was recently selected for the 2002 publication: Distinguished Asian American Political and Governmental Leaders   Please write to Ken about your ideas and thoughts at miyagi@zianet.com For more information click on: http://www.las-cruces.org/council/mayor