Governor Richardson Appoints San Juan County Magistrate

Governor Bill Richardson Appoints San Juan County
Magistrate

Governor Bill Richardson today appointed Stacey Biel to serve as Magistrate in San Juan County. Biel will fill the new magistrate position that Governor Richardson, working with the Legislature, created during the recent legislative session to
deal with heavy DWI and domestic violence caseloads in the state's busiest courts.

"Stacey Biel has strong roots in San Juan County as a community leader, businesswoman and volunteer. She brings a broad range of experience to the bench, and has supported stronger penalties for DWI and domestic violence cases," Governor
Bill Richardson said. "Her courtroom experience, including work in the Trial Court, combined with her role as an entrepreneur and co-owner with her husband of a local plumbing business, gives her a unique insight that will suit her well as magistrate.
"I was impressed with the strong pool of candidates from San Juan County," Governor Bill Richardson said.

Stacey Biel has more than 22 years experience in the legal field, most recently working as Trial Court Administrative Assistant under Chief District Judge Paul Onuska, District Judge Douglas A. Echols and District Judge Sandra A. Price. Biel has also worked as a legal clerk for the District Attorney's Office and for private law firms. Biel is co-owner with her husband, Mark Biel, of R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating in Farmington, and volunteers for several civic organizations, including Kiwanis Club International and the Parent Teacher Association.

Biel begins as magistrate after July 1, which is when the law authorizing eight new magistrate positions statewide becomes effective.

http://www.governor.state.nm.us/press/2005/may/052005_2.pdf